you've gotta love some whitney houston...

this picture brought back some memories that i just have to share. if i had to describe myself to someone, i would possibly say that i am sensitive, but not one who wears my feelings on my sleeve. i would say that i am expressive, but not dramatic. i hope this story doesn't give you the wrong impression.

several years back, when my parents were getting ready to move to california, i was going through some things that were in the "keep or trash" boxes that needed to be widdled down. i came across a cassette tape that, for whatever reason, i decided to pop into the stereo. i could hear the static of a self-made recording. as i listened more closely, i recognized the sound of sniffles and sobs. then the music began...

you see, my first "boyfriend"...vaughn ricker... dumped me when i was not even 12. i know...tragic. i'm going to refer to this as my only "dumping". yes, it's true and maybe this incident is the reason why i've never since been dumped. (no, i'm not "the dumper" either...i like to call myself "the negotiator".) anyhow, vaughn ricker broke my heart. i remember laying on my floor in my bedroom, knowing that life could not go on, and listening to my girl, whitney houston. when her "where do broken hearts go" began to play, something inside of me determined that that moment could not be forgotten. yes, you guessed it...i recorded myself, on my double cassette boombox, crying while whitney sang.

the recording was emotional...until...the sadness was interrupted by a knock on the door and my father saying, "Carrie, it's time for dinner." apparently, he wasn't aware of the emotional healing taking place, the first heartbreak being documented, and clearly, he had no respect for some good ol' whitney houston.