I contemplated not writing this week, because lord – you guys have had me BUSY this week. Glory be! But then, as I sat sending out end of day emails and making my list for shit to do tomorrow, a song came on.

Now before I get too much further, I want you to know that I am a HUGE believer in the arts moving you. Sometimes it takes you back, sometimes it takes you forward and forces you to take action – hence why I am here, writing a blog when I should be thinking about what I am going to make for dinner.

It’s going to be a pizza night and I don’t care

Who remembers Myspace?

Okay. First, yes – it is still a thing (I KNOW, RIGHT?!?)

Second, I LOVED Myspace. It spoke to my artsy-fartsy soul in ways that “plain old” Facebook just couldn’t.

We all know how *that* worked out, but I digress, Myspace. Yes.

Three Miles Of Back Road

I’m pretty sure my Myspace is still out there, untouched for nearly 15 years with equally outdated artwork and probably with my tag line of “She’s Three Miles Of Back Road” (I didn’t try to log in, so those that are active, please let me know).

This is a line from one of my favorite bands growing up, when I formalized my let’s say “eclectic” taste in music. But I made it my tag line because it spoke to me.

It was how I felt about myself.

Bumpy, With Unexpected Turns

Growing up in what I still affectionately call, “The Middle of Nowhere,” I KNEW what three miles of back road FELT like. But I also know what it *could* FEEL like. 

I knew it could be exhilarating and fun but could equally be dangerous.

That can be downright scary when you stop and think about it.

It’s just more FUN in a manual

I’ve driven 5-speeds since I was 18 and intend to drive a *true* manual transmission as long as I possibly can. The years between 18-22, I drove my little 5-speeds up and over the mountain, taking me from home to work and back again.

Weather at times made this trip fun and I have some great stories about trips over that mountain that are not for the faint of heart. While this was not always the case, I sometimes needed to take some back roads that would lead me to Route 75 and then my final few miles of back road to home.

Because of this, I endured quite a bit of ribbing for my choice in vehicles. But I have only gotten stuck once in my life and have had quite a bit of fun doing shit no car *should* do.

Oh, the Stories I *Could* Tell

The Child does not appreciate it when I tell him some of the stories. He understands the gravity of some of these stories as I have been in many car accidents, of which one I was at fault and his father has been in two since the Child was born. He has seen the very real affects of driving and the inherent dangers of such.

I also understand that for him, driving holds a very different position for him. For me, it meant freedom. Freedom to blast my music, put the window down and let the wind take hold of my hair. It took me to a different place, and at times, continues to do so.

So, there I am, pounding out end of day emails, listening to Amazon’s Feel-Good Classics when BLAM! A blast from the past knocks me on my ass and send me into a fun little rabbit hole.

It’s the End of the World as We Know It

It’s one of my favorites from one of my favorite bands and wouldn’t mind learning the lyrics, because as I have found, they throw some fun stuff in there if you are listening.

And that’s when it struck me, somewhere between those three miles of back road and realizing there would be no way I could ever sign that song without A LOT of practice, that what they were singing about gained significantly more meaning over the last two years.

We’re all figuring out this new world that we’re living in, certain of one thing: if you are sick, stay HOME.

That leaves a lot up in the air. And doing the most basic of human things is now something that takes great consideration, not only for ourselves, but for others.

Looking Ahead

Something as simple as an itchy nose has brought us to explaining and apologizing. While this may feel odd and awkward at times, it tells me that we’re starting to figure shit out.

We’re testing the waters of “people-ing” again and after what we’ve experienced, there’s bound to be some bumps in the road.

It’s. Expected.

So, for the next few weeks, I want you to take it easy on others because EVERYONE is stressed af and EVERYONE is struggling in some way this season.

But more importantly, take it easy on YOURSELF. You’ve been through a lot. You deserve a break. Allow yourself the time to do so in the next week and half. I’m going to need you bright eyed and bushy tailed for 2022. We’re going to do some amazing things together.