WO: Weekly Obsessions
Making it to mid-March is enough of an accomplishment, but you know what else we can celebrate? It’s Slick Rick’s birthday!! My favorite father is another year older, and I wish him a million more happy years.
In case you didn’t know, he’s a total BA.
Now for the little things:
- Madison Square Garden: Not quite March Madness … but my team’s in the Big East Tourney and I saw them play Seton Hall at MSG last night. The electric arena is one I will be visiting often.
- Clarisonic Mia 2: A few months of city grime finally caught up with my face, and I was in dire need of a (new) skincare regimen. Enter this precious skin-saver — two weeks later, and my complexion is better than ever.
- “If You Have to Cry, Go Outside”: Fashion PR maven Kelly Cutrone is known for her straightforward, ball-busting nature. Her bestselling guide is geared toward women who want to succeed both personally and professionally. I’m a fan.
- “Rolling with My Homies” – Tupac: In true ‘90s fashion, we prepped for last weekend’s party with a movie marathon. Our top pick from all those soundtracks? Duh.
Pour one out for our homies, Pac and Brittany Murphy.
Images courtesy of: Wikipedia, Clarisonic, Bravo, Crushable
Happy Birthday, Magz
Today is my favorite mom’s birthday — a big one at that, though I won’t say which. Since I can’t be there to celebrate in person, it’s only fitting that I dedicate a virtual present to the best mom I’ve ever had.
We’ll celebrate big time when she and Slick Rick are in town next weekend for Brother’s birthday and his fiancée’s bridal shower. Till then, wishing Magz a fabulous and unforgettable day!
Olan Mills Photography at its very best.
Several years later, our girls-only cruise allowed us a stop in Atlantis.
The fake tat was a hit at my sorority’s Rock Star social.
And then we got the real deal for my 22nd birthday.
An annual pic in front of the tree. Love you more than words can express!
Sweet 16
There are a lot of exciting things that a 16th year brings. Wealthy parents may shower their teens with an outlandish party, sometimes documented on MTV’s sickening show. Other kids receive a license and unleash hell on the local roads. But today, 16 marks a personal anniversary that isn’t so sweet.
I woke up to sirens the morning of Aug. 15, 1995. Mom sat at our dining-room table, head in her hands and crying softly. “Daddy’s had a stroke,” she said, and though my 8-year-old mind had no idea what that entailed, seeing a parent weep signals a sudden simultaneous sense of insecurity and understanding.
It was the morning of my third-grade orientation — at a new school, no less — and Grammy would take me to meet my teacher, Mom explained. I don’t remember if I cried then, but I do remember an overwhelming numbness. When adults talk to you, rather than around you, it often forces you to grow up yourself.
Gram took me to the hospital that afternoon. I held Brother’s hand and walked tentatively into the room. I will never forget what I saw and heard: Dad hooked up to beeping machines, doctors giving Mom information about local funeral homes, and Brother telling me that Daddy might not know who we are. Even now, it brings over a wave of emotion that I can’t quite control.
The following months and years brought fresh feelings of frustration and questioning. From walking to writing, and eventually driving, Dad had to relearn every basic function. As the sole southpaw in the family, I was tasked with helping him learn to do things with his now dominant left hand.
He still walks with a limp, and there are days when mobility is not its best. And, I am still selfish at times — worrying how he will walk me down the aisle or complete a father-daughter dance. We aren’t perfect in our relationship, and I don’t know that we’ll ever go back to what I perceived as the idyllic “Daddy & Me” situation.
But, I love him. I’ve learned from him. I respect him for the man he’s become. And I raise a glass to him this evening, 16 years into the new life that was thrust upon him.
I’ll always be your Mouse, no matter what this world brings upon us. 143
At my college graduation … Dad now volunteers at the hospital that saved him, as well as for the local Boy Scouts and elections committee.
Gift Guide for Dad’s Day
Father’s Day is right around the corner, and if your dad is anything like mine, buying a gift for him proves more challenging with each passing year. Fret not, dear friends: Here are some guy-friendly gifts that will please your papa.
Tech Toys
- Apple iPad or other tablet
- GPS for his ride
- nook, Kindle or other eReader
Sports Stuff
- Jersey and framed magazine from his favorite team’s big win
- Autographed memorabilia from an online auction
- Tailgating snacks, face paint and tickets for the next home game
Outdoorsy Options
- Gear for his next big hike
- Supplies for the campsite, such as a new tent
- Map an unexplored destination where he can go rappelling or white-water rafting
Home-Improvement Hotshots
- Personalized tool kit
- Gift card to home-improvement store and subscription to “This Old House”
- A season or two of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” on DVD
All-American Alternatives
If your dad doesn’t fall within just one of the hard-defined categories, try mixing a few of the items above to create something truly unique.
The important thing, of course, is to spend time with Dad and thinking of him. He likely doesn’t need anything fancy, but it’s nice to show him your appreciation for all that he does.
Slick Rick, Brother and I on base: Savannah, Ga.; Christmas 1990
