R.I.P. John (and Other Ramblings)
October 5th, 2006
Today I updated my “Bio” link over on the side – I had in there that I have never been to a funeral. Well, that all changed today as I attended my first one.
My good friend Lisa’s dear Uncle John passed away suddenly on Friday. I wanted to attend his funeral because I had met him several times, and he was such a nice man. The past two Christmases Lisa’s family has included me in their Christmas Eve festivities, and on New Year’s Day 2005 I attended the big family dinner at her Uncle John and Aunt Vincenza’s beautiful home. John always had a big smile for me and was very kind and helpful. It was a real shock to hear of his death at such a young age (55).
I wanted to show my respect and support for the family by attending the funeral service. It was held at this big Italian church, and the entire service was in Italian (except for a few people that performed short readings in English, including Lisa). I had no idea what was being said or when to respond, so I just followed what everyone around me was doing. Stood up when they did, sat down when they did, said “Amen” when they did! There were many, many people. It’s very obvious he was a well loved and respected man.
Anyway, I have now been to a funeral. I didn’t attend the burial as that was at another location and I was using Access and didn’t know what the timing would be like. Plus I had called my mom last night about “funeral etiquette” and she suggested the burial was really more for the family and very close friends.
The thing with funerals is, just like at a wedding, you see people you haven’t seen for a long time and you are tempted to run up and smile and hug and say “how are you?!?” but… you know. DON’T.
When I got home, the cats followed me into my office so it was the perfect time to escape to the mall for a latte. My coat was still on and everything.
Let’s talk about the mall for a moment, shall we? I was there last night with my brother. We were looking at CD players because we have to exchange the one he bought me, which unfortunately died earlier that day. In the mall I saw a woman – and normally, I don’t notice what people are wearing or care, because God knows I have days where I hop on my scooter and race over to the mall in my slippers, blue sweats and a red T-shirt, so who am I to judge – wearing a fancy pink dress, with WHITE shoes, and a SHINY GOLD purse. Fashion CRIME! And her daughter had bare feet. In the mall! That’s worse than white shoes in October. Ugh.
Speaking of fashion crimes, or victim as the case may be, I got myself a pair of Crocs finally. I looooooooooove them and don’t care what they look like or that the snow is going to fall soon. I will be like Lisa and have 43 pairs in various colours by next summer. They’re like walking on air, these things. They’re so light and comfortable! And for the record, mine are the colour pearl (all they had, a grayish white), not white, so I can wear them now.
Because of the holes, my brother said “you can use those shoes to scoop the cat litter… then you’d have a croc of shit”. Heh.
I keep buying shoes and I still don’t have a decent pair I can wear with that ankle/foot orthotic thingy they made for me at the care facility. Oops.
I have a big zit on my forehead. And why do I have a big zit on my forehead? Because Estee Lauder had another “Free Gift with Purchase” last week and we all know I am a sucker for those. I love their “free” gifts. You need to spend $29.50 to get it. So, I’m looking at stuff… don’t really need anything… “the cleanser is $29.50 exactly,” the sales lady tells me. Nah, I like my cheap mud soap from New Zealand. It’s my not-so-secret secret. “So is the toner”. Well, now… I don’t have any toner! So lets get that! And WHY don’t I have any toner? Because I never use it. And WHY don’t I ever use it? Because I don’t NEED that perfumed liquid crap on my face that makes me break out in big zits. Duh. However, I got an awesome make-up bag with another smaller make-up bag and a lipstick I actually like, a lip gloss I actually love, more mascara and face cream, and an eyeliner I’ll never use! For FREE!
Momma’s too busy with her new make-up, she won’t notice us chewing on the blinds or anything.
Crikey! Momma! Did a spaceship land on your forehead, or WHAT??
Ut-oh, fashion police on the roll! Fortunately, I’ve got a little color-blindness issue so I just wear greay or black all the time. Not only does it ALWAYS match, it does not show dirt, stains or other assorted blemishes.
Donna, thank you so much for coming to my uncle’s funeral. It was a real comfort to know that you were there to pay your last respects. I admired that you came especially since it would be your first funeral-too bad it had to be at my uncle’s funeral, but nonetheless, it meant a lot to have you with us. If we had more room in our limos we would have taken you with us to the cemetary-it wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be as my uncle was interred in the mosoleum, so there were no holes in the ground or dirt.
It was quite the experience but one I am glad you were part of. I wish you got to know my uncle more but he and my aunt always thought so highly of you. You can bet that you would have had another place at their house again this year.
As for your Crocs, nothing could be more of a better tribute to me personally, than to know that you now have Crocs and are crazy about them. I HAVE seen the pearl ones and really like that color too. Trust me, your love affair has just started!