Stars in Our Eyes

When significant pop icons die, people reminisce and share memories of how that person impacted them.

Today, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson both passed away. The fact that neither was an old person made their deaths somewhat tragic. And both of these people were pop icons in the real sense. Farrah was THE poster pinup girl of the 1970's. Everyone knew that pose - you can see it in your head right now. Regardless of her other accomplishments -- and there were many from the news articles pouring out today -- it's as that '70's icon that we remember her.

Farrah's death at 62, while untimely, was expected. Reports earlier this week had her hospitalized, and she publicly discussed her cancer on TV just a few months ago. But, we still see her as that young tanned smiling beauty queen in the red bathing suit. It's the passing of that girl we mourn today.

Michael Jackson was the King of Pop. For Real! He was Elvis to another generation and now he has also tragically died too young. Michael Jackson reinvented himself several times. He was a true creative genius and the biggest pop icon of the 1980's and some would argue the 1990's.

I found myself humming "I'll be There" and "Beat It" today after hearing the news. I am not embarrassed. I admit it. I have liked Michael Jackson since he was that cute 6 year old singing with his brothers in the Jackson 5. I always had a soft spot for how his tragically atypical childhood turned him into a weird adult - after all, he gave up his childhood for all of us. And we loved him for it. Some part of me also feels dying at age 50 (he would have turned 51 in late August) seems just for someone who couldn't seem to deal with growing up. Now, he won't have to grow old.

I guess I should point out that according to an old wives tale, death comes in threes. And, that held true in this case too. Earlier this week, Ed McMahon died at 86. I had actually speculated about another Hollywood star's pending demise being number 3 -- guess he's safe, for now.

Another Year

I celebrated my birthday this week. Of course, this was my time to reflect on getting older. Know what? It's not so bad.

For instance, I am now only one year away from being eligible to retire. I won't really be financially positioned to retire next year, but I will have the option. And, that is an attitude changer. Lord knows, I could use some attitude adjusting from time-to-time.

I'm also going into a quasi-empty nest situation this coming year - let's call it a trial run. Both kids will be off at college. My husband and I have experienced what this will be like during the past two summer when our offspring were working at summer camp and only came home occassionally from June to August. So, I know this won't be so bad. In fact, there were some positives... our water bills have shrunk, as have our grocery bills and there's much less laundry to do. We also go through much less toilet paper.

This year's milestone also finds me exercising and making a semi-serious attempt at eating better. (It's only a half way attempt because people keep taking me out to eat to celebrate - alas this too shall pass.) I've made up my mind that I must become more active or die. That's a true statement - I'm now getting too old to not take care of myself. I have no interest in cutting any years off my life. Hopefully I have not already done so.

So, this was my birthday and upon reflection, things are going well.

Seems like a very positive start to my new year.