I first heard "I'm One" when my brother Alan shared the album Quadrophenia with me as he was experimenting with The Who probably around 1974/75. The Who made a career out of speaking to us youngsters. Please listen to Keith Moon's drumming after the song gets going, he laid down an impressive bit of music. I definitely fit into the demographic of young teenager; feeling a lot of angst over my lot in life. I wasn't popular. I didn't have a girlfriend. I was overweight and would hear the term "fatso" quite often. I didn't have a lot of friends, and to top it all off I couldn't beat my dad in one-on-one basketball! The stereo turntable played many a rock song in those days expressing frustrations, in the mid 70's it was very much in vogue. I heard I'm One and felt like it was written just for me. Pete Townsend, who it would later be discovered had some of his own troubles growing up- composed the Quadrophenia rock opera after the successful Tommy, in 1973. The opera tells the tale of Jimmy who is growing up in 60's England with many troubles including taking his own life. It is obscure today, but there are many great lyrics in contained within all of the songs from the album- my favorite being: "I got a Gibson without a case, but I can't get that even tanned look on my face."
When things are not going well, a headwind starts up just as you start to peddle your proverbial bicycle; take stock, regroup, get into a tuck, or peddle faster. You will succeed, or feel better trying. Instead of why me? try to think about the satisfaction of overcoming odds and staying true to yourself as you do it. There are a lot of surface distractions, sometime people who pretend to support you or care. If you find real people who are supportive, revel in their company/advice.
Had a fun day in Tacoma at the hospital/clinic yesterday, as I came down with another blood infection. They got me started on the always rough and ready vancomycin anti-biotic. Then it was discovered that my central line catheter was infected so it was removed (YES!) More meetings with infectious disease doctors and we were sent home at 5PM. I am very happy because: No central line means I can swim again soon! I should not contact as many infections, and that darn thing was a royal pain in the arse! (My anglophile stuff is coming out due to a recent wedding.) Now the infection just has to be beat back followed by a couple of chemo rounds and I am done with treatment. Living Happy!
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| My sister Cathy and I 1977 |
Had a fun day in Tacoma at the hospital/clinic yesterday, as I came down with another blood infection. They got me started on the always rough and ready vancomycin anti-biotic. Then it was discovered that my central line catheter was infected so it was removed (YES!) More meetings with infectious disease doctors and we were sent home at 5PM. I am very happy because: No central line means I can swim again soon! I should not contact as many infections, and that darn thing was a royal pain in the arse! (My anglophile stuff is coming out due to a recent wedding.) Now the infection just has to be beat back followed by a couple of chemo rounds and I am done with treatment. Living Happy!
