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It wasn't really my scene, but I loved every minute of it.

A few weekends ago, my mother and I traveled to Atlanta, Ga. to see one of her all-time favorite artists in concert - Tina Turner.

I knew from the moment I stepped into Philips Arena that this concert was going to be a bit different than ones I have been to before.

First, there were no cowboy hats or opening acts. The stage looked massive and more like the set of a production than a concert.

I'm beginning to realize that I was just a lazy teenager. During the past few weeks, I've introduced you to a Latin teacher, symbolic adoptive parents, a veterinarian and a banker. All are teenagers and still in high school.

Though high school is but a faint memory to me now, I know I never did anything more than what was required of me.

I never took a job through the school's work co-op program. I'm not even sure that was an option for me. Work? Hey, I was in high school, I'm not supposed to work!

"Dear Lord ... Humble our hearts and make us truly thankful for these and all thy blessings. And bless our dear ones, wherever they may be. For Christ's sake ... Amen."

Those are the words to my family's dinnertime blessing. I've known those words for all of my life, as have my children. My mother has said them all of her life, as did my grandmother before her.

Most of the time, I simply say the words by rote, without really thinking of their meaning. But there are certain times during the year that it means more to me than others.

I recently purchased my latest car; a loaded Saab 95, complete with 7-speaker stereo system, heated and cooled seats, multi-function sunroof and a plethora of other amenities, some of which I have yet to figure out how to operate. It is a luxury car that gets 32 miles per gallon on the highway, and it could easily be the most comfortable car I've ever owned.