Dani's Dirt

Gardening, Motherhood and the Everyday Dirt

Music to Soothe the Commuter’s Soul

So I moved back home.

I’ve been looking for a way to begin this. Forget poetic, I’m just going to get straight to the point. Yep, I moved back to Oklahoma, back in with mom and dad.

Me, Oliver and enough clothes that My Someone will probably die a little on the inside when he realizes just how extensive my wardrobe is… Everything else in my life went ahead and made the move to Kentucky.

Until I join My Someone and the rest of my belongings in three months, my parents graciously offered my old bedroom back to me. Save money, no grocery shopping, reduce stress and occasionally there is this laundry fairy that visits and switches over my jeans from the washer to the dryer.

It’s a pretty sweet deal.

It’s also a pretty big adjustment. I now commute 60 miles one way, 5-7 days a week. Basically, I leave for Kansas before the sun comes up and arrive back in Oklahoma as the sun goes down. Which is making me feel a little like a vampire, but my dad hands me a thermos full of coffee as I leave in the morning and my mom pours me a glass of wine when I return at night — I’m extremely thankful for both.

To add to it all, I’m a little stressed as of late. Little being the understatement. The stress of work being at its busiest, and planning a wedding, with little cell service and internet, has been consuming me.

During my commute each day, I’ve noticed my music choices have developed somewhat of a pattern of my current favorite songs. They allow me to separate from work, enjoy life, and the drive.

My taste in music is the same as my taste in anything — Eclectic. Here are some of my current go-to songs for my work commute:

Counting Stars • One Republic

The Galway Girl • Steve Earle

Overwhelmed • Tim McMorris

Fit for a King • Kyle Park

Sweater Weather • The Neighborhood

Jolene • Dolly Parton

Brave • Sara Bareilles

Trailer for Rent • Pistol Annies

So what are your “go-to” drive to or from work songs? How do you deal with stress at work? I’m curious and my iPod playlist is always looking for new additions.

Dani Squared

September 28, 2013

Okla-HOME-a

Commuting, dealing with stress, life changes, moving, music, soul soothing, work commute

11 responses to “Music to Soothe the Commuter’s Soul”

Dee W

September 28, 2013 at 10:11 am

So, just for the heck of it, have you tried books on cd? or load them on your electronic device, makes the time go a little faster. Lots of libraries loan them, I use them all the time, even though I don’t drive as much as I once did. Hope all goes well. No, I’m not a fan of local radio and I’m kind of eclectic but I lean more toward Barry Manilow, Elton John. Take care.

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1. High Heels & Shotgun Shells
  
  September 28, 2013 at 10:27 am
  
  That’s a good idea, I have a couple of those I haven’t listened to in a while, I’ll have to break them back out. I downloaded an app on my phone to read books out loud, but I travel in areas without phone reception so it was a fail. Thank you so much for the suggestions!
  
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jesswillingham

September 28, 2013 at 3:38 pm

During my Noble internship, I would listen to Biggie’s “Juicy” on the way to work every day. Ha.

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1. High Heels & Shotgun Shells
  
  October 22, 2013 at 2:39 pm
  
  Lol Hey, whatever gets you in the work zone I guess.
  
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cloversandcoffee

September 30, 2013 at 9:57 am

I am going to suggest the disc series When God Winks at You by Squire Rushnell, the set I have is read aloud by the writer and are pretty up lifting. If you are going to be back over this way, I can loan it to you 🙂

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1. High Heels & Shotgun Shells
  
  October 22, 2013 at 2:40 pm
  
  I’ll have to check it out! I actually won’t be in Daviess County until end of November and by then my work commuting will be over. (Thank goodness!) But thank you for the offer!
  
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J. Rhoades

September 30, 2013 at 11:44 am

I’ve been on the search for new music as well – so I’ve been listening to pandora stations and screenshot-ing random songs that catch my interest with the intent of going back and buying them. Yet to happen, but maybe someday! If you like the pistol annie’s I’d suggest Kacey Musgraves – I love her CD and she has that same girl power sound but not mainstream country.

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1. J. Rhoades
  
  September 30, 2013 at 11:46 am
  
  And also I second the books on cd thing. When I had an internship in Minnesota and drove home to Missouri every. single. weekend. I ended up listening to all of the harry potter books on cd, plus more. It sounds super corny at first but once you get into them you really look forward to it, lol.
  
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  1. High Heels & Shotgun Shells
    
    October 22, 2013 at 2:44 pm
    
    I do the same thing as far as screenshot-ing Pandora, or I listen to the radio and use Shazam on everything I like, so it’ll save the song and artist for me. It also links it to iTunes, which is helpful when I’m feelinglazy. 😉
    
    Great minds think alike, I actually already have the Kacey Musgraves CD. Ashley Monroe is another in that same genre who’s CD is pretty amazing.
    
    Books on tape seems to be the crowd pleaser in this comment feed. I have a couple of Nicholas Sparks books on tape, I’m afraid if I bought Harry Potter I may never leave my car — I’ve worn out the books.
Jessie Wyrill (Zimmerman)

October 16, 2013 at 9:21 am

I lived with my grandparents during the last semester of my college career and then lived with my parents directly after for four months. I was very spoiled! I am so thankful for that time I spent with them! Enjoy it now, because it is a whole different world taking care of a house all by yourself. 🙂 I didn’t do any laundry when I lived with my grandparents. In fact, the clean laundry appeared in my room already folded…She is awesome.

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1. High Heels & Shotgun Shells
  
  October 22, 2013 at 2:13 pm
  
  Well I’ve lived on my own for 3 1/2 almost 4 years, so moving back in and having someone to help (or do) laundry, dishes and let my dog out has been pretty darn awesome!
  
  I have to say, I’m a little jealous yours would appear in your room folded. My laundry fairy doesn’t do that. 😉
  
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