Funeral Plans
I need to go back to planning my funeral out. I know it's morbid by some standards, but to me it's therapeutic.
I know what I want to greet guests in the entryway: a silver tray a la http://www.silverandcrystalgallery.com/store/proddetail.php?prod=51854-0700 with 50 or so (maybe I'm being optimistic here) personalized shot glasses - these would be favors, yes funeral favors and yes I'm aware that it's not customary.
I'm thinking something like one of these items - 1, 2, 3, or 4 with my full name and 1982-????, and a silver lining around the rim of the glass, because everything needs a silver lining (yes that's supposed to be symbolism).
They will be sitting next to a chilled bottle of premium whiskey (I am thinking Bushmill's, I might see if I can't find something from my birth year- but depending on how old I live to be that may be an issue - definitely want the most aged, premium bottle of whiskey available for this occasion).
In front of all the shot glasses, on the silver tray, there will sit a little white place-card, engraved with silver scroll lettering that reads "A stiff drink, to drink to the stiff."
I'm also not entirely opposed to one of those memory boards with tons of pictures of the deceased, and maybe even a spot for people to sign farewells and what not somewhere on it or nearby. But that's not necessary.
I definitely have a sound track that I want played throughout the service, or if need be at an after-funeral-party-keg-stand type deal. (I don't know what funeral home sound systems are like.) That sound track is of course constantly evolving in my mind, but I rather liked Nero's suggestion of playing AC/DCs "To Those About to Rock (We Salute You)," and "I Go Back" by Kenny Chesney. (Thanks for the reminder Sarah!)
The memorial service will have a half hour session or so where people can come up and share stories of me, what they will always remember about me. Even if, yes Sarah, that story happens to be Biaggi's. I won't be around to tell anyone what not to say, so anything goes, and the more laughter the better. I would rather have people celebrate my life than mourn my passing.
If I am still riding a motorcycle at that point (or if I get back on one on a regular basis, which I haven't done for a while) I am toying with the idea of being buried in a shirt that reads "If you can read this, the bitch fell off," and of course, motorcycles first in the processional to my grave site. If anyone wants to tack a little sign like "WHAT A RIDE!" to the back of the hearse well, I would definitely approve.
IF by some miracle stroke of luck end up rich, and don't have a will at the time of the my death - then I think my estate should be split evenly amongst those who attend my funeral, after of course a 50% cut to the ASPCA. So, that would probably require a guest-book to be present, or at least something like that would be helpful.
I actually feel pretty good about this... Now all I have to do is go talk to a lawyer to draft up a will and a living will. Not that I expect anything to happen, but I'm closing in on 30 and I think that it's just common sense to have that sort of paperwork in order at this time in my life.
I know what I want to greet guests in the entryway: a silver tray a la http://www.silverandcrystalgallery.com/store/proddetail.php?prod=51854-0700 with 50 or so (maybe I'm being optimistic here) personalized shot glasses - these would be favors, yes funeral favors and yes I'm aware that it's not customary.
I'm thinking something like one of these items - 1, 2, 3, or 4 with my full name and 1982-????, and a silver lining around the rim of the glass, because everything needs a silver lining (yes that's supposed to be symbolism).
They will be sitting next to a chilled bottle of premium whiskey (I am thinking Bushmill's, I might see if I can't find something from my birth year- but depending on how old I live to be that may be an issue - definitely want the most aged, premium bottle of whiskey available for this occasion).
In front of all the shot glasses, on the silver tray, there will sit a little white place-card, engraved with silver scroll lettering that reads "A stiff drink, to drink to the stiff."
I'm also not entirely opposed to one of those memory boards with tons of pictures of the deceased, and maybe even a spot for people to sign farewells and what not somewhere on it or nearby. But that's not necessary.
I definitely have a sound track that I want played throughout the service, or if need be at an after-funeral-party-keg-stand type deal. (I don't know what funeral home sound systems are like.) That sound track is of course constantly evolving in my mind, but I rather liked Nero's suggestion of playing AC/DCs "To Those About to Rock (We Salute You)," and "I Go Back" by Kenny Chesney. (Thanks for the reminder Sarah!)
The memorial service will have a half hour session or so where people can come up and share stories of me, what they will always remember about me. Even if, yes Sarah, that story happens to be Biaggi's. I won't be around to tell anyone what not to say, so anything goes, and the more laughter the better. I would rather have people celebrate my life than mourn my passing.
If I am still riding a motorcycle at that point (or if I get back on one on a regular basis, which I haven't done for a while) I am toying with the idea of being buried in a shirt that reads "If you can read this, the bitch fell off," and of course, motorcycles first in the processional to my grave site. If anyone wants to tack a little sign like "WHAT A RIDE!" to the back of the hearse well, I would definitely approve.
IF by some miracle stroke of luck end up rich, and don't have a will at the time of the my death - then I think my estate should be split evenly amongst those who attend my funeral, after of course a 50% cut to the ASPCA. So, that would probably require a guest-book to be present, or at least something like that would be helpful.
I actually feel pretty good about this... Now all I have to do is go talk to a lawyer to draft up a will and a living will. Not that I expect anything to happen, but I'm closing in on 30 and I think that it's just common sense to have that sort of paperwork in order at this time in my life.