Hear me out.
I’m not dying. I mean, not anymore than the rest of you. But for those poor souls who end up at my funeral, first of all, congratulations — you’ve outlived me, which means one of three things:
You’re a vegetarian.
I met an untimely death at the hands of Nashville drivers (most probable).
Or sushi and yoga were bad for us all along.
I only hope we did not all die in some apocalyptic everyone-at-once sort of manner. Because then you will have been robbed of the absurd irreverence that promises to be my funeral. And what a shame that would be. Please find herein my expressed wishes for festivities marking the occasion.
First and foremost, I wish to be taxidermied. Then I would like you to hire my least favorite people to carry me around the party, Weekend at Bernie’s style. There will be bonus points awarded to those who come up with the most classic scenes to act out with my stuffed corpse. Pics or it didn’t happen.
Other games to include funeral cliche Bingo. Look out for phrases like “long hard struggle,” “she’s in a better place,” and “blah blah God blah blah.” The middle square will read: “she was one badass bitch” because you don’t deserve points for something you’ll hear said that often.
Next, karaoke: dead lady’s choice, meaning songs I choose and expect to be performed in the following order:
1. Both sides now
2. Remix to ignition
3. Hallelujah
4. MmmBop
5. The Boy is Mine
6. One Request from the Audience
7. Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (entire album)
8. Sister Christian
9. Adam’s Song
10. Whatever you like
11. White America (to sum up my life)
The most important thing I want for my funeral is joy. I know I’ll reflect on these grueling grad school days with a smirk because I’ve had harder days I look back on with a grin. I’m grateful to be here and happy to be alive. If someone decides to mark the occasion when I’m not with anything other than what’s listed above, you set ’em straight, and do it with a smile.
And if you think life and death ought to be treated with more seriousness than I’ve given them here today, it’s my pleasure to agree to disagree. #likemotherlikedaughter
Eat. Read. Ask. Do. Be. 