Back in the driver's seat
As I sat reprogramming radio stations in my car, I remembered the early days of my relationship with Gary, before he was my husband, when he was my friend and I bought him tickets to see Bonnie Raitt in concert for his birthday.
A few months later, our song became "Something to Talk About." When we got married, it became "All I Have." And once Colter came into our lives it was "The Things We've Handed Down." Still, our musical tastes are decades and genders apart. Time and compromise help us bridge the gap.
I was reprogramming the radio stations because I'm reclaiming my car. Last week we bought Gary a used Volvo station wagon to replace his old Toyota, which hasn't run since summer. We finally need two cars again because I'm heading back to work tomorrow.
I'm starting with half-days for a few weeks, in preparation for returning fulltime after New Year's. I'm excited. Nervous. Excited. Nervous. Excited. And nervous.
But mostly I'm so grateful for my good fortune. I'm finally healthy enough to concentrate on something other than when I can next take my medicine; I'm finally healthy enough to sit at the computer, respond to e-mail, write a little, edit a lot. I'm finally healthy enough to drive again.
I'm going from being driven to being driven: energetic, moved, motivated. I'm back in the driver's seat, with a license to live, love, laugh. And listen to whatever music I want.
I'm so happy for all of your life you are able to reclaim! yippeee!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Posted by: rachel | December 23, 2006 at 11:32 AM
that sounds so exciting julie!! i'm so glad for you!
Posted by: angel | December 17, 2006 at 08:53 AM
Aww. Cuteness.
Posted by: Emma | December 15, 2006 at 04:53 PM
This is good news indeed. I hope having to reprogram the car radio is the worst side-effect you ever have to face.
Chappy Chanukah.
Posted by: Anne | December 15, 2006 at 09:39 AM
All I can say is that this made me cry! Yay!!!
Posted by: Kristi | December 15, 2006 at 08:16 AM
My toddler periodically insists on riding in the van with her daddy, so I get stuck with his old truck with no radio at all. Those are long rides to work with me singing all the way. Enjoy those pre-sets!
Posted by: Chel | December 11, 2006 at 07:02 PM
Julie,
You Go Girl!!!!!
Posted by: Juanita Lane | December 11, 2006 at 04:59 PM
I knew you were going to be back! I'm so happy for you and your family.
Happy holidays to you and yours!
Posted by: Tammy and the Boys < :3 )~~~~ | December 11, 2006 at 03:16 PM
Once you program your radio stations, you own it. That's the rule.
Posted by: Rhea | December 11, 2006 at 01:48 PM
Julie, I'm so happy you're heading back to work! Hope you have a great holiday, too. I've been thinking about you, wishing you well.
- Amy Gahran
Posted by: Amy Gahran | December 10, 2006 at 12:33 PM