Today the world says goodbye to one of the best talents it has ever known: Whitney Houston. Whitney has always held a special place in my heart (and not because we are name twins), but because my Grandfather Buckeye absolutely loved her. For such a grumpy, cantankerous man, he had very girly tastes in music and movies-he was really a big softy on the inside. I can still remember driving to Virginia every summer with my mom and sister to visit Amma and Buckeye. The best part of the ride was when we reached the top of my grandparent’s cottage, we would unbuckle our seat belts (Buckeye didn’t believe in them) and play Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” at the highest volume, singing along at the top of our lungs. It was our very subtle way of announcing our arrival.
Along with Pretty Woman, and Notting Hill, The Bodyguard was one of Buckeye’s all time favorite movies. THe first time I ever saw the movie was at his house in Virginia, in the den in the front room. I was terrified of the scenes at the cabin, when Kevin Costner is chasing the assassin around the woods. I remember snuggling up to Buckeye and hiding my face into his chest as he held me. He made sure I reemerged for the singing of “I Will Always Love You”.
To this day I can’t think of Whitney Houston, or hear “I Will Always Love You” with out thinking of Buckeye. Whitney Houston’s funeral is today, you can watch it stream live on the internet (which is a whole other situation I don’t want to get started on right now). And even though she has been slipping through the cracks (no pun intended) in past years, spiraling downwards in a haze of drugs and an abusive relationship, Whitney Houston will have have a spot in my heart. She will forever remind me of my Buckeye.
So, today the world says goodbye to one Whitney, and hello to another. (I’ll give you a hint, the new Whitney is me!) I RAN THREE MILES TODAY WITHOUT STOPPING! What!? I know. I’m still in shock too. Didn’t see that coming. Especially as a few short weeks ago the thought of running 100 yards exhausted me.
It was still miserable, and I didn’t enjoy giving up time on my Saturday to go running, but I must admit, the feeling of accomplishment is pretty awesome. I haven’t even attempted to run three consecutive miles since high school lacrosse, and even then it was difficult/a misery. It was hot, tiring, and hard work, but finishing felt good.
Whoa. Don’t get your hopes up here. I haven’t converted. I still wouldn’t consider myself a “runner”, and I still definitely 100% don’t love it-I haven’t changed that much. But I must say, I am pretty proud of myself. Not to toot my own horn or anything but “toot-toot”!
Do any of you have any recommendations for good running music? My playlist is already getting old (sorry Akon). Please leave any recommendations below!
Thanks for reading! xo Whitney
