July Playlist

When I'm not interviewing someone or writing an article, I'm usually in the studio jamming out to music and saying nonsense into a microphone. I'm a radio deejay on a Top 40 station called Utah's VFX (94.5 & 98.3). Since I'm obviously passionate about music, I thought it would be a fun thing to incorporate it into my personal blog. I'm going to start putting together a month-by-month playlist of some songs that I'm loving! ALSO, even though I'm a deejay on a Top 40 station, I feel like I have pretty diverse taste in music. I love all kinds of genres from all different eras. Like, if you didn't know, I'm a huge 80s big hair band fan. My parents' taste in music may or may not have rubbed off on me ;). Without further ado, here is a list of songs that I will probably be listening to nonstop through the month of July!

July Playlist 

1. Let You Go - The Chainsmokers (feat. Great Good Fine Ok)

I'm obsessed to say the least. For me, this is one of those songs that I just get a natural high from. I crank up the volume in my car when it comes on and I just feel invincible. Definitely a fun one to run to as well. Add it to your workout playlist. 

2. Motorcycle Drive By - Third Eye Blind

Third Eye Blind Radio is probably my top played station on Pandora. I love me some Third Eye Blind. And I think this song is super underrated. When I listen to it, I feel sad but also really hopeful. "I've never been so alone, but I've never been so alive." I'm a sucker for good lyrics, fyi. 

3. Warriors - The Str!ke 

The Str!ke is a band based out of Provo, Utah. I'd heard of them before but just never taken the time to listen to any of their music. Boy, that was a mistake. They put on an outdoor concert during Summerfest here in Logan a few weekends ago. Brian and I jammed out to their music the entire time. Warriors was our favorite of the night. 

4. Thunderstruck - AC/DC  

If you don't approve of this song, I'm seriously worried about you. Another one for the workout mix. 

5. Fire Under My Feet - Leona Lewis 

Leona disappeared for a little while. She recently came back with this single and it is catchy, upbeat and full of soul. Another one from my running playlist. My music of choice lately is anything that motivates me to run because, hello, I'm training for a marathon (I'm crazy). 

6. Definitely Maybe - FM Static 

This was a favorite of mine from my high school days, and I just recently rediscovered it. The desperate cry of a man trying to win over the girl who has a jerk for a boyfriend. Sad situation, but really fun song. My favorite line: "I saw what really happened all those times he went for water, when we were at the movie theater watching Harry Potter."  

7. New Romantics - Taylor Swift 

I'll never understand how this song only made it on the 1989 album as an extra. It's one of my favorites from her new stuff. I love the techno/80s feel it has and the lyrics are so smart (but smart lyrics are kinda Taylor's forte). Favorite line: "Baby, I could build a castle out of all the bricks they threw at me." 

8. I Need Your Love - Shaggy (feat. Mohombi, Faydee & Costi) 

This song screams summer for me. And every time it comes on while driving, I instantly start car dancing. Another good running song.

9. Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac 

Give me this song, a swimsuit, a body of water, and a package of Chips Ahoy cookies already. I'm a big fan of Fleetwood Mac, especially this song as of late. 

10. Ship To Wreck - Florence + The Machine 

When the new Florence + The Machine album came out, I immediately bought it. I've had a girl crush on Florence for years now. I think her voice is incredible. This song is one of my favorites off the new album. Listen to it. Now. 

Hope you had a terrific July 4th weekend. I spent mine barbecuing with family, watching several firework shows, going down a giant slip 'n slide, and paddle boarding to my little heart's content. 

  

Truth Tuesday

Oh, just me being all American Girl on July 4th. 

• I suck at blogging nowadays. If you haven't noticed. But I made a new header and other shenanigans and I really like it. So that's nice.  

• For some reason, I always go in a panic after the 4th of July passes. It seems like the summer always whizzes by after Independence Day, so I start going bonkers thinking of all the things I need to accomplish before summer ends. Some things on the list are: float the river, go camping, go on a horse ride, put lights up on our patio, make it to a carnival, and play night games. What's left on your summer list? 

• Our 4th of July was excellent. We were in a parade for BWell's business. Check out our awesome float here. Then we had a barbecue with Brian's family. Both his sister from Baltimore and brother from the Bay Area were here with their families so it was exciting to spend time with them. We also cooled off in the water during the hot afternoon hours. The night was completed by watching the fireworks explode over the lake while we were all on the boat. I captured the grand finale on my phone, so check it out! 

• Speaking of video on Instagram, how does everyone feel about that? I was pretty thrilled because this means now I can delete my Vine. At the same time though, watching short, jumpy, out-of-focus videos kinda makes me nauseous.

• I'm working on a story about student loan rates doubling and how this will impact students in our area. As I was looking up things online, I ran across so many things where Republicans were blaming the Democrats and the Democrats said it was the Republicans fault. And honestly, it all just sort of ticked me off. I don't care whose fault it is, just try to work together for ten freaking seconds and fix the problem. I know, I know, if I think I'm so smart then maybe I should run for office. My point here is basically that I think political parties are a horrible idea. If anything, I feel they just divide our country. I'm not a Democrat. I'm not a Republican. I'm an American, dang it. 

• On Friday night, we were in Idaho at my parents' house and there were tornado warnings. I guess there's a first for everything. Needless to say, we didn't need to bunker down but there were tons of "Wizard of Oz" jokes floating around. The storm did ruin our plans of sleeping on the trampoline though. Instead we took advantage of the storm by staying up late to watch The Ring and we ate tons of popcorn.

• My brother leaves on his mission at the end of this month. I'm going to have an anxiety attack. 

• My boss found this gem of a video today and I about fell over with laughter. Those poor children. Can I get a dinosaur costume like this somewhere? Talk about the best Halloween costume ever.  

That's all I've got. Happy Tuesday, friends!

All-American Girl

Our first 4th of July as a married couple was a busy one. I guess you could say twice the family means twice the fun. We started the morning bright and early with the Weller family at their community breakfast. After stuffing ourselves with waffles, bacon, and scrambled eggs, we went over to the community celebration. While there, Brian and I raced each other through a blowup obstacle course. We were the only adults in line, but we couldn't resist some friendly competition. I totally won. Brian put up a good fight though. And in the process of winning, I burnt up both of my knees from diving and sliding around. Worth it.

After spending some time at the celebration, we went back to my in-laws house and changed into our swimsuits. Then in the heat of the day, we hit up the lake and took the tube out behind the boat. I would have enjoyed riding around on that tube for the remainder of the day, but all good things must come to an end. Especially since we had to get cleaned up and drive up to Idaho to be with my family for the evening.

That night we had a barbecue at my grandparents' house (Mom's side). We ate ribs and chicken which was cooked to perfection on the grill. We also feasted on fruit, cornbread, homemade mac&cheese, salads galore, and yummy desserts. We played frisbee and watched the sun set. When it finally got dark enough, we did some ground fireworks and goofed around with sparklers. And to wrap up the night, we watched Back to the Future outside with the help of a projector and screen. It was set up surrounded by pine trees and a bright moon shone overhead.

We ended up getting home at around two in the morning. That's a little late for us married fogies, but it was a wonderful and perfect day. I feel so blessed to be close to all kinds of wonderful family members who we love so much. I'm sad to see one of my favorite holidays come and go, but there will always be next year. Boy, I love July!

Freedom

I'm one of those obnoxious people who plans my life out according to holidays. The 4th of July is no different, especially since it's one of my favorites, right up there with Christmas.

I just love the feel of it. I love how much we reflect on this great country and the people who made it great and still make it great today.

All the Independence Days of my life are filled with memories of 5k runs, parades, face painting, swimming, barbecues, greased pig chasing, dunking machines, and firework shows (and of course my firework squeals which come squeaking out of my mouth during the entire span of the firework show). I love everything Americana with a touch of small town feel. And that's exactly what my July 4ths always are. Yesterday was no different. Driving down the street of our town and seeing the streets lined with American flags made my heart swell a little and I felt especially proud to be an American. The day was filled with fun, family, and zero worries as I enjoyed the various freedoms I'm blessed with.

But then, last night, I had a reminder of why I have it so easy. While at our family barbecue my mom told me the news about a soldier from my hometown who was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday. While in a watchtower, he and others were suddenly attacked and he was shot down. There I was, eating ribs smothered in barbecue sauce and stuffing my face with homemade rolls and mac & cheese, enjoying the company of my family. . .all because of other people like that soldier who leave the comfort of their own homes to defend our freedoms. My heart goes out this soldier's family, and all other families who have lost loved ones to war.

God bless America. I'll leave you with a music video which I like and find pretty appropriate. Because, really, look how far we've come.

I'm Not Over June

I love July. I really, really do. Out of all the months, July knows how to have a good time. I guess you might say July is the life of the party when all the months get together in the calendar. Every summer, I seem to always look forward to July. I almost think I wish away June so July can come sooner.

This summer is different. I actually feel a bit somber knowing that June is over. It went by so fast. And now as I find myself looking forward to the July heat, parties, boating, and vacations . . . I find myself wanting to hang onto June. Because June is the start of summer and the start of a lot of things. July is always so busy that it goes by quick and then August will be upon us. In other words, I am already looking ahead to summer ending and school being here. I'm not ready to go back. I want to just stay in June. At least for a bit longer. But alas, I am not in charge of time. So the best I can do is enjoy every passing minute that seems to slip away so quickly. And yes, I plan on doing that. So here is a toast to embracing every moment and savoring it.

Dear July, let's be friends. Let's start with a wonderful 4th celebration tomorrow. Deal? Okay, deal.