I don't know if it's my birthday or if it's because of that post jazz band performance high but I've been thinking about high school a lot lately. Not so much thinking 'oh I wish I was back there' but reminiscing about all the things I loved. And I was super in love with some music. Lit? Guster? Ben Folds? Backstreet Boys? Dave Matthews Band? Robbie Williams? The list goes on. It's a bit sad, my pop music likes are kiiiiind of stunted thanks to all the musicals I opted for, but oh well!
I started making a Spotify playlist of all the songs that take me back. I would link to it on here but I'm gonna be honest, I have NO idea how Spotify works. I see people making playlists, and I have no clue how to access them or how to follow links or.... well do anything really. I don't understand why some songs play and others don't. I love playlists like you wouldn't believe. Making mix CDs was my jam! I think I made a mix CD for every season, every musical dressing room, every theaterfest, every crush, boyfriend and subsequent breakup... I was and honestly am still obsessed with those mixes. It's a sad sad thing no one does that in my life anymore. Maybe I should start up with that again? If my friends are reading this we should all start up! Doesn't have to be new music. There's bound to be thousands of tracks we haven't already shared with one another. One of the greatest feelings in the world is the one you get when a track comes on and you are just immediately transported back to that moment, hanging out with that one person, drinking hot chocolate, watching the Matrix movies, or playing video games.
I'm feeling super nostalgic for my high school friends and all the good memories we made. The trip with the band/chorus to Florida, all the musicals, jazz band, the Kennedy Center performance, the one day I skipped school (it was the most boring day of my life, I'm so glad I only skipped one day of high school), unending game nights, trips to the beach, all of our six flags trips, theaterfests and themed dress up nights, cast parties... I'm very lucky to still be friends with so many of the people that made those years. I'd like to think that because we all knew each other so young that we will never feel all that old... I still see so many of them through the prism of high school. That's not always a great thing, but it keeps me from that daily reminder that time flies by all too fast.
On that note, I wanted to leave you with my current favorite 'PowerUp' songs on my Nike+ app. These are getting me through when my knees are sore, I'm dead tired, or just in a funk. I've mentioned some before but the fact that they're still working for me speaks volumes!
1. Something Good Can Work - Two Door Cinema Club
I can't put my finger on why this gets me so pumped, part lyrics, part the sheer up-beatness of it all.
Or if you're looking for some mellow inspiration, here's a nice acoustic version....
2. Walk - Foo Fighters
The Foo Fighters are always awesome, but this song got me. I don't know if you guys remember but it was what was playing as I ran to and crossed the finish line of the first 10k I ever did, right at the bridge, speakers screaming "I'm running through the fire" and I just wanted to weep/laugh at how perfect it was... still gets me.
3. Can't Hold Us (feat. Ray Dalton) - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
The only downside to this song is that it makes me want to gesture and sing along and look a fool while running. (Edit: More a fool than I already look)
Also another excellent set which includes his other hits is his NPR Tiny Desk performance...
4. Raise the Dead - Phantom Planet
This is just my full on favorite right now. The lyrics are just right to get my re-motivated and the build-up... you just can't ask for more. The other songs get me pumped but this song pushes me to get back in the game, to get up and try again, to finish strong.
And last but not least happy birthday to my stepmom Debbie who is right now enjoying the good island life in Hawaii! :)
Are you trying to say that 27 is a senior age...what does that make us now??
ReplyDeleteThis was a lovely post. Took me back as well. And you know I would always love a Mix CD from you! Your mixes are so amazing!
I think in my mind all the seniors are staying at 27. And it's funny that you're lumped into that group. I had to remind Mom when I was talking about all this that you were a bit younger than those who will be 30 this year. :)
DeleteAlso! Thank you, and I've always remembered the mixes you've made me. Whenever "I Never" by Rilo Kiley or "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" by Neutral Milk Hotel I automatically think of you!