And the answers were gone...

All right, so here's the deal. Today, I'm going to write about something totally and completely random because the things that are on my mind right now probably shouldn't be public - too much going on. So instead, I'm going to do something I always used to adore doing: make a list! Sorry if this bores a lot of you, because I know most people reading this don't honestly care about my favorite songs or any of that bullshit. So skip this entry if you don't really care, but here are my ten favorite songs of all time (not the kind of "favorite songs" that change every week):

1. Chicago, Sufjan Stevens: I am absolutely blown away by this song every single time I hear it. The line "All things go" rings so true to me, it's been one of my major philosophies in life; in fact, my favorite quote is "This, too, shall pass" which acts as a constant reminder that all feelings, both good and bad, will eventually pass... everything, believe it or not, is temporary.

2. Let Go, Frou Frou: This song, or rather, this band, was introduced to me by someone I used to know, and it carries so many beautifully sad and nostalgic thoughts with it. Half of the lure of songs are the images they bring to my mind when I listen to them - and a lot of the time, those images are blissful memories that I won't forget. But I appreciate this song for the value of its words too, not simply the memories it comes with. "There's beauty in the breakdown" is such a positive attitude to take when going through an absolutely horrible time.

3. Satellite, Dave Matthews Band: I was caught between "Ants Marching" and "Satellite" for this spot, but I think I like "Satellite" a little better. I just so appreciate the earthiness and fun...ness (?) of DMB.

4. A Day in the Life, The Beatles: The Beatles have always held some sort of really soft, loving, happy spot in my heart. One of the most intense moments in my life (note: "one of" not "the most"... just saying) was when I got to see John Lennon's childhood home. I guess "A Day in the Life" would be, in my opinion, the ballsiest and most creative song of theirs, by which I'm immensely impressed. I just get chills every single time I hear it.

5. On the Radio, Regina Spektor: This could be broadened to essentially any song by Regina Spektor, but I figure that probably isn't fair, so I chose my favorite. This song has one of the most wonderfully calming and genuine phrases I could imagine any song ever having: "This is how it works, you're young until you're not, you love until you don't, you try until you can't. You laugh until you cry, you cry until you laugh, and everyone must breathe until their dying breath." I cannot even begin to tell you how many times these few lines have given me exactly the comfort that I        needed, more than any of my friends or family could.

Ok, well, I lied. This was supposed to be a list of ten, but due to the fact that I'm still sick and tired and begin the first round of finals tomorrow, I'm going to cut it short... but expect this list to be continued! As for my "piece of advice" for the day (which has been getting lamer and lamer by the day in case you haven't noticed), I'd suggest you write. Even if you don't write, write. About anything. Start a journal. Seriously, journals aren't just for ten year olds; I've kept one since about that age but I plan on keeping one for my entire life. It's incredible what writing can do to your mind. My english teacher always used to say that writing allows you to stumble across ideas you didn't even know you had in you. If you need help with what to write about, check out this website that my friend Katie (search4muchness.blogspot.com) sent to me for some help with my own blog: http://www.creativity-portal.com/prompts/imagination.prompt.html
Good luck on your finals if you're taking them, and remember: tomorrow is "Hug a Stressed College Kid" day!

Keep calm,
Sarah