Soundtrack of my life

Hi there,

So, I was driving to a friends house the other day and a great song came on the radio. I'm not sure who wrote it or when its from exactly... but I know it was a classic. There's nothing quite like driving down the interstate, singing along with a good power ballad. While ignoring the stares and giggles of cars around me (as I am sure they were commenting on the fact that I was clearly belting within the confines of my own vehicle), I started to think about how many good power ballads I have actually performed within the confines of my own vehicle.

You know in movies, where the main character is driving or taking a train or a bus or something... they'll be staring out the window and a good power ballad will slowly fade in over the video montage of old love or faded memories. The main character always watches the scenery pass her by while seemingly thinking about how insignificant she is in comparison to the world she is driving through. Well, during the twelve hour drives from Cleveland to Iowa, I was that main character. I'd gaze out the window sifting through memories of the last 22 years. I'd stare at the scenery as it passes me by and wonder if things within the scenery are staring at me, too. I was empowered. I felt strong being alone. Not only ready to take on the six hundred and fifty miles of interstate 80, but ready to conquer the world. Perfectly content just driving and singing. Perfectly content to just be.

Living here, on my own, I feel the same empowerment. I feel that same strength. Sometimes, when I am hanging pictures on the walls or making my bed in the mornings, I hear that power ballad come to the forefront of the movie that is my life in Minneapolis. When I'm cleaning it's something like Briteny Spears or an uptempo 80's rock ballad. That's when the movie-goer would see me using my Turbo-vac as a microphone and wiping the mirror to the beat of Girls just wanna have fun! When I am hanging photographs or chatting on the telephone... the finger-picked guitar riffs of Green Day's Time of your life would bring the sensitive viewer to tears, while making those who do not appreciate the over-used cliched power ballad leave the theater in disgust. So many more songs accompany so many different aspects of my life here. With every new experience comes a new tune and with every new tune, a new joy.

In a way, it's hard to believe I have almost 23 years of songs stored up in this melon that rests atop my body. But then, I realize that it is those very songs that are my memories. When I am 60 years old and my grandson flips past the oldies station as I am driving him to karate or soccer or some yet-to-be-invented afterschool sporting event... I will hear a snippet of Avril's I'm with You or Hoobastank's The Reason and I will remember. I will remember the times when I was strong and empowered and I will be content. Content to drive. Content to Sing. Content to Just Be.

Goodnight, Tempa