My Mutti

Memorial Day always makes me think of Mutti. Mutti was my mom's mom. She claimed each birthday that she was turning 26, and was never referred to as "Grandma." It was always Mutti to everyone around her.

Some of my earliest memories are of going to the East Lawn cemetary to visit my Grandpa's grave with Mutti and other family members. This Monday when I go to East Lawn, I'll be visiting my Mutti's grave as well. She's been dead nearly a decade and my memories are stating to fade a little. But I still remember her home phone number. I remember watching Jeopardy on the tiny TV in her kitchen and the weird footstool in her basement that was stuffed with nylons. Kinda creepy. I remember the figurine of a Chinese man fishing that sat on her piano. I remember her always perfectly manicured hands. I remember the Eagle Scout wall with pictures of all her grandsons who had received their Eagles. I remember her beautiful garden and the many flag inspired sweaters she owned. I remember learning how to make apple pie with her, and even though I hate making pie, I'm glad I have that memory. They are all great, happy memories, but I'd trade them all for a chance to see her again. I think she would've loved to do Sudoku puzzles with me. And she would've helped me decorate my house. She would still cook my mom's favorite birthday dinner of salmon loaf and scalloped potatoes while the rest of us avoided it as much as we could. She'd play Rook with us, make homemade chocolates, and continue writing poems. And she'd be so happy to see all of her amazing posterity.

I'm pretty sure she's busy up in Heaven directing choirs and insisting that every member have their music memorized. But I hope she knows how much her family loves and misses her.

Here's the Thing

So, those people that stand on busy street corners with company billboards dancing around and acting crazy? I don't get it. While I vaguely admire their confidence/lack of shame, their crazy dancing and spinning the sign makes it impossible for me to see what it is they're supposed to be advertising. How am I supposed to know what company is having what deal? I think the companies that do this (seriously, who are they? I can't read the signs) could save a lot of money with a self-standing sign stating their promotion. The dancing people are just making me dizzy.

Bands I Don't Like With Songs I Like

I get irrationally irritated when a band I don't like comes out with a song I do like. I feel like I'm not being legit anymore. Like I was too legit. Too legit to quit. But now I'm not legit. I'm unlegit. (Bonus points if you know that movie.) I mean, these are bands that really irritate me: their voices, their style, their name etc. It all combines to serious irritation.

That being said, here's some songs I like from bands I don't like.
-Soul Sister by Train. Serously though, that Drops of Jupiter song is lame enough that I can't stand the band or any of their other songs. How does one get drops of Jupiter in their hair. What does that even mean?
-Viva la Vida by Coldplay. But Yellow? I mean, really? And also, Clocks. Just gross. Plus, Chris Martin. Ew. He gives me the creeps.
-Carry this Picture by Dashboard Confessionals. What is a Dashboard Confessional? That's just weird. So is the rest of their music.
-Home by Foo Fighters. In my defense, this song sounds nothing like their usual style. I think Foo Fighters sounds like something a little kid is trying to pronounce but not getting correct. It's annoying. You're grown men. Act like it. Also, Long Road to Ruin is slightly enjoyable. Mostly for the video, though.

Anyone else have songs like they by bands they hate?

Things I Learned Before I Turned 26

-There is no such thing as too many white shirts.

-You will always run out of windshielf wiper fluid when you need it most.

-Reese's peanut butter cups taste best when you buy the special holiday ones in new colors. They're fresh, so the chocolate hasn't had time to get yucky on the grocery store shelf.

-Pomegranites are totally worth the effort it takes to eat them.

-You will never regret making credit card payments before they're due.

-Soccer players are always the hottest.