Friday, July 25, 2008

I Bid You Adieu, Randy Pausch


I opened up Yahoo this fine day, and saw that Randy Pausch passed away today from cancer. He was 47.

I first noticed this man when someone I know sent me an email link to his "Last Lecture", which was posted on YouTube -- and gained national attention because he was featured on Oprah. I usually rarely watch video clips people send me, especially when I have no idea what they are about. For some reason, I decided to watch this one. I won't go into the lecture, because if you really want to find our more you can read his obituary articles or even go to YouTube and look him up for yourself.

The whole point of my post is that I remember watching this clip and being moved by it, mostly because he remined me that life is short, unfair, cruel and could end at any moment. I'm not trying to be morbid here, but it's a fact. I was also moved because he has three small children, and when I say small -- I want to guess they are all under the age of 5. Being a mother, reading about his death made me very sad that his children will grow up and will not know him. Of course, I won't know him either and for all I know he could have been a real asshole. But my gut says he was a decent person who appeared to really love his children, his wife, his family -- and now that family will have to continue their lives without him.

Randy Pausch's death reminded me of when my friend Sandy died (September 11, 2002). I remember the date because it was "September 11th" and also because I was pregnant at the time. At the time of her death, Sandy was 33 and had two small children. And when I say small, her daughter was not quite 2 years old and her son was around 9 months old. I was sad for Sandy's children the same way that I am sad for Randy's Pausch's children. No one should have to grow up without either parent. I can't even imagine what that must be like.

All of this just makes me think of Daughter and how deep my feelings go for that kid. I love her so much it hurts and makes me scared. Scared in a way where now I see all the dangers in the world, from "look both ways before you cross the street" to "don't talk to strangers, even when they tell you mommy said it's ok or that they want you to see their new kitten". Danger is everywhere and it's my job as a parent to safeguard her from those dangers that she is too innocent to see. Sure Sandy's children have their dad and all of their extended family, and Randy Pausch's kids have their mom and all of their extended family. But their built-in protectors are down by 1.

It's a damn shame. I will be spending some of my time today thinking about Sandy and Randy Pausch and reflecting on my job as a parent and how I can make every second count when it comes to my daughter.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

You Know Who I Love?







Nine Inch Nails, that's who. Specifically, Trent Reznor.

Listening to NIN always takes me back to happier times -- my college days -- and reminds me of my best friend from college, Laura.

I remember the times when Laura and I would put on our flannel shirts, matte lipstick and our black biker jackets (I still have mine somewhere) and go bar-hopping to places like The Shelter. Or go tooling around in her VW Rabbit. I was so into grunge music -- the whole Nirvana-Lalapalloza-Doc Martens-Flannel-wearing attitude. Yes, my friends, your pink-loving friend used to own a few flannel shirts. Believe it or not. I swear on my copy of "Nevermind". And you better get that reference or we are going to have to break up. Times were so fun back then. She is the one who introduced me to NIN and for that, I'm eternally grateful.
I also remember the time when Laura came to my house and we were outside with my little brother, and he saw Laura's NIN sticker on the back of her Rabbit..."What does N, I, backwards-N mean?" UH...DUHHHHHH. Nine Inch Nails, Dumbass! As if!

But back to Trent Reznor. Have you seen him lately? Who knew that behind that "I-was-Marilyn-Manson-before-Marilyn-Manson-existed" was a hot piece of angry man beef? I mean seriously, y'all. Look at him. Go ahead. I won't judge you if you stare. I promise.
So thank you, Trent Reznor, for all the angry music, and especially for getting that membership to Gold's Gym. The world is certainly a better place for the ears AND the eyes.

Sunday, July 06, 2008

Things You Should Never...

Say to me while I'm on my period (in no particular order):

1. You're wearing THAT?
2. You should change your shirt.
3. You should change your shoes.
4. Any statement that sounds like "You should change [fill in here] today."
5. Actually, any statement that starts with "You should..." I know what YOU should do. You should shut the fuck up and be happy I have let you live another day.
6. You have too much makeup on.
7. You need to put more makeup on.
8. You seem emotional today.
9. You're overreacting.
10. What's your problem?

JUST DON'T TALK TO ME UNTIL MY PERIOD IS OVER, OK? Especially if you have some dumb-ass thing to say to me that in your mind is "I'm only trying to help." Because I don't want to hear what you think today. Actually, I don't want to hear what you think ANY DAY, but ESPECIALLY when I'm on my period. Oh, and don't ask me if I am going to eat that (because I am) and if I have exercised today (because I haven't and I'm not going to). Leave me alone.

Saturday, July 05, 2008

Someone You Should Check Out (if you haven't already)


This is Demetri Martin. He's HILARIOUS. Or at least I think so. It's difficult to explain his stand-up style, but he draws pictures, uses flip charts, and also plays the guitar and piano. I am not explaining it very well, but he's DARN FUNNY. Here's his official website. I urge you to check him out. If you'd like to read some of his quotes, click here. It doesn't hurt he's adorable in that 20-something way. :)