Ten Songs That Defined My Twenties [VIDEO]

In 3 days, I will hit the big 3-0. That's right; Jenna ain't the only one turning Dirty Thirty around here. I'm not freaked out about it at all (well, maybe a little); I'm welcoming this new decade of life with open arms (and boxed wine). Music has always been a huge part of my life, so I thought I'd share the songs that defined the previous decade of my life. It's been a crazy ride; ready to join me?

10. Hey Ya/ OutKast

My early 20's were all about being in a sorority and parties and all that. Man, you COULD NOT go to a party the Fall of '03 without hearing this song. You know what the really crazy thing is? I am in no way tired of "Hey Ya!" At all. I don't think I ever will be. I'll always be a bit nostalgic for my party days when I hear this one, and even when I'm like 87 and in the old folks home, I'm still gonna SHAKE IT LIKE A POLAROID PICTURE.

9. Hollaback Girl/ Gwen Stefani

This album BLEW UP the summer I turned 21. I wore that compact disc OUT. Hearing this song makes me think of my first apartment and getting ready to go out with my girls. And yes, I sang the chorus into my hairbrush. It was bananas: B-A-N-A-N-A-S.

8. Float On/ Modest Mouse

I don't talk about it a lot, but I suffered from some serious depression in my early twenties. It was an unbelievably difficult time for me; I also had some rocky relationships at the same time and felt like I'd never find happiness. I thought my life's happiness would be found in a romantic relationship, and that's how I measured my self-worth. So dumb. This song makes me think of being dumped by a dude two days before my 21st birthday. I thought my world had ended, but the summer that followed was so rad. I learned a lot about myself and how to take things in stride--and finally broke free of the horrible depression that had been suffocating me for two years. This song makes me think of that freedom, of that happiness, and every time I hear it, I remember that no matter how bad things may get there's always something good around the corner.

7. Don't Think Twice It's Alright/ Bob Dylan

I'd never listened to a lot of Bob Dylan until I dated a dude who was awesome and also totally in to Bob Dylan. He used to send me different Dylan songs to listen to, and it was then that I truly began to appreciate the genius of Bob Dylan as a songwriter and lyricist. Things didn't work out for me and the aforementioned dude, but we're still friends. And I still listen to a lot of Bob Dylan.

6. Ain't No Rest for the Wicked/ Cage the Elephant

Cage the Elephant are from Bowling Green (where I went to college). They went by a different name about a decade ago, and were on the verge of "making it." I was friends with these dudes (they're all really awesome people BTW) and went to countless shows in bars across Kentucky. I'm so happy they're enjoying the success they deserve, and hearing a CTE song reminds me of the days we used to throw down. Man, that was fun.

5. Forget the Flowers/ Wilco

I love Wilco, and I love this song. It makes me think of my best friend in this or any other universe, Melissa. She and I started hanging out around the time I turned 21. I hear this song and am transported to a bright Bowling Green summer, cruising around town in her car with the windows down and the wind blowing my hair in a million different directions. I miss those days, and I miss my friend. She still lives in Kentucky, so we don't see one another as often as I'd like--but she's been there for every major moment in my life (good and bad), and I can't imagine life without her.

4. One Big Holiday/ My Morning Jacket

I was like THE BIGGEST My Morning Jacket fan in the first half of my 20's. We used to follow the band around, watching concert after concert. It was incredible. I loved the music so much it hurt. Going to those concerts was almost like a spiritual experience for me. I ended up dating a dude I met through my love of MMJ, and I moved to Tuscaloosa to be closer to him. That relationship didn't work out, but it did lead me to be where I am today--with a job I love and a husband and daughter who are my everything.

3. This Tornado Loves You/ Neko Case

I had never lived through anything like April 27, 2011. I grew up in Alabama and was accustomed to severe weather but had never seen devastation like Tuscaloosa endured that day. It was unreal. It was tragic, but I was so moved by the kindness of the people of Tuscaloosa and West Alabama, how everyone came together to help neighbors and strangers alike. I'll never be able to forget the tragedy of that day, but I will always remember the infallible and unwavering strength and kindness of my neighbors, co-workers, and friends.

2. First Day of My Life/ Bright Eyes

This song is for the loves of my life: my husband and my daughter. My husband is my best friend and my better half. I look forward to growing old and senile with him. I also think of my daughter, my sweet Dolores... I used to listen to this song when I was pregnant with her and rub my belly and think about how I couldn't wait to meet her. I never thought I would be able to have a child of my own, and the day that little girl was born was the best day of my life.

1. Dakota/ Stereophonics

When I first heard this song while working as a DJ for Western Kentucky University's college radio station, it made me think of my first boyfriend and all that maudlin mess. Now that I'm older, hearing this song makes me think of ME-- the person I was in my early 20's. I hear it now and think about how far I've come in life, and you know what? I'm proud of myself. I've come a long way. I think that's awesome. I never thought I'd like 30-year-old me more than wild 20-year-old me, but I do. Life is good, and I'm happy.