Dear America-
On Sunday, Dallas (my hometown) hosted the Super Bowl. What should have been a happy and joyous affair turned into something altogether ugly and greedy. Didn't our visitors see the Troy Aikman commercial urging us to be better hosts and respectful? Is anyone else disturbed we needed a commercial to tell us that?
The week leading up to the game was a doozy. Mother Nature (or Jerry Jones depending on what circle you run in) attacked Dallas with the full force of her wintry nature. Ice and snow covered the ground and the complaints started. I didn't realize that as hosts of the Super Bowl we were also in control of the weather. I assure you, if Jones had his way he would have taken on the almighty himself to get the streets to clear. What our neighbors to the North need to realize and understand is that we don't get that kind of weather. We haven't had that level of winter since 1997. We are a temperate climate with mild winters marred by a few days of ice and maybe snow a year. It gets cold here sure (we only have two temperatures- Hot as hell, and Cold as shit), so it's not that we're lazy or unprepared; it's that we rarely have to be. The number of snow plows and ice trucks currently in the DFW area are adequate for the weather we see normally. No city can prepare against every scenario, it's too expensive. Industrial salt/sand spreaders can cost upwards of 60K. How many should Texas own? Therefore, my dear Yankees, shut your gob and enjoy the snow. Trust me when I tell you we wish it weren't here either but c'est la vie!
Complaints were further issued when some fans found out they no longer had seats to the game. That is a bummer but is a lawsuit the answer? Yahoo Sports reported that a $5 million dollar lawsuit is being filed against the NFL, Dallas Cowboys, and Jerry Jones for misrepresentation, etc. I am sorry many fans lost seats. Over 2/3 of those in the temporary seating were moved to equal or better seats. The remaining 400 watched from a bar area, were given three times the cost of their ticket and a ticket to any future Super Bowl complete with air fare and hotel. Um... That sounds like great customer service to me and a good deal. It's a let down for sure but when does good sense equal into the equation? I understand that as Americans we are a "me, me" nation who believes that life is fair and we get whatever we want. Well, life isn't fair. I learned that before the age of 5, and as the Rolling Stones taught us "you can't always get what you want". Yes, Jones should never have over sold the venue and rushed the temporary seating. I'm sure the weather didn't help the fire marshal's inspection plans either. However, the NFL went above and beyond to correct this situation and make it up to the fans. I hope that in a months time they realize the money and gift of ANY future bowl is more than adequate compensation. Put your greed and anger away and stop listening to lawyers. If only this would go to trail, it would be one heck of a show.
In closing, the grass is always greener unless you visit Texas during a freak ice storm. Then, you probably should have stayed home.
Showing posts with label anger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anger. Show all posts
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Hero Worship
She doesn't know I'm doing this and I hope she'll forgive me the liberty, but I want to talk to you about one of my hero's- my sister.
In the movie of her life, she would be played by Liv Tyler- she's beautiful both inside and out, and she's wicked smart. Because of, or in spit of, our being "Irish twins" we are best friends. I can talk to her about anything and vice versa. I know that she'll give it to me straight and I'm never one to sugar coat my opinions on what she might have done wrong (or right for that matter).
I've spoken about her before on these pages, but I feel further exploration is needed. As long time readers know, she is vegetarian and has been for many years. This has not always been easy in our household, but I think recent family events have helped turn our parents on to her train of thought. She is currently studying to be a veterinarian and is a leader in her class. I couldn't be more proud!
On a daily basis, she overcomes diversity. As a democrat in the land of republicans and an atheist in god's country; she is constantly trying to defend her point of view while offending as few people as possible. Her personal and political views make her easy cannon fodder for those around her, for those who call her "friend". Amidst all of this, she maintains a brave face. It is more important to her that she represents the subcultural groups she defines in a positive light than to stir the pot. Whether she thinks of it this way or not, her dream is to open the eyes of those around her to be more understanding and tolerant.
"I want for them, if they meet another vegetarian, [etc.] to say, 'I knew a vegetarian in college and she was cool, maybe this person will be cool too'".
It's hard for my city mind to understand that for many who know her, she is the first vegetarian they've ever meet, the first democrat, the first not to go to church even on a holiday basis. She puts her own feelings and discomfort on the back burner everyday in hopes of building and bridging ties within her community.
Growing up in a diverse metropolitan community and to a family of liberals, we were exposed to all sorts of things others can only imagine. We've traveled the country (heck- I know people who have never left the state), left the country to travel, been to museums and musicals, plays and operas. We've talked with people of all socio- and economic persuasions. We are renaissance ladies and proud of it!
My sister is my hero because I take all of these things for granted. I live in a city that puts republican, democrat, liberal, and green party candidates on the ballot. I can eat delicacies from Ethiopia to Italy. I can go to church, synagogue, mosque, or stay home. I am surrounded by amazing friends who may judge me or poke fun at my choices, what they see as my idiosyncrasies, yet they love and respect me just the same. To be reminded that this is not happening all over the country hurts my heart. When will the prejudices and naive hatred for those that are different from ourselves end? When will we all learn to respect those who give us respect, to think about others feelings? When will we, as a country, grow up and out of the past? Who cares if someone is vegetarian or vegan or 100% carnivore (seriously, I worry about those of you who refuse to eat any vegetable. PS- Potatoes are not a vegetable)? If someone is Catholic, or Baptist, or Jewish, or Muslim, or atheist, or if they worship at the shrine of the almighty "boob tube"? How does that effect you? How does that harm you?
In an effort to help my sister, I did some digging into her college town, trying to find vegetarian restaurants or groups she could join. There weren't any. I understand that she goes to an agricultural school, but how can there not be at least ONE vegetarian club? When I asked Urban Spoon for a recommendation, it listed one vegetarian restaurant- a sandwich place. Uh, I think we can do better. On another search, I came up with a better option, The Village Cafe/Art979, which has mostly vegetarian options and is completely local. Yea! Now if only we can get a few more cool places down there...
I also came across a blog from Fair & Feminist entitled: "Is Vegetarian a dirty word in Texas?" I would say it is. In the same spirit as yesterday's Women's Writes assignment, I further call you all to action. Be respectful of those around you. If you can't do that for a friend, who can you? Try to learn something new everyday. If you know someone with a varying point of view, ask them about it! Be respectful and listen. Try to see it from their side. Share your own feelings. Remember, and this may be most important of all, that they have feelings too. If what you want to say would hurt your feelings, why would you say it to someone else? We can never get along and end discrimination and hate until we learn to listen to one another and accept our differences.
[side note: Have you heard the story about Constance McMillan, the teenager from Mississippi who was barred from attending her high school prom with her girlfriend? It went to court and the judge ruled that the school was incorrect, but stopped short of saying they still had to throw a dance. Instead, parents and community members offered to throw one, which was then cancelled. Constance was invited to another prom that was being thrown instead. When she got there, there were only 5 other people there and some chaperone's from the school. It turns out, the original prom was not cancelled and she was sent to a "reject prom". Adding insult to injury, a Facebook page teasing and ridiculing her was created by her classmates. This sickens me. Please join me in signing The Human Rights Campaign's petition to the local school board stating our outrage that this was allowed to go on and seemingly sanctioned by them. You can read more about what happened by visiting The Bloggess' website (where I learned of this latest development) here. Thanks in advance!]
In the movie of her life, she would be played by Liv Tyler- she's beautiful both inside and out, and she's wicked smart. Because of, or in spit of, our being "Irish twins" we are best friends. I can talk to her about anything and vice versa. I know that she'll give it to me straight and I'm never one to sugar coat my opinions on what she might have done wrong (or right for that matter).I've spoken about her before on these pages, but I feel further exploration is needed. As long time readers know, she is vegetarian and has been for many years. This has not always been easy in our household, but I think recent family events have helped turn our parents on to her train of thought. She is currently studying to be a veterinarian and is a leader in her class. I couldn't be more proud!
On a daily basis, she overcomes diversity. As a democrat in the land of republicans and an atheist in god's country; she is constantly trying to defend her point of view while offending as few people as possible. Her personal and political views make her easy cannon fodder for those around her, for those who call her "friend". Amidst all of this, she maintains a brave face. It is more important to her that she represents the subcultural groups she defines in a positive light than to stir the pot. Whether she thinks of it this way or not, her dream is to open the eyes of those around her to be more understanding and tolerant.
"I want for them, if they meet another vegetarian, [etc.] to say, 'I knew a vegetarian in college and she was cool, maybe this person will be cool too'".
It's hard for my city mind to understand that for many who know her, she is the first vegetarian they've ever meet, the first democrat, the first not to go to church even on a holiday basis. She puts her own feelings and discomfort on the back burner everyday in hopes of building and bridging ties within her community.
Growing up in a diverse metropolitan community and to a family of liberals, we were exposed to all sorts of things others can only imagine. We've traveled the country (heck- I know people who have never left the state), left the country to travel, been to museums and musicals, plays and operas. We've talked with people of all socio- and economic persuasions. We are renaissance ladies and proud of it!
My sister is my hero because I take all of these things for granted. I live in a city that puts republican, democrat, liberal, and green party candidates on the ballot. I can eat delicacies from Ethiopia to Italy. I can go to church, synagogue, mosque, or stay home. I am surrounded by amazing friends who may judge me or poke fun at my choices, what they see as my idiosyncrasies, yet they love and respect me just the same. To be reminded that this is not happening all over the country hurts my heart. When will the prejudices and naive hatred for those that are different from ourselves end? When will we all learn to respect those who give us respect, to think about others feelings? When will we, as a country, grow up and out of the past? Who cares if someone is vegetarian or vegan or 100% carnivore (seriously, I worry about those of you who refuse to eat any vegetable. PS- Potatoes are not a vegetable)? If someone is Catholic, or Baptist, or Jewish, or Muslim, or atheist, or if they worship at the shrine of the almighty "boob tube"? How does that effect you? How does that harm you?
In an effort to help my sister, I did some digging into her college town, trying to find vegetarian restaurants or groups she could join. There weren't any. I understand that she goes to an agricultural school, but how can there not be at least ONE vegetarian club? When I asked Urban Spoon for a recommendation, it listed one vegetarian restaurant- a sandwich place. Uh, I think we can do better. On another search, I came up with a better option, The Village Cafe/Art979, which has mostly vegetarian options and is completely local. Yea! Now if only we can get a few more cool places down there...
I also came across a blog from Fair & Feminist entitled: "Is Vegetarian a dirty word in Texas?" I would say it is. In the same spirit as yesterday's Women's Writes assignment, I further call you all to action. Be respectful of those around you. If you can't do that for a friend, who can you? Try to learn something new everyday. If you know someone with a varying point of view, ask them about it! Be respectful and listen. Try to see it from their side. Share your own feelings. Remember, and this may be most important of all, that they have feelings too. If what you want to say would hurt your feelings, why would you say it to someone else? We can never get along and end discrimination and hate until we learn to listen to one another and accept our differences.
[side note: Have you heard the story about Constance McMillan, the teenager from Mississippi who was barred from attending her high school prom with her girlfriend? It went to court and the judge ruled that the school was incorrect, but stopped short of saying they still had to throw a dance. Instead, parents and community members offered to throw one, which was then cancelled. Constance was invited to another prom that was being thrown instead. When she got there, there were only 5 other people there and some chaperone's from the school. It turns out, the original prom was not cancelled and she was sent to a "reject prom". Adding insult to injury, a Facebook page teasing and ridiculing her was created by her classmates. This sickens me. Please join me in signing The Human Rights Campaign's petition to the local school board stating our outrage that this was allowed to go on and seemingly sanctioned by them. You can read more about what happened by visiting The Bloggess' website (where I learned of this latest development) here. Thanks in advance!]
Friday, February 12, 2010
Winter Greetings from Murderville
It was quite eventful in Murderville last night. For the 1st time ever (knock wood) I didn't lose power! It seems I'm always in the group that loses power when there's a big storm, but last night I was spared. Praise Allah! Unfortunately, others were not so lucky. My partner in crime and word of the day president Jen, lost power from 9-1230; missing many important TV shows. Another friend watched as a transformer blew in front of her house, catching the surrounding trees on fire. (!) Thankfully, the firemen came and power was only lost for an hour. Another friend lost power yesterday from 12-5 and again from 10-still out. He did build a 9 ft tall snowman, so at least the day was not wasted.
It occurred to me (and I may be a late bloomer here) that I/we are lucky to live in or near a posh neighborhood. Sure, Murderville is low rent, but down the same street are million dollar McMansions. When the power does go out, it's usually back on within the hour. Where Jen lives, she's surrounded by large homes and adorable craftsman's. Lauren lives in the land of fancy condos. The case is driven home by pointing out my friend who is still without power lives in an older, middle to lower-middle class neighborhood. Moral of the story- Beverly Hills may have some slums, but it's still Beverly Hills.
I also suffered flashback's last night. Again, strange noises were heard in my courtyard. I carefully peered out the blinds and saw nothing. First thing first, I checked the gate (really, I have got to tell the gate story at some point, it really is spectacularly crazy); then went back to watching TV. The noise happened again, and this time I could see were it was coming from. There was a lady running around the courtyard wearing a motorcycle helmet. Out of view, I could see flashes from a camera. Hilarious! I also realized I'm getting old.
"Oh, how fun! I'm super jealous. I wish I knew them so I could go outside and run around."
"God, it's been like 5 minutes. Why won't they shut up? It can't still be fun!"
"I hope they get frost bite!"
[side note: At some point my satanic upstairs joined in the fun which was a relief from the constant noise I usually hear. Until that is, they came back inside stomping around and chasing their evil dog. Didn't you get enough of that outside?? Come on!]
It is incredibly boring and sad to be at work today. It is a lovely 36 outside, the snow is starting to melt, I can drive anywhere I want (except Whole Foods because they don't have power), and everyone else I know is home drinking champagne and watching Netflix.
You would think this boredom would lead to something creative, but alas, no. I've spent my day at work photocopying recipes, reading, watching "Law & Order" on the L&O channel, and eating pizza.
[side note: Big shout out to Domino's for being open for delivery!!! I officially heart you more than Papa John's who couldn't drive the block and a half to the office w/my Tuscan cheese pizza. And, you were cheaper. Kudos!]
I was very excited to learn that Direct TV works in snow as long as you sweep the dish every 2-3 hours. 12.5 inches of snow? No problem! Why can't it work like that in heavy rain? Losers. I did miss the end of "Grey's Anatomy" (and no, I will not apologize for watching! Those who stuck with it last season have been rewarded w/a plum of a season this year). Next stop, watching it online; perhaps today.
Oh!! One of our resident's just brought us cupcakes! Ohhhh, red velvet w/butter creme icing. Delish. Gotta remember to send a thank you card...
(Okay, that was random and it's not even Saturday)
While trying to leave my house and get to work today (please send me your sympathy), I saw this:
Uh... Excuse me, Douche? Why/How did you think it was acceptable to park your car in the middle of the road? Forget about turning left when you enter my driveway. Re-purposed cop car is in the middle of the "T". You couldn't get closer to the dumpster? If I didn't like my car, I would have run into you on purpose, then leave a note explaining how you deserved it. Problem is, you probably can't read. I hope you want to be famous, because I'm posting this with the word "douche" stamped on it in the laundry room. Oh, and on Facebook and Twitter. I already had to move a tree (!) just to get to my car, I don't need to put up with you as well, Asshole.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
ARE YOU READY TO ROCK??
* Super excited! Tonight is "Silent Bob Speaks" with Kevin Smith at the House of Blues. I have see all of his movies and concert DVD's. It's my understanding, we have some pretty primo seats as well. Now, all I have to do is come up with an awesome question for the Q&A section.
* Had a SciFi debate with my friend last night- Who's the biggest geek? I'm pretty sure I win, but I always think I win. Basically, I geeked out while watching a CSI rerun from earlier this year. Kate Vernon! Grace Park! Ronald Moore! I was in BSG heaven. How could my Dad not tell me about this? He knows I don't get to watch because it conflicts with too many other shows! I want to make love to the new BSG box set, complete with Cylon model. I. Want. Now.
I heart SciFi almost as much as I love horror. It is especially satiating that TV is back on the bandwagon and delivering killer shows to my home: Dollhouse, Stargate: Universe, V, Fringe, Eureka, Ghost Hunters (can't wait for Ghost Hunters Academy next week). I'm sure the list goes on. So, thanks TV! Kisses.
* Dear Philly Connection at 6334 Gaston Ave, Please suck a fuck! Thank you. I'm sorry to be so crass, but where did you learn customer service? Who quotes 45 minutes and then shows up in 10? (That might have been nice, if I wasn't busy with a client and out of the office). I'd like to thank you for leaving a message when you called to say you tried to deliver my food. Oh, what? You didn't leave a message? Huh... How was I supposed to know you came? When I called you an hour later asking about my food, thanks for the attitude. I'm sure you're busy. I'm busy too! That's why I'm ordering delivery. I don't need to hear how busy you are. I don't like the insinuation that you aren't even doing delivery today. What have I been waiting an hour for? What's worse is, I don't even like your food. I called because you were supposed to have $1.99 sandwich's again for charity. You tell me that's only on pick-up. Can you point out where it says that on your flier? Oh, it doesn't? Huh... This should have been my first indication to hang up on you. When I call to find out about my order, I'm put on hold for 7 minutes. I counted. Ok, you're busy, we'll let that slide. Your assistant manager getting on the phone and blaming me for his problem, not so much. How often do we order from you Philly Connection? How many people have we sent to you? Fuck you! I'm hungry and getting cranky. Now, I've got to find food and I'm not supposed to leave the office. So, in closing, please suck a fuck you fucking jerk offs. I hate you and will never eat there again. That includes the beautiful Birch beer you sell. I'll simply live without. Loser.
* And now, for something completely different:
* Had a SciFi debate with my friend last night- Who's the biggest geek? I'm pretty sure I win, but I always think I win. Basically, I geeked out while watching a CSI rerun from earlier this year. Kate Vernon! Grace Park! Ronald Moore! I was in BSG heaven. How could my Dad not tell me about this? He knows I don't get to watch because it conflicts with too many other shows! I want to make love to the new BSG box set, complete with Cylon model. I. Want. Now.
I heart SciFi almost as much as I love horror. It is especially satiating that TV is back on the bandwagon and delivering killer shows to my home: Dollhouse, Stargate: Universe, V, Fringe, Eureka, Ghost Hunters (can't wait for Ghost Hunters Academy next week). I'm sure the list goes on. So, thanks TV! Kisses.
* Dear Philly Connection at 6334 Gaston Ave, Please suck a fuck! Thank you. I'm sorry to be so crass, but where did you learn customer service? Who quotes 45 minutes and then shows up in 10? (That might have been nice, if I wasn't busy with a client and out of the office). I'd like to thank you for leaving a message when you called to say you tried to deliver my food. Oh, what? You didn't leave a message? Huh... How was I supposed to know you came? When I called you an hour later asking about my food, thanks for the attitude. I'm sure you're busy. I'm busy too! That's why I'm ordering delivery. I don't need to hear how busy you are. I don't like the insinuation that you aren't even doing delivery today. What have I been waiting an hour for? What's worse is, I don't even like your food. I called because you were supposed to have $1.99 sandwich's again for charity. You tell me that's only on pick-up. Can you point out where it says that on your flier? Oh, it doesn't? Huh... This should have been my first indication to hang up on you. When I call to find out about my order, I'm put on hold for 7 minutes. I counted. Ok, you're busy, we'll let that slide. Your assistant manager getting on the phone and blaming me for his problem, not so much. How often do we order from you Philly Connection? How many people have we sent to you? Fuck you! I'm hungry and getting cranky. Now, I've got to find food and I'm not supposed to leave the office. So, in closing, please suck a fuck you fucking jerk offs. I hate you and will never eat there again. That includes the beautiful Birch beer you sell. I'll simply live without. Loser.
* And now, for something completely different:
Okay... That makes me feel better.
* I want to see Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus and need to get to NYC before the end of April (?), May (?), I can't remember when it ends, but here's a sneak peek at the Tim Burton retrospective at the MoMa. ~Love~
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Things that annoy me #32
It annoys me- these “generational designations”. Gen X, Gen Y, Gen Whatever. Depending on whom you read, Gen X’ers are defined as being born between 1977-1981 (though most seem to end at 1980), most often to Baby Boomer parents (though that seems to be often left out).
By most standards, I am considered Gen Y (whatever), but I don’t feel Gen Y- privileged, capitalistic, competitive. My pop cultural references are not those of Gen Y. I admired John Hughes and was (neigh AM) in love with John Cusack. I remember watching MTV at 4 years of age and singing ‘Love is an Elevator” at the top of my lungs. Remember when MTV played music? We joke, but I do- vividly. What ever happened to Matt Pinfield anyhow? Needless to say, my parents were thrilled. I watched “Save By the Bell” followed by “Black Adder” or “Red Dwarf”. I know where I was when Kurt Cobain died. My favorite bands were (sometimes still are) Duran Duran (for reals! Seen them twice in concert), The Cure, Belly, Soundgarden. My parents were baby Boomers and I their lazy offspring.
This difference could not be better illustrated than in the differences between my sister and myself. Born just 15 months apart (Irish twins!!), we couldn’t be more different. While many of her references are mine as well, they were most certainly learned from me. Sure, she liked Alice in Chains, but she’s really a Pedro the Lion kinda gal. Yes, “Reality Bites” is one of our favorite movies (or at least mine), but I was Vickie character (Janeane Garofalo), she only played at her during summers home from college. Hell! She went to college. I went to work. She is striving towards a career. I merely hold a job. She has never known depression (not in the clinical sense at least).
[side note: I don’t know why I identify that as not being a Gen Y problem but I do. I’m sure there are plenty of 20-year olds bummed about something, but I’m old and I don’t care]
She sees the world as half full. She’s vegetarian for christsake! She embodies everything I think about the Gen Y generation with less of the Mommy/Daddy complex- thank god.
The worst insult anyone has ever given me is accusing me of not knowing what I’m talking about (see rant above).
“You can’t possibly remember that!”
“You’re just a baby!”
This got under my skin again recently while I was reading Chuck Klosterman. How dare you imply that “Saved by the Bell” was a Gen X only show. Uh… I watched it too. And what’s more, I wasn’t a grown man doing it; I was a teen (for whom the show was designed!). What kind of 20 something sits around watching Saturday morning programming in anything other than an ironic fashion?
I will say this now and I suggest you and all your neigh saying buddies take heed:
I’m sure it makes you feel better, perhaps it helps you feel younger; to belittle or disbelieve my memories, my feelings, and my life; but you’re making a fool of yourself. Quit it! I saw “Rocky Horror” when I was 5. Caligula and Glory when I was 8. My father bought me “Appetite for Distriction” when it came out. (PS- my Dad is probably cooler than your Dad. Perhaps that’s why you act this way). My favorite song when I was little was “Karma Chameleon” and I knew all the words. I heart “Labyrinth”, and “The Neverending Story”, and “The Boy Who Could Fly”. Try me. Test me. I dare you. I’m 37 in a 27-year-old body. What’s worse, I always felt mature but now I just feel prematurely old. I blame you.
By most standards, I am considered Gen Y (whatever), but I don’t feel Gen Y- privileged, capitalistic, competitive. My pop cultural references are not those of Gen Y. I admired John Hughes and was (neigh AM) in love with John Cusack. I remember watching MTV at 4 years of age and singing ‘Love is an Elevator” at the top of my lungs. Remember when MTV played music? We joke, but I do- vividly. What ever happened to Matt Pinfield anyhow? Needless to say, my parents were thrilled. I watched “Save By the Bell” followed by “Black Adder” or “Red Dwarf”. I know where I was when Kurt Cobain died. My favorite bands were (sometimes still are) Duran Duran (for reals! Seen them twice in concert), The Cure, Belly, Soundgarden. My parents were baby Boomers and I their lazy offspring.
This difference could not be better illustrated than in the differences between my sister and myself. Born just 15 months apart (Irish twins!!), we couldn’t be more different. While many of her references are mine as well, they were most certainly learned from me. Sure, she liked Alice in Chains, but she’s really a Pedro the Lion kinda gal. Yes, “Reality Bites” is one of our favorite movies (or at least mine), but I was Vickie character (Janeane Garofalo), she only played at her during summers home from college. Hell! She went to college. I went to work. She is striving towards a career. I merely hold a job. She has never known depression (not in the clinical sense at least).
[side note: I don’t know why I identify that as not being a Gen Y problem but I do. I’m sure there are plenty of 20-year olds bummed about something, but I’m old and I don’t care]
She sees the world as half full. She’s vegetarian for christsake! She embodies everything I think about the Gen Y generation with less of the Mommy/Daddy complex- thank god.
The worst insult anyone has ever given me is accusing me of not knowing what I’m talking about (see rant above).
“You can’t possibly remember that!”
“You’re just a baby!”
This got under my skin again recently while I was reading Chuck Klosterman. How dare you imply that “Saved by the Bell” was a Gen X only show. Uh… I watched it too. And what’s more, I wasn’t a grown man doing it; I was a teen (for whom the show was designed!). What kind of 20 something sits around watching Saturday morning programming in anything other than an ironic fashion?
I will say this now and I suggest you and all your neigh saying buddies take heed:
I’m sure it makes you feel better, perhaps it helps you feel younger; to belittle or disbelieve my memories, my feelings, and my life; but you’re making a fool of yourself. Quit it! I saw “Rocky Horror” when I was 5. Caligula and Glory when I was 8. My father bought me “Appetite for Distriction” when it came out. (PS- my Dad is probably cooler than your Dad. Perhaps that’s why you act this way). My favorite song when I was little was “Karma Chameleon” and I knew all the words. I heart “Labyrinth”, and “The Neverending Story”, and “The Boy Who Could Fly”. Try me. Test me. I dare you. I’m 37 in a 27-year-old body. What’s worse, I always felt mature but now I just feel prematurely old. I blame you.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
A Place for Everything and Everything in it's place
Symptoms of Type A Behavior:
1. An intrinsic insecurity or insufficient level of self-esteem, which is considered to be the root cause of the syndrome. This is believed to be covert and therefore less observable.
2. Time urgency and impatience, which causes irritation and exasperation.
3. Free floating hostility, which can be triggered by even minor incidents.
Maybe I’m not crazy or a bitch, it’s just my Type A acting up. I wonder if I can get away with that excuse.
“Sorry I ran into you, I didn’t see you there. It’s my Type A”.
“I would love to help you, but I can’t with my Type A”
“That’s a very flattering offer, thank you. However, I must decline due to my Type A wanting to flick you in the nose”.
I always thought of myself as “Type A” at work. My desk is an exemplar of organization. Everything is organized and stacked neatly. I’m a little ashamed to say if something is slightly off or if it’s been moved I get very distressed. At home, I’m not nearly as clean and organized, although my piles of junk are also stacked neatly and I know where everything is. I always thought “type A personality” simply meant that you were neat and organized. That you enjoyed the art of list making and checking things off said list. I had no idea it lent itself to so much more. Reading what Wikipedia says about it (listed above), I was surprised to see so many more of my everyday personality traits explained.
1. I don’t think I’m overtly insecure or have low-self esteem. Of course, we all have things we are self conscious of. My level of laziness and disdain for household chores has prevented me from entertaining company. I often joke that I clean my apartment once a year, right before my birthday since I know I’ll have company, but it’s true. Until November, I don’t even like hanging out there for too long.
2. Urgency, Impatience, irritation, exasperation. The site also lists “highly competitive, ambitions, and difficulty relaxing. Yea, that’s pretty much me. It has gotten harder and harder to cover my irritation with people. I love the line, “I hate people, but I love gatherings” (brownie points for naming that movie), and it sums me up pretty well. I don’t like being alone all the time and prefer going out to staying in, however, the level of stupidity and “laissez-faire” attitude I encounter when I go out drives me crazy. See also: previous post about beating people up. I’m an angry driver. I want to stab most of the people I meet in bars. I hate people who ask questions without waiting to see if it’s answered (most commonly found at the movies and in work seminars and trainings). Just be patient! All will be revealed.
3. Free floating hostility from minor incidents? Yea, I think I covered that.
I wonder if there’s anything I can do to correct this behaviour, or if there is, if I would even want to. These little bits form my personality, make me who I am. It’s like in High School when I took Prozac (come on, who hasn’t these days?) and it made me more disinterested in the world. What if I were nicer, more calm, relaxed? Would anyone even recognize me? Would I recognize myself?
I can’t wait to drop my “Type A” handicap on the next sad sack who pisses me off. On a scale of hilarity, I hope it’s a 10.
1. An intrinsic insecurity or insufficient level of self-esteem, which is considered to be the root cause of the syndrome. This is believed to be covert and therefore less observable.
2. Time urgency and impatience, which causes irritation and exasperation.
3. Free floating hostility, which can be triggered by even minor incidents.
Maybe I’m not crazy or a bitch, it’s just my Type A acting up. I wonder if I can get away with that excuse.
“Sorry I ran into you, I didn’t see you there. It’s my Type A”.
“I would love to help you, but I can’t with my Type A”
“That’s a very flattering offer, thank you. However, I must decline due to my Type A wanting to flick you in the nose”.
I always thought of myself as “Type A” at work. My desk is an exemplar of organization. Everything is organized and stacked neatly. I’m a little ashamed to say if something is slightly off or if it’s been moved I get very distressed. At home, I’m not nearly as clean and organized, although my piles of junk are also stacked neatly and I know where everything is. I always thought “type A personality” simply meant that you were neat and organized. That you enjoyed the art of list making and checking things off said list. I had no idea it lent itself to so much more. Reading what Wikipedia says about it (listed above), I was surprised to see so many more of my everyday personality traits explained.
1. I don’t think I’m overtly insecure or have low-self esteem. Of course, we all have things we are self conscious of. My level of laziness and disdain for household chores has prevented me from entertaining company. I often joke that I clean my apartment once a year, right before my birthday since I know I’ll have company, but it’s true. Until November, I don’t even like hanging out there for too long.
2. Urgency, Impatience, irritation, exasperation. The site also lists “highly competitive, ambitions, and difficulty relaxing. Yea, that’s pretty much me. It has gotten harder and harder to cover my irritation with people. I love the line, “I hate people, but I love gatherings” (brownie points for naming that movie), and it sums me up pretty well. I don’t like being alone all the time and prefer going out to staying in, however, the level of stupidity and “laissez-faire” attitude I encounter when I go out drives me crazy. See also: previous post about beating people up. I’m an angry driver. I want to stab most of the people I meet in bars. I hate people who ask questions without waiting to see if it’s answered (most commonly found at the movies and in work seminars and trainings). Just be patient! All will be revealed.
3. Free floating hostility from minor incidents? Yea, I think I covered that.
I wonder if there’s anything I can do to correct this behaviour, or if there is, if I would even want to. These little bits form my personality, make me who I am. It’s like in High School when I took Prozac (come on, who hasn’t these days?) and it made me more disinterested in the world. What if I were nicer, more calm, relaxed? Would anyone even recognize me? Would I recognize myself?
I can’t wait to drop my “Type A” handicap on the next sad sack who pisses me off. On a scale of hilarity, I hope it’s a 10.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Don't angry people live forever?
It's always been my theory that angry, depressed people live forever, perhaps as some type of punishment or perhaps because they have it figured out. Look at Dorothy Parker (love her!!). She was miserable, spoke her mind, made enemies, drank too much, smoked too much, and was a genius! I hope I'm not missing something in this equation or I've been wasting time being miserable.
It's like vampires (which I will not talk about here or probably anywhere. I love them, but they are overexposed). What I will say is, I always wanted to be one and live forever. My father and I have a pact that whoever gets turned first must immediately find the other and turn them as well. We then have a list of people who have asked us to "do them" as well or leave them the hell alone. Anyway, yelling "Louis come get me!" into the night sky hasn't yielded any results so I must find alternate means.
Which brings me to the cranky and miserable. It's always miserable old people. I'm sure I've met some fun, happy members of the elderly community, but they had nothing on their vintage cousins. Remember that Monty Python skit with the granny gang? (No, you say? SHAME!) In it, a frail old lady would wait to cross the street and when a nice young man came to help her, her equally old friends would run out from their hiding spots and beat him senseless, stealing his wallet. I loved it. My sister says I'll be the leader of a granny gang when I'm older and I couldn't be more tickled. Applications for membership welcome.
With all the thought I've put into this, I could have probably figured out tons of ways to live happily and reach all my goals! I'm keeping my fingers crossed. The only thing left is to grow old and see what happens. I've got the vices down pat!
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