My Coolest Sister (Unmeaning Flattery)

Collage of images from Shannon's transition from academia to the world beyond. That's Dr. Lakanen to you, Bub! Respect, yo! (2003?)

File Under: I Took This Photo!; Ohio; Shannon

Her parents named her a "Shannon". Her father's friends dubbed her "shortcake" or "pumpkin". But what everybody got was a "Boo".

While everyone pretty much agrees that my nickname of Bubba came from Hubba Bubba bubble gum, I'm not quite sure where the Boo came from.

Well, Boo, welcome to the real world. You're 33, with child, with career, with debt, and now the fun begins. You really can make you own rules out here.

The things I remember that make me smile are numerous. The yellow MG. "You Spin Me Around." The Violent Femmes. The uneasiness of adolescence that somehow let us grow closer.

My wife has lost too many of her siblings already and every day is a blessing knowing you're here. That you're around is sometimes just enough to keep me going. The never-spoken reality of it all is that there are no reinforcements coming. The final word we understand but never announce is Thermopylae (i.e. it's you and me against the world).

The Smiths "Louder Than Bombs"

Flashback from my record store days. I had never listened to The Smiths before. Listen to this over and over, day after day and you will become a convert. This is a fantastic album. Every song is great. Never did check out the older albums, but the later-released Strangeway, Here We Come is outstanding as well.

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My Coolest Sister

Tuesday 08/02/2005 2:00 AM