Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: aging, Billy Idol, crush, David Letterman, Facebook, idol worship, MTV, rock, teenagers
I started thinking about this earlier today when I noticed that my daughter had become a fan of Joe Jonas on her Facebook page, and that made me smile. He’s such a wholesome looking young man. Nothing like Billy.
It was a different time almost 25 years ago……holy shit, it was that long ago. MTV was actually music television and videos rolled 24/7. That’s when it happened. Idol worshipping began with “Flesh for Fantasy” and “Rebel Yell”. Billy Idol had the bad boy persona down to an art form and I was all over it! Then Rolling Stone came out with a Centerfold of the bad man wearing a leather thong. It pictured him from behind, glancing over his shoulder with his magically famous sneer and I thought I would pass out at the site of those perfect butt cheeks staring at me, daring me to slap them. The image was almost more than I could handle at 14, and just thinking about it again makes me a little weak-kneed! (Dad if you’re reading this, I’m sorry)
Billy Idol
During his rise to fame Billy Idol made an appearance as a guest on late Night with David Letterman. You could have knocked me over with a feather…….the site of Billy Idol, wearing all leather, including the leather vest WITH NO SHIRT UNDERNEATH; and the way he sat in the chair, slouched down like it was no big deal to be on Dave’s show….he was uber cool! Then he did it, he took his hand and rubbed his chest with it…………..
Bad Boy Billy
When I finally came back to consciousness, Dave was asking Billy about drugs. Apparently there were pills on the street with names of Billy Idol songs. He said something like “I understand there are street pills known as white weddings…” and Billy’s response was typical. With that give-a-shit sneer he simply responded “Yeah”. Then Dave said “You must be a very proud young man!” and I thought that was very disrespectful of Dave to say, he was obviously making fun of the man I worshipped and that was wrong.
Then came Money, Money (like moanie, moanie) and my Idol worship ended. I hated that song, I still hate that song. I’m not sure why but I think that part of it was that deep down I knew that Billy Idol singing a cover tune would be the end of his career, and I was pretty much right.
25 years is a long time and Billy is showing serious signs of aging. I would like to think that it’s just aging but there’s no doubt that years of hard living and drug use have taken their toll on him. I have to wonder what FD will think of her teenage crush in 25 years. Of course her “idol” is wholesome and wears a chastity belt…..so he’ll probably age gracefully. But me? Nope, I had to choose the bad boy of 80′s rock, and look at him now 
Yikes, Billy Now
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: aging, doctors, falling apart, humor, old age, sick, Webmd.com
I’m falling apart. My body is failing me. It’s really very depressing but I suppose that it’s not entirely to be unexpected, after all, I’m getting older and it’s all part of the aging process, or so I’ve been told.
In the past year I have had more “issues” than ever. I’ve always been very healthy. Other than child birth and a tonsillectomy (at age 4) I have never spent time in a hospital; unless it was to visit a friend or family member. Those of you who have not been as fortunate as I, have no sympathy and I understand and forgive you (BFF J is now telling me to put two pairs of my big girl panties on). I am the furthest thing from a hypochondriac…..when I get sick I’m in denial, but when I’m REALLY sick I’m a huge wuss, because I never get sick. Does that make sense? I’m a wussy when I do have health problems because I’m not suppose to have health problems, I’m healthy! Until this last year that is.
I must preface this next paragraph by telling you that Webmd is probably the most irresponsible on line tool that no one should be using…..and of course I’ve highlighted it to provide you with a link so that you may see just how bad it can be. Please, whatever you do, do not rely on the diagnosis of this site. It is always in your best interest to consult with your own doctor, and when you do so, do not tell your doctor that you are there for a visit based on what Webmd told you was wrong with you. They REALLY hate that. It’s understandable and here’s why: According to Webmd, after inputting my symptoms I have cancer, and I’m dying……and I may be gone by the end of the year, “sniff”.
Now, I’m writing this very tongue and cheek. I’m sure that I’m fine. In fact, I visited my doctor and I’m fine….other than the fact that I’m falling apart. But, I’ve been told that happens at my age so I need to get over it. In the past year I’ve been diagnosed with kidney stones, tennis elbow, and now I need a skin grapht done on my lower gumline & my wisdom teeth removed. For someone who has never had a serious injury (other than a minor nose fracture in a freak bar fight in college….that story is for another time) I am in no hurry to proceed with any of the procedures that are required….because frankly I’m a wuss and I don’t feel the need to voluntarilly have pain inflicted on me, even if it’s covered by insurance and could make me feel better.
I’ve watched my parents and my grandparents age over the years and I think I’ll be ok, they are of pretty hardy stock so I’ve got that much going for me. I also enjoy a glass or two of red wine every so often and I know that’s suppose to be good for me. I don’t smoke and I eat pretty well so I’m going to attribute my rapid aging process to having a teenager. Those of you reading this that have a teenager will probably agree. Even the best kid will still give you an ulcer every so often and although I’m blessed with two great kids I can’t help but think that the grey in my hair and my physical ailments began to really show when the middle school years were upon our family.
Either way it could just be that I’m getting older and there is no stopping it. If you’re thinking that “it’s to be celebrated (with a big cheery smile)” then you’re wrong about that too! As I approach 40 I’m just going to rely on some of the new catch phrases that I’ve heard: 40 is the new 30 AND grey is the new blond! (and as I’m writing this I just pulled out my reading glasses, those are new too!)
