Ch-ch-ch-changes

In the Flanigan house, we are going through a lot of ch-ch-ch-changes as David Bowie once sang. He went on to sing-splain, “Changes are taking the pace I’m going through.” Hmm, let’s scratch that Bowie tune. Upon further review, I don’t have a clue as to what he’s talking about.

Sorry, Dave.

I seem to recall Buddy Miles singing about “Them Changes.” He came close to describing what’s going on when he sang, “Well my mind is goin’ through them changes.” Although it’s funky, it’s not a perfect fit. First, I’ve already lost my mind. Second, it’s my whole family going through changes.

I had to dig deep in the musical dustbin to find an original member of The Animals from the 1960s who sang a solo number called “Changes” on the 1973 soundtrack , album to the UK film O Lucky Man! There, ex-Animal Alan Price sang “Everyone is going through changes” to the tune of a church hymn. Whew! That was a roundabout way to explain that there is a lot of change going on in my house these days.

So, what are the ch-ch-ch-changes that I’m writing about?

Well, my youngest daughter at 14 somehow got a work permit and secured a job at a school day camp for a few weeks this summer. I already disapprove because she wants to use her future earnings to buy current tickets using my current money to go to Lollapalooza in Chicago to see Kendrick Lamar. And it’s an easy guess as to who would have to take her.

Ugh! My oldest son, who is a Kendrick Lamar fan, does NOT recommend going to the human zoo called Lolla to see him or anyone.

My wife is changing jobs within the school at which she currently works. She is taking an administrative position and will be right up front at the entrance. The position is described as “the face of the school.” That’s perfect for her, because she has a pretty and kind face. I’ve also been told I have a kind face … the kind of face people want to punch. Anyway, it’s an excellent change for me, too, as my wife will be earning more money meaning I can slack off even more, if that is humanly possible. I guess it’s up to me to find out!

As for me, I am also changing jobs. I have accepted a position as International Sales Manager for a company whose product I have distributed for the past 10+ years. It’s a good fit, and it should provide me a transitional job bridge to retirement. It also sounds a lot more prestigious than it is, so that’s not a bad thing for a delicate male ego.

I would if I could.