An Ode or Playlist To My 20s

What we value about music and literature are the moments that they create in our minds when we encounter them.

Stephan Jenkins (Musician)

As 30 is now almost pounding at the door, I figured it was time to bid the last decade adieu.

My 20s took me on quite the journey that led me to achievement, to love, to #motherhood and much more. This journey had a few stops along the way that created memories I will never forget and relationships/friendships that will last forever. At times it felt like a journey of survival, but now reaching the destination that is adulthood, those moments were just preparation for what’s ahead and for that I am very thankful.

The best way to relive this journey with you would be to share the playlist! Here are the 20 hits that took me along the journey through my 20s and will forever bring me back to the memories made in Bellingham, on the sidelines (as a cheerleader, girlfriend, and coach), at concerts, finding love, and while just HAVING FUN!

1. Party Like A Rock Star – Shop Boyz
   • Kicking-off the playlist the same way we kicked off the decade with the theme of my 20th birthday party – Party Like a Rock Star. This is the one where my mom learned that we weren’t really going for cutting a cake at birthday parties anymore, so instead provided us with a case of Rock Star energy drinks! And you ask where I get my love for a good theme from… 😉
2. I Love College – Asher Roth
   • Who didn’t?? This song could not have come out at a more perfect moment than while I was living it up in Bellingham. Yes, there were days where I would give anything to be on my parents’ couch, but oh what I would give to have my Tues/Thurs schedule back, mixed in with the endless adventures and “get-togethers” that made up each long weekend!
3. OMG – USHER, will.i.am
   • Not only did I get to finally see Usher in concert for my 21st birthday, but this Raymond v Raymond album was one that was on replay in the Honda Passport during my many trips to and from Lynnwood to visit a certain baseball player.
4. Whatever You Like – T.I.
5. Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO, Lauren Bennett, GoonRoch
6. Live Your Life – T.I. Rihanna
   • Tracks 4-6 were playlist staples in our Adrik Place garage “practicing” flip cup for an upcoming tournament – I mean during study time of course!!
7. I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston
8. Get Me Bodied – Beyonce
9. Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue – Toby Keith
   • Really I need to change the title of Track 7 to be “I Wanna Dance With Some – BUDDY”. My 20s could not be talked about without speaking to my buddy Hayley! She was and still is only a phone call away when I need someone to talk to or really when I need someone to dance with! We would crank the volume for these songs and would dance any troubles or worries away. Between these songs and her friendship – we could take on the world or at least the 10+ page essay that was due the next day.
10. Centerfield – John Fogerty
    • Whether it was Edmonds Community College, Western Oregon University, or Central Washington University – this girl watched A LOT of baseball. I was the one enjoying the classic Pacific Northwest baseball game huddled under an umbrella during the pouring rain or bundled up from head to toe to hide from the Ellensburg wind, just because I had a thing for the tall drink of water on first base. 🙂
11. No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems – Kenny Chesney
12. I Go Back – Kenny Chesney
    • My 20s introduced me to the “No Shoes Nation” – also known as Kenny Chesney’s summer concert series. I have been able to go to at least 4 over the last decade and no matter how many times I have listened to the same set list – it is always a summer must! In fact, who’s joining us this summer?!
13. Single Ladies – Beyonce
14. Drunk In Love – Beyonce, Jay-Z, Kanye West
    • I said “I do” in my 20s! The big day followed a few major events, like the proposal, of course. But even before the proposal there was the Bey + Jay concert (the first time, I was lucky enough to see the Queen live 3x this last decade)! Justin joined us for the concert and as soon as “Single Ladies” played, I was waiving my hand in his face like a crazy single lady would. Although, little did I know he was going to put a ring on it, just a few days later in Lake Chelan!
    • Track 14 was my bridal party’s go-to song. I will never forget the moment at my Bachelorette Party when the DJ took our request for the last song and guess what we ask for? You’re right! Also, the first song we partied to at the wedding? Right again!
15. Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
    • Our wedding song 🙂
16. Cheerleader – OMI
    • I had the honor of coaching an amazing group of cheerleaders for 7 years! I truly believe that God has a wonderful sense of humor when He provides me with the opportunity to learn from and fellowship with young ladies – leading to the moment when I found out The Peterson Party was having a little lady of our own. As a group we shared annual trips to camp, endless bus rides, competition seasons, many laughs and much success! We cheered our teams to state titles and even earned our own hardware while competing at Nationals in Florida. So thankful for the time I was blessed with to be a part of each young ladies’ high school experience.
17. Can’t Hold Us – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
    • A Superbowl Championship, MLS Cup Championship, UW Apple Cup victories, Junior & Edgar in the HOF and more! What a decade to be a Seattle sports fan! Justin and I had the privilege to attend the Superbowl parade and were recently at the MLS Cup Championship to see the Sounders win their 2nd MLS Cup! Macklemore is the epitome of Seattle and anytime I hear this song it makes me want to celebrate Seattle sports rise to the top as well!
    • Bonus question: Our ongoing debate – who would be on your Mount Rushmore for Seattle Sports?
18. All American Girl – Carrie Underwood
    • Gracee Rae made Justin and I parents in our 20s. The transition to motherhood has challenged me, all while bringing us unfathomable joy. When I look at our sweet girl’s face, there is a new sense of pride that I have never experienced. Gracee continues to surprise us every day and continues to push us to be our best for each other!
19. Can’t Stop the Feeling – Justin Timberlake
    • The Peterson Party theme song – if you were to drive by our house and see us dancing in our kitchen (which is a totally normal scenario for us) 9 out of 10 times we are dancing to Track 19. Gracee is a girl after her mama’s heart loving and grooving to JT.
20. Counting Every Blessing – Rend Collective
    • Blessed. Truly, truly BLESSED. Looking back really makes me realize how thankful I am for the family, the friends and the opportunities I have had this last decade. Blessed beyond measure, just scratches the surface and am I just so thankful for all those that I have been able to share these moments with along the way. Here’s to 30 and beyond!