Who I Have Become and Why?

Turning another year older I have been thinking about different stages of my life, and what has brought me to where I am today.  According to Dr. Phil, you can trace who you've become in this life to three types of external factors: 10 defining moments, 7 critical choices, and 5 pivotal people.

Ten Defining Moments: In every person's life, there have been moments, both positive and negative, that have defined and redefined who you are. Those events entered your consciousness with such power that they changed the very core of who and what you thought you were. A part of you was changed by those events, and caused you to define yourself, to some degree by your experience of that event.

Seven Critical Choices: There are a surprisingly small number of choices that rise to the level of life-changing ones. Critical choices are those that have changed your life, positively or negatively, and are major factors in determining who and what you will become. They are the choices that have affected your life up to today, and have set you on a path.

Five Pivotal People: These are the people who have left indelible impressions on your concept of self, and therefore, the life you live. They may be family members, friends or co-workers, and their influences can be either positive or negative. They are people who can determine whether you live consistently with your authentic self, or instead live a counterfeit life controlled by a fictional self that has crowded out who you really are.

I have been toying with this for a month or so, thinking about what possibly might be the ten, seven and five for me.  I thought over the course of the next year, I will try to define these moments, choices and people see if I can gain some insight into myself.  If you're reading this, I would love to know yours too,

Sing Loud!

Last night Marissa and I were in the office, calculating cupcake ingredients that she will need for the wedding reception she is catering this weekend.  We hear Gavin's voice from the other room...

"There's a place downtown....na na na around.....
take it off....na na na ...yeah take it off."

We start to laugh.  We look and find him dancing and singing on the couch.  (Reminds me of finding Tiffany dancing to Britney Spears Oops I Did It Again)
"What is that song?" I ask Gavin.
"Marissa and I like that song.  We listen to it when we get Icees."
I raise my eyebrows at Marissa.
"Kesha--Take It Off" she laughs.  "That is so funny he remembers it.  We listened to all kinds of songs."


We collect our lists and print-outs and head to the car.  As we are pulling out of the drive way--the garage door closing--Gavin rips open the house door and starts dancing and singing as loud as he can.  "There's a place downtown....na na na...take it off, people come around....free for all....yeah!"
The garage curtain closes.

Marissa says through her laughing tears...now there's a bolg-able moment.

Most Played Songs on My Ipod

(I use this my I-pod for running and driving almost exclusively.  Don't judge me!)
1. I Run To You --Lady Antelbellum
2. Far Away--Nickleback
3. Good Times-- Tommy Lee (The first song on my Running play list)
4. If I Had You --Adam Lambert
5. Gimmie that Girl --Joe Nichols
6. Get Out of This Town --Carrie Underwood
7. Praying for Daylight -- Rascal Flatts
8.  Small Town USA-- Justin Moore (Doesn't really get more country than this song.  Shawn found it on free Itunes Tuesdays-- I really LOVE this song!)
9. Lifeline-- Papa Roach  (If I want nothing else but a beat to run to...this is the song!)
10. Feels Like Tonight --Daughtry
11. Dynamite --Tao Cruise
12. You're Gonna Miss This --Trace Atkins
13. Perfect (Clean Version)-- Pink
14.  Grenade-- Bruno Mars
15. Breathe-- Ryan Star
16. Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not --Thompson Square
17. Edge of Glory -- Lady Gaga
18. Someday -- Nickelback
19. Down -- Jay Sean

Songs not on my "Running play list" but some of my favorites.

Little Wonders -- Rob Thomas
Walk on Water --Brit Nicole
I Can Only Imagine --Mercy Me
I Believe --Diamond Rio
Sunshine on My Shoulders -- John Denver
100 Years -- Five for Fighting
God Bless the Broken Road -- Rascal Flatts
She's Everything --Brad Paisley
Me and You -- Kenny Chesney
Home -- Michael Buble
Be Mine --Hunter Hayes
You Raise Me Up -- Josh Groban
The Dance -- Garth Brooks