Live Music is the Best Music (Recap)

I really REALLY appreciate a good live show, and I've been trying to soak up a bunch of them this summer!  From local bands, to fair week, to a music fest, and a concert on vacation...I've enjoyed every minute, though my ear drums could probably use a rest.  Here's a quick recap of my favorite shows so far this summer:

Manchester Orchestra

The Zach Harris Band

Lady Antebellum

Craig Morgan

Jerrod Niemann

Minus Six

ZZ Ward

Los Lonely Boys

I can't wait for more...nothing beats live music!  What shows have you seen recently?

Perfectly Imperfect

It's not like this a new revelation, but something I've been thinking about lately is how imperfect my life is.  I'm not a perfect wife, friend, daughter, or sister.  My marriage isn't perfect.  My job isn't perfect.  My house, my finances, my clothes, my body...none of these things are perfect.  But you know what, I can choose to make those things perfect for me.  

The expectations I had for my life may have been unrealistic, or maybe they're still good goals to work towards, just on a different timeline.  I feel like I still have to strive every single day to be happy with myself and where I'm at in my life.  But one thing that I am certain of is that, over the years, I let a little bit of myself go in hopes of becoming a "better" person/wife/friend.  So recently, while jamming to my Katy Perry album, I stumbled upon her song, "Love Me."  I am in love with this song and as cheesy at it sounds, it really is helping me get back in touch with myself and trying to find the woman that Ryan fell in love with and that my friends know from when they first met me.

Love Me - Katy Perry

I lost myself in fear of losing you

I wish I didn't do, but I did

I lost my own, my own identity

Forgot that you picked me, for me

But now, I don't negotiate with insecurities

They always seem to get the best of me

I found I had to love myself, the way I want you to...

Love me, no more second guessing

No, there's no more questioning

I'll be the one defining who I'm gonna be

No concealing feelings, or changing seasonally

I'm gonna love myself, the way I want you to love me

Sometimes I wish my skin was a costume

That I could just unzip, and strip

But who I am is who I'm meant to be

And it's who you are in love, in love with

So now, I don't negotiate with insecurities

You're gonna have to take a back seat

I know I have to love myself, the way I want you to...

Love me, no more second guessing

No, there's no more questioning

I'll be the one defining who I'm gonna be

No concealing feelings, or changing seasonally

I'm gonna love myself, the way I want you to love me

No more standing in my own way

Let's get deeper, let's get closer

No more standing in my own way

(I want you to love me)

No more standing in my own way

Let's get deeper, let's get closer

No more standing in my own way

(I want you to love me)

No more second guessing

No, there's no more questioning

I'll be the one defining who I'm gonna be

No concealing my feelings, or changing seasonally

I'm gonna love myself, the way I want you to love me

Music Motivation

Now that I'm a gym regular and on the way to a 300 mile goal for the month of July on my bike, I've had to create some motivating workout lists for when I can't bring up Pandora.  Here are some of my favorite strength training songs right now (no, they're not all new):
1. Sail - Awolnation

2. Radioactive - Imagine Dragons

3. Can't Hold Us - Macklemore

4. Blurred Lines - Robin Thicke

5. DMX - Who We Be

Love You Through It

I do not know where I have been the past year, since until this past weekend, I had never heard this song.  But this song, and especially along with the video, is such an amazing and moving message.  We all know someone who has suffered, or is suffering, with a cancer diagnosis.  Just remember to love them through it!

Who Are We Fooling?

On Labor Day weekend, I will be singing in my friend's wedding.  Not only am I ecstatic that she is getting married, and that she asked me to sing in it...but she asked me to sing a couple of really gorgeous pieces!  I am most excited about this song called, "Who Are We Fooling?" by Brooke Fraser.  You should really listen to it (follow the link), it's a beautiful and haunting piece.

So we're back here again

Tiptoeing 'round the edge of the end

Wondering who will be last to admit

That we're finally over

Turned 21 on the day that we met

Terrible shoes, implausible dress

It's funny how sad the funny things get as you grow older

Better or worse

But what else can we do?

When better or worse

I am tethered to you

If it's not either of us

Tell me who are we fooling?

I learnt the art of biting my tongue

I tired of trying to guess what was wrong

Both agreed on where we should go

But not how to get there

We tried and tried to loosen the knots

Thinking once we're untangled we'll be better off

But it’s these failures and faults that hold us together

Better or worse

But what else can we do?

When better or worse

I am tethered to you

If it's not either of us

Tell me who are we fooling?

This beautiful tangle that's bruising us blue

Is the beautiful knot that we just can't undo

Together we're one but apart tell me

Who are we fooling?

'Cause real love is hard love

It's all we have

It's a break neck 

Train wreck

It's all we have

So we're back here again

Turning away from the edge of the end

Arm in arm

Better or worse

But what else can we do?

When better or worse

I am tethered to you

If it's not either of us

Tell me who are we fooling?

This beautiful tangle that's bruising us blue

Is the beautiful knot that we just can't undo

If it's not either of us

Tell me who are we fooling?

Together we're one but apart tell me 

Who are we fooling?

Saturday Song

I won't post all of the lyrics to this song, because it may offend some people.  But the chorus is totally where the message is, for me anyway.  I've always really loved Eminem, and been inspired by him, which a lot of people have a hard time understanding.  But this song has definitely had a lot of meaning in my life lately as I struggle to lose weight, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and just be happy with myself and my accomplishments.
The only person holding me back is ME, but there is no way I could overcome my own struggles without the encouragement from my friends and others in my life who have been through the same struggles and ensured me it's not always easy, but it is definitely worth it.
I hope that the message in this chorus can bring you some motivation and affirmation in whatever you may be striving to achieve!  The song is called "Not Afraid" by Eminem, just search for it on YouTube.

I'm Not Afraid

To Take a Stand

Everybody

Come Take My Hand

We'll walk this route together through the storm

Whatever weather, cold or warm

Just lettin' you know that you're not alone

Holla if you feel like you've been down the same road

Sentimental Saturday Song

I have no idea if I will continue this trend of posting songs on Saturday, but if I do, the series will be called "Saturday Song."  Clever, I know.  I came up with it all on my own.  I did throw in the word "Sentimental" today because this song does have some history for me...and perhaps a future as well! I may be singing this song in Lindsey's wedding, which is appropriate, because we sung this song together in choir in high school and also as a trio with Stephanie at Lindsey's piano recital at graduation.  Check it out, Charles Dickens can write some beautiful poetry.  The link to it actually being sung is at the bottom.


These Things Can Never Die
Charles Dickens (1812-1870)

The pure, the bright, the beautiful
That stirred our hearts in youth,
The impulses to wordless prayer,
The streams of love and truth,
The longing after something lost,
The spirit's yearning cry.
The striving after better hopes;
These things can never die.

The timid hand stretched forth to aid
A sister in her need,
A kindly word in grief's dark hour
That proves a friend indeed;
The plea for mercy softly breathed,
When justice threatens high.
The sorrow of a contrite heart;
These things shall never die.

Let nothing pass, for every hand
Must find some work to do,
Lose not a chance to waken love;
Be firm and just and true.
So shall a light that cannot fade
Beam on thee from on high,
And angel voices say to thee,
These things can never die.

And She Runs...

So this post is actually about running, but let's start off with a fun jogging song by Tim Halperin called "She Runs."  Check it out:

So why pick this song for this post? Well, it does have some relevance, but only in the actual running sense.  I have been thinking about how I am trying to become a runner, or at least more athletic, which to me, includes running.  But here's the deal; I really, really try to run for extended amounts of time, and it KICKS MY *SS!  I think there are some people who are runners and some who are not.  It's hard to try to become a runner when you really never have been.  I remember DREADING "The Mile" day in elementary because I hated running.  And I wasn't a fat kid, I danced, I rode my bike, I just hated running.  And even to this day, the idea of running sounds great, but when I actually get out there and do it, I don't love it, my knees hurt, I turn bright red, I huff and puff and I can't wait until I stop.  Haha.  So why do I do it to myself?
I think I have convinced myself that this struggle is a mental block and I can psychologically get over this hatred towards running.  I think that is partially true, but I have tried to push myself harder, or farther, but eventually, my physical exhaustion catches up with me.  
But here's the cold hard truth, fact of the matter is, I think I slowly, VERY SLOWLY, am training my body to accept running as an exercise! 
When I started out on my venture to become a runner, about 5 weeks ago, I could only run for like 30 second spurts at a time until my chest tightened and I need to catch my breath.  And at that point, it was even hard to keep walking at my preferred, very brisk pace (ideal calorie burning).  In the time that has passed since, I suppose you could say I have made some progress, so maybe it will continue to get easier?  Just yesterday, I went on a walk/run and I can now run for about 5 minutes straight before return to walking (still briskly!) for about 10 minutes and then I run another 5 minutes.  It is still totally kicking my butt, and I know 5 minutes of running is a total joke to most people. But this is no small feat for me; when I first did it close to that length without stopping, I was pretty damned proud of myself.  This is the song that gets me through my first 5 minute run of each workout:

I am running (well mostly walking, I'm sure) a 5k in Omaha on the 4th of July, two weeks from today!  But even if I can run 10 minutes of it, I can't wait to celebrate my accomplishment with my friend Ashley, who will inevitably make me eat her dust! :)

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.

I'm sorry....I cannot pick just one, I'm going to have a hard enough time narrowing it down to my top 5.  These are not necessarily always going to be my favorites (well one obvious one is), but if I don't know what to listen to or am having a bad day, I turn one of these artists on and I am happy! :)

The Beatles

Beyonce

Foo Fighters

Incubus

The Barenaked Ladies

What is your favorite Christmas song?

I have quite a few...here are my top three:

Jesus Take the Wheel

My sister posted part of this song as her Facebook status the other day.  And not only is it a beautiful song, but the message is truly amazing.  I think that sometimes, I need to not be afraid to leave some of my decisions and emotions to God and let him help decipher my next move.  Since TJ died, I have had a very difficult time getting motivated to go to church, to pray, sometimes even to believe.  But there are moments, when I see someone else suffering and looking for guidance, and I can sense that they are praying, that they are depending on God to get through this, they are letting Jesus take the wheel.  I think my relationship with God is very fragile right now, and I am still angry and struggling to understand.  But to echo what a friend told me (and I may have posted before), accidents happen, and God is there for us after the fact to help us survive it.  I am trying so hard to open up to God again, because I do believe it will help me...but something is holding me back, like I have a wall  up or something.  But little reminders like this song, or my friends saying "I love you" even if I didn't do anything special, or the generosity of people this time of year, help me know that I might be a little off course, but God didn't disappear, he's just waiting until I'm ready to let him take the wheel.

Jesus Take the Wheel

She was driving last Friday on her way to Cincinnati

On a snow white Christmas Eve

Going home to see her Mama and her Daddy

With the baby in the backseat

Fifty miles to go and she was running low

On faith and gasoline

It'd been a long hard year

She had a lot on her mind and she didn't pay attention

She was going way too fast

Before she knew it she was spinning

On a thin black sheet of glass

She saw both their lives flash before her eyes

She didn't even have time to cry

She was so scared

She threw her hands up in the air

Jesus, take the wheel

Take it from my hands

Cause I can't do this on my own

I'm letting go

So give me one more chance

To save me from this road I'm on

Jesus, take the wheel

It was still getting colder when she made it to the shoulder

And the car came to a stop

She cried when she saw that baby in the backseat

Sleeping like a rock

And for the first time in a long time

She bowed her head to pray

She said I'm sorry for the way

I've been living my life

I know I've got to change

So from now on tonight

Jesus, take the wheel

Take it from my hands

Cause I can't do this on my own

I'm letting go

So give me one more chance

To save me from this road I'm on

Oh Jesus, take the wheel

Oh, I'm letting go

So give me one more chance

Save me from this road I'm on

From this road I'm on

Jesus, take the wheel

Oh, take it, take it from me

Oh, why, ooh

YouTube video if you want to hear it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lydBPm2KRaU

Sunday Tunes

I really wanted to make a mix CD this morning.  I honestly think all of you will love these songs as much as I do.  Enjoy!

Day 30- Your favorite song

Oh wow...I have way too many favorite songs!  I love music, always ALWAYS have.  But here are 5 of my favorite songs, some have personal meaning, and some I just love:


1. Silent All These Years - Tori Amos (I have oddly loved this song since like 4th grade)
2. Do What You Have to Do - Sarah McLachlan (My childhood friend Lindsey and I used to listen to this song after she had to move...it reminded us of each other.  Though I think it might be about lost love.  But after she died, it always reminded me of how I felt after she moved and I all I wanted was for her to come back)
3. Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol (Not only did one of my English professors use this song in the classroom in comparison to some others and exclaimed that this is the greatest love song of all time, but this was our first dance at our wedding, and I will always remember how I felt on my wedding day when I hear this song)
4. Get Me Bodied - Beyonce (no special meaning, but my FAVORITE song to dance and workout to!)
5. In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel (come on, John Cusack with a boom-box above his head with this wonderful music pouring out...yep, best movie moment ever)

Day 15- Put you ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play

Since I don't have an iPod that has been updated with songs for about 3 years...I am just using Ryan's iTunes since he downloads music for me to!  I have a "Sarah" section...so I'll put that on shuffle:

1."Love Like Winter" - AFI
2. "You Run Away" - Barenaked Ladies
3. "Notion" - Kings of Leon
4. "Sun Brother" - Portugal. The Man
5. "Jumper" - Third Eye Blind
6. "I'm on a Boat" - The Lonely Island (lol, reminds me of my wedding!)
7. "Truth" - Serena Ryder
8. "All Mixed Up" -311
9. "Stand" - REM
10. "Hey Stephen" - Taylor Swift

I only skipped a song if an artist I already listed came up again...which happened a lot with Portugal. The Man.  I like this playlist though!  I need a new iPod so I can listen to my music again.

Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad

Oh boy, I love music; I always think there are certain songs that are the soundtrack of my life.  I don't know what it is, but music and I are tight! =)  In Humanities senior year of high school, we got bonus points on our anthology (basically a scrapbook/analysis of our entire senior year in personal, news, school, comics, books, etc.) if we incorporated a special theme or entry.  Well my theme was music!  So for each of my 60 entries, I matched up a song that related to it...and now I feel like a total dork!  Haha.


It will be hard for me to pick just one song for these categories, so there are two for each...one newer one that I'm in love with, and one of my go-to songs that I've always loved or related to.


When I'm happy- "All for Love" - Serena Ryder, "If I Had a Million Dollars" - Barenaked Ladies
When I'm sad-     "Home" - Foo Fighters, "Everybody Hurts" -REM
When I'm bored- "3rd Planet" - Modest Mouse, "Day in the Life" - The Beatles
When I'm hyped- "Percussion Gun" - White Rabits, "Get Me Bodied" - Beyonce, "Fat Lip" - Sum 41
When I'm mad-    "Break Stuff" - Limp Bizkit, "F the System" - System of a Down


Ok ok, I had three for when I'm hyped...but you had to know Beyonce would be in there.  And the songs when I'm mad are both pretty old, but they are great outlets for me!  What are your favorite songs to listen to with any of these emotions?