Today was one of those days that was seeming set out to remind me that Chicago is a brilliant city.
I woke up to sunshine this morning, and was feeling inspired to venture out on my day off from work. When I got outside, the air was warmer than I expected it to be. It seemed like the perfect day to drive around the city, music blasting, windows cracked, sans winter jacket. So I did just that. I started driving somewhat aimlessly towards the city, blasting independent radio. I’m a big fan of independent radio. Where else can you hear an acoustic cover of “We Belong to The Night” sung by the Bangles, sandwiched between Phoenix and the Talking Heads? I mean… brilliant.
So I’m driving through the city and loving the music, the sunshine, and just taking in the energy of the day, and I see… a man standing on a street corner holding a sign. It never fails that the middle aged gents on the corner, holding signs are… gems. The sign read as follows… “Jobs. Jobs. Jobs. JOBS! HUNGER STRIKE FOR JOBS SINCE 02.18.10.” Wow. Is that not today’s date? How are those first 3 hours of your hunger strike going?
After a lovely drive through the city and along Lake Shore Drive, I found myself at my very favorite Target, picking up a few essentials. I was directed to a line, with a very skinny young woman standing in front of me. She was talking on her cell phone, and telling her friend about how she had plans to have “an AMAZING night!” It was then, and only then that I glanced at her purchase. She was purchasing TWO bulk packs of extra sensitive condoms and ONE box of Special K bars. No wonder she is so skinny. I hope she has a great evening.
And with that, I am home, relaxing a little, and taking in the Women’s Halfpipe on NBC. A sincere thank you to all of Chicago’s characters for making me laugh and smile today. I owe you one.
So… my Birthday is a few days away, and every year, my Mom wakes me up (no matter where I am) with The Beatles’ Birthday Song. It seemed fitting that I make this the song of the week.
I love Glee, and I love this song. This past Tuesday would have been my Dad’s Birthday, and everything is still so fresh, yet ever so surreal. I’m in a very strange place mentally/emotionally. Just waking up everyday, and trying to “keep on keeping on” if you will.
Anyway… I’ve always loved this song, and I really like the Glee version. Enjoy.
When I was a little girl, the highlight of every week (hands down) was Sunday mornings. I would help my Dad pile the trash and recycling into his truck, and I would climb into the truck, pick out a cassette, and we would listen to some of his favorite country tunes when we cruised to the town dump. Very simple, but I loved it. That was MY quality time alone with my Dad, just the two of us, and we did that every Sunday. One of my Dad’s favorite singers was Randy Travis, and my Dad always loved it when I sang along. As a little girl, this was one of my favorite songs to sing along to with my Dad on our way to and from the town dump.
After fighting hard, and seemingly winning his battle, my Dad passed away last night. I got the call last night that my Father passed away. It seems as though, after fighting for so long, his heart just couldn’t take it anymore. I am now in New Hampshire to start the process of saying goodbye to my Dad, and figuring out where life goes from here without him.
My Dad had an amazing way of annoying me like no one else could, but also loving me like no one else could. He was an honest man who would do anything for those he loved. He also had no problem telling you exactly what was on his mind.
My Dad taught me so many important things like how to change my own tire, check the oil in my car, and how to put up one hell of a fight. He still loved me when I chose to go to college for something that wasn’t likely to pay my bills. He still loved me despite the fact that I have never been anywhere close to perfect. And he still loved me when we disagreed on political issues. He always made me call him when I got home so he knew I was safe.
Where do we go from here? How do you begin to say goodbye to someone you can’t imagine living without? How do I get past my ager towards the woman who crossed that damn yellow line and hit him head-on? Did he know exactly how much I love him?
I am left with far more questions than answers…
Rest in peace, Daddy. I love you so very much. As you would say (and David has become fond of quoting), “Drive safe, and call us when you get home.”
Roger E. Marcouillier. December 1, 1955- November 17, 2009
I’m sorry that I was unable to post a song last week. There has been so much going on between my Dad’s accident, work, and moving into my first apartment. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed and under energized. I’ve just been feeling like I have very little to give over the past week or so. I’m still dragging a bit, but things are picking up a bit. My Dad is doing better, healing faster than doctors expected, and seemingly on the mend.
ANYWAY… I thought I’d post a song that feeds my soul a bit. Ray LaMontagne’s music just speaks to me. I know that sounds cheesy, but ’tis true. Enjoy.
I just need to throw this out to the universe to cover my bases. I’m at the airport right now, waiting to board a plane to New Hampshire. I’m pretty exhausted, and I’ve switched over into numb mode. Probably just too tired to be in any other state.
My Dad was in a head-on collision yesterday in New Hampshire. He is in very rough shape. Two collapsed lungs, broken femur, seven broken ribs, and so on. I need to be there.
If you pray, or send positive vibes… whatever you believe in, I would really appreciate it if you could send all of that good stuff my Dad’s way. He’s going to have a long road ahead of him. It will be extremely appreciated.
