Frank Sinatra & Bing Crosby: "Jingle Bells"

This morning, with my mind flitting through ideas for today's Daijams' 12 Days of Christmas post, I attended a networking breakfast, the theme of which was "turning your passion into a profession." The presenters, Jenn Krenn and Jill Felska, discussed how too many people are working jobs they hate for companies they don't respect. (Happily, this conundrum does not afflict me, though I enjoyed the encouragement to make happiness a workplace priority.) The presentation was a reminder that pursuing your passion -- and making a living at it -- is achievable, a version of the American Dream. Anyone can go to work and really, truly enjoy it! Imagine that!

I chose this song for today because it displays the joy I hope everyone feels at work. The setup here is great -- just two dudes drinking some punch and busting out some harmony -- and as professional musicians, Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby make it look easy. Obviously it's a staged set, but what is not fake is the mirth the two exhibit when singing together. They toss comments in -- "Grab the verse," Bing says, "Isn't this a lot of fun?" -- and at one point they almost descend into giggles. They may be getting paid to sing over punch, but they're clearly loving it, and that's the point of music, even a silly one-minute diddy. The love of music is the reason my friends and I still meet once a week to practice a cappella, the reason I still own a trombone even though dreams of playing for the CSO are long since squashed by the reality of (ugh) regular trombone practice. These guys were lucky enough to do what they loved for a living, and it shows. I dare you not to smile.

So get out there and do what makes you giggle. Why waste your time doing something you hate?

Frank Sinatra: "New York, New York"

I'm headed to New York for the weekend. Frank is the only one capable of providing a suitable send-off. And since my words obviously can't possibly describe the magic that is Frank Sinatra, I encourage you to snuggle in for this classic 1966 Esquire piece by Gay Talese. Titled "Frank Sinatra Has a Cold," it is the best profile ever written about anyone, anywhere -- and it's premised on the fact that Frank wouldn't grant an interview with the writer. An amazing piece of journalism, an amazing musician and entertainer, and an amazing 48 hours ahead of me in the Big Apple. I'm a Chicago girl through and through, but there really is no place like New York.

Since I'll be running around Midtown tomorrow instead of posting a Friday video, here's a bonus version of this song, performed a cappella by the Reel Big Fish. (Sadly I cannot find a live version, so album will have to do.) I was once listening to this song when I got off the subway at Times Square. I'll never forget what that night looked like, felt like, smelled like. It looked like bright lights, felt like magic, and smelled like pee. Ah, New York.