With all apologies to Tom Petty fans, I'm going to mix and merge two of his songs here. A few years back, I met a Jordanian ex-patriate at a party and after about a half hour of conversation, he said (with affection), "I have finally met the American Girl from the Tom Petty song." He had gotten "American Girl" and "Free Falling" confused. I was flattered by his observation and have thought about it often since then.
"She's a good girl, loves her Mama …" Yes. My mother is having minor cancer surgery this Thursday and it's about all I can think of. It's skin cancer, an in-office procedure. But it's still cancer and she's still my mother.
"Loves Jesus, and America, too." Yes, indeedy. I'm a patriotic Christian. (Which is why I'm still proud of MY vote on 11/2/04. Wonder how many Bushies can say the same.)
"Crazy 'bout Elvis." Yes. Definitely. I wanted Emil or Elliott or whoever the hell he was voted off American Idol after he screwed up "If I Can Dream." That's a great song. A beautiful song. Elvis' contribution is just as moving a testament to its time as "Blowin' in the Wind." Oh, and I have seen King Creole and Viva Las Vegas like a million times.
"Loves horses, and her boyfriend, too." I've always loved horses. Noble, beautiful beasts. And actually, I'm secretly in love with someone else's husband, but since I've never told him, I don't think that will cost me my "good girl" status.
And yes, I do believe I'm "free falling." Sometimes I feel like it's a battle to keep my head above water, to remain positive, to concentrate on the many good and happy things in my life. But I'm trying!
And, as an American Girl, I have to confess that I COULD NOT CARE LESS about Wimbeldon or the World Cup. Make them go away. They are just confusing my TV watching and taking valuable media attention away from my Cubs. HEY! They are on a streak now (two in a row)! And besides, there's trade talk floating around regarding my two favorite players (my beloved #31, future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux and Todd Walker, he of the really beautiful hair). I need to be informed!
