Rocking out - Growing up 90s and early 2000's.

7 Things - Miley Cyrus

Because let's face it. We all proudly rocked out to a little Miley before she went completely ape shit and decided to swing totally naked on a wrecking ball. 

1985 - Bowling for Soup

Now that I'm an adult, I totally get the one Prozac a day thing. Has anyone figured out where in the bloody hell they got their band name from? Did Debbie ever get to shake her ass on the hood of White Snake's car?

Walk Away (remember me) - Paula Deanda 

This one was a big hit on MySpace back in the day. Yeah, Myspace. A pretty catchy little beat to organize your top friends to... or miss your stupid ex boyfriend to. Whichever one feels most favorable to you. Ahh, memories. 

Listen to your heart - D.H.T

The more upbeat version was always a pretty good song to have on your mix CD for Friday night. The slow version kind of made you want to withdraw all socialization from the world and cry yourself to sleep on the dirty sheets your mom told you to wash a week ago. 

Red High Heels - Kellie Pickler

The song you listened to when you got ready to go out. The song that gave you the high you needed after a shitty break-up. But damn her voice was hella annoying. I think she has her own tacky reality show now. I can see American Idol really worked it's magic. 

The Bad Touch - The Bloodhound Gang

It really freaks my husband out that I know every word to a song this explicit. I was 13, and dedicated an entire weekend to rocking out to the 90s musical/comedy/sorta pop version of Fifty Shades. Hell. Yes. Mr. Coffee with that automatic drip. 

Aaron's Party - Aaron Carter 

We all wanted to fucking BE Aaron Carter in this song. Having an insane, unsupervised party with our friends who break our parents shit. That is, until the parents came home and caught the little bastard. Didn't wanna be Aaron Carter then. Nope. 

Beautiful Soul - Jesse McCartney 

What happened to his pure, sweet, beautiful hunk of man? He was the cutest! This was the best song. Does anyone remember Radio Disney? The only station on AM that didn't have total static interference. This use to always come on, and when it didn't, I would call in to request it. Yes, the days of requesting a song! Ok, I just googled and Jesse McCartney isn't as cute as he was when this song was a hit. He had his time, though. 🙈

Welcome to My Life - Simple Plan

What is this world without a good Simple Plan song? I swear, even though these guys always sounded like they were singing on an acid trip, they always had something I didn't mind listening to. Especially this song. Because as a moody little teenager who thought the world was coming to an end when they didn't get their way, who didn't feel this way at some point in time. 

That Ain't my Truck - Rhett Akins

This bitch in this song. Two timing this poor innocent guy, and then he's just standing around waiting on her to decide whether or not he's the one she loves and wants to be with. Are you KIDDING me?!?!?! You're actually gonna give her the option to decide! 

I'm Blue (da ba dee da ba die) - Eiffel 65 

...I think we're all still trying to figure this one out 17 years later. (Yeah, it was released in 1999. Feeling old yet?)

Don't trust me - 3OH!3

This was probably the coolest song of summer 2008. We all thought the, "tell your boyfriend, if he says he's got beef, that I'm a vegetarian and I ain't fuckin' scared of him" verse was the baddest shit on the radio. Even though, to this day, I have no freaking clue what doing the Helen Keller is. 

Mrs. Independent - Kelly Clarkson

What? The girl can sing! And this song was a hit! I always forget about it, but sooner or later it comes back to me. What better song is there to move into your first college dorm to? Maybe driving around in your first car. Getting your first job, or driving into your first ditch. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Salt Shaker - Ying Yang Twins 

Shawty! There is still NO SONG like the salt shaker song. The Ying Yang Twins meant serious business with this one. If you were a cheerleader, you know first hand that it was pretty well spun into every single cheer mix ever created. 

Candy Shop - 50 Cent

Probably one of the dirtiest songs of my youth, next to The Bad Touch and Barbie Girl. But still, I can't deny I know every word. MTV had the best videos, and this was always one their top hits in the morning. Plus, who didn't like to stare at 50 cent's bod. DAYUM! By the way, he got shot 9 times and survived, so where the hell is he now? 

Me Against the Music - Britney Spears & Madonna 

Who could forget when Madonna and Britney locked lips on stage during this little number. And in that weird video they did where they both acted like they were trapped in a fucking box. 

Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne 

Whether it was your breakup, or a friends breakup, this song said it all. Who really wanted their ex to move on? Who really wanted their ex to upgrade? And who really even tried to like the bitch their ex started dating. Avril was the shit. She knew what was up. Well, that is until she apparently died and was mysteriously replaced by a doppelgänger. 🤷🏻‍♀️

I Melt - Rascal Flatts 

The only reason I'm putting this one on here is because I remember very thoroughly, that you get to see a pretty nice looking man's ass in the music video. Google it. You won't be disappointed. Promise. 

Mambo No. 5 - Lou Bega

Guys...I don't even know where to start with this song. The true test of how many women you can name off in a single tune. Every time I turned on my boom box bag (YES BOOM BOX BAG!), this song was on. Now, I never hear it. Thank goodness I have trust old Alexa now to play all of these oldies but goodies for me. Who would have ever thought we would go from recording literal mixtapes to whatever song we want with a spoken word. 

Get Low - DJ Snake 

To the window.....to the WALL! Because who wasn't playing this as loud as humanly possible on their stereo? Who wasn't begging their school dance DJ to AT LEAST find the edited version. I actually heard this song the other day, and it definitely hasn't lost it's luster. Gave me my mom groove back.

Tim McGraw - Taylor Swift

I remember I used to get so confused when I would see this song pop up on the TV music channel. Until she started whaling off tune, you know, the way she does, I never knew who actually sang the song. And look, she's come so far. All the way to... oh wait, never mind, she's still bitching about men. 🙄

Baby Got Back - Sir Mix A lot

We can't be friends if you didn't know this song. This song was IT. Literally, because I'm pretty sure he was a one hit wonder. 😂 My anaconda don't want none, unless you got buns hun! 

And last but not least.... 

Back At One - Brian McKnight 

Oh LORDY, LORDY! If you didn't know this song, you weren't living. You just weren't a true part of the generation. The only song that listed reasons (not very legit reasons if you've ever actually listened to words) for falling in love with a person. I'm pretty sure it's been remade about 3 times since I was a kid. I'm not sure why, because of all the songs that could've been remade, I never dreamed this would have been one of them. 

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You get to be broken

When you are broken... you get to be. You are human. You will be broken. 

When you are broken...

You find yourself. You discover that you can BE more, that you ARE more. You find that even your greatest weakness can be used as strength, and you discover that who you are on your own, is so much better than who you were when you weren't. 

You learn to rise above. You will become intolerant of anyone who doesn't treat you with respect. And that is ok. That is perfectly acceptable. Don't ever let anyone tell you that it isn't. When you are hurt, shattered, and aching from the inside out, you gain a new perspective on life. A new outlook. Your eyes are opened to all of the things you weren't paying close enough attention to before. Like your individual beauty, the situations and atmospheres you thrive in, and your solidarity. 

You feel everything, and you will feel everything deeply. Normal sadness will seem like absolute devastation. Normal tears will flow in waves, and the simplicity of pure happiness will seem like it's the first time you've ever felt it. There is no shame in feeling what you feel to it's true extent. When you've bottled up your emotions for so long, there is a strange, but welcome, beauty in brokenness that gives you the power to feel again. 

Things will seem impossible in the beginning; Like a climb you can't find a good enough grip to make. Searching for the harness and safety net in the dark, because the blur that is change has completely clouded your view. The darkness that is losing something you love so dearly, can be overwhelming. But this is only the beginning. This is where your heart, mind and will to fight is put to the test. This is the part when you discover just how far you're willing to go to put the pieces back together, and take back what joy and happiness is rightfully yours.

You will find that you can be angry. Very angry. And It's really ok to be angry in the wake of the sorrow. Its normal. It's ok to ask questions in frustration, and to wonder why. When someone hurts you, you have the right to give your emotions the attention they deserve, as long as you don't unpack and live in them. Sometimes, your motivation to demand answers is the only way to get them. And, you always deserve answers. 

Being broken is a new beginning. It is starting over, and letting go of the suffering. It is taking time for yourself, and seeing the bigger picture. Your future matters, and being truly where you want to be in life is a big part of that future. Loving yourself and the decisions you make is a must. You cannot be satisfied with the goals you've set if you are constantly doubting your potential to succeed. Your vision is 100% your responsibility. You can make it happen, you can begin the healing process. 

You are not someone else's idea of you. You are not what someone else thinks of you. You are not what someone has heard, or what rumor someone has spread. You are not the names that someone calls you. When you tolerate abusive behaviors, and a negative lifestyle, you set the bar for how you want to be treated, and you absolutely DO NOT have to put up with being treated like garbage. Brokenness can make you weak, but you are still a person. 

Sometimes, the love and admiration we are constantly giving to others is the love we need to be giving ourselves. You can be broken, but you will not stay that way. You have no idea the immense power you hold in your own two hands. Heartbreaks heal. Time passes. Tears are dried. Grudges fade. Life goes on. Let it. Allow yourself to find peace. 

You will find what you are looking for. Even if the search takes a while. 

You will recover from the hurt, and endless nights of pain that seem as if they'll never subside. And as cliche as it may sound right now, you will be stronger because of it.

You will do the things you care about again. You will pick yourself up and find joy in all life has to offer. 

You will trust again. Maybe not right away, but it will come. Because honesty and sincerity are out there. You will find them. 

But most of all, most of all these things, brokenness doesn't last for an eternity. At the moment it may feel like such a long road, but you heart will be whole. You will love again. 

It's ok to love again. 

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Dearest teacher, thanks for taking a full plate

Thank you.

Thank for for doing one of the most difficult jobs in the world. One of the hardest. One of the most stressful, but one of the most rewarding.

Thank you for getting up every morning, even when you are totally exhausted from home demands, extra curricular activities and the hardships of life in general. Achieving that positive attitude and determined mindset every single day, because you know that eyes and ears of every age are eagerly seeing and hearing. Because you trust in what you do. Because you look forward to what you do. Because you are amazing.

Thank you for all of the undocumented time you so graciously put in to making learning an enjoyable experience for my children. The evenings and weekend days you spend in the classroom, prepping lesson plans, grading papers, wiping down desks and organizing test packets. So that everything will be spic and span, and ready for my children to walk in the door come that next morning.

You are a parent's biggest treasure. You serve an incredible purpose that not even words can fully describe. You comfort my children when I cannot be around. You wait patiently, and lovingly, for the day that light bulb finally comes on, and that student who has been struggling finally gets it. Those things don't just happen with anyone.

You are a hero, everyday. The world we live in now, almost feels as if nowhere is safe. Worry can easily fill a parent's mind at drop off. But, it is you, and your continuous will to go in that classroom, and protect my children, even when they are not your own. Learning safety procedures, and guidelines because the possibility of the inevitable is always out there. And without a doubt, or a question, you take it all on. Every bit of it. 

It takes a selfless and devoted human being to do what you do - To touch lives in a way that no one can. Your thrill for education is a lot of what keeps this world going. Thank you for supporting the kids who have a craving for knowledge, and spending extra time with the ones who can't help but struggle. For not giving up on the broken, and understanding the fragile. Thank you for a routine and ritual that opens hearts and minds to determination and success. 

Thank you for fighting for a field that is needed. One the world universe would not be the same without. For not giving up, or sinking to despair and finding another career, when an educational budget is so selfishly cut. Thank you for tying that knot, hanging on, and going for a swing. Thank you for staying, as if it ever crossed your mind to leave. 

Thank you for being overworked and underpaid, because even though the world knows you deserve so much more, you continue to love your job. You

Thank you, for not doing it for the money. For your contagious smile in the classroom, because you just never know when that might be the one thing a child needs to see. Your relentless efforts to make life better may be the only efforts a child will ever get. 

Thank you for all of the supplies you buy with your own hard earned money. The crayons, poster boards, decorations, folders, etc. The backpack for the child who can't afford one, and the jacket for the kid who is waiting daily at the bus stop in the brutal cold. Moments like those do not go unnoticed, and those children are never forgotten, and that, is because of you. 

But most of all, thank you for being who you are. Thank you choosing to give the gift of knowledge to others. Thank you for being a kind, loving human being who has a fire and passion for what they are doing. Please know that you are what this world will continue to need. It can never be said enough that you are appreciated. You are cherished and thought about on the regular. I know that you could never be truly thanked enough. But, thank you, for believing in the possibility, and progress of the future. For never letting their be a cap off on learning. For leading, and following when it's necessary. For never hesitating to take a full plate, when you don't think it's remotely possible to handle anything more. But most of all, for teaching - because when you do, you impact lives like mine, forever. 

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For any heart that life is breaking

You can put yourself first. You are allowed to want things. You can prioritize your needs. You can be a little selfish. You should be. You deserve to be. Make it a goal to advocate for the way that you feel. It's healthy, and 100% ok to take care of yourself and the things that make you feel alive. 

You don't have to be perfect. You can be flawed, and messy. You can make mistakes and have setbacks. It's normal to not have it all together, all of the time. Let yourself stop, exhale, and breathe the fresh air a little. If we were all perfect, life would be too predictable.

No one is asking or expecting you to take on the world. Sometimes, a little at a time, day by day, is worth far more than spinning so many plates at once. I know, during all the hustle, we can forget ourselves. We can forget that our well-being matters just as much as the tasks we're taking on. Do not forget, during all the chaos, to enjoy your life. 

Love who you want to love. Seriously. Love is an incredible thing. Be who you want to be. Be original, or be different. Be adventurous and explore new territory. Give yourself the happiness that you deserve, no matter how you have to get there. Sometimes, it takes one hell of a struggle to find your bliss. And happiness is far too rare these days to not own the strength you've gained, and the battle you've had to fight to get there. 

Forgive, but never forget. Shallow people will always try to hurt you. It's a fact of life that only the weak are fully satisfied hurting others. It's not ok to have to endure the pain, but it is ok to let it go. After all, letting go only benefits you. The strong. You can let go, and still remember. Not a soul in the world is going to blame you for the memories you choose to keep fresh, good or bad. Letting go heals you, but remembering is what protects you. "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." - Mahatma Gandhi

We are original. We are not mass produced. No person in the world is exactly like another, and that's incredible. It gives each one of us so much power to do the things we set our minds to. When life is pulling us in all directions, anxiety can takes over, causing a dreadful doubt to fill our soul. But in these moments, what we are feeling is still so beautifully individual. Even in the most difficult times, our struggle is singular. Which means we can handle it all in the way that we choose. In the way that is right for us. The uniqueness of individuality is not just for the good times. What makes each person different, makes them stunning. All of the things that we see... the downfalls, and imperfections, make us a perfectly molded shape of who we are. Who set the bar of what "normal" is? Normal, is different. And different, is good. No matter what that different may be.

Our mistakes, are just that. Mistakes. They are life lessons we learn from. These trials and hardships have only helped us become who we are today. We are where we're meant to be because of the bends in the road we didn't expect. Because of the heartaches. Because of any tragedy life threw at us. Sadness, and anger, can fuel the fire that mistakes create. Be bigger. Destroy any doubt in your mind that you should live in your slip-ups. No one deserves to feel eternally miserable because something didn't go as planned. We are all, every single one of us, muddling through to get it right. And we don't all succeed the first time. The right attitude, and the people will help you to understand that. 

We are all smart. Some are phenomenal with math, calculators and a sheet of paper, and some are simply street smart. Some can live through music, and have a beautiful harmony written in only moments. And some can collect the words of a novel to memory after a single skim of the pages. The beauty of the human brain is something else that makes us unique. What are we good at? You just never know. But we are all great at something.

Words can hurt people. No one is immune. Words can be used as weapons, and work as well as any gun. We've all been ridiculed, and lied to. We've been the victim of vicious rumors and gossip. And we've all, unfortunately, been the culprit at some point or another. But we are strong. Yes, strength comes from fighting for yourself. From standing up for yourself. From not giving in when the entirety of the world expects you to fall to your knees and surrender. Strength is building a shield with the bricks that others have thrown at you. It's coming back an even better person than you were before. And we can all do it. But we can't know the comeliness of even possibility if we don't try. 

Live life the the fullest. Seek adventure, and guidance when it is needed. Seek kindness and love. Seek truth. Never stop asking questions. We are all facing more than meets the eye, and that's not something to be ashamed of. Each battle that we fight, is a battle already won, because we were strong enough to try. This is life, and we only get one. But if we are living it right, one should be enough. 

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