Hello reader(s)!
I have a confession…
*Clears throat*
I don't own a single pair of heels.
I will now allow you some space to organize your thoughts and feelings about my revelation.
…
…
…
…
Good? Alright.
Back to my post.
I owned one pair of heels in my entire life. Let me set the scene. It was the day before I started fourth grade. My mom took me back to school shopping. I decided that I had to have a pair of clog-like shoes (for a lack of a better description) that had higher heels than any of the other shoes in my closet.
My mom said no.
I begged and pleaded.
She still said no.
I asked why.
She told me that she didn't want me to hurt myself trying to walk in them to class or at recess. I crossed my heart and promised that I would be super careful when walking in them.
She bought them for me.
A few weeks later, I was running down a hill at recess wearing my beloved high-heeled shoes. I fell and twisted my ankle pretty badly. I had to be sent home from school.
Waiting in the principal's office for my mom to pick me up, I frowned at my high-heeled monstrosities. How could they betray me?
My mom was right, but I didn't want her to be angry at me. Also, even though I was harboring ill feelings towards them at the time, I really didn't want her to take away my new shoes.
So I lied.
When my mom arrived to pick me up and asked me what happened, I told her that someone had tripped me while I was running at recess. Then she got upset because she thought that I meant that this person had tripped me on purpose. I assured her that it was an accidental tripping and that the perpetrator had apologized profusely. She seemed to accept my lie.
But it gets worse.
Then she took me to the doctor's office to get my ankle looked at, and I had to lie to the doctor too. It was terrible. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm crap at lying… My fourth-grade self was humiliated and full of guilt. Why didn't I just tell the truth?
I let my guilt fester for another few weeks, until I had finally had enough. Late one night, I heard my mom get out of bed and go to the kitchen for a glass of water. I threw off my covers and went to the kitchen to confess to my crimes.
I told her that I had really tripped over my new heels at recess. She was more angry that I had lied to her, but she took it well (it was pretty late at night). I apologized over and over for lying, and we hugged.
I never wore those shoes again, and to this day, I have never purchased another pair of high-heeled shoes. I don't think there is really a moral to that story, and I don't think me choosing not to wear heels now is really even related to it. It's just a funny story that I think about when I'm choosing what shoes to wear each day.
I ask myself: Would I be able to run down a hill in these?
Here are my real reasons:
I don't wear heels because when I've tried I look like Bambi trying to walk on ice for the first time.
I don't wear heels because I think they're uncomfortable.
I don't wear heels because I'm already pretty tall and I don't want to hit my head on anything.
I don't wear heels because Vans. Duh.
I don't wear heels because I like to walk in my own unique way.
I don't wear heels because they're loud.
I don't wear heels because I don't want to…
I feel like I should stress that I'm not writing this post to mock the girls (more graceful than myself) who choose to wear heels. They are your feet; put whatever you want on them.
Instead, I wanted to write it so that the girls like my fourth-grade self know that it's okay to not wear what other people deem "sexy" or "popular."
After all, no one ever twisted their ankle running down a hill wearing beat up sneakers.
(My last statement is 100% unverified. I'm sure that there are actually people around the world who could quickly disprove it. Please don't send me pictures…)
Alright, I'm done.
Goodnight!
Monday, October 20, 2014
Sunday, September 28, 2014
The true life of the recently graduated
I graduated from the University of Utah this past summer, and, like most of my fellow graduates, I was filled with a slew of emotions that ranged from pure joy to unadulterated terror.
Don't get me wrong, I was happy to be done, but also nervous to actually do something besides school with my life. I went from middle school to high school to college without any time in between, so what was I supposed to do without school?
I was proud of what I had accomplished, but being done with my Undergrad career was a strange feeling.
When school started up again this past month, I felt odd. I won't lie. I felt like I should have been packing my back pack, buying overpriced textbooks, and complaining about parking along with the rest of the returning students.
To counter that feeling, I decided to create this list of the highs and lows associated with recently graduating from college. If you are in my same position, then I hope you can relate to some of them. If not, then I hope you can at least chuckle.
High #1: Sleeping in past 10 a.m.
In high school, I woke up every morning at 6:30 in order to be to school at around 7:30. So when I first entered college, I though 7:30 classes were totally doable.
I was wrong. After my first semester, I never made that mistake again.
Luckily, not having school means not waking up early to make it to campus. It means not frantically searching to find a parking spot (before inevitably giving up and parking in the pay lots). It means not speed walking to class like Hal from Malcolm in the Middle (If you don't get this reference, then you should YouTube it).
Staying up late is another benefit of not having morning classes. Hello 3 a.m.
Low #1: Missing out on classes that sound really interesting
Like a true nerd, I looked at some of the classes being offered this fall semester, and I was a little sad that I wouldn't be able to take any of them.
I also talked with some of my friends about their favorite professors and realized that I hadn't had many of them. I wish I would have tried to take more classes out of curiosity instead of just trying to fulfill the mandatory credits.
Don't get me wrong, I had many professors that I loved! But when I hear about other professors winning teaching awards and such, I'm a bit blue that I didn't take their classes as well.
High #2: Finally being able to read books that I WANT to read.
This one is pretty self-explanatory. I have a bookshelf crammed full of books that I need to read, and after I graduated, I found myself having more time to check a few of them off the list.
Low #2: Not seeing friends every day
At school and in classes, people are forced to interact with you every day whether they like it or not. After you graduate, it's much more difficult to get together with friends who are still in school. Their schedules are crazy. Your schedule is pretty hectic (because you still have work). It's not impossible, and those that care will make time to hang out. It's just less of a convenience.
High #3: Narrowing down what you want to do as a career
(This can also double nicely as Low #3)
It's exhilarating to be in a stage of life where you can almost do anything. Want to travel? You can. Want to work? You can. Want to continue with school? Heck, you can do that too. There are so many paths that you can travel down as a recent graduate, which makes the world seem very large (and sometimes very imposing).
I used this as low #3 because, while it can be exciting, it is also exhausting. And scary. And confusing. And scary.
When you get close to graduating, people begin to ask you the unavoidable question: What are you planning on doing after?
After? What do you mean? Can I not just sit in my pajamas and get paid to eat cereal and watch re-runs of Portlandia and Sherlock?
And they expect an immediate answer because in between classes, tests, essays, extracurriculars (and friends, if you can pencil them in), of course I found time to plan my entire future…
However, you can have fun with these people. I enjoyed countering their question with, "Well, what do you have planned for the rest of your life?"
That usually shuts them up.
But, in the back of you mind, you know that you will have to figure it all out eventually.
Or maybe you won't have to have it all figured out…
Maybe it's acceptable to take things as they come. I truly believe that those who have the right attitude, a strong work ethic, and a passion for something (anything!) will figure life out along the way.
My biggest piece of advice to those nearing graduation: don't compromise anything about your dreams to "fit in" better with what other people are accomplishing.
If you want to be an opera singer, do it. If you want to play third base for the Red Sox, do it. If you want to be the first person to complete a solo flight across the Atlantic.. well you might be too late, but you get my point.
I graduated, but that doesn't mean that I'm done learning. And it doesn't mean that my life is totally in order. I don't think that I will ever have things completely figured out, and I'm okay with that.
Don't get me wrong, I was happy to be done, but also nervous to actually do something besides school with my life. I went from middle school to high school to college without any time in between, so what was I supposed to do without school?
I was proud of what I had accomplished, but being done with my Undergrad career was a strange feeling.
When school started up again this past month, I felt odd. I won't lie. I felt like I should have been packing my back pack, buying overpriced textbooks, and complaining about parking along with the rest of the returning students.
To counter that feeling, I decided to create this list of the highs and lows associated with recently graduating from college. If you are in my same position, then I hope you can relate to some of them. If not, then I hope you can at least chuckle.
High #1: Sleeping in past 10 a.m.
In high school, I woke up every morning at 6:30 in order to be to school at around 7:30. So when I first entered college, I though 7:30 classes were totally doable.
I was wrong. After my first semester, I never made that mistake again.
Luckily, not having school means not waking up early to make it to campus. It means not frantically searching to find a parking spot (before inevitably giving up and parking in the pay lots). It means not speed walking to class like Hal from Malcolm in the Middle (If you don't get this reference, then you should YouTube it).
Staying up late is another benefit of not having morning classes. Hello 3 a.m.
Low #1: Missing out on classes that sound really interesting
Like a true nerd, I looked at some of the classes being offered this fall semester, and I was a little sad that I wouldn't be able to take any of them.
I also talked with some of my friends about their favorite professors and realized that I hadn't had many of them. I wish I would have tried to take more classes out of curiosity instead of just trying to fulfill the mandatory credits.
Don't get me wrong, I had many professors that I loved! But when I hear about other professors winning teaching awards and such, I'm a bit blue that I didn't take their classes as well.
High #2: Finally being able to read books that I WANT to read.
This one is pretty self-explanatory. I have a bookshelf crammed full of books that I need to read, and after I graduated, I found myself having more time to check a few of them off the list.
Low #2: Not seeing friends every day
At school and in classes, people are forced to interact with you every day whether they like it or not. After you graduate, it's much more difficult to get together with friends who are still in school. Their schedules are crazy. Your schedule is pretty hectic (because you still have work). It's not impossible, and those that care will make time to hang out. It's just less of a convenience.
High #3: Narrowing down what you want to do as a career
(This can also double nicely as Low #3)
It's exhilarating to be in a stage of life where you can almost do anything. Want to travel? You can. Want to work? You can. Want to continue with school? Heck, you can do that too. There are so many paths that you can travel down as a recent graduate, which makes the world seem very large (and sometimes very imposing).
I used this as low #3 because, while it can be exciting, it is also exhausting. And scary. And confusing. And scary.
When you get close to graduating, people begin to ask you the unavoidable question: What are you planning on doing after?
After? What do you mean? Can I not just sit in my pajamas and get paid to eat cereal and watch re-runs of Portlandia and Sherlock?
And they expect an immediate answer because in between classes, tests, essays, extracurriculars (and friends, if you can pencil them in), of course I found time to plan my entire future…
However, you can have fun with these people. I enjoyed countering their question with, "Well, what do you have planned for the rest of your life?"
That usually shuts them up.
But, in the back of you mind, you know that you will have to figure it all out eventually.
Or maybe you won't have to have it all figured out…
Maybe it's acceptable to take things as they come. I truly believe that those who have the right attitude, a strong work ethic, and a passion for something (anything!) will figure life out along the way.
My biggest piece of advice to those nearing graduation: don't compromise anything about your dreams to "fit in" better with what other people are accomplishing.
If you want to be an opera singer, do it. If you want to play third base for the Red Sox, do it. If you want to be the first person to complete a solo flight across the Atlantic.. well you might be too late, but you get my point.
I graduated, but that doesn't mean that I'm done learning. And it doesn't mean that my life is totally in order. I don't think that I will ever have things completely figured out, and I'm okay with that.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Signs that you might have a book addiction
You guys, it has been so long since I have posted anything on here. I feel like such a slacker. I could make up a slew of excuses, but I'm just going to get to the new post.
I will try to be better.
Anyways, I really love to read. So here are five signs you might be a book-aholic:
1. You have to stack books on top of books in your book shelf in order to fit all of them. It's like a life-size game of Jenga. And by life-size I mean book-size. You stack them up, and when you want to get one down to read, you have to nudge it extremely carefully so that you don't knock the rest over.
Gathering books has become such a reflex that the people close to you tease you about it. It isn't mean spirited teasing (or maybe it is… I don't know the people you hang around with), but every Christmas (or birthday, or any other gift giving holiday, or even just a Tuesday) when you ask for a book, you hear, "Do you really need more books?"
That's like asking me if I need more air.
2. You make literary jokes/references that none of your friends understand. The other day at work I had to explain one of my hilarious literary jokes to everyone, which automatically kills it. It's unfortunate because, like I said, it was pretty gosh darn funny.
It has become such a problem that I now follow up any literary joke with, "Just a little literary humor for you."
You also notice references in everyday life that you enjoy pointing out. I do it with music. I find immense pleasure in turning down the tunes and explaining the literary sources behind the lyrics. Especially with Shakespeare. It drives people nuts.
3. You spend a large majority of your time in a library or bookstore. When I was little, my mother took me to the Sandy Library almost every week. She let me free, and I wandered through all the shelves for hours. To me, it wasn't just a place with old, dusty books. It was an opportunity to grow and develop my breadth of knowledge.
I read books on a range of topics when I was younger. A few of my favorites were sharks, penguins, lions, grammar (yes, I'm serious), musicians, and a bunch of fiction. So. Much. Fiction.
I also have the barcode on my library card memorized because I lost it forever ago and still wanted to be able to check out books. The librarians look at me like I have a photographic memory every time I recite it for them to punch in. I don't-- I just know what's important.
If you're like me, then chances are the librarians at your local library are familiar with you too. Some can even greet you by name. Creepy, but flattering.
4. Some of your favorite vacation memories are from visiting amazing libraries and bookstores. Take for instance, Powell's Books in Portland. I have to make a stop there every time I go.
And don't get me started on the bookstores in London. Charing Cross Rd. Look it up. The bookstores in London were truly remarkable, and like a true book nerd, they made my list of my top favorite memories from my study abroad last year.
5. When someone asks you what your favorite novel is, you wince inside. Especially if they aren't a fellow book fanatic.
Don't get me wrong, I can come up with one to appease people, but narrowing down every book I've ever read to just one is such a painful process. It's like trying to choose your favorite star in the sky, or your favorite note in a song.
Alright, that's my list!
Let me know if I missed any.
I will try to be better.
Anyways, I really love to read. So here are five signs you might be a book-aholic:
1. You have to stack books on top of books in your book shelf in order to fit all of them. It's like a life-size game of Jenga. And by life-size I mean book-size. You stack them up, and when you want to get one down to read, you have to nudge it extremely carefully so that you don't knock the rest over.
Gathering books has become such a reflex that the people close to you tease you about it. It isn't mean spirited teasing (or maybe it is… I don't know the people you hang around with), but every Christmas (or birthday, or any other gift giving holiday, or even just a Tuesday) when you ask for a book, you hear, "Do you really need more books?"
That's like asking me if I need more air.
2. You make literary jokes/references that none of your friends understand. The other day at work I had to explain one of my hilarious literary jokes to everyone, which automatically kills it. It's unfortunate because, like I said, it was pretty gosh darn funny.
It has become such a problem that I now follow up any literary joke with, "Just a little literary humor for you."
You also notice references in everyday life that you enjoy pointing out. I do it with music. I find immense pleasure in turning down the tunes and explaining the literary sources behind the lyrics. Especially with Shakespeare. It drives people nuts.
3. You spend a large majority of your time in a library or bookstore. When I was little, my mother took me to the Sandy Library almost every week. She let me free, and I wandered through all the shelves for hours. To me, it wasn't just a place with old, dusty books. It was an opportunity to grow and develop my breadth of knowledge.
I read books on a range of topics when I was younger. A few of my favorites were sharks, penguins, lions, grammar (yes, I'm serious), musicians, and a bunch of fiction. So. Much. Fiction.
I also have the barcode on my library card memorized because I lost it forever ago and still wanted to be able to check out books. The librarians look at me like I have a photographic memory every time I recite it for them to punch in. I don't-- I just know what's important.
If you're like me, then chances are the librarians at your local library are familiar with you too. Some can even greet you by name. Creepy, but flattering.
4. Some of your favorite vacation memories are from visiting amazing libraries and bookstores. Take for instance, Powell's Books in Portland. I have to make a stop there every time I go.
And don't get me started on the bookstores in London. Charing Cross Rd. Look it up. The bookstores in London were truly remarkable, and like a true book nerd, they made my list of my top favorite memories from my study abroad last year.
5. When someone asks you what your favorite novel is, you wince inside. Especially if they aren't a fellow book fanatic.
Don't get me wrong, I can come up with one to appease people, but narrowing down every book I've ever read to just one is such a painful process. It's like trying to choose your favorite star in the sky, or your favorite note in a song.
Alright, that's my list!
Let me know if I missed any.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Without music, life would be a mistake
I love music.
I listen to it in the car.
I listen to it while doing homework.
I listen to it when I get ready.
I listen to it a lot.
And if I'm not listening to something, then chances are I'm singing. Loud and obnoxiously.
I sing in the car.
I sing while doing homework.
I sing in the shower and while getting ready.
I sing a lot.
Sometimes I sing when I don't even know the correct lyrics. I spent a solid couple months singing the song "Trojans," by Atlas Genius as "Trout Guns." I couldn't make this up.
I think it might be a genetic condition because my brother sang the song "My Maria" as "Margarita" for at least a couple of years.
Anyways, last month-ish I did a post about songs that I hated. I figured that I should do a post about music that I like, so I can be more positive… or something like that.
Here it goes:
1). The song "Head Full of Doubt/ Road Full of Promises" by the Avett Brothers
This song is one of my favorites! I listen to it a lot. I think it's beautiful and thoughtful and peaceful. My favorite line is, "Decide what to be and go be it." This line is awesome because it makes me feel like I can become anything that I set my mind to. A rock star perhaps?
2). The Beatles
People who don't like the Beatles baffle me. Their music is both fun and introspective, which is always a powerful combination. Some of my favorite songs are "Love Me Do," "Yesterday," and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." I think my love of the Beatles stems from the days when my dad would break out his vinyl albums, and we would listen to them together. I always felt that he was happy that I liked music that he liked.
Plus, I got to walk across Abby Road when I was in London.
3). The entire album "O" by Damien Rice
He is Irish. If that's not enough for you, then I don't know what to say. Actually I do. His songs are beautiful, and his lyrics are heartfelt. And he plays guitar, piano, clarinet and percussion. All his talents make me really question what I'm doing with my life.
I especially love the songs "Delicate" and "Cannonball."
4). The album "Enema of the State" by Blink 182
This was one of the first albums that I bought with my own money when I was around twelve, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. Plus, it's just a really great album.
I dare you to not sing "What's My Age Again?" and "All the Small Things" at the top of your lungs. I bet you can't do it.
5). The album "Hot Fuss" by the Killers
While I appreciate all their albums, "Hot Fuss" is one album that I can remember listening to at all stages in my life. I truly feel like Jenny is a friend of mine (see what I did there).
I know all the lyrics to "Mr. Brightside" and "Somebody Told Me," and I had a childhood crush on Brandon Flowers.
6). Pretty much anything by Justin Timberlake
Some would call this a guilty pleasure, but I hate that term. I don't feel guilty at all about loving Justin Timberlake. His music epitomized middle school for me, and I still firmly believe that "SexyBack" is one of the best songs ever. Take that.
His new album is also pretty epic. Go check it out if you haven't already.
To add to his resume, he is hilarious on SNL, a great dancer, an actor, and best friends with Jimmy Fallon. (Search Youtube for History of Rap if you don't believe me on the last one).
7). The album "Sigh No More" by Mumford & Sons
I love this band, and I think that this album was better than their second one. They are adorable, British, and fun to watch perform. They also have songs that quote Shakespeare, which is always a good way to win my affections.
8). The song "Bitter Heart" by Mason Jennings
I love Mason Jennings. A co-worker introduced me to his music, and in a few weeks I was hooked. His songs are simple and beautiful. "Bitter Heart" is a great example. It is just him and the piano, and I love it!
He has a lot of great songs: "Raindrop on the Kitchen Floor," "Be Here Now," "Instrument," and "The Field."
9). Anything and everything by the National
I have every album by the National, and it is very hard to decide which one is my favorite. Their lyrics are poetic and their music makes you think. I love the songs "All the Wine," "Mistaken for Strangers," "Fake Empire," "Terrible Love," "England."
Their newest album "Trouble Will Find Me" is also amazing! I won't list out all the tracks on it that I love because it's pretty much all of them.
10). The song "Love Is All" by the Tallest Man on Earth
Just a really beautifully poignant song. Also, I have an affinity for singers with unique voices, and he definitely fits that description.
Well, that's my list. Sorry it's so long. Let me know what you think!
I listen to it in the car.
I listen to it while doing homework.
I listen to it when I get ready.
I listen to it a lot.
And if I'm not listening to something, then chances are I'm singing. Loud and obnoxiously.
I sing in the car.
I sing while doing homework.
I sing in the shower and while getting ready.
I sing a lot.
Sometimes I sing when I don't even know the correct lyrics. I spent a solid couple months singing the song "Trojans," by Atlas Genius as "Trout Guns." I couldn't make this up.
I think it might be a genetic condition because my brother sang the song "My Maria" as "Margarita" for at least a couple of years.
Anyways, last month-ish I did a post about songs that I hated. I figured that I should do a post about music that I like, so I can be more positive… or something like that.
Here it goes:
1). The song "Head Full of Doubt/ Road Full of Promises" by the Avett Brothers
This song is one of my favorites! I listen to it a lot. I think it's beautiful and thoughtful and peaceful. My favorite line is, "Decide what to be and go be it." This line is awesome because it makes me feel like I can become anything that I set my mind to. A rock star perhaps?
2). The Beatles
People who don't like the Beatles baffle me. Their music is both fun and introspective, which is always a powerful combination. Some of my favorite songs are "Love Me Do," "Yesterday," and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." I think my love of the Beatles stems from the days when my dad would break out his vinyl albums, and we would listen to them together. I always felt that he was happy that I liked music that he liked.
Plus, I got to walk across Abby Road when I was in London.
3). The entire album "O" by Damien Rice
He is Irish. If that's not enough for you, then I don't know what to say. Actually I do. His songs are beautiful, and his lyrics are heartfelt. And he plays guitar, piano, clarinet and percussion. All his talents make me really question what I'm doing with my life.
I especially love the songs "Delicate" and "Cannonball."
4). The album "Enema of the State" by Blink 182
This was one of the first albums that I bought with my own money when I was around twelve, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. Plus, it's just a really great album.
I dare you to not sing "What's My Age Again?" and "All the Small Things" at the top of your lungs. I bet you can't do it.
5). The album "Hot Fuss" by the Killers
While I appreciate all their albums, "Hot Fuss" is one album that I can remember listening to at all stages in my life. I truly feel like Jenny is a friend of mine (see what I did there).
I know all the lyrics to "Mr. Brightside" and "Somebody Told Me," and I had a childhood crush on Brandon Flowers.
6). Pretty much anything by Justin Timberlake
Some would call this a guilty pleasure, but I hate that term. I don't feel guilty at all about loving Justin Timberlake. His music epitomized middle school for me, and I still firmly believe that "SexyBack" is one of the best songs ever. Take that.
His new album is also pretty epic. Go check it out if you haven't already.
To add to his resume, he is hilarious on SNL, a great dancer, an actor, and best friends with Jimmy Fallon. (Search Youtube for History of Rap if you don't believe me on the last one).
7). The album "Sigh No More" by Mumford & Sons
I love this band, and I think that this album was better than their second one. They are adorable, British, and fun to watch perform. They also have songs that quote Shakespeare, which is always a good way to win my affections.
8). The song "Bitter Heart" by Mason Jennings
I love Mason Jennings. A co-worker introduced me to his music, and in a few weeks I was hooked. His songs are simple and beautiful. "Bitter Heart" is a great example. It is just him and the piano, and I love it!
He has a lot of great songs: "Raindrop on the Kitchen Floor," "Be Here Now," "Instrument," and "The Field."
9). Anything and everything by the National
I have every album by the National, and it is very hard to decide which one is my favorite. Their lyrics are poetic and their music makes you think. I love the songs "All the Wine," "Mistaken for Strangers," "Fake Empire," "Terrible Love," "England."
Their newest album "Trouble Will Find Me" is also amazing! I won't list out all the tracks on it that I love because it's pretty much all of them.
10). The song "Love Is All" by the Tallest Man on Earth
Just a really beautifully poignant song. Also, I have an affinity for singers with unique voices, and he definitely fits that description.
Well, that's my list. Sorry it's so long. Let me know what you think!
Monday, February 17, 2014
Frankenstein's monster just needs a hug
Good evening/morning cyberweb! I'm really not sure why I'm even still awake, but I figured that, as long as I was up, I would try to post something.
I'm reading "Frankenstein," by Mary Shelley for my advanced seminar. I've read it multiple times before, but it's one of those novels that I could read over and over and continually discover some new angle or insight. In short, if you haven't read it, read it. That was fun to type.
And no, watching the movie adaptations doesn't count. Surprisingly, Scooby and his band of misfit friends were not involved in the original story line. Neither were Alvin and the Chipmunks. And don't even get me started on the newest movie, "I, Frankenstein." Hint: In Shelley's version, there were no gargoyles, nobody can fly, and I guarantee that, even with Hollywood's help, the creature would never resemble Aaron Eckhart. Ever.
Anyways, before telling you about my favorite aspects of the novel I wanted to debunk a few misconceptions about the myth of Frankenstein's monster.
1). The monster's name isn't Frankenstein. Dr. Victor Frankenstein is the name of the creature's creator. The monster doesn't actually have a name, although Shelley does call him by a few nasty pet names such as fiend, demon, and wretch.
2). The monster isn't horrendously ugly, with green skin, and bolts protruding from his neck. I don't mean to suggest that the creature could win an Aaron Eckhart look-alike contest. I'm just saying that the Halloween pictures we colored for our parents back in second grade didn't do the monster any justice.
In fact, Shelley says that his "limbs were in proportion, and [Dr. Frankenstein] had selected his features as beautiful" (35). She goes on to write that the perfection of the monster's dark hair and white teeth only "created a more horrid contrast with his watery eyes" (ibid).
He's not hideously grotesque.
3). The monster isn't an unintelligent oaf. It is true that at first he doesn't comprehend or grasp his existence or the world around him. It is also true that he doesn't speak or read in the beginning, but it's hard to hold this against him. It took nearly 20 years for my brother to learn to put the toilet seat down, and he still struggles with that task. Compared to him, the creature learns at an incredible rate.
The creature spends time watching a family of peasants from a safe distance, and, from them, he eventually learns to speak, read, and identify his emotions. In fact, the creature exhibits incredible sensitivity and intelligence.
He reads Plutarch, Goethe, and Milton for god's sake. You know what they say about a well-read monster…. I'm not sure where I'm going with that.
I think my favorite aspect of the novel is the humanness of the creature. "Frankenstein" isn't really a horror story about a lunatic monster intent on destroying people and villages. The novel examines what it means to be human, and reflects on how dangerous the pursuit of knowledge can be.
The creature only kills after he's rejected by society. Mull that over for a bit.
In the end, Frankenstein's creature isn't a heartless killing machine. All he wants is a partner to spend his life with so that he feels like he belongs somewhere. Hmm... now there's a familiar story.
I think that he is just a lonely monster in need of a hug. And maybe some eye drops.
I'm reading "Frankenstein," by Mary Shelley for my advanced seminar. I've read it multiple times before, but it's one of those novels that I could read over and over and continually discover some new angle or insight. In short, if you haven't read it, read it. That was fun to type.
And no, watching the movie adaptations doesn't count. Surprisingly, Scooby and his band of misfit friends were not involved in the original story line. Neither were Alvin and the Chipmunks. And don't even get me started on the newest movie, "I, Frankenstein." Hint: In Shelley's version, there were no gargoyles, nobody can fly, and I guarantee that, even with Hollywood's help, the creature would never resemble Aaron Eckhart. Ever.
Anyways, before telling you about my favorite aspects of the novel I wanted to debunk a few misconceptions about the myth of Frankenstein's monster.
1). The monster's name isn't Frankenstein. Dr. Victor Frankenstein is the name of the creature's creator. The monster doesn't actually have a name, although Shelley does call him by a few nasty pet names such as fiend, demon, and wretch.
2). The monster isn't horrendously ugly, with green skin, and bolts protruding from his neck. I don't mean to suggest that the creature could win an Aaron Eckhart look-alike contest. I'm just saying that the Halloween pictures we colored for our parents back in second grade didn't do the monster any justice.
In fact, Shelley says that his "limbs were in proportion, and [Dr. Frankenstein] had selected his features as beautiful" (35). She goes on to write that the perfection of the monster's dark hair and white teeth only "created a more horrid contrast with his watery eyes" (ibid).
He's not hideously grotesque.
3). The monster isn't an unintelligent oaf. It is true that at first he doesn't comprehend or grasp his existence or the world around him. It is also true that he doesn't speak or read in the beginning, but it's hard to hold this against him. It took nearly 20 years for my brother to learn to put the toilet seat down, and he still struggles with that task. Compared to him, the creature learns at an incredible rate.
The creature spends time watching a family of peasants from a safe distance, and, from them, he eventually learns to speak, read, and identify his emotions. In fact, the creature exhibits incredible sensitivity and intelligence.
He reads Plutarch, Goethe, and Milton for god's sake. You know what they say about a well-read monster…. I'm not sure where I'm going with that.
I think my favorite aspect of the novel is the humanness of the creature. "Frankenstein" isn't really a horror story about a lunatic monster intent on destroying people and villages. The novel examines what it means to be human, and reflects on how dangerous the pursuit of knowledge can be.
The creature only kills after he's rejected by society. Mull that over for a bit.
In the end, Frankenstein's creature isn't a heartless killing machine. All he wants is a partner to spend his life with so that he feels like he belongs somewhere. Hmm... now there's a familiar story.
I think that he is just a lonely monster in need of a hug. And maybe some eye drops.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Full "Grant & Twain" Review
Hello to anyone who reads this! Tonight I decided that I wanted to post the full length review of "Grant & Twain," which is a play I went and saw Sunday at the Salt Lake Acting Company. A shorter version of this review appeared in the Daily Utah Chronicle today, but I wanted to post the full length version in case anyone wanted to read it. Plus, I figured that it might be cool to post this here in case anyone who doesn't read the Chronicle wants to see a really good play.
So, here it is.
There are few relationships out there more complicated than the intense friendship between two guys—also known as the bromance. For example, consider the dynamic between Sherlock and Watson, Frodo and Sam or Hamlet and Horatio. Trust is implicit for these comrades, and their bond only grows throughout their struggles and adventures. These popular bromances are easy to spot because of their endearing, sometimes stomach churning, side effects, which include tender moments of closeness and a refusal to acknowledge their co-dependency.
A relatively unknown bromance can be added to this list, and that is the relationship between Ulysses S. Grant and Samuel Clemens—better known as Mark Twain. Until recently, this seemingly paradoxical friendship between former president and renowned American writer remained hidden in lengthy footnotes and historical documents.
Playwright Elizabeth Diggs read the “Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant,” and was intrigued by the connection between these two unique individuals. So, she set out to investigate their lives. After three years of research, Diggs wrote the play “Grant & Twain,” which won the Edgerton Foundation New American Plays Award. The world premiere of “Grant & Twain,” will take place at the Salt Lake Acting Company Feb. 5- March 2. The show reveals the reality of General Grant and Mark Twain’s relationship, but allows fiction to help fill in the blanks.
"I appreciate how, through this play, Diggs paints Grant’s history and legacy in a positive light. So much that is popularly known of him focuses on his failures and scandals when, in reality, his other contributions far outweigh the challenges he faced and overcame," said Brien K. Jones, the actor playing Harrison.
The story takes place after the Civil War, but its themes, such as greed, power and friendship, make it relevant to a modern audience. General Grant experiences financial ruin after the war. Desperate to provide for his family, Grant agrees to write and publish his personal memoirs. Although his time in the army solidified him as a great American leader, he had yet to prove himself as a writer. So, Grant enlists Twain, along with historian Adam Badeau, played by David Spencer, to help him write a bestseller. The group initially disagrees on how to publish the book, but, eventually, Twain convinces Grant to entrust the book to his newly established publishing firm Charles L. Webster & Company. After Grant is diagnosed with cancer, writing his story becomes deeply personal, and he races to finish the book before he dies.
Marshall Bell makes his debut at Salt Lake Acting Company playing the 18th President and hero of the Union, Ulysses S. Grant. Although historically accurate, Bell’s portrayal of Ulysses S. Grant, a man known for his stoicism and modesty, borders on unexciting. For a story centering around him and his struggles, Grant disappears into the background in most of the scenes. Fortunately, the play’s focus on Grant’s relationship with his wife, servants and soldiers humanizes him, and, by the end of the play, the audience tears up as they watch the beloved war veteran wither away.
Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain), played by Morgan Lund, steals the show with his bold personality, witty one-liners and spot-on social commentary. Lund’s version of Twain is both original and entertaining, and each time he steps on stage he commands the attention of every audience member. Mark Twain is known as a bit of a scoundrel, and Lund captures this rogue aspect of his personality without becoming immensely unlikable.
"I was told to avoid any and all characterizations [of Mark Twain] in our media," said Morgan Lund. "[Instead,] I read historical accounts from his family, friends, neighbors and critics, and [I sorted through] a lot of his performances and letters. I sought out first person accounts of any and all encounters with Twain. Together with the descriptions and actions described by other characters in the play I came up with a Twain that works for [this production]."
While the story itself is based in history, the structure of the play is relatively modern. The episodes are short, which holds the audience's attention for the entire length of the play. Also, General Grant frequently flashes back in time to reflect on the war. These flashbacks are achieved through superb sound and lighting effects.
Another modern element of the play is its use of two seemingly minor characters. General Grant's butler Harrison, played by Brien K. Jones, and former Union soldier William Perkins Ingersoll, played by Ryon Sharette, remain on stage for the entire show. Although they don't have many lines, their continual presence adds emotional depth to the rest of the characters, and both are played brilliantly. They also reveal the reality of servitude present at this time in history.
"This is a fictional account of real people based on historical fact and then re-imagined," said Kathryn Atwood, the actor playing Grant's wife Julia. "I think re-imagining the past helps bring clarity in a way that just listing the facts cannot. Truth is found more often in fiction than in literal re-tellings."
So, here it is.
There are few relationships out there more complicated than the intense friendship between two guys—also known as the bromance. For example, consider the dynamic between Sherlock and Watson, Frodo and Sam or Hamlet and Horatio. Trust is implicit for these comrades, and their bond only grows throughout their struggles and adventures. These popular bromances are easy to spot because of their endearing, sometimes stomach churning, side effects, which include tender moments of closeness and a refusal to acknowledge their co-dependency.
A relatively unknown bromance can be added to this list, and that is the relationship between Ulysses S. Grant and Samuel Clemens—better known as Mark Twain. Until recently, this seemingly paradoxical friendship between former president and renowned American writer remained hidden in lengthy footnotes and historical documents.
Playwright Elizabeth Diggs read the “Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant,” and was intrigued by the connection between these two unique individuals. So, she set out to investigate their lives. After three years of research, Diggs wrote the play “Grant & Twain,” which won the Edgerton Foundation New American Plays Award. The world premiere of “Grant & Twain,” will take place at the Salt Lake Acting Company Feb. 5- March 2. The show reveals the reality of General Grant and Mark Twain’s relationship, but allows fiction to help fill in the blanks.
"I appreciate how, through this play, Diggs paints Grant’s history and legacy in a positive light. So much that is popularly known of him focuses on his failures and scandals when, in reality, his other contributions far outweigh the challenges he faced and overcame," said Brien K. Jones, the actor playing Harrison.
The story takes place after the Civil War, but its themes, such as greed, power and friendship, make it relevant to a modern audience. General Grant experiences financial ruin after the war. Desperate to provide for his family, Grant agrees to write and publish his personal memoirs. Although his time in the army solidified him as a great American leader, he had yet to prove himself as a writer. So, Grant enlists Twain, along with historian Adam Badeau, played by David Spencer, to help him write a bestseller. The group initially disagrees on how to publish the book, but, eventually, Twain convinces Grant to entrust the book to his newly established publishing firm Charles L. Webster & Company. After Grant is diagnosed with cancer, writing his story becomes deeply personal, and he races to finish the book before he dies.
Marshall Bell makes his debut at Salt Lake Acting Company playing the 18th President and hero of the Union, Ulysses S. Grant. Although historically accurate, Bell’s portrayal of Ulysses S. Grant, a man known for his stoicism and modesty, borders on unexciting. For a story centering around him and his struggles, Grant disappears into the background in most of the scenes. Fortunately, the play’s focus on Grant’s relationship with his wife, servants and soldiers humanizes him, and, by the end of the play, the audience tears up as they watch the beloved war veteran wither away.
Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain), played by Morgan Lund, steals the show with his bold personality, witty one-liners and spot-on social commentary. Lund’s version of Twain is both original and entertaining, and each time he steps on stage he commands the attention of every audience member. Mark Twain is known as a bit of a scoundrel, and Lund captures this rogue aspect of his personality without becoming immensely unlikable.
"I was told to avoid any and all characterizations [of Mark Twain] in our media," said Morgan Lund. "[Instead,] I read historical accounts from his family, friends, neighbors and critics, and [I sorted through] a lot of his performances and letters. I sought out first person accounts of any and all encounters with Twain. Together with the descriptions and actions described by other characters in the play I came up with a Twain that works for [this production]."
While the story itself is based in history, the structure of the play is relatively modern. The episodes are short, which holds the audience's attention for the entire length of the play. Also, General Grant frequently flashes back in time to reflect on the war. These flashbacks are achieved through superb sound and lighting effects.
Another modern element of the play is its use of two seemingly minor characters. General Grant's butler Harrison, played by Brien K. Jones, and former Union soldier William Perkins Ingersoll, played by Ryon Sharette, remain on stage for the entire show. Although they don't have many lines, their continual presence adds emotional depth to the rest of the characters, and both are played brilliantly. They also reveal the reality of servitude present at this time in history.
"This is a fictional account of real people based on historical fact and then re-imagined," said Kathryn Atwood, the actor playing Grant's wife Julia. "I think re-imagining the past helps bring clarity in a way that just listing the facts cannot. Truth is found more often in fiction than in literal re-tellings."
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Songs that Shouldn't Be.
Hello everyone. Owing to the fact that the Grammy's were last Sunday, tonight I wanted to compile a list of popular songs that I don't think should be popular. Some shouldn't even exist. So, buckle up. This is going to be a fun one.
*Disclaimer: This is completely my opinion. The great thing about music (and basically life in general) is that we can like different things and still get along, right? Right.*
10. Nicki Minaj- "Starships"
Every Nicki Minaj song is the same. Start with some strange, alien-like sounds. Add in the same worn out party beat. Next comes the lyrics which, although people insist that they are in English, sound like they're just discordant noises. And she delivers them in a way that tiptoes the line between angry and scary.
One nice thing about this song is that you can make it into a drinking game. Every time she says, "We're higher than a motherfucker," take a shot. You'll be drunk in no time, and you won't care what song is on the radio.
9. Flo Rida- "Whistle"
"Girl, I'm gonna show you how to do it, and we start real slow. You just put your lips together and come real close. Can you blow my whistle, baby?"
I see what you did there. Clever Mr. Rida.
You would think that someone capable of passing off that garbage as a metaphor would be able to spell his own name right, but I guess not.
8. Anything by Ke$ha.
How anyone tuned into her music and decided that she should be on the radio, I will never know. You can practically taste the auto tune.
Plus, she is just really bad at grammar. Newsflash Ke$ha, "imma" isn't a word.
Although, I do like how $he $pell$ her name. I think imma do it. $tarting now.
7. Rhianna- "Umbrella"
This song is annoying.
If I were to write about the rainy weather yesterday, and I said I brought my umbrella, -ella-, -ella, -eh, -eh, -eh you would think I had had a seizure and passed out on my keyboard.
6. Basically anything by Taylor Swift
This girl gets under my skin.
To prove my point, we'll play a game. Quick, think of any Taylor Swift song. Got it?
Okay, I bet I can guess what it is about. It is either about her falling in love with her prince charming, or it's about her breaking up with another douchebag who was supposed to be her prince charming.
Just stop Taylor. I'm begging you.
5. One Direction- "Best Song Ever" OR "You Don't Know You're Beautiful"
If someone ever asks you what irony means, point them to the first song.
Also, the beginning sounds oddly familiar. I wonder WHO it sounds like. WHO could have written such an entrancing opening to a song? (Hint: Go listen to Baba O'Riley)
The second one gets on my nerves because, underneath that lovey-dovey, cutesy-tootsie, pop surface is a song that is preaching the wrong message.
"You don't know (OH, OH), you don't know you're beautiful (OH, OH). That's what makes you beautiful."
Wait. Let me get this straight. The girl in the song is considered beautiful for being insecure. It's no wonder we have had a hard time convincing girls to have confidence. I understand that being modest is a good thing, but I think these teenyboppers take it a step too far.
4. Miley Cyrus- "We Can't Stop"
This song is haunted by the old adage, "No publicity is bad publicity," and, unfortunately, it twerked for Miley. Get it? Twerked. Because of her VMA performance. No? All right, I'm done.
She also makes out with a doll of herself in the music video.
Creepy.
3. Bruno Mars- "Gorilla"
Because nothing is more sexy than imagining two gorillas having sex?
2. Pitbull- "Timber"
NO MORE! I WON'T LISTEN TO IT AGAIN!
1. Robin Thicke- "Blurred Lines"
If you have ever talked to me about music, then you have probably had to bear the brunt of this rant already. If you fall into that category, feel free to skip over it.
How this song shot to the top of the charts so quickly, I don't want to know. It is misogynistic. It is revolting. It is … I don't even think I have enough adjectives in my vocabulary to adequately describe my hate for this song.
For one, the music video is a bunch of naked women dancing around.
But, the song itself is too rapey for people to just ignore the lyrics.
"Ok, now he was close, tried to domesticate you. But you're an animal, baby, it's in your nature. Just let me liberate you. And that's why I'm gonna take a good girl. I know you want it. I know you want it. I know you want it." He goes on to say, "I hate these blurred lines."
Come on people. It terrifies me that this song is popular.
Alright, I'm done complaining. I hope you enjoyed my list.
Goodnight.
*Disclaimer: This is completely my opinion. The great thing about music (and basically life in general) is that we can like different things and still get along, right? Right.*
10. Nicki Minaj- "Starships"
Every Nicki Minaj song is the same. Start with some strange, alien-like sounds. Add in the same worn out party beat. Next comes the lyrics which, although people insist that they are in English, sound like they're just discordant noises. And she delivers them in a way that tiptoes the line between angry and scary.
One nice thing about this song is that you can make it into a drinking game. Every time she says, "We're higher than a motherfucker," take a shot. You'll be drunk in no time, and you won't care what song is on the radio.
9. Flo Rida- "Whistle"
"Girl, I'm gonna show you how to do it, and we start real slow. You just put your lips together and come real close. Can you blow my whistle, baby?"
I see what you did there. Clever Mr. Rida.
You would think that someone capable of passing off that garbage as a metaphor would be able to spell his own name right, but I guess not.
8. Anything by Ke$ha.
How anyone tuned into her music and decided that she should be on the radio, I will never know. You can practically taste the auto tune.
Plus, she is just really bad at grammar. Newsflash Ke$ha, "imma" isn't a word.
Although, I do like how $he $pell$ her name. I think imma do it. $tarting now.
7. Rhianna- "Umbrella"
This song is annoying.
If I were to write about the rainy weather yesterday, and I said I brought my umbrella, -ella-, -ella, -eh, -eh, -eh you would think I had had a seizure and passed out on my keyboard.
6. Basically anything by Taylor Swift
This girl gets under my skin.
To prove my point, we'll play a game. Quick, think of any Taylor Swift song. Got it?
Okay, I bet I can guess what it is about. It is either about her falling in love with her prince charming, or it's about her breaking up with another douchebag who was supposed to be her prince charming.
Just stop Taylor. I'm begging you.
5. One Direction- "Best Song Ever" OR "You Don't Know You're Beautiful"
If someone ever asks you what irony means, point them to the first song.
Also, the beginning sounds oddly familiar. I wonder WHO it sounds like. WHO could have written such an entrancing opening to a song? (Hint: Go listen to Baba O'Riley)
The second one gets on my nerves because, underneath that lovey-dovey, cutesy-tootsie, pop surface is a song that is preaching the wrong message.
"You don't know (OH, OH), you don't know you're beautiful (OH, OH). That's what makes you beautiful."
Wait. Let me get this straight. The girl in the song is considered beautiful for being insecure. It's no wonder we have had a hard time convincing girls to have confidence. I understand that being modest is a good thing, but I think these teenyboppers take it a step too far.
4. Miley Cyrus- "We Can't Stop"
This song is haunted by the old adage, "No publicity is bad publicity," and, unfortunately, it twerked for Miley. Get it? Twerked. Because of her VMA performance. No? All right, I'm done.
She also makes out with a doll of herself in the music video.
Creepy.
3. Bruno Mars- "Gorilla"
Because nothing is more sexy than imagining two gorillas having sex?
2. Pitbull- "Timber"
NO MORE! I WON'T LISTEN TO IT AGAIN!
1. Robin Thicke- "Blurred Lines"
If you have ever talked to me about music, then you have probably had to bear the brunt of this rant already. If you fall into that category, feel free to skip over it.
How this song shot to the top of the charts so quickly, I don't want to know. It is misogynistic. It is revolting. It is … I don't even think I have enough adjectives in my vocabulary to adequately describe my hate for this song.
For one, the music video is a bunch of naked women dancing around.
But, the song itself is too rapey for people to just ignore the lyrics.
"Ok, now he was close, tried to domesticate you. But you're an animal, baby, it's in your nature. Just let me liberate you. And that's why I'm gonna take a good girl. I know you want it. I know you want it. I know you want it." He goes on to say, "I hate these blurred lines."
Come on people. It terrifies me that this song is popular.
Alright, I'm done complaining. I hope you enjoyed my list.
Goodnight.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Am I too Young for an Existential Crisis?
Greetings cyberspace! Tonight I wanted to talk about a novel I recently finished. Well, let me be more specific. As an English major, I'm usually required to read about a novel a week. The novel I want to talk about is one that I read for entertainment.
I actually reread the novel "The Wind Up Bird Chronicle," by Haruki Murakami. Sometimes I read things twice. Shocker, I know. I could bore you with my 'I-read-things-twice-because-I-like-to-make-new-discoveries-about-something-I-thought-I-had-figured-out' excuse, and, while that is pretty accurate, my real reason is that I have a terrible memory. It's actually frightening. I can read something literally the night before, but when I get to class the next morning it's like the book morphed into something completely foreign over night.
Think ancient, Hebrew documents.
Anyways, Murakami is a very famous Japanese writer who is gaining more notoriety in the United States thanks to his novel "IQ84." He is a very talented writer, and I enjoyed the book. In terms of style, I would say that he has the satirical wit of Pynchon, the bizarre complexity of Kafka, and the magical realism of Marquéz. All of this bound up with sharp, beautiful prose.
I won't summarize the plot for you. Mostly because it is very long, but also because I want you to go and pick up the book. Give it a try. If you hate it after fifty pages, then put it down and leave me a scathing review in the comments section. I can handle it.
There was one specific passage that stuck with me, and, to this day, continues to haunt me. I will give you a small hint for context: the complex plot is loosely structured around a disintegrating marriage. Murakami writes, "Is it possible, in the final analysis, for one human being to achieve perfect understanding of another? We can invest enormous time and energy in serious efforts to know another person, but in the end, how close can we come to that person's essence? We convince ourselves that we know the other person well, but do we really know anything important about anyone?"
Deep breath. Creepy right? And, the longer you think about it, the more anxiety ridden you will become. What do we know about other people? Well, we know what they've told us. We know what they want us to know. We know how they act around us.
But, what do they do when no one is there to watch them? Do they change?
Try going on a date now, I dare you.
After I read and reread the passage, I laid the book open on my chest and ran a list through my head. A list that included people in my life: friends, family members, co-workers, classmates, and sometimes even friendly strangers. Do I really know any of them?
Maybe one of the people on my list didn't mention something important because the timing was wrong. Maybe they pretended to enjoy my stupid jokes to spare my feelings. Hell, maybe one of them killed their grandmother with a shovel and just didn't want to tell me. All are possibilities- albeit hyperbolic possibilities. Especially the one about people not liking my jokes. I'm hilarious.
Even the friendships I've had for years (some since high school). Do I know these friends? Or, have I just convinced myself that I know them. Are there things that they would be afraid to tell me?
Also, the passage is from the point of view of a husband reflecting on his wife. If I had a dime for every time I've heard a couple say (disgustingly, probably in unison), "We don't have any secrets," I'd be a rich woman. I know it's crap. Everyone has secrets. I guess I just never considered the possibility that, despite all my efforts, I might not ever know another person perfectly.
Is it that easy to put on a mask and have people buy it?
I'll end on that somber thought.
Until next time,
Goodnight.
I actually reread the novel "The Wind Up Bird Chronicle," by Haruki Murakami. Sometimes I read things twice. Shocker, I know. I could bore you with my 'I-read-things-twice-because-I-like-to-make-new-discoveries-about-something-I-thought-I-had-figured-out' excuse, and, while that is pretty accurate, my real reason is that I have a terrible memory. It's actually frightening. I can read something literally the night before, but when I get to class the next morning it's like the book morphed into something completely foreign over night.
Think ancient, Hebrew documents.
Anyways, Murakami is a very famous Japanese writer who is gaining more notoriety in the United States thanks to his novel "IQ84." He is a very talented writer, and I enjoyed the book. In terms of style, I would say that he has the satirical wit of Pynchon, the bizarre complexity of Kafka, and the magical realism of Marquéz. All of this bound up with sharp, beautiful prose.
I won't summarize the plot for you. Mostly because it is very long, but also because I want you to go and pick up the book. Give it a try. If you hate it after fifty pages, then put it down and leave me a scathing review in the comments section. I can handle it.
There was one specific passage that stuck with me, and, to this day, continues to haunt me. I will give you a small hint for context: the complex plot is loosely structured around a disintegrating marriage. Murakami writes, "Is it possible, in the final analysis, for one human being to achieve perfect understanding of another? We can invest enormous time and energy in serious efforts to know another person, but in the end, how close can we come to that person's essence? We convince ourselves that we know the other person well, but do we really know anything important about anyone?"
Deep breath. Creepy right? And, the longer you think about it, the more anxiety ridden you will become. What do we know about other people? Well, we know what they've told us. We know what they want us to know. We know how they act around us.
But, what do they do when no one is there to watch them? Do they change?
Try going on a date now, I dare you.
After I read and reread the passage, I laid the book open on my chest and ran a list through my head. A list that included people in my life: friends, family members, co-workers, classmates, and sometimes even friendly strangers. Do I really know any of them?
Maybe one of the people on my list didn't mention something important because the timing was wrong. Maybe they pretended to enjoy my stupid jokes to spare my feelings. Hell, maybe one of them killed their grandmother with a shovel and just didn't want to tell me. All are possibilities- albeit hyperbolic possibilities. Especially the one about people not liking my jokes. I'm hilarious.
Even the friendships I've had for years (some since high school). Do I know these friends? Or, have I just convinced myself that I know them. Are there things that they would be afraid to tell me?
Also, the passage is from the point of view of a husband reflecting on his wife. If I had a dime for every time I've heard a couple say (disgustingly, probably in unison), "We don't have any secrets," I'd be a rich woman. I know it's crap. Everyone has secrets. I guess I just never considered the possibility that, despite all my efforts, I might not ever know another person perfectly.
Is it that easy to put on a mask and have people buy it?
I'll end on that somber thought.
Until next time,
Goodnight.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Tonight, I created a blog… again
Hello online world. Tonight I decided to create a blog. Obviously, or you wouldn't be reading this.
With all of this being said, I'm pretty technologically illiterate. I know, I know. You think I'm being modest again, but no. This time I'm telling the truth. To prove my point, I will mention that it took me about an hour to figure out how to change my picture on this blog. An hour. But, I'm going to try my best to make everything look nice.
Virtual high fives to anyone who wants to follow me.
Good night cyber world. Be good to me.
I've created many blogs before, but I've always failed to actually go through with writing posts. They get buried in the deep recesses of cyberspace, never to be seen again. I think I get nervous about posting things I've written. Let's face it, the web can be harsh. People can be harsh. I also tend to be self-effacing, so I like to think that nobody would ever want to read what goes on in my mind.
However, I will be applying for writing internships at various companies this summer, and I think that having a well received blog would help my efforts to wade into the writing world- nice alliteration! Also, I write for the Arts & Entertainment section at the Daily Utah Chronicle, and many of the editors have mentioned that having a blog is an important step in most writing careers. So, alas, here I am.
Hopefully, four years of study as an English major, receiving criticism from handfuls of professors and peers, has toughened my skin, and I will no longer feel fear. This is my statement of confidence . . .
(Those dots are meant to undermine that statement of confidence just enough to ensure that I don't come across as a cocky jerk.)
With all of this being said, I'm pretty technologically illiterate. I know, I know. You think I'm being modest again, but no. This time I'm telling the truth. To prove my point, I will mention that it took me about an hour to figure out how to change my picture on this blog. An hour. But, I'm going to try my best to make everything look nice.
Virtual high fives to anyone who wants to follow me.
Good night cyber world. Be good to me.
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