Music

If you really know me, you know that I can't get through an entire conversation (or let you get through an entire conversation) without bursting out in song. Something you say--anything you say--reminds me of a song I know and usually in that moment I feel compelled to share. Mom and Dad sometimes get annoyed with my overly obnoxious "singing" voices in which I try to imitate the musician whose song I am singing.

I have always known that music has been a big part of my life, but I don't think I realized how big it was until these last couple of days. As most people, I was crushed to hear about the passing of Whitney Houston, a huge legend in the music industry but excited to see her career celebrated tonight at the Grammy's--the one time of year where all music from all genres come together and get to be one big family. (And maybe even hold hands singing Kum Bah Yah around the campfire).

Tonight, as I watched the Grammy's, I realized that music seriously is always happening around me. When I wake up in the morning before I make breakfast or get in the shower, I have to have music. When I go to the gym, I refuse to go without my iPod. When I get in the car, the first thing I do is find some music that fits my mood. When I go to church, I feel most connected by the music. I use music when I am happy. I use music when I want to be angry. I use music to cope when I'm feeling sad. When I need energy, I go to music. When I get bored, I drum on the table, on my stomach, on anything that's around just to make music. Music is good for all emotions and transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries. Whether we're young or old, we're all affected by music. Music is so awesome and I don't know what my life would be like without it.

To all of those who have introduced music to me in some form or fashion, I thank you. To my father who always sang (and still sings) weird songs and talks about his 45s and his 8 tracks, thanks. To my grandmother who has been a big influence to me in church music, thank you. To my siblings and friends who say "oh, you need to hear this song", thanks. To all of those who put up with my terrible, terrible singing, thank you. You all have touched me in some way.

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"I was born with music inside me. Music was one of my parts. Like my ribs, my kidneys, my liver, my heart. Like my blood. It was a force already within me when I arrived on the scene. It was a necessity for me-like food or water."
Ray Charles