Because i have no Labor Day plans I'm celebrating alone at home by doing absolutely no work. I have spent the last two days on the couch doing not much. But, tonight i made an effort to push play on a Netflix movie, a very ambitious task for a long weekend indeed.
The movie is Il Postino, an Italian film about Pablo Neruda and his postman. In one scene, the postman asks Neruda what he meant by a line in one of his poems. Neruda answers that he can't explain in words different from those he used; that when you explain it, poetry becomes banal or, in my language, beige.
How true that is. The sentiment need not apply only to poetry, but to all verbal and nonverbal communication...really to expression of any emotion in general. (Except maybe text messages.)
For example, can i explain why I love walnut cream sauce? Can i put into words the creamy, rich texture with the surprising crunch of toasted nut? Would i do it justice if i tried? Obviously, if i was able to verbalize an oral orgasm, i'd be the world's greatest poet, wouldn't i?
The same principle applies to any feeling. I can't express just how it feels to be jealous or to dread anything happening to my family or to fall in love. I don't know how to write down being proud or terrified or smitten. It escapes me exactly how my head fits onto someone else's shoulder or why i don't like funerals or what it first felt like to be drunk. Those feelings are just beyond language, but very, very visceral.
I guess that is good poetry...getting as close as one can get to putting it into words.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
It's about time
I've been living in DC for almost 5 years now. Many of my friends and family members from the Heartland are convinced that bullets wiz by my head constantly, but i never feel unsafe. However, i was mugged on Saturday.
Even though it is often bragged about as the murder capital (both literally and metaphorically since Bush has been in office), DC has always seemed quite charming to me...narrow, tree lined streets, dog parks, standard coldness to strangers, etc. It is a city, without doubt, but it always seemed kinda small and harmless. I walk Olive at all hours of the day and night by myself and stumble home in questionable states of sobriety several times a week and have never gotten so much as a dirty look.
Walking home from Adams Morgan on Saturday, i was actually on my very best behavior...only a little tipsy and with two friends. It was just my time, i guess.
The most interesting thing i noticed is one's natural reaction to danger. My friend didn't make a sound...I screamed like a crazed lunatic. My friend laid down on the sidewalk armadillo-style to protect herself...I became enraged and fought back resulting in a rather painful head injury. Neither of us gave up our purses, despite common knowledge that it is the best way to escape unscathed. Neither of us remember making a decision to react one way or another.
The most comical thing about it is that the attackers would have been quite disappointed had they managed to wrestle our purses from us. As usual, between the two of us, we had around $0.80. I don't carry cash, which is why i often find myself walking for lack of cab fare.
I couldn't call myself a proud Liberal if I hadn't spent years in college researching the social implications of capitalism so, really, i don't feel anger toward these men. They probably needed some money and figured it would be easier to score some off me than find a job, which in reality may be just the case. That being said, I could have done without that punch (so much for all those boxing lessons, right?). Either way, they were caught just 2 blocks away.
After recovering from minor heart failure and brain damage, I am able to see happiness in the situation. For one, I'm alive. Also, if only to appease my worried parents, I shall probably take more cabs, a very fabulous DC thing to do anyway.
Get Over It by OK GO
Even though it is often bragged about as the murder capital (both literally and metaphorically since Bush has been in office), DC has always seemed quite charming to me...narrow, tree lined streets, dog parks, standard coldness to strangers, etc. It is a city, without doubt, but it always seemed kinda small and harmless. I walk Olive at all hours of the day and night by myself and stumble home in questionable states of sobriety several times a week and have never gotten so much as a dirty look.
Walking home from Adams Morgan on Saturday, i was actually on my very best behavior...only a little tipsy and with two friends. It was just my time, i guess.
The most interesting thing i noticed is one's natural reaction to danger. My friend didn't make a sound...I screamed like a crazed lunatic. My friend laid down on the sidewalk armadillo-style to protect herself...I became enraged and fought back resulting in a rather painful head injury. Neither of us gave up our purses, despite common knowledge that it is the best way to escape unscathed. Neither of us remember making a decision to react one way or another.
The most comical thing about it is that the attackers would have been quite disappointed had they managed to wrestle our purses from us. As usual, between the two of us, we had around $0.80. I don't carry cash, which is why i often find myself walking for lack of cab fare.
I couldn't call myself a proud Liberal if I hadn't spent years in college researching the social implications of capitalism so, really, i don't feel anger toward these men. They probably needed some money and figured it would be easier to score some off me than find a job, which in reality may be just the case. That being said, I could have done without that punch (so much for all those boxing lessons, right?). Either way, they were caught just 2 blocks away.
After recovering from minor heart failure and brain damage, I am able to see happiness in the situation. For one, I'm alive. Also, if only to appease my worried parents, I shall probably take more cabs, a very fabulous DC thing to do anyway.
Get Over It by OK GO
Friday, August 22, 2008
Not really into threesomes
When dating, it is perfectly reasonable to be seeing more than one person at a time, assuming everyone involved is properly informed about the casual nature of the relationship. On the other hand, it is perfectly unreasonable to have a proper significant other and try to date me.
This is the situation i find myself in at the moment. Or rather, found myself.
I am not the kind of person who takes a supporting role in someone's relationship drama. I'm more a "leading lady" sort of girl. So when boy of the moment informed me that he was "seeing" another chick, I wasn't amused. And, after careful investigation (Where would we be without Facebook?), when i discovered that he wasn't just "seeing another chick" but was rather in a full-blown partnership, I was full-blown disgusted.
He insists that, though this poor girl might have a boyfriend, he absolutely doesn't have a girlfriend. I have a hard time with that logic actually...but, i've been known to be old-fashioned when it comes to love so what do i know? *wink* The most amusing thing is that he has convinced himself that by telling me the half truth, he isn't responsible for the feelings he is hurting, mine or hers. Unfortunately for him, I'm not buying it.
One simply cannot be a cowardly, indecisive liar and get away with it. I'm far too fabulous to be treated as second best or someone's dirty little secret. And, let's be honest, why would I want to be with someone who lies and sneaks around on his girlfriends anyway?
The good news is that i don't have to put up with it. The sad news is that the other girl, who with utmost certainty doesn't deserve this kind of treatment either, is clueless.
Oh, well. I'm sure she'll figure it out sooner or later. In the meantime, my search continues. Next!
No Substitute Love by Estelle
(I especially like the bit when she raps towards the end.)
This is the situation i find myself in at the moment. Or rather, found myself.
I am not the kind of person who takes a supporting role in someone's relationship drama. I'm more a "leading lady" sort of girl. So when boy of the moment informed me that he was "seeing" another chick, I wasn't amused. And, after careful investigation (Where would we be without Facebook?), when i discovered that he wasn't just "seeing another chick" but was rather in a full-blown partnership, I was full-blown disgusted.
He insists that, though this poor girl might have a boyfriend, he absolutely doesn't have a girlfriend. I have a hard time with that logic actually...but, i've been known to be old-fashioned when it comes to love so what do i know? *wink* The most amusing thing is that he has convinced himself that by telling me the half truth, he isn't responsible for the feelings he is hurting, mine or hers. Unfortunately for him, I'm not buying it.
One simply cannot be a cowardly, indecisive liar and get away with it. I'm far too fabulous to be treated as second best or someone's dirty little secret. And, let's be honest, why would I want to be with someone who lies and sneaks around on his girlfriends anyway?
The good news is that i don't have to put up with it. The sad news is that the other girl, who with utmost certainty doesn't deserve this kind of treatment either, is clueless.
Oh, well. I'm sure she'll figure it out sooner or later. In the meantime, my search continues. Next!
No Substitute Love by Estelle
(I especially like the bit when she raps towards the end.)
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Misinformation
So, here i am, all dressed up, on my couch with Olive drinking wine by myself. I am supposed to be out with a boy, but (insert shocked expression here) he forgot what time he told me yesterday. Now, I realize that remembering things for almost 24 whole hours is quite difficult. And who really pays attention to the time anyway, right?
I do.
I've come to the conclusion that somehow along the evolutionary path, boys have sadly been given misinformation that could possibly prevent the continuation of the species.
Exhibit A: It is so not cool to be late.
It doesn't make you look smooth, like you've got so much amazing stuff going on that you practically forgot our date. Rather, it makes you look like an idiot. Also, impressing a girl is easily done by instead doing precisely the opposite...showing up right on time. That shows that you've also been anticipating the time we are about to spend together and have maybe even been looking forward to it. In fact, even if you aren't looking forward to it, it would be nice to extend the courtesy of at least not wasting my time.
Don't Let Him Waste Your Time by Jarvis Cocker
P.S. This boy hasn't done this before, but so many boys in the past have, he gets the shame of this blog post just for being male and therefore guilty by association.
I do.
I've come to the conclusion that somehow along the evolutionary path, boys have sadly been given misinformation that could possibly prevent the continuation of the species.
Exhibit A: It is so not cool to be late.
It doesn't make you look smooth, like you've got so much amazing stuff going on that you practically forgot our date. Rather, it makes you look like an idiot. Also, impressing a girl is easily done by instead doing precisely the opposite...showing up right on time. That shows that you've also been anticipating the time we are about to spend together and have maybe even been looking forward to it. In fact, even if you aren't looking forward to it, it would be nice to extend the courtesy of at least not wasting my time.
Don't Let Him Waste Your Time by Jarvis Cocker
P.S. This boy hasn't done this before, but so many boys in the past have, he gets the shame of this blog post just for being male and therefore guilty by association.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Road Trip
I don't have a car so i'm hopelessly deficient in one of my favorite summer activities: road trips. I love them because you get to see cool stuff, hang out with one or more of your favorite people, and get into mischief in places where no one knows you.
I also love road trips because it involves my all time favorite thing: music.
NPR has been doing a series this summer on music to listen to on various types of vehicular adventures. Check it out here. I haven't loved all their recommendations, but I'm looking forward to their upcoming Hip Hop trip mix on August 19.
In the meantime, I'd like to (in a very AreSeven style) highlight a few songs i would bring on a road trip if i got to go on them.
1. Need Some More by The Brand New Heavies
Music is getting more and more uninspiring by the minute, especially most of the shit you hear on the radio. I like when a band acknowledges that some music sucks but that you can count on them to not suck. Also, I like the bit about music brightening up the dullest life. Indeed.
2. Fake is the New Real by Alice Smith
Can i get this on a t-shirt? She's brilliant and mega-talented, as usual.
3. King Without a Crown (Live at Stubbs) by Matisyahu
This very Jewish white dude can unexpectedly rock beatbox and reggae like i've never seen before. Meant to be a religious ballad, I like it better if I pretend he's talking about my future soul mate.
4. Me Voy by Julieta Venegas
A recommendation from my Nomadic Librarian, this song is the perfect sing-along song, even if you don't know Spanish. See the video if you want to love it more.
5. Music is My Hot, Hot Sex by CSS
Music really is my boyfriend...in fact the only one i've had in a while. He makes me infinitely happy and always has interesting things to say. He always wants to hang out with me and dance or just chill out. He always touches me in the right places. I think i'm in love.
6. Bananas Pancakes by Jack Johnson
To me, Jack Johnson sounds like warm weather and green grass and your arm around someone and the last bit of sun in a day...like easy happiness. Like tickling someone with a daisy. Like looking up into leafy tree branches. Ok, enough. But, it does make me happy and everyone in the car will no doubt like it.
7. Slow Dance by John Legend
I like this song because his voice resonates in the most lovely way. And because sometimes you just have to let the music soothe your soul and dance with your man.
8. I'm Yours by Jason Mraz
This song is so dang fun to sing along with, especially the part when he says, "Scootch on over closer dear and i'll nibble your ear." Sing on, brother!
9. Picture Me Rollin' by Tupac
Guess who's back? I only included this song because I had so much fun pretending to be a P.I.M.P. on a very rare invitation i recently had to Philly. There is just something about cruising down New York Ave. with the windows down acting way tougher than i really am (and have the other person in the car think it is cool too.)
10. Bohemian Like You by The Dandy Warhols
Just because it should be on every road trip play list.
P.S. Most of my friends know that i am a bit anxious in this wacko East Coast traffic (I've nearly bailed out of my seat on I-95 several times). But, i plan on getting a prescription of Valium so that I'll be a better passenger and, ulimately, get more invitations for car rides.
I also love road trips because it involves my all time favorite thing: music.
NPR has been doing a series this summer on music to listen to on various types of vehicular adventures. Check it out here. I haven't loved all their recommendations, but I'm looking forward to their upcoming Hip Hop trip mix on August 19.
In the meantime, I'd like to (in a very AreSeven style) highlight a few songs i would bring on a road trip if i got to go on them.
1. Need Some More by The Brand New Heavies
Music is getting more and more uninspiring by the minute, especially most of the shit you hear on the radio. I like when a band acknowledges that some music sucks but that you can count on them to not suck. Also, I like the bit about music brightening up the dullest life. Indeed.
2. Fake is the New Real by Alice Smith
Can i get this on a t-shirt? She's brilliant and mega-talented, as usual.
3. King Without a Crown (Live at Stubbs) by Matisyahu
This very Jewish white dude can unexpectedly rock beatbox and reggae like i've never seen before. Meant to be a religious ballad, I like it better if I pretend he's talking about my future soul mate.
4. Me Voy by Julieta Venegas
A recommendation from my Nomadic Librarian, this song is the perfect sing-along song, even if you don't know Spanish. See the video if you want to love it more.
5. Music is My Hot, Hot Sex by CSS
Music really is my boyfriend...in fact the only one i've had in a while. He makes me infinitely happy and always has interesting things to say. He always wants to hang out with me and dance or just chill out. He always touches me in the right places. I think i'm in love.
6. Bananas Pancakes by Jack Johnson
To me, Jack Johnson sounds like warm weather and green grass and your arm around someone and the last bit of sun in a day...like easy happiness. Like tickling someone with a daisy. Like looking up into leafy tree branches. Ok, enough. But, it does make me happy and everyone in the car will no doubt like it.
7. Slow Dance by John Legend
I like this song because his voice resonates in the most lovely way. And because sometimes you just have to let the music soothe your soul and dance with your man.
8. I'm Yours by Jason Mraz
This song is so dang fun to sing along with, especially the part when he says, "Scootch on over closer dear and i'll nibble your ear." Sing on, brother!
9. Picture Me Rollin' by Tupac
Guess who's back? I only included this song because I had so much fun pretending to be a P.I.M.P. on a very rare invitation i recently had to Philly. There is just something about cruising down New York Ave. with the windows down acting way tougher than i really am (and have the other person in the car think it is cool too.)
10. Bohemian Like You by The Dandy Warhols
Just because it should be on every road trip play list.
P.S. Most of my friends know that i am a bit anxious in this wacko East Coast traffic (I've nearly bailed out of my seat on I-95 several times). But, i plan on getting a prescription of Valium so that I'll be a better passenger and, ulimately, get more invitations for car rides.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
P.S. I love you
This post is for one person in particular. I'll call her My Beautiful Irish Lassie since it is my policy not to name names.
I watched a movie tonight that inspired me to waste valuable hydration and cry a bit...actually, a lot. The movie is P.S. I love You. If you want the Cliff Notes, listen to the soundtrack.
I don't know if it was Harry Connick Jr. or the near full bottle of crianza I drank or PMS or the lousy day I had at work or something else altogether. Whatever it was, i fear i shall not rehydrate again for some time. I will be sure to set my fictional electronic planner to doo doo doooo do me every fifteen seconds tomorrow so i don't die. (only those that watch British comedy will get that joke.)
Basically, the movie reminded me of some of the challenges of the last two years and the memory I have of my now ex-pat friend whisking me off to Ireland to cheer both of us up. Though my demons are far less than those of the main character, I can somehow metaphorically relate, and so, i predict, will my friend. I won't bother going into detail since Ms. Ireland should just see the movie and not question me. She'll get where I'm coming from, i'm sure.
One of my favorite quotes (though not quoted verbatim) is that one must be rich to go insane. Insanity, according to the movie (and by my own personal experience), is not a luxury for the middle class. One must go on, however difficult that may seem. This is a lesson I've learned from my Lass, and a lesson I've been lucky enough to see accomplished by her in real life with effortless grace and courage.
So, please see this movie, my dear. I took a page from your book and let my tears come for once. I think you'll especially like the last scene of the movie beginning with, "Maybe now she'll understand...". It is beautiful, just like what I hope you're seeing right now.
P.S. I miss you and I love you.
If I Ever Leave This World Alive by Flogging Molly
Monday, August 4, 2008
Maybe, but Probably Not
I went to a house party on Saturday with one of my girls. I don't normally try very hard to make it to parties where i will know no one, but I like one of the girls who lives there. And, more importantly, she promised we'd be entertained by a smorgasbord of handsome, Spanish-speaking men.
The party actually became fun after my girl and I dominated the beer pong table, much to the shock and horror of the many drunk (and just barely out of college) boys who opposed us. Turns out, you ought not be fooled by the rocks that the overdressed chicks in platform shoes got when it comes to college drinking games.
I chatted up a boy near the pong table. On first glance, he was kinda cute and my friend was too busy rattling on in Spanish to be much company to me. I gave him my email address. Then, he informed me that i should try brushing my hair. Whoa! I didn't realize that I was so openly soliciting beauty advice from Polo-wearing oafs with their collars up. Furthermore, I do brush my hair. I excused myself promptly.
Very little time passed and my friend was under attack. This time he asked why she only dyed her roots. This guy really knew how to impress the ladies.
The best thing is that I got an email today from Mr. Charming. He went on about how if i get back to him right away, MAYBE he'll allot some time for me this week so that i can try harder to impress him (and presumably look a little less Medusa-esque).
Maybe i'll email him back. Maybe, but probably not.
:-)
The party actually became fun after my girl and I dominated the beer pong table, much to the shock and horror of the many drunk (and just barely out of college) boys who opposed us. Turns out, you ought not be fooled by the rocks that the overdressed chicks in platform shoes got when it comes to college drinking games.
I chatted up a boy near the pong table. On first glance, he was kinda cute and my friend was too busy rattling on in Spanish to be much company to me. I gave him my email address. Then, he informed me that i should try brushing my hair. Whoa! I didn't realize that I was so openly soliciting beauty advice from Polo-wearing oafs with their collars up. Furthermore, I do brush my hair. I excused myself promptly.
Very little time passed and my friend was under attack. This time he asked why she only dyed her roots. This guy really knew how to impress the ladies.
The best thing is that I got an email today from Mr. Charming. He went on about how if i get back to him right away, MAYBE he'll allot some time for me this week so that i can try harder to impress him (and presumably look a little less Medusa-esque).
Maybe i'll email him back. Maybe, but probably not.
:-)
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