Just Me

One of my biggest inspirations in my healthy living journey is my mom.

Head over to her blog (Cathy Shows Up) and harass her to tell you her weight-loss story. Essentially, she lost a ton of weight several years ago and now, I think, looks like a completely different person.

(Regardless of weight, though, my mama has always been and will always be the most beautiful woman I know.)

I mean, look at her.

When we were in Michigan for my sister-in-law's baby shower in November, my mom and I talked a lot about healthy living, weight loss, fitness, and nutrition. At one point I asked my mom what jumpstarted her journey, and I will never forget what she said:

"I just realized that if I wanted to lose weight and get healthy, that was on me: no one else was going to do that for me."

That really hit me. We are the ones responsible for our journeys, no one else.

As I've mentioned a bit before, the past year was pretty hard for me, as I was in a relationship that I was so desperately trying to make succeed, a relationship that -- as much as I hate to admit it -- probably should have ended long before it did. (I am so optimistic, though, thinking that things will always work out, and so stubborn, thinking that I will make things work out, even when they are not supposed to.) 

This relationship -- not The Boy himself but rather the relationship as its own entity -- affected my psyche in so many ways. (I want to be very clear in that I do not blame The Boy for any of this: I wish him nothing but the best. He is a great person, but we were not great together.)

First, I was so exhausted, trying everything I could to make something work -- to no avail.  And because it was so exhausting, I literally had no energy left to workout and no energy to cook healthy meals. All of my energy went to salvaging a sinking relationship.

Second, I was so depressed. I seriously thought that I was a failure: if I couldn't get this relationship to work, something that should work easily, everything else was pretty much a bust as well.

Third, I was just so dispirited, and that feeling transferred to other aspects of my life. There were times that I honestly just thought, "What's the point?" in regard to eating well and working out. Much like I felt like I had exhausted all options relationship-wise, I felt like I had tried everything I could in regard to healthy living, and nothing changed. So, why not just watch TV and eat easy, cheap food?

Fourth, I did not necessarily feel the most supported in a healthy lifestyle, which made it even more difficult to maintain. For instance, I would often cook us super healthy, well-balanced meals, and then The Boy would bring a bag of Hot Cheetos to the table. And instead of going for a walk or a bike ride, instead of doing something physical and outdoors and fun, we would do a lot of sitting on the couch and watching TV because he had "been on his feet all day" (because clearly teachers work at desks...).

But, those are all excuses. As my mom said, no one can do it for me, and I am in charge of my own health, my own fitness, my own nutrition.

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That is, essentially, why I decided to jump headfirst back into healthy living with the Whole30 challenge. It is a fairly strict nutritional plan that requires the utmost control and dedication, qualities that I feel I have been lacking -- at least in this regard -- lately. While I know that I will not always be as unwaveringly dedicated to Whole30 as I am now, it has been the best jumpstart to a healthy lifestyle, one that I honestly don't think I will stray from much after my 30 days are up.

In addition, the psychological aspect of the program really hit home for me:

Source: Whole30 Timeline

Despite the facade that I may put on at times, I have battled with self-esteem issues pretty much my entire life: I should be doing this, I should be doing that, I can settle for this, I don't deserve that, etc.

But you know what? I do deserve everything that I want, everything that I "should" have. I am important, and I am worth a full commitment.

And, I am capable of transforming my life. I don't "need" a cookie, and I didn't "accidentally" drink that last glass of wine. (This is the tough love piece of Whole30 that I referenced a couple of weeks ago.) Everything is a choice, and the decisions I make are up to no one but me.

That is one of the greatest things that Whole30 has given to me thus far: self-confidence, self-worth, self-efficacy. I am very thankful, and I am looking forward to where this journey takes me in the future.

Cheers!

This Morning...

For the next 30 days, I will be participating in the WEGO Health Activist Writer's Month Challenge by blogging about a predetermined topic each morning. Please visit http://blog.wegohealth.com to learn more - and please check back each evening for your regularly scheduled programming.

This morning I looked in the mirror and...

...was proud of the person I saw.

Instead of criticizing how her thighs were too big, I thanked those muscular quads that they were able to carry her 13.1 miles despite various injuries.

Instead of rolling her eyes at the missing toenail and the blistered feet, I commended the training she has been doing over the past year and cheered about how far she has come.

Instead of wincing at the cracked callouses on her hands, I applauded her newfound love for weightlifting and hurrahed the number of pull-ups and presses she can do.

Instead of groaning about how her stomach isn't as flat as it used to be, I told her that she is healthy and fit and strong and nourished and a woman.

Instead of whining about the scars on her neck and on her stomach, I reminded her that she is lucky, especially due to her love of the sun.

Instead of grumbling about the scars on her hands and her knees and her elbows, I reviewed with her the adventurous and carefree childhood memories that created those permanent marks.

Instead of critiquing her too-small hands or her too-chubby cheeks, I showed her how she looks exactly like her parents and their parents before them and emphasized just how lucky she is to come from such a strong family.

Instead of complaining about the circles under her eyes, I respected her for waking up early to work with her students and staying up late to make new memories with friends.


Instead of picking apart and analyzing every physical "flaw" that she sees, I encouraged her to be thankful that she is alive, that she is able-bodied, that she is intelligent, that she is compassionate, that she is loved.


And that is what I saw this morning when I looked in the mirror.

Dear Me

For the next 30 days, I will be participating in the WEGO Health Activist Writer's Month Challenge by blogging about a predetermined topic each morning. Please visit http://blog.wegohealth.com to learn more - and please check back each evening for your regularly scheduled programming.

Dear 16-year-old Emily:

Wow.  I feel like it was just yesterday that I was sitting in the corner of my bedroom, surrounded by dozens of Brad Pitt photos cut out of magazines, flipping through YM, and being yelled at from downstairs to hang up with BJ since someone needed the Internet.

But, it wasn't yesterday.  It was 12 years ago.

And a lot has happened in that time.

I have learned so, so much.

First, 16-year-old Emily, let me stress to you this:

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You will realize this sooner than most, but there will be times that you need to remind yourself.  And keep reminding yourself - over and over and over and over.  If people do not accept you for who you are, 16-year-old Emily, they are not worth your time.  Do not change for anyone.  You are you, and you are a wonderful human being.

Second, younger me, let me remind you of the importance of girlfriends.

There will be boys in your life.  Yes, there will be boys.  But you know what?  Those boys - even the ones that you think will be around forever and ever - will disappear.

And you know what else?  You know who won't disappear, no matter what?  Your girlfriends.

Your girlfriends will be there when those boys disappear.  Your girlfriends will bring you wine and Kleenex and let you cry until you can't cry anymore.  Your girlfriends will tell you when you need to put on your big girl panties and get over him.  Your girlfriends will make you laugh more than you thought possible.  Your girlfriends will hold your hair back when you're sick.  Your girlfriends will help you choose just the right outfit for your first date.  Your girlfriend will text you and call you and come over in the middle of the night to hear all about that first kiss.  Your girlfriends will have your back, even when you all know you are wrong.  Your girlfriends will get in trouble with you.  Your girlfriends will love you, even when you don't love yourself.

Your girlfriends are way more important than any boy.

And you, 16-year-old Emily, will have the best girlfriends a girl could ever want:

Ever.

And third, mini-me, let's have a little lesson on boys.

Right now, you are with who you think is the love of your life.  And you will be with him for four wonderful years.  But you know what, young Emily?  He is not the man for you.  But, stay with him: you need to really see what a good boy is like.  And furthermore, you should remember - you should never forget - how you were the center of the universe for that boy.

Throughout the years, you will remember how great that boy was - but only when other relationships have already failed.  Sixteen-year-old Emily, I want you to remember how your first love treated you even when you are in the midst of other relationships.  Because if you had remembered that as often as you should have, there is no way you would have made some of the mistakes that you did.

However, young Emily, understand that those mistakes you made - whether they were with boys, with friends, with missed opportunities - understand that those mistakes make you into the person you become.  All of those failures - and all of your many, many successes - shape you.

Finally, 16-year-old Emily, keep being you.  Keep loving your family with all of your being.  Keep telling people you care about them.  Keep sticking up for the underdog.  Keep trying to make the world a better place.  Keep caring more than you should.  Keep doing what is right.  Keep being idealistic.  Keep believing that people are good.  Keep reading.  Keep writing.  Keep running.  Keep saying please, thank you, and excuse me.  Keep standing up for your beliefs.  Keep smiling, even when life gets you down.  Keep being way too emotional.  Keep having fun.  Keep making mistakes - and keep learning.  Keep remembering - and keep making memories.

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The Why

For the next 30 days, I will be participating in the WEGO Health Activist Writer's Month Challenge by blogging about a predetermined topic each morning.  Please visit http://blog.wegohealth.com to learn more - and please check back each evening for your regularly scheduled programming.

As followers of the blogosphere, you know that there are many different types of blogs: health and fitness blogs, blogs about daily life, book-review blogs, political blogs, fashionista blogs, feminist blogs, and the list goes on and on.

While BFF and I have another blog on which we post ridiculous dating stories (not nearly as often as we should), there was only one thing I knew my individual blog would be about: healthy living.

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I started The Swallow Flies on my 27th birthday as a means to track my progress in goals that were specifically related to healthy living.  Now, a year-and-a-half later, I write nearly every day in order to hold myself accountable and to share my love for good food and fun exercise with my family, my friends, and my readers.

Over the past couple of years, I have immersed myself in a (mostly) really healthy lifestyle: I eat a (relatively) balanced diet, I am cognizant of where my food is grown and raised, I am aware that food is fuel for the body, I do not overindulge in alcohol (too often), I appreciate fitness and exercise, and I feel strong and healthy - both physically and emotionally.

But, it has not always been like that.  When I was younger, I was a hardcore soccer player, and I ran and swam during the summer as conditioning for (and as a supplement to) soccer season.  Basically, I was always on the go - nonstop.  And even though we were all busy doing different activities, my mom would cook dinner every night, usually a main dish accompanied by vegetables.

When I went to college, however, that changed: I hardly worked out at all because I was "too busy" or "too tired" or "too wanting to hang out with my boyfriend."  And since my only appliance in the dorm was a microwave, many meals consisted of ramen noodles, macaroni and cheese, and beer.

Needless to say, I gained quite a bit of weight.  And wasn't happy.

That lifestyle and that attitude stuck with me for several years.  Maybe three years ago or so, however, I started really focusing on nutritious eating, consistent exercising, and healthier living in general.  I am not sure how or why the lightbulb finally clicked, but I am very thankful it did.

Over the years, I have tried several workout programs: kickboxing with Farrell's, bootcamp with Max Life Fitness & Nutrition, running with See-Us Run Des Moines, spinning and Y-Pump at the YMCA, cycling on the city trails, CrossFit with my buddies, and more.  And I have fallen in love with how I feel (and how I look) when I have constant movement in my life - and I want to share that with others.

In addition, I have finally found the perfect "diet," one that is doable, one that makes sense, and one that is focused on a wholly nutritional plan.  And in doing so, I have found a plethora of fantastic healthy recipes that I love sharing with others, cooking for others, and, of course, eating.  :)

Essentially, the reason I blog about healthy living is not only to hold myself accountable but also because I am happy with the life I am living in regards to fitness and nutrition, and I want to - and need to - share that love, inspiration, and knowledge with as many people as possible.

I can only hope that The Swallow Flies accomplishes that.

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Love Actually

February 14th: the single girl's nightmare.

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Side note: when googling "single on Valentine's Day" (I mean...I didn't do that...that'd be pathetic), I came across this gem of an article.  It is amazing.  I especially like #5.  In fact, I have a side story (to my side note) for you:


I may or may not have recently had an unreasonable crush on J.R. Martinez.  

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In fact, I "liked" him on Facebook, followed him on Twitter (I don't even tweet!), and was thisclose to sending him a letter expressing my undying love for him and explaining how perfect we would be together.  And then he had to go and knock-up his girlfriend.  Whatever.


I am currently accepting applications for another unreasonable celebrity crush.


But I digress completely.


What I was going to say is that I could spend this entire post telling you just how awful it is to be single and drenching your cat's fur with tears while watching The Notebook on Valentine's Day (what, just me?), I thought that I would instead make a list of everything that I love.

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I mean, "It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there.  [...]  If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around.”


My Family

My beautiful parents.

I just don't know where we get it.

I am blessed to have the bestest family in the entire universe.  It makes me sad that we are not in the same town anymore, and I really truly hope that someday we will be again because I love them more than the whole wide world.


My Future Sister-In-Law

She'll fit in just great, huh?

I can't wait for her to "officially" be a part of the family.  I love her to pieces and pieces and pieces.


My Sister From Another Mister

I am so thankful to have the bestest friend in the entire universe.  We can drive each other crazy yet love each other unconditionally more than anyone I know.  She is amazing, and I don't know what I'd do without her.


My Friends

Just another "family" dinner.

Kiara and me.

Mags and me.

Me and Mindy and Petra.

The grad school girls - some of them, at least.

My Cats

You can think I'm crazy all you want, but I don't care.  I love my cats.


My Students & Colleagues

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I get to teach the most wonderful students every single day, and I am so thankful.  Interestingly, yesterday I had an all-day meeting at one of the suburban schools, and I was shocked at the difference; it had been nearly ten years since I had been in a non-urban environment.  Suffice it to say, I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to teach where I do and work with the kids and the teachers that I do.


My Education

There are so many places in this world where education is not a possibility - either because of cost, location, gender, etc.  I am so grateful that I was able to go to school, receive a great education, and further my learning through various ventures.


My Jobs

I know it might be silly to be thankful for seemingly meaningless part-time jobs, but I really enjoy what I do - both with Stella & Dot and with LivingSocial - and they have both given me opportunities to do things I never thought possible.


My Health

This should probably be my number one thing that I love and am thankful for because little of this would be possible without it.  I am so blessed to be able to be as healthy and as active as I am, and I am so thankful since athletics are a huge part of my life.


Good Food

Mmm...  I love food.  Obviously.


Being Involved

Part of the Freedom Writer Teacher family.

Whether it's with Freedom Writers, Planned Parenthood, or See-Us Run Des Moines, I love, love, love doing what I can within my sphere of influence to make the world a better place for all individuals.


Love


I. love. love.

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I may not have "romantic" love right now, but I have a lot of love in my life.  And I love my life.  I love a lot of people, and a lot of people love me.


And you know?  What's meant to be will be - and I am okay with that.


Happy Valentine's Day.

Volume Two

As promised, I am going to review volume two of "The Life of Em" today.  But first you have to suffer through the usual:

Breakfast: oats in a jar

Lunch (this is a kind of oops): half of a 10-inch, thin-crust pizza from a "gourmet" place here in town.  I had the "Soprano" pizza (basil pesto, balsamic roasted chicken, roasted red peppers, marinated tomatoes, red onion, Asiago, and mozzarella).  I've also tried Il Figaro and Aphrodite, both of which are spectacular.

Dinner (again, oops): the other half of the "Soprano"

Snack: handful of caramel popcorn from the shop I worked at in high school (I was there over the weekend and just had to)

Workout: ran two miles + various sit-ups and crunches.  I didn't do as well on the running as I did yesterday (same time as Monday), but I attribute it to not eating as healthfully as normal as well as being über-sore today.

After working out, though, I went to the store to grab another pound of carrots, some gum (gotta have it for working out), and coffee.  Those are the essentials these days.

Also, I attended my first meeting for See Us Run Des Moines, the program with which I'm running the marathon in October.  I cannot even begin to tell you how EXCITED I am!  I wish it started tomorrow.  But as a little preview of sorts, I'll be running a 5K on Saturday.  Eek!  :)

And now the moment you've all been waiting for: the release of Volume Two:

1. Poems, Prayers, and Promises, John Denver

• When I was on my way to college, my mom gave me John Denver's Wildlife Collection because while she was on her way to college, my nana gave her a John Denver album.  Poems, Prayers, and Promises is my favorite of his songs because it is such a beautiful reflection of life.  I love John Denver, and I love my mama.

2. All Summer Long, Kid Rock

• First, don't laugh: I believe that Kid Rock is the most talented musician of my generation.  I'm not a fan of his "rapping," but he has a beautiful voice, a kick-butt live show, and he can play every instrument on stage and play it well.  I love this song because I LOVE summer and the straight fun that this song exudes.

3. Into the Fire, Bruce Springsteen

• I was a freshman in college on September 11, 2001.  Obviously it was a traumatic time for the entire nation; it hit me especially hard, likely because it was the first time I was away from home, I'm super close with my family, and I just wanted to be with them.  I'm pretty sure my mom called my boyfriend (who was at Iowa State) and begged him to bring me home for the weekend.  The Boss is one of my favorite artists, and this is a beautiful song commemorating the sacrifices of so many people that day.

4. Dear Mr. President (feat. Indigo Girls), Pink

• College was the first time in my life that I was exposed to the idea that maybe the world was not as perfect as it was in my dream world.  I had some wonderful professors, specifically those in the English department, who opened my eyes to the injustices and the hypocrisies that surround us.  Being in Iowa during the presidential election is an unforgettable experience, and it is almost impossible to not get involved.  And Pink expresses my opinions of this time period so well.

5. Blowin' in the Wind, Bob Dylan

• I believe I was born in the wrong decade; I'm certain I was a total hippie in a past life.  As with #4, this song demonstrates the frustration I developed with how the world is and the inequities that people have to face.  Furthermore, one of my most memorable projects at Drake was regarding the antiwar movement in my Literature of War class: we staged a sit-in, brought in a Vietnam War veteran, and led a great discussion.

6. Imagine, John Lennon

• This is representative of my dream world.  "You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one; I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one."  I know my head is often in the clouds, but if we don't dream of a better world and try to do everything in our power to make it happen, then what's the point?

7. Redemption Song, Bob Marley & the Wailers

• Bob Marley is so chill, so peace-loving, and I selected this song in particular because it is my favorite and includes such meaningful lyrics.  One that I have displayed in my classroom with hopes of teaching my kids is, "Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery; none but ourselves can free our minds."

8. Stairway to Heaven, Led Zeppelin

• My boyfriend toward the end of college and the first few years afterward introduced me to some great music, including Led Zeppelin.  This song is representative of that time period in my life, the many nights sitting on the disgusting couch of the fraternity house listening to this song on repeat.

9. The Star Spangled Banner, Jimi Hendrix

• Again, this is commemorative of my college/early adult years, but it is also more than that: while I am disenchanted by many things our country and government do, I am also so indelibly thankful that I live in this country and that I am granted the freedoms and the rights that I am.  I always get the chills when I hear the National Anthem and get a little teary when it's played at the Olympics.

10. This Is How We Do It, Montell Jordan

• In August 2008, I was granted the opportunity to become involved in the Freedom Writers Foundation, an experience that changed my life beyond belief.  First, it was the best thing that could have happened for me professionally: it bettered my teaching and so greatly improved my students' learning.  Second, I got to meet my hero, Erin Gruwell.  Third, my involvement in the Foundation introduced me to my bestest friend in the entire universe.  (Oh, this is a song from the movie.)

Erin Gruwell and me - look how short my hair was!

Me and BFF, Katie

I love her one million.

11. Changes, Tupac

• There's a lot in this world that needs changin', much of which drastically affects my kids.  My degree in Urban Education and my work with White Privilege really made that clear.

12. Man in the Mirror, Michael Jackson

• Again, our world needs a lot of improvement, and this song really speaks to me as to how that change can happen: it is inside each of us.  We can't look elsewhere for others to change the world: we need to look in the mirror.

13. For Good, Idina Menzel & Kristen Chenoweth

• I love Wicked, and this song touched me: everyone we encounter in our lives affects us somehow, helps mold us into the person we become.  The majority of the people in my life have been wonderful human beings who I am so incredibly thankful to know.  However, I have also come across a few select people who have not been stellar individuals; while I am thankful they are no longer in my life, I believe I am still changed for good for having known them.  Lessons were learned, knowledge was gained, I was changed.

14. Born to Run, Bruce Springsteen

• The only musician to make it twice on "The Life of Em" - Bruce!  I absolutely love traveling, and I believe this was mine and BFF's anthem on our road trip to Daytona Beach for Spring Break 2010.  

I believe this was hour 21.  I'm also certain we were at a stoplight...

15. One Day, Matisyahu

• Most of the songs on this half of the album are centered on social justice and betterment of the world: interestingly, that is my passion and why I do what I do.  As soon as I played this song for my students, they asked for it to be repeated every. single. day.  I was happy to oblige.  It's a beautiful song about what is possible for this world one day.

16. Girl America, Mat Kearney

• I love, love, love Mat Kearney, and this song illustrates so perfectly the issues that teenage girls (and likely women of all ages) have to deal with on a daily basis.  It is heartbreaking, and I try to be mindful of everything when I work with my girls everyday: we spend a great deal of time discussing expectations, double standards, and inequities - and how to combat them.  Empowerment of our young girls is so important...and so difficult.

17. Don't Stop Believin', Journey

• This is the quintessential rock ballad, the only song that makes me go 90 miles an hour regardless of where I am.  It is my karaoke song, my number one request for piano bars and cover bands.  It made the album because it is pure fun - which is exactly how I like to think of myself.  :)

I hope you enjoyed a little look into my life.  Back to our regularly-scheduled programming tomorrow.  :)

Takin' a Different Route

Before I get started with the heart of my post, let me tell you about my day: I didn't get up at 4:30 like I thought I was going to, I ate a good breakfast (peanut butter toast), a good lunch (leftover slow-roasted tomato fettuccine and carrots), a good snack (cocoa-roasted almonds), ran two miles, and ate a good dinner (more slow-roasted tomato fettuccine).

Also, my legs are so freakin' sore.  Like, I can barely move.  Ow.

The end.

Now, I thought I'd take a different route for today's post.  I've been working on a couple of CD mixes, and I thought I'd share one with y'all.  This particular mix is a two-disc set entitled "The Life of Em" and holds the songs that have impacted me throughout my 27 years.

Here's "The Life of Em (Volume One)" - stay tuned for Volume Two tomorrow.  :)

1. For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her, Simon & Garfunkel

• This song is kind of self-explanatory: it's my namesake!  For realz: my mama named me after a Simon & Garfunkel song.

2. Brown-Eyed Girl, Van Morrison

• My dad always calls me his brown-eyed girl, and my mom is certain this will be the father-daughter dance at my wedding.

3. Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

• Here's another one for my daddy.  My dad was a phenomenal violinist in high school, and the talent never left: he can pick up a violin today, having not played for several years, and sound perfect.  His song of choice is Somewhere Over the Rainbow.  This is what I think the father-daughter dance will be.

4. Ice, Ice Baby, Vanilla Ice

• What a weird choice, right?!  My brother and I are were huge nerds, and we used to sing this every night while we were brushing our teeth and getting ready for bed.  Yep, there was even a dance involved.

5. You Got It (The Right Stuff), New Kids on the Block

• Two words: Jordan Knight.  I mean, just look at him!  At six years old, I thought he was smokin':

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6. Candle in the Wind (Live), Elton John

• This song was influential for a few reasons.  First, I love Elton John.  Second, he adapted this song for Princess Diana when she died; yes, I woke up bright and early and watched the funeral.  However, the primary reason I selected this song was because I love Marilyn Monroe one million - so much so, in fact, that my brother sketched her portrait, and I've had it hanging in my house ever since:

Sorry for the poor-quality cell-phone photo.  How talented is Alex?! 

7. Halley Came to Jackson, Mary Chapin Carpenter

• Every single time all five of us got into the car for a long trip, my parents whipped out their case of "trip music."  Mary Chapin Carpenter was a fixture for every. single. trip., as was Chris Isaak, John Denver, and Harry Chapin.  While I love these artists now, I did not so much as a tween.

8. Keep Me In Your Heart, Warren Zevon

• One of my all-time favorite albums in the whole wide world is The Wind, the album Zevon wrote and released when he discovered he was dying.  I cannot make it through this album without crying.  While my parents introduced me to the album later in life, my nana died suddenly when I was in eighth grade, and it was such a sad time; she was such a hippie, and I'm sure she loved Warren Zevon.  Remember: enjoy every sandwich.

9. Friends, Michael W. Smith

• All throughout high school, I was involved in Soul Seekers, a choir at my church.  Including me, my brother and sister, and our best friends, there were about 80 members from all across Omaha.  We shared so many memories; so many experiences, including seven of us getting lost in the Rocky Mountains; and so many stories.  Our two traditional songs were Friends and Pass It On.  Again, I can barely make it through Friends without sobbing uncontrollably.

10. I Don't Want to Miss a Thing, Aerosmith

• My dad took me to my first concert: Aerosmith on their Nine Lives tour.  It was so freakin' awesome, and I'm so thankful I got to share it with my dad.  Likely as a result of that concert, Aerosmith remained my favorite band for many, many years (and still ranks quite high on my list).  While I Don't Want to Miss a Thing is not my favorite Aerosmith song, it is the reason I wanted to go to the concert (and is, shockingly, their only number one).

11. I Believe, Blessid Union of Souls

• Another concert I went to in high school was Sweetstock 98, an outdoor festival-of-sorts that was put on by the local Top 40 radio station.  There I met Blessid Union of Souls and fell in love with them.  This particular song is my favorite today because it is all about equality, making the world a better place, and loving everyone: "I believe that love is the answer, I believe that love will find a way."

12. Waterfalls, TLC

• In the mid-1990s, my uncle was diagnosed with AIDS, and that was a very difficult thing to deal with.  While he is doing wonderfully and is very healthy now, that has not always been the case: there were several rough patches that were very, very scary.  Because of the personal connection I have to HIV/AIDS, I have worked within my sphere of influence to educate others.  Hopefully someday this disease will be history.

13. Right Now, Van Halen

• Another big part of my high school years was my involvement in DECA.  (Don't judge: I promise it was really, really cool at my school!)  My senior year in DECA was spent putting together a written research project; there were six of us in the class, and we were quite close.  We played the same songs over and over and over and over.  This was one of them.

14. Landlocked Blues, Bright Eyes

• One of my best friends in high school introduced me to indie music, and we saw a couple of concerts together: Rilo Kiley at Sokol Underground, Bright Eyes at the Rose, and various local bands and Saddle Creek Records musicians at the Ranch Bowl (Omaha has a great music scene.)

15. The Execution of All Things, Rilo Kiley

• See explanation for #14.  I couldn't choose between the two songs.

16. Young, Kenny Chesney

• Again, this song has multiple meanings.  First, I love Kenny Chesney; he's my favorite country singer, and I can sing along to all of his songs.  Second, from age 16 to age 20, I dated a boy from small-town Iowa.  This song really reminds me of him, his friends, and the time we spent together.  We had a great time, a wonderful relationship, and I am thankful that he was a part of my life.

17. Corey's Coming, Harry Chapin

• My mom and I were on a road trip together once (probably to Des Moines) when she introduced me to Harry Chapin, the best storyteller of all time.  If you've never heard it before, please listen; it's such a wonderful story.

That should tide you over for tonight.  Stay tuned for "The Life of Emily, Volume Two" tomorrow!