I grew up at a time when mix tapes were big. Admittedly I feel old talking about this! We used to have to listen to the radio until the songs we wanted came on and then press record and stop the tape when the song ended. And we would do this for 10-12 songs and have our mix tape. We then moved on to CDs. We used “illegal” programs like Napster to download music and burn to a CD for our mix CDs. Whether it was a tape or CD, I have to admit that it was a lot of fun to have “psych tapes” or “pump up mixes” to listen to before games. Today kids can create their own Pandora station or Apple or Spotify playlist…life is so easy now!
Anyway the reason I’m bringing these mix tapes up is because one of the songs I had on my pregame mix for years was Van Halen’s Right Here, Right Now. I still get all fired up hearing that song!
I heard that today and it made me think of how I approach things. I try to make the most of the time I have with my kids. We do a lot as a family. The kids are only young once and while there are times it’s exhausting and difficult to go places, it’s worth the experiences we have. I don’t want to just sit around or stay at home.
As a result my house is not clean and I don’t get time I need to get rid of things or straighten up but that’s because I am out doing things. That means more to me than having a clean house. I know my family may not see things that way but that’s how I do.
My mom was the one who always took us to do things. My dad preferred to stay at home and relax. And there are some times I want to do that but not all the time. And that’s what I thought of when I heard Van Halen’s “pump up” song come on the radio today.
It’s about making the most of what is right here and right now. And that’s what I try to do. I know as my kids get older there will be less and less time to do things together as we get involved in more and more activities. So that’s why it is important to take the time right here and now to do those things.
I’ve always been about doing things even if it means I have little time to relax and after going through cancer these experiences mean even more. I still look back on so many things my mom and I did together and am so grateful for all we did get to experience and do.
I don’t want to wait til tomorrow. Why wait another day? Get out and live and have fun. Don’t put off all responsibilities but go out and take a drive, make that trip, go to that place that makes you happy because “it means everything.” What are you waiting for?
#righthererightnow #vanhalen #mixtapes #burningCDs #pumpupsongs #livelife #experiencethings #familyoutings #dontwaitfortomorrow
