Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Rocking and Rolling

Two weeks from today, on a good ole pre-surgery empty stomach, I will head into the Faulkner Breast Centre in Boston for my long awaited double mastectomy with reconstruction.  Since my last post on the topic ("Two boobs or not two boobs; that is the question"), I have decided on the former.  I still find it insane that I am writing about my boobs to the blogosphere, but once you get breast cancer, it's a tough topic to avoid.  

Despite that the genetics people are 95% sure that I do not carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene that would increase my risk of breast cancer in the other breast (the results of that other 5% to come today or tomorrow), I have decided on a "prophylactic mastectomy" for the healthy one.  My health insurance covers it (not out of the goodness of their own heart, I'm sure, but rather because it will be a lot cheaper than treating any future cancer) and several people with whom I have spoken tell me it's the way to go.  I am very at peace with the decision to remove both.  I know my own mind and I know that I would lie awake at night and wake up every morning worrying that I'd have to go through this experience all over again.  That, and I'd probably find myself feeling for lumps every two minutes.  Not sure it'd be good for my image to be that woman who is constantly feeling her own boob.  So, double down doc, we're going for it.  

Yesterday, I also decided to go forward with reconstruction.  My firm decision came after I spoke with the mother of one of my fabulous colleagues.  Rebecca went through this journey about 30 years ago when she was just a bit older than I am, also married with a little boy and a little girl.  I gather that she was somewhat of a pioneer when it came to reconstruction, and it's always such an honor to speak with women who paved a path now open to me and other women.  Rebecca was awesome.  She not only gave me hope, but she spoke with the conviction that I will do this.  Rebecca acknowledged my fears with sincere respect and understanding, but she didn't let our conversation dwell there.  Instead, she cheerfully powered on to tell me about a few books on positive psychology that she used to get through her tough times.  Rebecca explained one theme -- the power of one's mind to affect his or her physical well-being.  Given what I have seen my own mind do in the last few weeks (both for good and for bad), I'm already a believer.  I immediately ordered the books on Amazon and I look forward to sharing more of what I learn from them.  

Rebecca also told me something that for some reason, made me cry for the first time on the phone call.  She told me that she would listen to her own music over earphones when she rolled into her surgeries.  So now I'm crying again, and I've got to figure out why.  I think it's mostly because the next big event that brings me the most fear is rolling into surgery two weeks from today.  I'd imagine I will have to leave Brian and my family behind at some point, and that's not a goodbye I look forward to.  Because then it's just me -- alone -- with my own brain that can take me to some crazy places.  

I have had only three other surgeries in my life (not counting wisdom teeth since I stayed awake for that one).  I had an emergency C-section with Teddy (scary as hell), a planned C-section with Annabel (scary, but otherwise smooth and largely wonderful), and a small surgery on my hand (not fun, but I was only under for about 30 minutes).  Obviously each surgery was a very different experience, but I gathered from all of them that I'm terrified of the operating room.  My reasons are seemingly countless, but mainly it's because that place is so unfamiliar to me, I have to cede all control (one of my biggest weaknesses), and the stakes seem just so darn high.    

I think that's why I cry when I think of rolling into the OR.  Nonetheless, this idea of playing music got me thinking.  I'm not sure I'll do it (I don't even know if it's allowed), but I'm looking into it, and if nothing else, it's a fun distraction for now.  

Last night, Sean and Lauren were over and I told them about this idea of playing music as I enter the OR.  We started brainstorming songs and had a lot of laughs over what would be just the right one.  And, as I always do when I hang out with my brother, I learned that I am so behind in the world of technology.  Did you know that you can basically YouTube any song?  I had no idea.  So we sat around YouTube-ing great songs and laughing at the image of me rolling into the OR to "Live Like a Warrior."  After that, my Aunt Helen and cousin Kirsten arrived from New Jersey -- a long road trip to give me and my family lots of hugs -- and we enjoyed each other's company until we couldn't stay awake any longer.  

This morning when I woke up, I had no idea what I was going to write about (which is usually the case).  But somehow I've arrived at this -- your first homework assignment if you should so accept.  (It's Brian's first day of school today so I had to build school in somehow!)

Assignment:  

Enough about me ... I would love to hear more from you.  I barely even know who's reading these posts anymore, and while I don't need to know your name, I'd love to hear what song you think would be a great "rolling into the OR" tune.  I believe Sean has adjusted the settings so that anyone can easily post a comment on this blog (it'd be so neat to have them all in one place rather than some on Facebook where not everyone can see) and anonymous postings are just as valuable as any.  Feel free to just post the title and the artist, and, for extra credit, why you chose the song.  Like any great homework assignment on the first day of school, this one will give me fascinating insight into you, and since this has become way too much about me, I think we need the change up.  Plus, it could end up as the perfect resource to others who face the daunting rolling into surgery experience!

No pressure, but I'm really looking forward to what the blogosphere yields on this one.  And in the meantime, even though Sean and Lauren declare that this is not their "final answer," I'll leave you with "Live Like a Warrior," because if nothing else, it's a really great song.  

42 comments:

  1. First things first, you're amazing! My suggestions below:

    On the cheesy/sappy end:

    It's Your Life by Francesca Battistelli--this was a song I used to run to after Brendan died and just let myself cry (if you ever saw me running in Canton and looking like an absolute hot mess, this may be why) but I love the message and although it's sad (and sappy) I find it inspiring

    On the more uplifting side, I love Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Celebration by Madonna, and Cry Just a Little (Bingo Players-title is misleading, it's not sad at all). If you're thinking to yourself, she has the worst taste in music I've ever encountered, just know that it took a lot to leave the Spice Girls and Cyndi Lauper off my list, so I'm fully aware that I likely should have kept my mouth shut on this one.

    And commenting was super easy, so way to go Sean!

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  2. I am a devoted reader who checks in with you the first thing every morning. You are an amazing young woman. Such a terrific writer.
    Your blog site was passed on to me by my daughter. She also went to Bowdoin.
    We have the "club" connection. My husband was treated for Lung Cancer at Dana Farber and had his surgeries at Brigham. He is enjoying life in
    his 5 th year of living after cancer.
    As I reply to you 2 other friends of mine are going through the Breast Cancer journey. Strangely, they were diagnosed about the same time that you were. All three of you are taking different paths. Two of you are very young and one is my age, "grandmother to a new baby."
    We are all sending you positive thoughts and prayers.

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  3. Unequivocally The Cave by Mumford & Sons.

    Here are the lyrics, which don't do the whole song justice. Go get 'em girl. Love you.


    It's empty in the valley of your heart
    The sun, it rises slowly as you walk
    Away from all the fears
    And all the faults you've left behind

    The harvest left no food for you to eat
    You cannibal, you meat-eater, you see
    But I have seen the same
    I know the shame in your defeat

    But I will hold on hope
    And I won't let you choke
    On the noose around your neck

    And I'll find strength in pain
    And I will change my ways
    I'll know my name as it's called again

    Cause I have other things to fill my time
    You take what is yours and I'll take mine
    Now let me at the truth
    Which will refresh my broken mind

    So tie me to a post and block my ears
    I can see widows and orphans through my tears
    I know my call despite my faults
    And despite my growing fears

    But I will hold on hope
    And I won't let you choke
    On the noose around your neck

    And I'll find strength in pain
    And I will change my ways
    I'll know my name as it's called again

    So come out of your cave walking on your hands
    And see the world hanging upside down
    You can understand dependence
    When you know the maker's land

    So make your siren's call
    And sing all you want
    I will not hear what you have to say

    Cause I need freedom now
    And I need to know how
    To live my life as it's meant to be

    And I will hold on hope
    And I won't let you choke
    On the noose around your neck

    And I'll find strength in pain
    And I will change my ways
    I'll know my name as it's called again



    (Thanks to ktucker1989 and spockerxxx for correcting these lyrics)
    It's empty in the valley of your heart
    The sun, it rises slowly as you walk
    Away from all the fears
    And all the faults you've left behind

    The harvest left no food for you to eat
    You cannibal, you meat-eater, you see
    But I have seen the same
    I know the shame in your defeat

    But I will hold on hope
    And I won't let you choke
    On the noose around your neck

    And I'll find strength in pain
    And I will change my ways
    I'll know my name as it's called again

    Cause I have other things to fill my time
    You take what is yours and I'll take mine
    Now let me at the truth
    Which will refresh my broken mind

    So tie me to a post and block my ears
    I can see widows and orphans through my tears
    I know my call despite my faults
    And despite my growing fears

    But I will hold on hope
    And I won't let you choke
    On the noose around your neck

    And I'll find strength in pain
    And I will change my ways
    I'll know my name as it's called again

    So come out of your cave walking on your hands
    And see the world hanging upside down
    You can understand dependence
    When you know the maker's land

    So make your siren's call
    And sing all you want
    I will not hear what you have to say

    Cause I need freedom now
    And I need to know how
    To live my life as it's meant to be

    And I will hold on hope
    And I won't let you choke
    On the noose around your neck

    And I'll find strength in pain
    And I will change my ways
    I'll know my name as it's called again

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  4. P.S. Sorry for posting the lyrics twice, copied and pasted from the internet! xoxo

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  5. This is so much fun! i would choose the song "Go Do", by Jónsi. (Jónsi is the super talented and quirky lead singer of the Icelandic band Sigor Rós, and "Go Do" comes from a recent solo project of his). Anyway... the instrumentation is super fun, and I love the feel of the song. It starts out,

    "Go sing, too loud
    Make your voice break- Sing it out
    Go scream, do shout
    Make an earthquake..."

    and one of the recurring lyrics is:
    "We should always know that we can do everything...
    GO DO!"

    I just find the song inspiring. It not only makes me want to get out of bed and make things happen, but makes me feel like things WILL happen. (There's also some great natural imagery in the song that I really like:
    "Tie strings to clouds
    Make your own lake - Let it flow
    Throw seeds to sprout
    Make your own break - Let them grow").

    Here's a link to a (somewhat corny) video with the song:
    http://vimeo.com/27752745

    GO DO!

    Lindsay

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  6. Longtime reader - first time poster.

    There's a new song out there, "Titanium" by David Guetta that gets me through any rough days. The message and its melody is not so, "pump up" as it is numbing.
    I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose
    fire away, fire away
    ricochet, you take your aim
    fire away, fire away
    you shoot me down, but I won't fall
    I am titanium
    you shoot me down, but I won't fall
    I am titanium

    Another song that got me through some tough procedures is "Old Blue Chair" by Kenny Chesney. Again, the message is not inspirational, rather it took me to another place, on an island, on the beach.

    I would recommend you play a song from your life that can transport you somewhere else...a song that reminds you of carefree college days or your honeymoon. Get to that place and you will be at peace.

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  7. I love song games! And your blog; I read every day. You're an inspiration and a great writer.

    Here are some suggestions for you, with some lyrics:

    Florence + the Machine's "Shake It Out": "It's hard to dance with a devil on your back so shake him off!"

    Temper Trap's "Sweet Disposition"

    Sweet disposition
    Never too soon
    Oh, reckless abandon
    Like no one's watching you
    A moment of love
    A dream
    A laugh
    A kiss
    A cry
    Our rights
    Our wrongs
    A moment of love
    A dream
    A laugh
    A moment of love
    A dream
    A laugh

    So stay there
    'Cause I'll be coming over
    While our blood's still young
    It's so young, it runs
    We won't stop 'til it's over
    Won't stop to surrender

    And - if all else fails - there's always The Boss

    We made a promise we swore we'd always remember
    No retreat no surrender
    Like soldiers in the winter's night with a vow to defend
    No retreat, baby, no surrender

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  8. I love this game for the first day of school!

    You are the best, T.

    My nomination is "Chant A Psalm" by Steel Pulse.

    Awesome reggae tune which gets ya groovin' while calling for help from spirituality.

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  9. I suggest Beautiful World by Dierks Bentley and Patty Griffin!

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  10. Wait, there are other psyche-up songs besides this one?:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btPJPFnesV4

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  11. Tara,
    Love this assignment, the teacher in you prevails! My vote is "I Hope You Dance", Leeann Wormack. Why? Beautiful words but more importantly my wish for you is that you dance through this process.
    Donna

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  12. I listen to this song all the time (more so when I am headed to my Boot Camp 3x a week to pump me up) Below is the Chorus. It's Called "The Fighter" by Gym Class Heroes.

    Give em hell, turn their heads
    Gonna live life 'til we're dead.
    Give me scars, give me pain
    Then they'll say to me, say to me, say to me
    There goes the fighter, there goes the fighter
    Here comes the fighter
    That's what they'll say to me, say to me, say to me,
    This one's a fighter

    PS you're meeting my mom today :)

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  13. Funny I'm going to suggest a country song, since I rarely listen to country. But this one was played for me by my father a long time ago, and he is currently going through his own tough time right now, I have found myself thinking of this song quite often these past few weeks (incidentally, I personally think of "the Lord" references as a general cosmic-worldly sort of thing):

    The River By Garth Brooks

    You know a dream is like a river
    Ever changin' as it flows
    And a dreamer's just a vessel
    That must follow where it goes
    Trying to learn from what's behind you
    And never knowing what's in store
    Makes each day a constant battle
    Just to stay between the shores

    And I will sail my vessel
    'Til the river runs dry
    Like a bird upon the wind
    These waters are my sky
    I'll never reach my destination
    If I never try
    So I will sail my vessel
    'Til the river runs dry

    Too many times we stand aside
    And let the waters slip away
    'Til what we put off 'til tomorrow
    It has now become today
    So don't you sit upon the shoreline
    And say you're satisfied
    Choose to chance the rapids
    And dare to dance that tide

    And I will sail my vessel
    'Til the river runs dry
    Like a bird upon the wind
    These waters are my sky
    I'll never reach my destination
    If I never try
    So I will sail my vessel
    'Til the river runs dry

    There's bound to be rough waters
    And I know I'll tke soome falls
    With the good Lord as my captain
    I can make it through them all

    And I will sail my vessel
    'Til the river runs dry
    Like a bird upon the wind
    These waters are my sky
    I'll never reach my destination
    If I never try
    So I will sail my vessel
    'Til the river runs dry
    Lord, I will sail my vessel
    'Til the river runs dry

    Much love, Tara...

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  14. Tara,
    I love this assignment, the teacher in you still prevails! My vote is "I Hope You Dance" by Leeann Wormack. Why? Two reasons beautiful lyrics but more importantly I Hope you Dance through this process. xoxo

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  15. When I read your blog today, one song immediately came to mind. The song is Vox Populi from the group 30 Seconds to Mars. Not only does the melody get me super pumped, the lyrics of the main chorus are:

    This is a call to arms, gather soldiers
    Time to go to war
    This is a battle song, brothers and sisters
    Time to go to war.

    I wasn't sure if this song would suit you until I read that you loved the "Battle Mode" t-shirt. I just see you in that t-shirt playing this song and I KNOW that there is no way in hell you are losing this battle. Especially with all your "brothers and sisters" out there supporting you :)

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  16. This song was recommended to me by a fellow stroke survivor..... The Fighter by Christina Aguilera

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  17. Nothing better then a little Enya - "relaxation" or "sail away"

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  18. All You Need Is Love, the Beatles. Classic. You are an extraordinary writer.

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  19. Promise we'll still be friends after reading this post?? So on my run this morning, the first thing that came to mind was John Tesh. Yes, I just said that. I used to train to John Tesh when I was diving in college (my coach would select the music ....). It makes you feel like you're getting ready for the Olympics, so why not? Other more reasonable suggestions: Bon Jovi's Livin' on a Prayer and Simon & Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water (although the latter may be tear-inducing). And if you're in post-surgery and need to watch something inspiring, nothing like the movie Hoosiers to lift your spirits! (I'm from Indiana and my grandpa was friends with the real coach ... So it always inspires!)

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  20. Oh! And one more - Tom Petty's I Won't Back Down.

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  21. Tara,

    I agree with the previous poster that suggested Christina's Fighter.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB7pQpNx-F4

    The first few lyrics are powerful:
    After all you put me through
    You'd think I'd despise you
    But in the end I wanna thank you
    'Cause you made me that much stronger

    It reminds me of your blog. None of us (especially you) want you to even have to be in this battle at all but the fact that you are fighting and feeling and sharing makes us all want to stand up and hug you, cry with you and cheer for you all at the same time. You are the definition of a fighter. An honest, candid, beautiful fighter. And we are all here for you.

    xoxox
    Jennifer D.

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  22. I remember being rolled into the OR for the 2nd time after my lumpectomy crying as I was saying goodbye to my kids and mother. If I had to do that again (God forbid) I would be rolled in listening to: Stand Up to Cancer
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZesdPB0Y3w


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  23. Dave Matthews, "Dream Girl". Of course I will say anything with him as the artist because he brings a wonderful and positive voice. When in doubt opt for DMB.

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  24. Get your music list going girl because you can listen to whatever you want going in to the OR , in the OR, whatever.....I will be there beside you and I have a little weight to through around!!Positive thoughts and healing energy always coming your way.

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  25. The first song that came to my mind was "I get knocked down" by Chumbawamba!! Most of the song has nothing do to with you but the chorus does!!!

    I get knocked down
    But I get up again
    You're never going to keep me down-

    So old school!

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  26. Uh, not to state the obvious here, but there's really only one clear choice here ... if not for your 'rolling in' song, then maybe for a theme song for your blog. Because you will "Beat It" Tara!!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQes21LN22c

    In all seriousness, you are amazing, and I know you will get through this!

    And since I can't just leave it at that, here are some other songs that may fit the bill:

    Queen's We are the Champions
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04854XqcfCY

    Pat Benatar's Hit Me with Your Best Shot
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRbXMWYMNno

    Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole Somewhere Over the Rainbow
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1bFr2SWP1I&feature=relmfu

    Andy Granmer's Keep Your Head up
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILtDs0MmRHE

    Des'ree's You Gotta Be
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhpZfltbnAQ

    Sending good vibes your way and looking forward to seeing you @ BHMS wearing your "Tara Kicked Cancer's Ass" superhero T-Shirt (cape optional)!

    Linda

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  27. Hi my friend! Martina McBride - video and song - I'm Gonna Love You Through It!!!! Amazing women to inspire you! Love your blog - you're amazing.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=6iyU4S7yHFo&NR=1

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  28. Hi Tara,

    I don't have the name of a song, but there is a book called "Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster" by Peggy Huddleston. I read the book years ago, and I know it helps keep you calm before surgery and or course "heal faster".

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  29. Thank you for continuing to inspire is all!

    Here are a few that come to mind. I hope you'll have a listen to them.

    Many the Miles by Sara Bareilles
    I'm Alive by Jackson Browne
    Waiting for my Real life to Begin by Colin Hay
    My Love Goes With You by Mishka

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  30. Hi Tara,

    Love your blog...I read it every day!

    My suggestion might be a little more dated but it always helped me...I'd sing it when I went skiing (great rhythm) and it always calmed me when I was upset. MORE LOVE by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B8tEqAbhGI

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  31. Hi Tara,

    I am sure you sang lullabies to those fantastic babies of yours. Now get them singing those same soothing songs with Brian captaining the team. Add this to the mix tape! Nothing better than drifting off to the voices that matter the most to you in all this world.





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  32. I can't thank you all enough for your suggestions. I have downloaded every single one and have been enjoying my treasured playlist ever since. The best part about it is the sheer variety -- it's absolutely wonderful! You'll never know how much this means to me. xoxox Tara

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  33. Tara,

    While all the various suggestions are fab, I am going to add one more to the growing playlist: Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds." You know how it goes:

    "Don't worry about a thing,
    'Cause every little thing gonna be all right.
    Singin': "Don't worry about a thing,
    'Cause every little thing gonna be all right!"

    While this has significant meaning to me b/c my Dad would sing it in his (poor) Jamaican accent impression, I think it is fitting. Perhaps you can think of your "three little birds" as Brian, Teddy and Annabel or of your friends, family and blog-o-sphere. In any event, it is an uplifting song with a great message. And as you have written, the power of the mind is a strong weapon in this battle and I believe every little thing IS going to be alright. Maybe if you keep singing the song over and over, your mind and body will be convinced too. XOXO

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  34. Dave Matthews Band, "So Damn Lucky"

    I find the lyrics to be so powerful and poignant for times of change, whether it be "good" or "bad" change. I'll leave you to interpret your meaning of it on your own (that's the joy of art!)

    Namaste, my friend.

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  35. Hi Tara,

    Reading this entry, before I got to the homework assignment, I was already thinking to myself I knew what song I would want to listen to. I was not raised and don't consider myself to be religious, but I do consider myself to be a big fan of early 90's movies with a great message...and some great Whoopie Goldberg comedy too! "Oh Happy Day" was on every one of my pump-up mixes I listened to before soccer games, it still makes it on to my running mixes today, and you can be sure every time Sister Act II is on TBS I throw all my day's plans out the window to make time to watch!

    Hopefully this link works: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLY7yI1xV-M

    Thinking of you every day and sending Happy thoughts to you!
    Caeli

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  36. I'll second the Eye of the Tiger. And Right Now by Van Halen, both remind me of basketball warm ups. And then a country song, If You're Going Through Hell by Rodney Akins. I love the words! xoxo

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  37. Those amazing songs from your wedding...Beautiful Day and Land of Hopes and Dreams. XXOO

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  38. Tara

    Your blog is amazing..inspirational to anyone who reads it. Thank you

    My go to song has always been You'll Be In My Heart by Phil Collins

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  39. I agree with whoever suggested Beat It. I also think Destiny's Child Survivor might be appropriate. Good luck and know we are all thinking of you (and singing along).

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  40. Tara,

    You are amazing, and you will do kick butt tomorrow!

    My recommendation for you is "Marching On" by One Republic. Some of the lyrics below are apt, but the message and the beat are what really get me. We keep going on, and we have the strength to do so because of each other. There is this continuous beat that sounds throughout, like a heartbeat, getting stronger as the song goes on. Even on mornings when I feel the least like getting up and facing the day, this song motivates me to get up and push through.

    Marching On, by One Republic
    For those doubts that swirl all around us,
    For those lives that tear at the seams,
    We know,
    We're not what we've seen,

    For this dance we'll move with each other.
    There ain't no other step than one foot,
    Right in front of the other.

    There's so many wars we fought,
    There's so many things we're not,
    But with what we have,
    I promise you that,
    We're marching on,
    (We're marching on)
    (We're marching on).

    Kathleen

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    ReplyDelete