I Fell, So What?!

When was the last time you fell on your ass?  Sober?  Mine was today.  It was a little shocking.  I was out for a run and had stopped to switch songs and put on my new favorite "If So" by Atlas Genius when I tripped over an uneven sidewalk and face-planted.  "You shouldn't be texting and walking," my sister said to me.  Well, I wasn't.  And, it's still not cool.  The Student Driver who passed by as it happened slowed down, made sure I got up and then went on her way, but it was still a little embarrassing.  I haven't busted my ass in a long time.  It's a little jarring.  My knuckles are all scraped up (saved the iPhone) and my left knee has a scrape about the size of a half dollar (that's bigger than a quarter to all you younguns).  But, most of all, my ego is bruised.  It's been a rough couple of weeks and this just kind of cements (pun intended) what a shit time it's been. 

BUUUUUUT, I'm not going to let it get me down.  To write this, I needed an appropriate song as the soundtrack.  I looked on Spotify for "The Fall," "Fell" and then "Falling Down" by Muse popped up, from their BEST ALBUM EVER Showbiz...which made me put it on and reminded me how obsessed I used to be with this record and how fucking amazing it is.  I know that Muse are superstars now, marrying actresses and selling out arenas, but back in 1999-2000 when this record was new, no one gave a shit.  Except for me.  I cared.  I loved.  So, that was a nice flashback.  I am now listening to Showbiz and reveling in its greatness, like catching up with an old friend. 

So, I guess that falling wasn't so bad after all.  It was an annoying bookend to a really crappy few weeks, but I guess it reminded me to get back up.  Which I did.  After I fell, I dusted myself off and ran the rest of the way back.  And, it inspired me to write something.  And, now I have some cool battle wounds.  But, most of all, it made me realize that even after being dumped once again, I will get back up and get back out there and all will be okay.  A little hydrogen peroxide, Neosporin and some Malbec and I'll be back on track in no time.

Way Back Wednesday: Wild Colonials

I got some sad news last night that a friend Paul Grillo passed away.  Not only was Paul someone who always made a good time better, but he was funny as shit and the only other person I've ever met that despised wearing pants as much as me.  I met him many moons ago when he worked at Geffen Records with my BFF and immediately loved him.  I, like everyone who ever knew him, was such a huge fan of his.  I have fond memories of being at our friend Teresa's wedding and having the best time ever, getting Jenna Elfman's mother drunk and making fun of people on the dance floor.  Hearing Wild Colonials makes me think of him.  Wild Colonials were a Geffen band and one of Paul's favorites (I'd also guess that he had a hand in getting this video made).  So, this post is dedicated to Paul.  He will be ferociously missed.

My friend, Gabe.

It takes a lot to render me speechless, but this week I heard some news that not only took my voice, but it broke my heart.  My friend, Gabriel Ben-Meir, was tragically taken from us way too soon.  It’s hard to even find the words to describe the pain that shivered through my body when I heard the news.  Devastating.  Heartbreaking.  Incomprehensible.  Senseless.  Gut-wrenching.  Crushing.

Gabe was the brother of my friend Lexi, but I had gotten to know him on his own, rather than just as Lexi’s brother.  We became friends by seeing each other at concerts, going on hikes and various get togethers.  He had a presence that made you want to hug him, though he never wanted you to.  And, he always made you smile, even if it was because of his ridiculous contention that he wasn’t working hard enough at the gym (he would spend two hours on the Precor, THEN do a Tae Bo class). 

Gabe was the sweetest guy.  He was a real gentleman and was always so thoughtful.  If you were sitting around and mentioned that you wanted a Clark bar, he would excuse himself and run to the store to get you one.  No questions asked.  He was a great cook.  My friend Carlyn would host Iron Chef dinner parties and you could always count on Gabe to bring something that you’d never think of and that was the best tasting thing on earth.  I can still taste his Chorizo, Spinach and Corn salad like it was yesterday.  I’d give you the recipe, but I think he just made it all up from scratch.

When I think of Gabe, I also think of all of the people who loved him.  His sister.  His parents.  His friends.  His co-workers.  Gabe touched the lives of a lot of people who will miss him dearly and whose lives are forever changed by this senseless act of violence.  This week has been spent thinking about him and how special he was, and praying for peace and love to those who cared for him most.

I can’t help but think of a line in a song by The Smiths - “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out.”  To everyone who knew him, Gabe is a light that will never go out.  We’ll miss you.