Because I am not a celebrity (except sometimes in my own mind) and iTunes has refused to feature me on its Celebrity Playlists, I will offer my own version here, in my own writing space, where I call the shots.  Listening to this playlist at the gym this morning while sprinting my Christmas-cookie-stuffed heart out made me all happy and motivated and New Year’s fresh-feeling.  Lots of Glee and sunshine on this list.

“I Need a Silent Night” Amy Grant (because I do)

“Somebody to Love” (Glee Cast Version) (because it’s Gleeful)

“Sic ‘Em On a Chicken” Zac Brown Band (there’s a fast fiddle part in the middle that makes you want to sprint off the treadmill with energy)

“Proud Mary” (um, Glee Cast Version again)

“Jingle Bells” Amy Grant (not the version you’re thinking of; emphasis on the syncopation here)

“Lean On Me” (Er, Glee Cast Version)

“Waking Up in Vegas” Katy Perry (I just like the melody, okay?)

“Don’t Stop Believin’” (Proud to admit it, Glee Cast Version)

“Raining Sunshine” Miranda Cosgrove (sunshine!)

“Lemonade” Phil Vassar (Still trying to figure out all the lyrics, but I think they go: “Sometimes you’re the king, sometimes you rule; sometimes you’re the joker man playin’ the fool.  Sometimes you fit in, sometimes you’re just out of place.  Sometimes you fall, fall all the way down, sometimes you shoot over” — ? — “before you hit the ground, but you gotta play the game, so why play it safe?  Life’s about changes, lemons into lemonade.”) 

 “American Honey” Lady Antebellum (talks about summer a lot…mmmmm…and honey a lot…mmmmm)

“How You Live (Turn Up the Music)” Point Of Grace (got this one free on a CMA Music Fest promo card; nice message)

“Dancing In Circles” Love and Theft (my favorite new song and the perfect cooldown with eyes closed)