A Few Things...

I had a friend pass away 3 years ago this last week.  Drew was one of the first people I met when I moved to Logan.  He was manning the counter at EJ's Records, all burly in his Misfits t-shirt.  He looked 30!  I was so intimidated.  I started hanging out with Drew a little.  Mostly meeting him at practice for Throwaway Generation.  Being the Punk Rocker that I was & still am, this was a lot of fun.  We went to shows together.  I remember when the Get Up Kids played the DV8 Basement (RIP).  We traveled from Logan for the show.  They opened with Holiday; he looked at me and said, "They really are the Get Up Kids."  We saw Doves & some unknown opener My Morning Jacket; Leatherface & Hot Water Music; & countless others his bands opened.  One thing I take from him was on his program at the funeral, "Happiness is  a choice, and I have free will."  Some of you knew him most didn't.  I'm here to say he was a great guy.

Another thing, my parents have been in Hawaii for the last 6 years next week.  If you don't know the story, here's a short version.  My grandparents were in the Hospital.  My Grandma passed before my Mom could get over to see her.  Grandpa needed 24 hour care.  They both packed a bag.  Mom packed a bag & left on Sunday May 15th.  I didn't get to say goodbye, but I do remember the last hug I gave her.  The smell of her pump Suave hairspray.  Monday, March 16th, I went over to be with Dad.  I was taking him to the airport in the morning.  He wanted his last meal in Utah to be at Maddox.  Sadly, it was closed.  We ended up in some restaurant in Brigham City.  It's still there.  On our way to the airport on St. Patrick's day, I asked my Dad when they'd be back; he said, "Tom, we may never come back."  How true that statement has been.  I remember the hug I gave my Dad and the old man aftershave.  Every time I smell it; it takes me back to that day.  Since then, I've seen Bernie & Bernice 3 times the last 6 years.  Grandpa died 2-1/2 years ago.  They are now selling the house my Mom grew up in.  She's ready to come home.  I'm not so sure about Bernie, but he'd follow Bernice to the ends of the earth.

Made omelets for some friends one Sunday morning.  It's all vegetarian.  Just for you Mel.

Also, finished the books Click & The Wednesday Wars.  Click is by 10 authors.  Each writes a story some how about the main character Gee.  I highly recommend this book.  Plus, the all the proceeds go to Amnesty International.  Do your good deed this year & Buy this book.  The Wednesday Wars follows Holling through seventh grade in 1967.    He's the only Presbyterian in his grade.  Every Wednesday the Catholics go to bible study & the Jews go to temple.  Meaning he's with his teacher, alone...  the whole year.  The things she makes him do.  This is really good as well.  I would rate it higher than Click.  So, get the bad taste of the Twilight series outta your mouth & read one of these two.