Whistle While You Work Wednesday

Dear Monster,

   Thanks, in large part, to your father you have a semi-constant flow of modern rock, classic rock, heavy metal, modern classical, and occasional pop music playing in your room. We don't know how, if at all, it will help you but we're hoping you'll enjoy Metallica concerts as much as we do someday because, yes, they will still be rocking.
~~~

Hello readers! You may have noticed the absence of the usual "Temping Tuesday" but yesterday was a rough day for the Monster so we spent most of the day having cuddle time. Next week, look forward to hearing all about my favorite author for the genre of Highlander Romance! Woo!

I have spent most of my morning putting together the playlist that you probably hear in the background right now. Thanks to the lovely Miss Alyssa over at In The Land of Lou, I fell in LOVE with the idea of having music play while browsing around a blog. So, I completely and shamelessly stole her idea for a playlist (Sorry Alyssa! You're just brilliant! You should expect some copy cats. hehehe). When you visit Alyssa's site you will be welcomed by any number of lovely, lilting tunes that put you in a cozy mood to read her wonderful blog. As for mine...well...There are all kinds of stuff on there. All. Kinds. You may have to sort through it to find something you like but I can guarantee there is something on there for everyone.

So, as I was browsing through music that I wanted on my playlist I started wondering how I would define my music preference. Honestly, I can sit and happily listen to every single song on my playlist. It ranges from country (love me some Reba), to classical (oh Yo-Yo Ma...you make my heart soar), to heavy metal (sometimes I just need a little Five Finger Death Punch to bash around to), and pop (Yep. You should expect some GaGa...it's me after all). I don't really think I have a "favorite genre" of music. I'll listen to anything that gets my heart pumping or gives me goosebumps. Honestly, anything. I've heard Christian music that moved me to tears and I've sat through some Lamb of God (most definitely NOT what it sounds like it would be!) where I was able to appreciate the most beautiful poetry. I just love music for every tiny bit of it.

My musical habits and appreciations come mainly from my high school experiences and activities. I played the cello in high school and fell hard and fast for the rich tones and harmonics that can come from that instrument. I was also part of the color guard for the marching band during which time learned to appreciate the climaxes and tumbles of some of the most amazing compositions. All the while I was listening to Mariah Carey and Metallica on the radio on the way to school.

Some of my most emotionally jarring moments in my life, good or bad, are associated with certain songs, groups, or artists. I remember my Aunt Marci (that passed away on 2001) whenever I hear anything by Sarah McLaughlin, Linkin Park reminds me of my cousins, the songs "My Friend of Misery", "Nothing Else Matters", and "The Way You Look Tonight" make me think of my husband. Give me rap and my best friend Angela is gonna fly into my mind (long story), then give me pretty much any pop music from the 90's and there's my best friend Haley. Garth Brooks? Shinedown? Hi Mom! Anything by Eminem? You better believe Buster is there. The album All I Ever Wanted by Kelly Clarkson is gonna make me cringe and want to cry no matter how many times I hear it. And if you play me either "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion or "I See You" by Leona Lewis I will cry all of over you...damn you James Cameron!

So, I want to know: What are your favorite genres of music? What parts of your past have made you love or hate certain types of music? What's the one song you could listen to over and over? Is there a specific song that brings up sweet or sad memories? What's your favorite tune to Whistle While You Work?