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All That You Won’t Leave Behind

April9

“Where’s Dad?” a teenage Aunt Becky asked, mouth half-full of toast. I don’t quite know why I’d asked, it was a day ending in “day” so the answer was always the same.

“Making copies,” my mom said, distracted by the huge puddle of piss my dumb-as-a-stone-but-sweet-as-fuck dog had left on the floor in outrage at very notion that a chair would be moved without her oversight. I’d neatly stepped around it, thereby pretending it didn’t exist and therefore not tasked with “pee removal services.”

I headed out of the room, and using my most annoying voice, mimicked that SNL skit with Rob Schneider that was funny for about four seconds (this particular usage neatly using up one of those seconds), which no one seemed to realize, “Makin’ copies.”

Quite literally, I ran into him as I made my way back to my room to “put on some goddamned pants, Rebecca,” which I knew would be the first thing out of his mouth when he returned from his errand. His remaining three hairs on his head were standing straight up, his hands full of several reams of paper and a bottle of super pricy clear nail polish, he rushed, “I just had to make some copies” as he skittered up the stairs as though there was a real emergency, not just a frantic need to file papers.

Those same three hairs flapping in the breeze, he flew up the stairs, gasping, “I gotta nail appointment in 20 minutes,” to no one in particular.

I just laughed – that’s my father for you.

Earlier in the year, inspired by the windsong or the pattern of the sun on the hardwood floors or because he wanted to be a hip, cool dad, not just some guy who looked like a pharmacist, he’d managed to take up a hobby. Sweet, right? Everyone should have a hobby.

But this is my dad we’re talking about. My dad takes everything to eleven.

In an effort to increase his coolness factor or reclaim his long gone days as a rock-n-roll guitarist*, he took up classical guitar as his hobby, as my mother had put an end to the “annoying her” hobby he was so very fond of.

What began as a relatively benign hobby soon turned into… I suppose if’n you wanted to wrap it up in a nice fancy bow, you could call it an obsession, but it was more than that. Much more.

Not long after he bought his first classical guitar, painstakingly procured after months of deliberation appeared a second classical guitar. When asked about this mysterious need for two classical guitars (two dueling banjos I’d have expected, you see) came about, I asked him, “why the fuck would someone with only two arms have two guitars?”

“Well Rebecca,” he explained, without taking his eyes off the sheets of notes that he’d been playing and replaying for approximately twenty-niner years (but in reality had only been fifteen or so minutes), “I needed one to take with me on vacation.”

As though THAT explained it all.

I backed warily out of the room, more than a little afraid of him.

Soon, he was deforesting entire rainforests with the copies he’d make of various and sundry sheet music, the only person I’ve met who enjoyed visiting Kinkos on a daily basis. He’d file his sheet music in such an order not even the most well-seasoned librarian could understand, always happily tearing down yet another rapidly shrinking rainforest somewhere.

My mother and I simply shook our heads, baffled and somewhat bemused by his “hobby.”

One day, he caught me after school, and fearing one of his dreaded sixteen hour long lectures about taking his three-hole punch from his office, I backed myself into a corner, hoping I was wearing comfortable enough shoes to stand there for as long as he needed to hammer whatever point he was about to make.

“Rebecca,” he asked frantically. “Where do you get your nails done? I broke one of these fucking nails and I need it repaired immediately.”

My mouth dropped open.

I looked down at my hands which had been painted a soothing shade of “fuck you in the eyeballs pink” and said, “um, Dad? I do them myself.”

“I’ve GOT to get the name of Jim’s nail guy,” he said as he hurried frantically off. Jim, I knew, was the eccentric man who gave my father classical guitar lessons many times each week.

But getting his NAILS done? This was going a bit far.

Hours he’d spend each day carefully tuning and retuning his guitars, making sure that he had not only the top of the line guitars, but the top of the line gear. I played concert cello for many years and never even dreamed of some of the equipment he’d happily purchased to feed his obsession. He’d play a fragment of a song over and fucking over, trying to get it JUST right.

Music, it turned out, was HIS passion, too.

Until one day, just as frantically as his hobby had begun, he simply… stopped.

No more Kinkos trips. No more meticulously filed nails. No more lessons. No more “same three chords” coming from his office at all hours of the day and night.

He was, as it turned out, done. I never did quite learn why he’d stopped; why his love affair with his guitar was over – if, as I’d always joked the guitar was my father’s mistress, they’d had a falling out or something. I can’t even tell you if he knows.

He was just done. Quietly and softly, he was done.

In February of this year, I found a job in the most unlikely of places, a place I call, “Not Chicago,” for reasons that should be obvious**. The job as EVERY LINT PICKER-OFFER should know, was a serious one, and I didn’t know that I’d be able to continue to use my words in a manner in which I felt comfortable. With all the “write about this, not about that” bullshit flying around, I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to use my words any longer.

I was tired of inadvertently hurting those around me; weary of the games people play. I’d begun to use my words as a hobby – to connect with people I’d never normally meet, to use my words and tell my story in my way. I have.

But I’d begun to feel like a dinosaur – I’m a PR intern’s worst nightmare – I have a mouth that rivals any sailor, I’m purposefully inappropriate, I’m snarky, and I don’t give a fuck. I never wanted to be a “brand,” I just wanted a space to fill with words.

In July, the sky fell and the darkness took over. I continued to blog, although my heart wasn’t in it.

I began to wonder if I was, as everyone always claims, truly my father’s daughter. That I’d take a hobby once loved more than butter and simply… stop. I wasn’t certain.

The turning point came, I think, when a group of people attempted to find my new employer to attempt, one can only ascertain, to fuck with my job as a LINT PICKER-OFFER TEAM LEAD. I am a public person, but I do have a private life that I am allowed to have, and if it was a matter of keeping my job or keeping my blog, I knew which one had to go.

So, much like my father, I simply stopped, assuming I had, in fact, used up all my words.

I was, as it turns out, happily wrong. Turns out life? Not an either/or equation. It’s time to go back to basics – tell my stories in my way on my time in the hope that I can make friends and connections I wouldn’t otherwise have the pleasure of knowing.

I may have had to rebuild my life, but I’m not doing so without my words.

While I will always be my father’s daughter, I have something he never did: I have my words.

And, perhaps most importantly of all, I have a Band of Merry Pranksters, without whom, I can’t say for certain I’d have survived Skyfall.

And those? Those I won’t leave behind.

*As far as I can tell, my father never rocked, nor did he roll, unless it was completely by chance.

**It’s Not Chicago.

posted under Daddy's Little Girl Loves Disco

50 Comments to

“All That You Won’t Leave Behind”

On April 9th, 2013 at 8:57 pm Aunt Becky (@mommywantsvodka) Says:
Turns out? A life without words isn’t much of a life at all. All That You Won’t Leave Behind http://t.co/N6ynzHt5Ud
On April 9th, 2013 at 9:15 pm Lisa Says:
So glad you’re back. Never ever stop writing.
On April 9th, 2013 at 9:17 pm Eliza Says:
Aloha AB –
Sometimes a seriously long break from the production of words on a demanding schedule is necessary… I almost lost my love of something which was my passion for many years due to writing without any kudos / feedback / nurturing from the production. I stopped writing about it the week my mother died. It took 3 years to want to write again. Now I write every other month at the most. And I have my love back for the topic.
It is All In Divine Order.
Peace to you ~
On April 9th, 2013 at 9:27 pm Leslie Says:
Yay, AB is back! You’ve been missed.
On April 9th, 2013 at 9:36 pm Mona Darling Says:
It’s always nice to watch a PR Intern crap their pants.

A warm welcome back to you and your words. 🙂
On April 9th, 2013 at 9:52 pm @LGreathead Says:
RT @mommywantsvodka: Turns out? A life without words isn’t much of a life at all. All That You Won’t Leave Behind http://t.co/N6ynzHt5Ud
On April 9th, 2013 at 9:56 pm Andrea Says:
I can’t believe people would stalk/sabatoge like that! Unbelievable.
On April 9th, 2013 at 9:57 pm Amanda Says:
Yay!!! So glad to see this post. I had to start following you on twitter just to make sure you were still alive!
On April 9th, 2013 at 10:06 pm bakingsuit Says:
Please tell me they weren’t able to ruin your new start…
On April 9th, 2013 at 10:14 pm Andrea Says:
Oh, my goodness, I am so glad you’re back. You have been missed!
On April 9th, 2013 at 10:21 pm Grace Says:
Way to tell those little bitches – you will not be stopped! Love you!
On April 9th, 2013 at 10:54 pm Melissa Louise Says:
Oh Aunt Becky, so glad to have you back.

I have never commented before but have enjoyed your words for years.

I missed you very much.

Keep on keeping on. Never let those bitches hold you back, take you down. We know you’re stronger than that, better than that. (Guess what? Those bitches know it too, that’s why they’re tryin’ to bring you down, baby!)

Love, Your (usually-quiet-but-always-here) niece, Melissa X
On April 10th, 2013 at 12:21 am Erin Margolin (@ErinMargolin) Says:
All That You Won’t Leave Behind: “Where’s Dad?” a teenage Aunt Becky asked, mouth half-fu… http://t.co/rMHm793WiZ via @MommyWantsVodka
On April 10th, 2013 at 3:08 am Alexis Anne Says:
How good at classical guitar was yur father? Or was it seriously a three-chord thing?
On April 10th, 2013 at 5:21 am Shelley (@momma_oz) Says:
I’m so glad your are back. I’m wishing I had something more inspiring and clever to add here… But it’s 5am and I haven’t had coffee so fuck that…. But I wanted you to know I often stalk you and adore you and missed you and if I wait until I’m actually awake and caffeinated, life will happen and I’ll forget….so, I’m glad you are back.
On April 10th, 2013 at 5:34 am Odie Langley Says:
I always have and always will love your writing and will be forever here waiting to again be entertained and enriched by your talent. I stopped my blog a while back but may reappear one day. I just hope you will never stop your words because they are a blessing to many of us out here and we love you Aunt Becky.
On April 10th, 2013 at 6:03 am V Says:
Glad you are back!!
On April 10th, 2013 at 6:08 am nikkiana Says:
I may have squeed a little to see that you posted.

I hope I didn’t wake up my roommate….

Over the years, my desire to blog has waxed and waned with the seasons of my life… I think that’s normal. (The whole “you are brand” thing that comes with blogging these days? I think *that’s* weird…)
On April 10th, 2013 at 6:37 am Sam Says:
SO SO glad that you’re back AB! Xoxo
On April 10th, 2013 at 8:02 am samantha Says:
Welcome Back AB!!! I’ve missed you so! Shame on those who tried to destroy your new beginning, karma will raise it’s ugly head sooner or later. Keep being strong lady and let those words flow 🙂
On April 10th, 2013 at 8:24 am Cindy G Says:
Oh, how I’ve missed your words. So glad you are UnFuckingStoppable! Time off is necessary (and forgiven, I guess) but I’m doing a happy dance right now.
On April 10th, 2013 at 8:28 am Lorie Says:
So nice to hear from you again. You have been missed. Never let anyone tell you that you aren’t worth it and shouldn’t be talking. You help and touch all of us who can’t speak. I love hearing the good as much as the bad, cause it makes me realize I’m not the only one with ups and downs.
On April 13th, 2013 at 10:19 pm Kathleen Says:
Lorie – You just said what I couldn’t arrange words to – thanks!
On April 10th, 2013 at 9:03 am wasnt_serious Says:
Welcome back to the world of words Aunt Becky. *hugs and love*
On April 10th, 2013 at 9:05 am Rebecca Says:
Just keep on writing. You help so many people with your words.
On April 10th, 2013 at 9:57 am Roxie Says:
I was going to try to think of a way to incorporate teasing you about mayo in this comment, but instead, I’ll just say : Welcome back! I look forward to teasing you about mayo in the future! 🙂
On April 10th, 2013 at 12:28 pm Daddy-O of The Patio Says:
The funny thing is, although I only know of you through my occasional visits to your blog, I was concerned about your well-being when you stopped posting. It seemed unfathomable. I hope you are doing well. Take care.
On April 10th, 2013 at 12:43 pm F. Haataja Says:
BACON
On April 10th, 2013 at 1:25 pm @count_01 Says:
“I looked down at my hands which had been painted a soothing shade of ‘fuck you in the eyeballs’ pink …” http://t.co/6tDftXHH0c
On April 10th, 2013 at 3:57 pm Michael Lombardi aka "AmoebaMike" Says:
Becky,
I’m so glad you’re expressing yourself here again. Your spirit is a seedling that doesn’t care if it’s rainy or sunny, it needs to keep growing taller and getting deeper.

I hope you get the chance to swing by my new blog sometime. I think you’ll like the post I have scheduled for this Friday. 🙂
On April 10th, 2013 at 4:02 pm Dana Says:
Been there – done that. Having someone (or someONES) who contact your employer for the specific intent of harming your financial well-being is just … I’m not sure there are words for it. So sorry you had to deal with that amid all of the other stuff currently on your plate.
On April 10th, 2013 at 5:22 pm Becky Mochaface Says:
Welcome back, Aunt Becky! I missed you and your words.
On April 11th, 2013 at 1:18 am Janis Says:
Welcome back!
On April 11th, 2013 at 7:20 am andy Says:
Woot Woot! Glad to have you back.. the internet was lonely without you
On April 11th, 2013 at 10:01 am Ryanandjoesmom Says:
Missed your words, Friend.
xo
On April 11th, 2013 at 11:29 am Rebel Says:
So glad you’re back. Was getting worried about you.

Whoever “they” are, fuck them! You and your writing are adored. Keep going girl.
On April 11th, 2013 at 1:42 pm Jolie Says:
for the love of BACON I’m sure glad you’re back. Missed you like a fat kid misses cake girl. 🙂
On April 11th, 2013 at 2:32 pm Roxie Says:
Mmmmmmmmm Ca-a-a-ake! 🙂
On April 11th, 2013 at 2:53 pm Cynthia Medina Says:
Glad you are standing on your own two feet and finding your voice again. <3
On April 11th, 2013 at 5:02 pm Jo Says:
You were missed! We love you 🙂
On April 11th, 2013 at 8:01 pm Llama Says:
People actually tried to find your employer to screw with you? That is very sad. I wish you only the best with your new job and new life.
On April 12th, 2013 at 11:05 am Jessica Says:
Welcome back AB! We missed you SO MUCH. I have checked this blog every day for a new post or update or something. I’m glad you are doing better. WE LOVE YOU <3
On April 13th, 2013 at 10:17 pm Kathleen Says:
Gods, I’ve missed you! Big Hugs, and write when you can.
On April 14th, 2013 at 9:11 pm becca Says:
I have missed you immensely. We are going through something similar in our house right now, and when I asked my partner if we should tighten the ranks, and stop interacting with our version of society, her one word response was no.

So, as much as I may be tired of people interfering in my version of normal, I’m also not willing to let them win by hiding who I am and how we live.
On April 15th, 2013 at 3:07 pm Wombat Central Says:
Sorry to hear people were messing with your bidness. People are a buncha bastards. Glad you’re back. 🙂
On April 16th, 2013 at 2:31 pm Rachel Says:
I’m so glad you found your words!! I hate it when that happens! Your words are brilliant and relate-able! Welcome back!! 🙂
On April 17th, 2013 at 10:03 am YuenMe Says:
Welcome back !!
On April 23rd, 2013 at 12:26 am Todd Burns Says:
I just found you, from Jeneral Insanity, and yet, I am so glad you’re back too. You are clearly awesome.
On April 25th, 2013 at 12:11 pm BalancedIdjit Says:
Well sweet Baby Jesus on a cracker! Welcome back…and, uh, next time you go all rogue and shit, could you drop a dime and let a bitch know you’re going radio silent and off the grid for a lil bit? We internet people are a little sketchy and nervousy…you may have heard. 😉

(But seriously…good to see you back. The writing is beautiful. You haven’t lost a step.)
On April 26th, 2013 at 5:58 pm Peggy Says:
Forget the haters. I’ve missed you and I’m glad you’re back.