School's Out!

My baby is completely finished with high school as of 11:30 this morning.

And my heart feels like a sparkler's poking up out of a bleeding hole. On one hand I am totally elated and on fire for him. And on the other I'm broken-hearted. It means I'm an empty-nester. WOW. I used to hear that term and think that's only for old people. Well . . . I don't feel old. Especially since the first song on my IPOD today is the iconic rock and roll anthem, "School's Out" by Alice Cooper. Will doesn't know it yet, but when he slides into his car after his final, and turns the key, that song will be blaring in all it's sportive glory.

I realized some might not know what song I'm talking about since it came out of the 70's but it's so worth spending .99 cents on an iTunes download. Especially if you have teenagers. It brings to mind my own senior prank. On our last day, part of the plan was to place speakers all over the school and crank them up to their highest volume. As soon as the last pen was laid down after the last exam, we turned on "School's Out", raced out into the halls and sang this song at the top of our lungs. Ahh, the youthful joy of not a care in the world!

Okay, I was the one who suggested this topic so I should be the one with the most to say about iPods, right? Uh, I don't think so. My iPod is one of those sixty-five dollar jobs called a shuffle. I only use it for exercise purposes, but I have to say, it's makes the Eliptical palatable.

Now just because I don't have a Touch or a Nano, doesn't mean I don't love my music. On the contrary, music keeps me sane. Music runs through my veins. I made my living in the music industry for over 20 years. Both of my sons, REAL iPod owners - purchased by moi - are eaten up with all things music. Guitar, piano, music festivals. Try living only 40 minutes from the granddaddy of them all. Bonnaroo. My boys started begging to attend that one at only 15 and 13.

So what's on my iPod? I'm embarrassed to admit this but I only knew two of Maureen's choices. No shocker it's Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd. Both bands are on mine but I'll list a sampling of what's also on my shuffle.

Stones - "Give Me shelter"
Beatles - "I've Just Seen A Face"

Van Morrison - "Into The Mystic" - This one's also featured in Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter. Leelee has a very romantic moment while dancing to this song.

Kim Carnes - "Gypsy Honeymoon"
Michael McDonald - "Hey Girl"
John Mayer - "Gravity"
Allman Brothers - "Blue Sky"
Carol King - "Natural Woman"
Crosby Stills Nash & Young - "Helplessly Hoping"
REM - "The One I Love"
Tom Petty - "Here Comes My Girl"
Willie Nelson - "Angel Flying Too Close"
Bonnie Raitt - "Anglel From Montgomery"
Indigo Girls - "Closer to Fine"
Soundtrack to Les Miserable - "On My Own"
Marvin Gaye - "Distant Lover"
Peter Gabriel - "In Your Eyes"
Police - "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic"
Ray LaMontagne - "You Are The Best Thing"
Christopher Cross - "Walking in Avalon"
Monkeys - "I'm A Believer"

What's on yours?