Z o r bl o g

Note: This was entry #666. :evilgrin

Monday Mission:

1. Since we've covered the standard "where do you go when you die" question, let's get a little deeper. When you do die, would you like to be able to watch your funeral?
Yes, that would be so kinky. In fact, the mere thought makes me have to go get my purple friend. Excuse me for a minute, please.

2. Catholics must have the longest funeral services ever. I think there is a lot to be said for the traditions that they keep, but it was just so depressing. I'd like my funeral to be much more upbeat, like those I've seen in New Orleans. What type of funeral would you plan for yourself?
Catholic funerals are SO not depressing. They celebrate your life and comfort the living. They also aren't long. I've never been to one longer than an hour. And I sure know funerals, I average at least one a month, or more, if I'm lucky! :pleased

3. As a child, when I was angry sometimes I would wish that a parent or teacher would die. Thank goodness wishes like those are never granted. I think it probably takes the loss of someone important before you learn the value of life. When did you first realize that life was so fragile?
After 9/11, and again last week when I found out that one of my former students died of leukemia at age 15. The latter doesn't bother me, I only taught her for a month or so.

4. When we said our final respects to Grandma H. today, I though about her impact on the world. No, she didn't cure cancer or make sweeping changes to society. But she did leave a legacy of four sons and a daughter, who in turn have children and grandchildren. And maybe that was her purpose, to launch future generations that will accomplish great things. Some of us are here to make a huge splash in the pond of life, others are here to direct the ripples in the water. Of the people you've known personally who have passed away, what sort of legacy, impact, mark or achievement did they leave behind?
I don't know anyone close to me who died. 3 of the 4 grandparents are dead but I was not close to any of them.

5. One thing that struck me at the funeral, was that there were so many men were dressed in casual clothes. I was brought up to believe that men should always wear a suit to a funeral, as a show of respect. Maybe these men were never taught that. Maybe they just don't own suits. Maybe that I am just old fashioned and not hip to the times. Do you think there is an "appropriate" way to dress for attending a funeral? Or is it even important?
I see WAY too many people wearing red at funerals. That's just wrong. I always wear black from head to toe, I want to look respectful.

6. Grandma H. was far enough along in life to have been able to plan ahead for her funeral, even down to the tiny details such as song selections. It was nice to finally attend a funeral where they didn't play "Amazing Grace!" My choices would be "Ode to Joy" and "I'll Fly Away." What are some of the more memorable songs you've heard played at funerals?
At my funeral, I'd want Mozart's Requiem, especially the Lacrimosa, On Eagle's Wings, and How Great Thou Art to end. The last two are my favourite ones to play at a funeral.

7. I've been craving some home-made pickles for years now. Not just any, but the kind my dear Great Grandmother made. It's been over 20 years since she died, but I can still remember just how her dill pickles taste. No one in the family has even attempted to make them since. Today at the funeral I overheard someone wishing that they had asked Grandma H. for her home-made noodle recipe but now it was too late. Do you have any favorite foods that only one relative made, and the recipe died with them?
Hmmm, my paternal grandma's loh bak goh. We lament the lack of good loh bak goh every year at Chinese New Year.