I’m not exactly sure how but I stumbled upon this band called The Weeks last week… All I know is that I’ve been listening to City and Colour nonstop but in an attempt to change things up a bit (some variety maybe?) and avoid getting sick of my favorite tunes, I went on a search for something new.
Well The Weeks released a new album called ‘Dear Bo Jackson’ and after listening to it through and enjoying what I was listening to, I went back in time to see what other melodies they could fill my ears and I was far from disappointed. In fact, I went so far as to immediately start typing up this post.
I went so far as to immediately find the video for an older song of theirs called Buttons…
*Please note this song is from their 2012 release ‘Come Back Cadillac.’
And I went so far as to listen on repeat as I continued working on my computer the rest of the afternoon.
But don’t take my word for it, check it out for yourself.
What have you been listening to and loving lately?
I was going to take today off from blogging but I couldn’t. Turns out, I found myself so motivated and inspired by a song I heard that I needed to share. There’s no waiting until Monday, there’s no waiting for it to be planned. It needs to be shared.
Have you heard of Zach Sobiech? If you haven’t, he’s a 17 year-old cancer victim fighting a rare, aggressive and deadly form of bone cancer. Quite the heart wrenching story. But this kid has impacted more people in his 17 years than most probably do in a lifetime.
When trying to figure out “how to say goodbye” Zach wrote this song called “Clouds” which will bring tears to your eyes, especially when you really listen to the lyrics. The world heard him and in fact, they responded.
Immediately after watching that video, I bought Zach’s song off iTunes. How could I not? I’m still speechless.
I’m not exactly sure where to start. It’s been quite the roller coaster weekend but I’m not complaining because without the dips we’d forget to appreciate the high moments in life.
And speaking of high moments, I ended up registering for that race I was talking about on Sunday, though I didn’t end up running there AND back like I was thinking about doing at one point. I think it was a good move because Mexican food isn’t exactly the ideal pre-race meal, while delicious, not really your best option and I woke up Sunday morning not feeling my greatest. I decided I was going to still run the race but would drive myself there and since I was going to be tight on time to shower before we celebrated my great uncles 95th birthday at our house, it was probably best anyway.
I got to the race a little after 7, registered, grabbed my bib and walked and jogged up and down the street to stay warm and get my body warmed up. I think that ended up being huge for my overall race.
We started off fast and I was feeling like I needed to slow down but it was hard in the beginning and I found myself battling my mentality that I couldn’t slow down or I’d basically be walking, I was sure we couldn’t have actually been going that fast. I think we were because after slowing down, I was still maintaining just over a 9 minute mile.
There were moments the run was tough but I kept reminding myself it was only 3 miles and really it was almost over, so I kept pushing. I’m not sure at what point I realized I was in a good place but maybe it was as I looked ahead and felt like there weren’t THAT many people in front of me. It wasn’t a big race, but regardless, I felt like I was in a good place. I pushed what energy I had left and just ran my heart out through that finish line. I grabbed a water, took a sip and stopped my Nike+ app. It was at that point that I had this desire to stay for the awards.
We watched the remaining runners and walkers come in and watched the kids sprint and headed inside the theatre for awards. I sat down and figured it wouldn’t be a big deal if I didn’t place but if I did, I’d want to witness that moment. And lucky enough, I did get to witness the moment they called my name for finishing 2nd in my age group.
I’m not a super fast runner and that’s okay. There will be few times in my life when I can say I placed in a race and that’s also okay. But when those moments happen, or if this ends up being the only one, I will embrace them and appreciate them with every ounce of my being. What a marvelous thing.
And because it’s Monday and no Monday would be complete to me without sharing some new music, I’ve got some good stuff for you guys today. A few weeks ago my friend Lauren shared this band on her blog and I loved it! Lauren and I definitely share similar tastes in music which is just one reason we get along so well.
This isn’t a new song. In fact it’s not even a new to me song. Chances are it’s not a new to you song either.
But it’s one of those songs that needs to constantly be reintroduced into our lives because it’s so beautiful.
I sat outside yesterday afternoon listening to this song as the sun shone down on me and couldn’t help but smile.
A few weeks ago a friend told me that I need to find a boy who will sing to me. I told her that musicians are dangerous and after dating a couple, I don’t want to date a musician. She looked at me and said “not a musician, but someone who will play a guitar and sing to you.”
I think she’s right. When I find the boy who will sing this song to me or at least make me feel the way this song does, I think then I’ll know it’s the right one.
Man I love finding new music! I can’t put into words the joy that new good music brings to me. Even if it’s not new new, but new to me – it’s just as much a beautiful thing.
It doesn’t matter if someone recommends it, I hear it on the radio or discover it on my own, as long as it happens and happens often. It’s the little things in life that can bring some of the greatest joy. Never forget that.
So as I was sitting in front of my computer Saturday afternoon busting through some blog reading and other computer tasks, this song came on and caught my attention. I stopped what I was doing and just listened. It was so fitting, so inspiring, so empowering.
I pulled up Spotify to see what was playing and turns out this is was it:
This was just the song I needed to hear; just the song I needed to share. I think there are many of us who can relate to the lyrics, if not because we’re runners but as people affected in some way (even if it was just emotionally) by the Boston Marathon bombings. Even if we’re just people looking for answers in some part of our lives. We may be able to let out an exhale and breathe a bit easier, but this song still seemed so fitting.
When I was a boy of seventeen
I know it’s mean but I
I told my friend to give up on her dreams
She hated me but I
I knew the dreams were for the best of us and for the rest of us
And I
I didn’t wanna share with anyone
I need a way to see my greatest dance and make them laugh
I could win the wars or lose the battles, too
Whichever’s true
I can another people’s live
I can’t stop putting on other peoples’ clothes
I love until I leave
I am a marathon runner
And my legs are sore
And I’m anxious to see what I’m running for
I am a hot air ballon
On a sailboat
I wouldn’t make this my home if I’d learned to float
So take my trash
Just take my earthly life
I’ll try to cry
I will live without the things I love the best
So hold them to your chest
I lose my face
Just lose my stolen wigs
The heads of kings
I run until I know what to believe
I am a marathon runner
And my legs are sore
And I’m anxious to see what I’m running for
I am a hot air ballon
On a sailboat
I wouldn’t make this my home if I learned to float
I am a marathon runner
And my legs are sore
And I’m anxious to see what I’m running for
I am a hot air ballon
On a sailboat
I wouldn’t make this my home if I learned to float
On Sunday I ran once again. Once again, that run was for Boston. I am BostonStrong and that will never change.
A few years ago while working in music, I had the pleasure of working on the Cold War Kids album Mine Is Yours. I loved that album. Despite the less-than-stellar reviews, I seriously loved that album. As we got the pre-released, recently mixed and mastered versions, my ears were filled with happiness. Maybe it was because I was deeply submerged in that world, who knows, but when I saw Cold War Kids had a new album, Dear Miss Lonelyhearts, I was stoked.
Once again this album isn’t getting rave reviews but this time I wasn’t submerged in tracking every cost of the album, I wasn’t getting previews, I wasn’t involved in any aspect. Regardless, I still really like this album. Every track doesn’t completely blow me away but I’ve still thoroughly enjoyed every moment listening to it. Not to mention, this album kicks off with a band with “Miracle Mile.”
Rock & Roll!!
Do yourself a favor, check out the album. Ignore the reviews – positive or negative. Make the decision for yourself. Personally, I like it.
And I’m sure some of you are curious about the winners of my birthday week celebrations, so here they are:
Chobani Bites
Mira Stainless Steel Reusable Containers
LockLaces
Congratulations to the winners! Send me an email with your mailing address to kt.talkless.saymore(at)gmail(dot)com. As a reminder, these giveaways are for those in the US only (sorry to any international readers) so if one of the winners happens to be outside the US, I’m sorry but I’ll have to pick a new winner.
New music and birthday giveaway winners? Sounds pretty marvelous to me!
Just because my 1/2 marathon went well, doesn’t mean it was easy. We were asked not to wear headphones (so that we’d be aware of traffic and our surroundings) though many still did, myself included. I had prepared myself that I may not be able to, but I also prepared myself should it seem like I could.
I popped my earbuds in early-on but kept the volume low the whole time and made sure I was constantly aware. I also would pop one out from time to time so as to really be able to hear should we be getting information as we passed stations, while conversing with other runners or through intersections.
But regardless, I was happy that I could still have my music, hear my Nike+ GPS updates and the support that was pouring in via Facebook cheering.
And because I know we all need some suggestions on good playlist additions from time to time, I wanted to make sure to share what music powered me through my 1/2 marathon. Keep in mind this playlist is longer than I ran but I had it on shuffle and it was awesome – clearly, I beat my goal by 8 minutes!
Are you a running with music person or do you prefer to run to silence/talking to others?
All photos in this post are the proofs from my 1/2 marathon. Source.
Thank you to everyone for all the support for my 1/2 marathon! I’ve been seriously humbled this week as I watched the support for my achievement come rushing in. It’s been so beautiful and amazing! I’ve got the greatest friends, family and readers a girl could ask for!
While I plan to share the music that powered me through my run, I’m going to save that for tomorrow and instead I want to talk about this new album released by One Republic called ‘Native.’
Let’s just say it’s as good as they’re saying it is!
I’ve been going back and forth between a few new albums this past week because I can’t get enough! For the girl who doesn’t dance, I can’t help but move when I hear this album. There are several songs that would be a great addition to a workout or running playlist!
I’m really loving this album and can’t recommend checking it out enough – it is as good as they say!
If I were going to pull an April Fool’s Day prank today, I’d tell you I’m engaged.
I’m not, I’m just as single as I was yesterday.
If I were going to pull an April Fool’s Day prank today, I’d tell you I’m pregnant.
Nope, I’m not that either, though the rest of the world seems to be.
**You know FaceBook will explode with people announcing engagements, break-ups or pregnancies today!**
If I were going to pull an April Fool’s Day prank today, I’d tell you I hate my new job.
Not true, I freaking love it and this journey I’m on.
If I were going to pull an April Fool’s Day prank today, I’d tell you I’m a terrible baker.
That’s a lie, I baked these super adorable vegan carrot cupcakes for Easter. I used Mama Pea’s bars recipe and doubled it for 24 cupcakes. Topped with Cadbury mini eggs (NOT vegan) for cuteness and because they’re like Easter crack.
If I were going to pull an April Fool’s Day prank today, I’d tell you I miss the snow and cooler weather.
I don’t. I’m loving spring showing it’s face around these parts and while it’s cooled back down again today, it’s supposed to warm back up and for that I’m excited.
If I were going to pull an April Fool’s Day prank today, I’d tell you The Oh Hello’s are an awful band and their song “Hello My Old Heart” isn’t worth your time.
Thankfully that’s not true and this song is freaking awesome!
There are moments in our lives that are so small but so precious.
These are the moments that don’t happen nearly as often as you’d like and when they do, they usually go by in the blink of an eye.
And while you could spend your moments wishing for more time, the better approach is to appreciate each moment you get.
So that’s what I did when I got to meet up with Brittany and her husband for brunch after my race yesterday morning.
We met at Prasino for brunch and let me tell you…SO.FREAKING.GOOD. Not just the company but also the food.
We all seemed to enjoy our breakfasts and left with very full bellies. Our moments together were short but I made sure to enjoy every second catching up with them. I can’t wait to see Brittany at BLEND in May (and John David, thank you for allowing us to steal your wife on your anniversary)!
Anyway, like I said, I ran a race yesterday morning but I’m going to wait to share that experience with you until tomorrow because I’m going to be honest, it was an experience!
But, speaking of races, we all know I’m running my 1/2 marathon in TWO weeks now (!!!) (ohemgeeohemgeeohemgee) and while this is a race where they suggest running with no headphones, I’m still creating a race playlist just in case and because I’d rather be safe than sorry….
That means I’m looking to YOU guys to help me create a marvelous kick-butt playlist. Ready, set…GO!
