Not just the title of a country song.
I have found that this is just as true as it can be after a crazy couple of weeks of celebrity deaths...and a long holiday weekend.
We started out with Ed McMahon. Then, it was Farrah Fawcet, followed by Michael Jackson and then Billy Mays. It seems as though it has just been one after another.
Of course, anytime someone dies, it is a sad occasion. I hate to see anyone lose a loved one. But, sometimes, it seems as though things just get a little out of hand in the aftermath - especially in the case of a celebrity death.
Take, for example, Michael Jackson. Following his death a couple of weeks ago, I dusted off my Jacko albums and downloaded a few additional songs to complete my collection. I have been rocking out to Thriller, Beat It, Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal, Dirty Diana - and many more - at work, at home and on the treadmill.
I have found that I find Michael Jackson's death increadibly sad for many reasons - not just because he was an incredible performer.
Jackson was a musical genius. As my husband said the day he died, "I feel like this is similar to the day Elvis died - only, this time for our generation." I think he is absolutely right. But, what I find more upsetting is the memory Michael Jackson will leave behind. Unfortunately, it will be more than Thriller, moonwalking and incredible stage performances. He also leaves behind a troubled personal life and a few questionable actions. His persona and life was so clouded with his strange behavior that I'm afraid we'll never know - or be able to appreciate - his true gifts and legacy.
As for me, I plan to keep on listening to these golden '80s tracks and will try to limit my thoughts of Michael Jackson to a young, talented guy in a red leather jacket - doing the most unbelievable dance moves I have ever seen. In fact, I might take up trying to learn some of those dance moves in my free time...oh, who am I kidding - I dance like a fat, white kid.
Anyway, in other news: David and I just wrapped up the big Torbert-fest family weekend in Council Bluffs. Denise did end up renting a big house for the entire family (minus David's older brother and his wife and kids) to stay in.
Let me tell you - I love kids, but I'm sticking with my decision to leave children out of the equation for a few years! Whew, keeping up with three kids under the age of four is exhausting and I don't know how his sisters do it.
But, besides the craziness of three little ones running around the house, it was nice to see everyone and catch up. Friday, we spent our day at the house chatting and playing a few games. Saturday we went out to the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha (pictures to follow - if you're anxious, hop on Facebook). Let me tell you - if you're ever in Omaha, take the time to go to the zoo. We got to the zoo a little after ten and left just before three in the afternoon, and I bet we only saw half of the zoo. It's an enormous zoo, but has incredible attractions and was a lot of fun for everyone. David and I are already talking about going back ourselves just to see the rest of the zoo.
We spent the rest of Saturday afternoon at the house - playing games and watching TV. Sunday afternoon, everyone took off for home. And, I have to say, it was really nice to have to look forward to a short one hour drive - rather than eight hours.
David spent our afternoon Sunday watching TV and catching up on some much needed sleep.
Of course, today it was back to work. This weekend I have a doctor's appointment and then I'm looking forward to a relaxing Sunday with nothing to do.
Tuesday, David's mom and his sister Amie - and her two little girls - will be headed back through Lincoln on their way back to Denver. So, it looks like we'll be entertaining them for a day or so. I've got to do some heavy-duty cleaning before they come because David's neice, Eileen, is incredibly allergic to everything.
The rest of July is pretty packed as well, but I'm not going to go into that now.
All I know is I'm ready to take a summer break from summer.
intention.
5 years ago
