I was out the other night at a brown booze "Tweetup" (yes, I'm that dorky — if you want more where that came from, follow me on Twitter) and was telling someone my Joe Strummer story.  I have always been a Clash fan and also really got into Global a Go Go when he was part of Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros.  In 2002 (I think), Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros played a few nights at St. Ann's Warehouse in Dumbo.  I bought a pair of tickets assuming that someone would be interested.  I asked tons of people, but even those who were interested had conflicts that night.  Alas, when the night came I had no takers.  I debated for a while — I had never gone to a show by myself, and I was definitely uncomfortable with the idea, but I ended up going.  It was an absolutely amazing show — it blew me away.  A few months later, Joe Strummer died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart defect.  I am so grateful that I got to see him at that show.

I actually learned the same lessons I carried away from the Joe Strummer story much earlier in my life.  My uncle lived in Washington when I was in college in Boston.  At one point, he sent me a check for train fare so I could come and visit him.  I kept meaning to come down, but I was always too busy.  As I think back now, I can't even remember what I was too busy doing — being in college, I suppose.  Classes, schoolwork, rehearsals or weekend gigs with my singing group, my boyfriend.  Time went by.  The next time I saw my uncle was when he was in a coma after an accident — I had come to say goodbye before he was taken off of life support.

Never pass up an opportunity if you can make it happen.  Don't let your comfort zone restrict you.  Always make time for the people and things that are important to you in life — you don't know what tomorrow will bring.

Photo by bassheaduk via Flickr