December 29, 2006

Like most people, every once in a while I’ll get a song stuck in my head. Unfortunately, when this happens, my moderately OCD tendencies kick in and I start obsessing about the aforementioned song. I’ll hum it, I’ll think about it, I’ll obsess about it until it comes to a sweet resolution where the Universe finally presents me with this tune in it’s natural setting. The trouble is, there’s no way for this song to get to me in it’s natural setting at the moment. That’s because for the past two days I’ve had the theme song to the sitcom Alice stuck in my head.

As of late I’ve come to know this process as “Lavinization”.

Alice was on CBS for nine seasons. I remember watching first run episodes on Sunday nights and reruns weekdays at 10:30 before The Price Is Right. A multi-talented individual, Linda Lavin not only starred as “Alice” but she also sang the theme song, back when television shows had theme songs that lasted more than five seconds (the good ‘ol days). Always the performer, Ms. Lavin recorded at least one different version of the theme song per season.

To make a long story short, I currently have the second season, first variation of this song stuck in my head. Funniest thing, the saddest part is I never knew why. It’s just stuck in my head, playing over and over.

I have to admit it’s kind of groovy. The wurlitzer organ in this particular version that’s playing in my head is a bit trippy. The accompanying images are a little hazy but after all, things are great when you stand on your own two feet.

Today I’m Lavinized. If you’d like to join me, check out this site. Unfortunately, the particular version I’m hearing is not on the linked page!

Lavinized.

I just completed the exit interview with Human Resources, so I guess it’s official. I am now a struggling student by trade as today is my last day in the rat race for a while.

I’m very excited about going back to school. I’m finally following my dream to be a traffic engineer and I’m thanking the Universe, as few have the opportunity to pursue an education and a new career at this point in their life. I must admit that I’m sad about turning the page on this chapter of my life though, because I have enjoyed this job very much. I’ve often complained in here about the “on-call” aspects of my position and the crazy customers that I’ve talked to, but for the most part, it hasn’t been a bad gig and I’d do it again. I was a little surprised to get a phone call with well wishes from the senior vice-president of the company this morning and I appreciated the gesture. If for some reason my school plans don’t work out, I can always go back to this job and I feel good about that. I don’t believe in burning bridges. I look forward to maintaining friendships with my co-workers. They are good people.

2007 harkens in a completely new chapter in our life. The feeling is not unpleasant.