Thank you for the music

Whenever something "major major" happens in my life, I would immediately think of an applicable song to go with it. I've always believed that from all the millions of songs out there, one song is the right fit for a given situation. A guy I once dated who was in a band  (yes, you who introduced me to Red Hot Chilli Peppers; not my daughter's father) told me I could consider being an artist and repertoire (A&R) manager as an alternative career. Just a bit of info, an A&R manager  is the one who usually matches up the recording artist with songwriters or gives an artist a list of songs that could score them a hit or something like that. Music has been a big part of my Ina-Tay journey, from the time I found out I was pregnant until very recently when my heart's desires are coming true one prayer at a time. I was organizing my Ipod the other night and listened to my default playlist of songs that I have played over and over the past three years and in some ways have helped me live through the highs and lows of my life's new chapter as a single mom.

Lately I've been visiting blogs written by single moms and boy, reading their stories and thoughts really hits home. No one can ever understand what a single mom or dad goes through but a fellow Ina-Tay. As what Pepper said in her blog that I follow - it's a tough job but someone's got to do it. I only have respect and admiration for these brave souls who despite the society's pontifications, struggle daily to singlehandedly perform the roles made for two people. If that is not strength then I don't know what it is. As a salute to all the Ina-Tays out there, I'm listing my top feel-good songs that has become the soundtrack of my new life. A life that I never expected but has given me the deepest joys and introduced me to the woman I never thought I could be (naks naman!). It is my hope that one of these could lift up your spirit during those days when you feel like you had enough. Single parents, no matter how strong and courageous, are still human after all.

In My Daughter's Eyes - Martina McBride

In my daughter's eyes I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I wanna be
In my daughter's eyes

2. Rise - Gabrielle (one of my favorite singers, so I'm putting two of her songs in my list)

Look at my life

Look at my heart

I have seen them fall apart

Now I'm ready to rise again

Look at my hopes

Look at my dreams

I'm building bridges from these scenes

Now I'm ready to rise again

Don't Need the Sun to Shine - Gabrielle



Don't need a rocket man

To help me touch the sky

I don't need to fly a plane

To get this high

Don't need to hitch a ride

When I could run a million miles

Yes I would, just to see you smile

Better in Time - Leona Lewis

Thought I couldn’t live without you
It’s gonna hurt when it heals too, oh yeah
It’ll all get better in time
Even though I really loved you
I’m gonna smile ’coz I deserve to
It’ll all get better in time

Gotta Be - Des'ree

Listen as your day unfolds

Challenge what the future holds

Try and keep your head up to the sky

Lovers, they may cause you tears

Go ahead release your fears

Stand up and be counted

Don't be ashamed to cry

Jesus Take the Wheel - Carrie Underwood

 Jesus, take the wheel

Take it from my hands

Cause I can't do this on my own

I'm letting go

So give me one more chance

To save me from this road I'm on...

32 Flavors - Ani DiFranco

I am thirty-two flavors and then some

and I'm beyond your peripheral vision

so you might want to turn your head

cause someday you're going to get hungry

and eat most of the words you just said