Here’s what I have been jamming out to this month:

Baby by Justin Beiber featuring Ludacris What would a playlist be without Justin Beiber? Singing about love at 15? Way to go, kid. Way to go.

Nothing On You by B.o.B. featuring Bruno Mars Good beat, catchy lyrics. Enough said.

All I Do Is Win by DJ Khaled featuring Ludacris Jenna mentioned this song last week and it immediately became a moment to remember. This song kinda makes me feel like a badass.

Carry Out by Timbaland featuring Justin Timberblake Beware: this song will get stuck in your head for days. But it is a good running jam.

Blah Blah Blah by Ke$ha featuring 3OH!3 Now this song could potentially drive you insane. It is already overplayed on the radio but that doesn’t stop it from being a good get-up-and-move song. By the way, does anybody else think that 3OH!3 is the stupidest name for a band? At least they don’t use dollar signs as the S

Eenie Meenie by Sean Kingston featuring Justin Beiber The Beibes is on the track. Need I say more.

How Low by Ludacris I am a firm believer that semi-obnoxious songs (ie. Kelly Clarkson and Miley Cyrus) make awesome running songs. How Low falls into this category.

I Made It by Kevin Rudolf featuring Lil’ Wayne and Jay Sean A good motivational song about accomplishing stuff.

I Can Transform You by Chris Brown featuring Lil’ Wayne We all hate Chris Brown (duh!) but Lil’ Wayne makes up for it.

Cool Down Songs of the Month

When I am finished with a workout or run, I immediately adjust my music to match. I prefer softer, not easy-listening-soft but less-of-a-beat-soft, songs to cool down. I recently noticed that the second I stop running, I need to significantly lower the volume. I guess I just can’t run on quiet music.

You and Me by Dave Matthews Band I think DMB is one of those bands that everybody listens to at some point. It is practically a rite of passage.

Solo by Iyaz Catchy little tune that reminds me of red Solo cups. Which in turn, remind me of beer pong, frat parties, and college. Good times.

Young Forever by Jay-Z featuring Mr. Hudson One of my favorite songs of all time is Forever Young by Alphaville. Jay-Z and Mr. Hudson’s take on this classic is awesome.

What songs have you been rocking out to? Do you listen to different songs during your cool down or warm up than the actual workout?

Gabby (sister) and I had the following conversation this morning on BBM.  She was sitting in class and I was at work.  Mulit-tasking and mutual procrastination at its best.

Whitney: Can you help me with something?
Gabby: With what?
Whitney: Music. I need songs that are good for running.
Gabby: How many?
Whitney: A few. [edited: we go on to discuss the groundhog, his shadow, and winter] They need to be fast songs. With a good beat. Do you know any?
Gabby: Yeah [edited: I asked about the melting snow, school, and tests]
Whitney: Do you have any other music suggestions? Not running.
Whitney: Like Mat Kearney, DMB, Greg Laswell
Gabby: Yeah
Whitney: I am bored with my non-exercising music too
Gabby: No girls?
Whitney: Yup. No girl singers.
Gabby: Ur too difficult
Whitney: I like boys with guitars, that is not difficult. [edited: we battle once again about male vs female musicians. I say that when I run, I don't care who is singing as long as it is a fast tempo but when I am working for 9 hours in the office I often listen to more male singers/bands than female.  Gabby hates this.]
Whitney: Just send me mellow boy music and boy and girl running music.
Gabby: Fine w/e [edited: I change the subject. WW3 is going to erupt if we talk about male vs female musicians anymore. We discuss how Laverne (the dog) is a perfect mix of our parents. Laid-back and worrisome.]

Dont’ get me wrong, I can dance it out to Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, Spice Girls, and Britney just like the rest of us but when it comes to calm, mellow music that I am going to play while working I tend to lean towards male singers.

A few hours after this convo, Gabby sent me her list.  I asked her to write about each song and explain why she likes it.  Here is Gabby’s list of songs she thinks will be good for the gym:

1. The Geeks Get The Girls by American Hi-Fi - Catchy, funny song.
2. Outta My Mind by The Donnas - I went through a phase when I was about 13 where all I would listen to was The Donnas. “Spend The Night” was like my CD. Even though “Outta My Mind” is from American Teenage Rock ‘n’ Roll Machine, it’s still fun to dance around to.
3. Seven Days A Week by The Sounds – Then I went through a phase when I was 14/15 where all I would listen to was The Sounds. I honestly forgot how catchy this song is. I think it may be the catchiest song on the playlist. Seriously, try NOT to dance when you hear it.
4. I Want You To Watch Me Move by Fefe Dobson - It may just be my current obsession with”Whip It!” but this song also makes me want to sing and dance.
5. Pumpkin Soup by Kate Nash - I  heart Kate Nash. “Made of Bricks” is the shizzal and it reminds me of London because I couldn’t stop listening to it when I was there two years ago with my school. Loves it.
6. (You Drive Me) Crazy by Britney Spears - Ok, confession time: I freakin’ LOVE the movie “Drive Me Crazy” even though everybody hates it.  And this is the only Britney Spears song I like. If you’re gonna go with Britney, go with the classics.
7. Breed by Nirvana - When those drums come in?? Too good.

I also realized today that gym music is different from running music.  My running tunes are much more motivating and intense.  I need songs that keep my energy up and my mind off of the pain when I run.  For runs, want justkeeprunninganddontstop! music instead of typical sing-along-pop music for elliptical or weight-lifting workouts.  My car music is a strange combination of work, gym and running music.  On my very short drive to and from work today, I listened to Lil’ Wayne, Ed Harcourt, Michael Buble, Rihanna, and The Who.  Random, right? What do you like to listen to at work?  At the gym?  In the car?  On a run?  Jammin’ around town with your boombox on your shoulder?

Here are the suggestions from all of you:

Madeline — Justin Bieber

Allie — Cowboy Casanova by Carrie Underwood

Zesty- Never Gonna Be Alone by Nickelback and Daughtry

Casey — I Gotta a Feeling by Black Eyed Peas

Jessica — Sandstorm by Da Rule

Beth — Hard by Rihanna

Taylor – Don’t Me Now by Queen

Great song suggestions! Grazie.

Now the eats.

As you all know, I heart guacamole.

After a holiday vacation, Guacamole Wednesday is back in action.

Is there snow coming your way? We are supposed to get one heck of a snow storm tonight and tomorrow. Yippie!

Stay tuned for tomorrow. I think zucchini hummus just called ….