Beastie Boys and update

On Monday night, I prepared for President Obama’s inauguration and my Mom’s mastectomy by rocking out to the Beastie Boys at the 9:30 club in DC. I know, kind of a wierd choice, but I made a conscious decision to just get the heck out of dodge for the night and do something fun.

And it was. It was a Rock The Vote concert, featuring Justin Jones, Citizen Kane, Sheryl Crow, and the Beasties. While everyone was great, I confess I was biding my time till 11 when they would come out. The only other time I ever saw them play was at the 9:30 a few years ago. The train they took from NY was delayed, and they sent everyone at the club pizza.  That was a great show, but the one on Obama Eve was amazing. A friend who was with us said, “Wouldn’t it be great if Obama came out and DJ’ed?” and it kinda sorta seemed possible.

They played Ill Communication, Body Moving, Gratitude, and soo many other songs that I felt like I couldn’t have written the playlist. (I tried to take notes on my Iphone, but felt too wonky and gave up about 3 songs in.

Dan and I went to IHOP on the way home at 4 in the morning, and I woke up at 9 feeling like I had enough reserves to face the day. I hate it when my mom has surgery, because the reversal of roles is so unnerving. i want to be up to the task of taking care of her, and I always get really assertive with doctors, asking a bunch of obnoxious questions just to prove I know my s^&^t. Like, “Your scalpel better not slip, buddy, I’ve got your number.” It’s probably counterproductive, but it makes me feel like I’m doing something.

Once they drew the proper lines with sharpie on my mom and took her away, my Dad and I settled in the waiting room to watch the Inauguration. As Aretha Franklin sang, “My Country Tis of Thee”, I cried. To think of how Aretha blazed trails, and now has lived to see the day we have our first African American President. I was so overjoyed at the moment, and it felt so hopeful.

We hung out at the hospital until 11 pm, as the surgery was 9 hours. The cafeteria actually gave out free lunches, and cake. It really made the day feel kind of like we were all in it together, even though we were all in a place nobody much wanted to be. I saw a couple leaving, taking their baby home for the first time, and I thought what a hopeful day it must be to do that.

So all is well- my mom is still in the hospital, and will be until Saturday. My mother in law finished her chemo on Monday. And now, we all make a fresh start. As a country, as people. And I’m excited.

Beastie Boys- Gratitude