It's So Hard (To Say Goodbye)

... to Mary.

And since the little one is off to places unknown (well, across the pond, also known as England) for 3 months, then off to do some missionary work, I've compiled a little mixed tape (CD) for her.

I'm Leaving On a Jet Plane by Chantal Kreviazuk

Because I thought the song Daniel was inappropriate... And because you already know this song. CK is one of the 2 groups that are repeat offenders in this mix. Her voice is a mixture of poignance and purity.

Kokomo by The Beach Boys

Being in England will make you wish you were somewhere with the tropical breeze... even if you meet your English bloke.

Photograph by Weezer

Torn between this song and Nickelback's Photograph, the catchy tune that says:

If you want it

You can have it

But you've got to learn

To reach out there and grab it

makes you realize that you have to want things badly enough to make things work.

Big Bad World by Plain White T's

It's a big bad life

All that we can do is try to make it right

Tomorrow something new,

So if a big rain cloud follows you around

Don't let it get you down.

Enough said.

Leavin' by Jesse McCartney

The pop lyrics and beats are enough to get the Debbie Downer blues away. Yes, that is significant enough. :D

I'll Be (acoustic version) by Edwin McCain

Everyone needs to have a fan of their lives. I'll be yours.

Pinch Me by Barenaked Ladies

No one could better describe what you may be feeling than this song:

It's like a dream you try to remember but it's gone, then you

Try to scream but it only comes out as a yawn, when you

Try to see the world beyond your front door.

Take your time 'cause the way I rhyme's gonna make you smile, when you

Realize that a guy my size might take a while, just to

Try to figure out what all this is for.

Split Screen Sadness by John Mayer

As the lyrics may have said: we'd be waiting on the porch 'til you come back home, and we'll check the weather wherever you are because we want to know if you can see the stars tonight.

Plus, it's a JM song. I cannot make a mixed tape without putting in a JM song.

Not The Same by Ben Folds

The lyrics to this song makes me laugh and think about religion all the time. I hope it gives you the same giggle fits I do when hearing this ditty.

Flying Home by Chantal Kreviazuk

This song was intended to be about someone's passing, but in your case, it's the change from being in the bosom of your family and friends, and now being released in the real world. Just don't lose yourself in all the mud and the muck.

Cannonball (radio mix) by Damien Rice

Stones taught me to fly

Love taught me to lie

Life taught me to die

So it's not hard to fall

When you float like a cannonball

BTW, he's Irish. If you get to Ireland, and see him, the best present you can get me is his autograph. :D

Bad Day by Daniel Powter

You know you're gonna have bad days. Hope this song gets you out of that rut.

Home by Daughtry

I didn't have the track from Wizard of Oz, but I thought this song spoke the same way. You know we're always here for you to come home to when all is said and done.

Thank You by Dido

For the opportunities, highs and lows, friendship, family, and the gift of time.

Barely Breathing by Duncan Sheik

Remember that when things get overwhelming, take a deep breath. Barely breathing won't get you anywhere faster, or make you work any better.

Here's to the Night by Eve 6

Put your name on the line along with place and time

Wanna stay, not to go, I wanna ditch the logical

Here's a toast to al those who hear me all too well

How To Win Friends and Influence People by Everclear

The irony to this song is that you're a people person, and everyone loves you for it. Just be aware that there are people out there that would like to bring you down. Don't ever give them the satisfaction. Get up, and dust yourself off when you slip. The rest of us will be there for you when you need a leg up.

She Says by Howie Day

We'll be listening when you need to rant, talk, cry.

Rainy Day by Plain White T's

Repeat offender, number 2. Why this song? Because England can be cold. And wet. And rainy. Need I say more?

Brand New Colony by The Postal Service

A song about friendship when you're down. (Yes, I realize I've put a lot of songs that would remind you of the Lancaster area, but this is your first time on your own!!! Just don't want you to think you're all alone.)

Also, a song that is supposed to remind you of your work and the product of your labors.

Deep Inside of You by Third Eye Blind

You're going to change a lot of people's lives. You are going to change, too, because of those opportunities. Don't get jaded.

I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie

Redundancy. You get the drift. Plus, DCFC is a good band to have around when you're just finding alone time for introspection.

Thnks fr th Mmrs by Fall Out Boy

No one can predict the future, so remember each moment. Savor it, relish it, learn from it. You may never have the same experience again.

There you have it, Mary. I am not deluding myself that you would like the CD with the exception of the first song, but I hope that if you come across the tracks, you'd realize that somewhere out there, Fievel, I mean, I am here (as well as the rest of your family and friends) championing you to the end. Have a safe and fun trip. It's gonna be one heck of a journey.