So, I'm thinking the title of this post is misleading...aaaaaaaaand it may have been on purpose. See, by "Issues" I mean this awesome band that I love, and so by "Stuck in My Head" I mean I have their various songs playing in my head. And I've got the music stuck in my car stereo, and stuck on my iPod. It's amazing how many times I've listen to the music in the last 2-3 months.
I love new music. I am always on the listen to add something new to my music collection, whether it's a new band, or an old band, or an old band's new album. And even though many people may not share my musical tastes, I think they can understand the sentiment. I discover bands in different ways. For example, I like to buy compilation albums for genres I like and I follow Alternative Press (love them!!).
And that's basically how I discovered Issues. The first time I heard them (I only realized later) was on the 2013 released Punk Goes Christmas. They did an exceptional cover of "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays." As a '90s boy band aficionado, and a huge N'SYNC fan, I thought this was pretty epic. And I like the other little song snippet they threw in there for flavor. (My cousin/roommate caught it and thought it was awesome). Take a listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpx2iJfy554
Now, after hearing this, I thought for sure that I had heard some of their other music before. With the number of compilation songs I get, it sometimes becomes hard to remember the artist and song title for all the random songs. But when I actually checked my music collection, turns out I didn't know any of their other music. I had only heard about them and how awesome they are from following AP.
It turns out that it's pretty obvious I hadn't heard anything else by them, b/c if I had I would have been "OMG, I NEED this music" much sooner. AP released their Most Anticipated Music of the Year issue, so of course I got it. I wanted to see who I know is releasing music in 2014, and who I may need to try out b/c they're awesome enough to be in the issue. And in this issue was Issues.
At that point I realized I just had to check them out iTunes. This was in January, before their full length album release when there was only the Black Diamonds EP and a couple other songs. I admit, I was a little hesitant at first, because I was only just recently coming around to liking an extreme mix of the loud rock w/ other genres. So, I was both curious and cautious about Issues' mix of metalcore w/ peppy, top 40s music. But I came around to love soon enough, somewhere around track 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9iakgFD7hI
Once I heard this song, I was pretty much hooked and had to buy all the songs! And then once the full album came out I had to buy that too, sound unheard, which means a lot in Dayna music buying land, because I only buy music from a few select bands w/o listening to it first. So, now I have enough song for a decent sized playlist and to get me all the way to work in the morning.
I love this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK8qFw7pOD0
And even though most of the rest of the song doesn't pertain to me, I find the first couple of lines come to mind lately. >_< Same sentiment with this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTvcW_s0FCo
And the first single is pretty epic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn55oxf6gCg
I love how it's very loud, and then gets the R&B break down toward the end. And this one is a kind of guilty pleasure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSRalkLkWjY
I can't decide when I drive with the windows down if I want to turn the volume down or up. Muahaha.
In my quieter, more introspective moments, I find myself asking "Dear sad ghost, why'd you put your heart on a shelf." That's pretty darn poignant, if you ask me. *sigh* Aaaaaaaaand now I have that last video song in my head. On that note...
Monday, April 14, 2014
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
The Only Thing to Fear...
I think it's interesting the thoughts that lead to me actually taking the time to write something down. Like how just now I suddenly got inspiration, just from doing what I've been doing all day - thinking about yesterday.
Yesterday wasn't particularly special, except that it's one of the rare days when the whole department gets together in one place for a meeting. I like it b/c I get to see people I don't talk to very often. We're a great bunch of people.
While there yesterday, I was asked by one of our newer coworkers about one of our previous meetings - where I was asked by our head honcho get up in front of everyone and sing. I'm not really a singing in public kind of person. Even my closest friends and family don't hear me sing very often, b/c I get super anxious about it and only sing alone.
So, she asked me how I could do it, get in front of a large group of people and sing. I of course said it was b/c the boss asked and I couldn't say no. And yes, that's part of the answer - he's a great leader and I wanted to be down for mixing it up a little and showing off some talent. But thinking about it just now, I realized there's something more to it. It's really more about me and how I deal with fear.
Okay, so maybe it's not so much fear. I think of fear more as scary crap like watching horror movies or walking to your car late at night w/ sketchy people around. Really, it's more nerves or anxiety. That's really what it is, right? Like stage fright - that's anxiety. Or maybe not for everyone. I just know for me I have anxiety, and for me that "fear" is just my anxiety being a douche.
The thing is that I get anxious over a LOT of things. Examples would be talking to new people, taking on a new task, being put on the spot, flying, even that moment when the green light has been green too long and it could turn red and I'm neither far enough away to easily nor close enough to run a yellow safely. And you can definitely add singing in front of anyone to that list. I even get really nervous in front of just a couple close friends.
But when it comes to anything that makes me anxious, no matter how diverse and expansive the list of things is, I deal with the anxiety in one way. Okay, part of that way is freaking out beforehand. I'll admit it - I spend a lot of time before something new (or during it when alone) just worrying the crap about it. I can't help it. As much as my anxiety can be a psychological thing, a lot of it is physiological. Sometimes my body just reacts anxiously w/o asking what I'm doing mentally. I've been completely logically fine with something while my body freaks out. :P
And with that happening, the worrying and jitters and hearting pounding and throat constricting, I could easily just say screw it, and never do anything. But I don't. As much as I hate my anxiety, and as much as it drives me crazy, I fight it every step of the way. I know from lots of experience that things usually don't turn out as bad as I worry they will. And often then turn out well. I have faith in what I can do, and the hardest part really is just pushing myself past the anxiety and just do whatever it is. There have even be times when I pushed past and it sucked. But the next time I just try again and I found overcoming anxiety when I've already had a bad experience feels even better than overcoming anxiety in the face of the unknown.
So, how did I get in front of a large group of coworkers and sing? I did it the way I do a lot of things - I did it the same way I started a new job in unfamiliar field - I just showed up and did it.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
My "Fake It Til I Make It" List; or Quality Auditing My Life
It's month 3 of 2014 and I've noticed two big things about how I feel about life now compared to 2013. 1st, I am definitely in a much better place factually than I was last year, but 2nd I am still experiencing the side effects of the emotional turmoil that was 2013. Oh, and a 3rd thing I realized was that sitting around doing nothing to feel more positive wasn't really going to do much. I was caught in an actual Catch 22: I needed to feel happier to do more activities in my life, but I needed more activities in my life to make me feel happier.
Here's the rundown of what's what from last year. I spent the 1st six months of 2013 stressing (in an increasingly intense way) about getting a permanent full-time job. Having graduated in 2012, I was going on 1 year w/o anything, not to mention I had no idea what I wanted to do so that increased the stress. What if I never found anything b/c I couldn't make up my mind? And what if I got a job and I hated it more than I've ever hated anything in the world?
But then July came along and I got a job offer, but also got to spend one glorious, stress-free month of doing whatever I wanted w/o having to complete job applications. I loved July 2013 for that. I did some serious amount of writing for the first time ever, I read three weighty books, and spent a lot of time relaxing doing nothing.
But then that obviously had to end. I have to say that overall, I really like my job and what I hope it's going to be. Plus I work w/ some amazing people, which is way better than I would have hoped. However, any new situation comes with new challenges, and no matter how great things can be there are always one or two sour grapes, or situations that randomly arise to just make you miserable. I learned a lot at one point about asserting myself (and about realizing once again that I have to trust my instincts b/c experience doesn't always make the other person right). And then I was pretty much miserable from Thanksgiving until after New Years. Plus, not to mention that fact I was SUPER busy w/ so much work to do. All in all, this combined to be a time when I did very little else other than work and then veg at home. Many of my favorite things went by the way side b/c I just didn't feel like it.
So, in an effort to bring some positive vibes, to get back into some other hobbies, and to overall increase the wellness of me, I have decided to do something proactive. No more sitting around waiting to suddenly be more happy. Of course, being me, I need something concrete to keep me on track. That is why I decided to make a list of all the things I want to do during the week to keep those things on my mind. I call it my "Fake It Til I Make It" list b/c I don't really feel motivated, or healthy, or confident, or "insert random adjective here," and this list is a way for me to mechanically perform all of the things I should want to do until I get into the habit and feel positive about everything. I also see it was a quality audit b/c I am going to keep a spreadsheet where I will assign the activities points, and not completing activities will lower my daily and weekly scores.
You may be wondering, what's on this list? Well, first know that I intend this to be a dynamic list, so that as I go along I can add things that I think need to be in my day/week, and remove things that I either no longer need to do or do on my own w/o needing the reminder. I will have the items set up some on a daily basis and some on a weekly basis. (And don't judge me for this - my job may have taken over too many parts of my brain, hehehe)
W/o revealing EVERYTHING, the daily items would be like: floss (since I am a spotty flosser), put on lotion (since sometimes I get too dry skin), write (because I love writing but I have a hard time being motivated to take the time), eat healthy all day, no sweets (b/c I need a separate item to deal w/ my sugar cravings). The daily list is a way to curb my bad habits and encourage good habits.
Except for the daily writing requirement, the weekly items will be the items more geared toward emotional and mental positivity, instead of more focused on physical aspects. So far there are only two items on this list, but I find them to be the most difficult and probably most important. The 1st one is to once a week do something fun outside of the house. I find that when I've had a busy week, all I want to do is veg over the weekend. But then I don't really feel more positive when wasting the weekend this way. I just want the weekend to last longer. Instead, I find having a fun activity gives me something to look forward to and usually makes me feel better than if I had stayed home.
The 2nd item on the weekly list is to once a week sing in front of someone else. There are a number of reasons why I think this is important. Singing is one of my favorite things to do, yet it's extremely rare when other people actually get to listen. Also, this will help me with dealing with my anxiety. I worry so much that I will do bad or people won't like my singing that I don't sing in public, but if I can have some positive experiences despite the anxiety, I can use that for other aspects of life. I can't continue worrying that people are going to think I am a terrible singer, and then I would have to never do it again and lose a favorite activity just b/c I couldn't handle knowing people think I am bad. That won't happen and I need to squash those negative thoughts. Lastly, just singing alone in my kitchen, I am reminded of just how great it feels to belt it out. Not only do I enjoy hearing myself just belt it, but I feel good as the body chemicals rush through me. If I could just sing more in public, I could get this positive rush more, since I don't get to be alone too often.
So, that's that - my attempt at being a happier, healthier me. Who knows how long this will last, but I like the idea. And hey, it got me to write this post, so it's working already!
Here's the rundown of what's what from last year. I spent the 1st six months of 2013 stressing (in an increasingly intense way) about getting a permanent full-time job. Having graduated in 2012, I was going on 1 year w/o anything, not to mention I had no idea what I wanted to do so that increased the stress. What if I never found anything b/c I couldn't make up my mind? And what if I got a job and I hated it more than I've ever hated anything in the world?
But then July came along and I got a job offer, but also got to spend one glorious, stress-free month of doing whatever I wanted w/o having to complete job applications. I loved July 2013 for that. I did some serious amount of writing for the first time ever, I read three weighty books, and spent a lot of time relaxing doing nothing.
But then that obviously had to end. I have to say that overall, I really like my job and what I hope it's going to be. Plus I work w/ some amazing people, which is way better than I would have hoped. However, any new situation comes with new challenges, and no matter how great things can be there are always one or two sour grapes, or situations that randomly arise to just make you miserable. I learned a lot at one point about asserting myself (and about realizing once again that I have to trust my instincts b/c experience doesn't always make the other person right). And then I was pretty much miserable from Thanksgiving until after New Years. Plus, not to mention that fact I was SUPER busy w/ so much work to do. All in all, this combined to be a time when I did very little else other than work and then veg at home. Many of my favorite things went by the way side b/c I just didn't feel like it.
So, in an effort to bring some positive vibes, to get back into some other hobbies, and to overall increase the wellness of me, I have decided to do something proactive. No more sitting around waiting to suddenly be more happy. Of course, being me, I need something concrete to keep me on track. That is why I decided to make a list of all the things I want to do during the week to keep those things on my mind. I call it my "Fake It Til I Make It" list b/c I don't really feel motivated, or healthy, or confident, or "insert random adjective here," and this list is a way for me to mechanically perform all of the things I should want to do until I get into the habit and feel positive about everything. I also see it was a quality audit b/c I am going to keep a spreadsheet where I will assign the activities points, and not completing activities will lower my daily and weekly scores.
You may be wondering, what's on this list? Well, first know that I intend this to be a dynamic list, so that as I go along I can add things that I think need to be in my day/week, and remove things that I either no longer need to do or do on my own w/o needing the reminder. I will have the items set up some on a daily basis and some on a weekly basis. (And don't judge me for this - my job may have taken over too many parts of my brain, hehehe)
W/o revealing EVERYTHING, the daily items would be like: floss (since I am a spotty flosser), put on lotion (since sometimes I get too dry skin), write (because I love writing but I have a hard time being motivated to take the time), eat healthy all day, no sweets (b/c I need a separate item to deal w/ my sugar cravings). The daily list is a way to curb my bad habits and encourage good habits.
Except for the daily writing requirement, the weekly items will be the items more geared toward emotional and mental positivity, instead of more focused on physical aspects. So far there are only two items on this list, but I find them to be the most difficult and probably most important. The 1st one is to once a week do something fun outside of the house. I find that when I've had a busy week, all I want to do is veg over the weekend. But then I don't really feel more positive when wasting the weekend this way. I just want the weekend to last longer. Instead, I find having a fun activity gives me something to look forward to and usually makes me feel better than if I had stayed home.
The 2nd item on the weekly list is to once a week sing in front of someone else. There are a number of reasons why I think this is important. Singing is one of my favorite things to do, yet it's extremely rare when other people actually get to listen. Also, this will help me with dealing with my anxiety. I worry so much that I will do bad or people won't like my singing that I don't sing in public, but if I can have some positive experiences despite the anxiety, I can use that for other aspects of life. I can't continue worrying that people are going to think I am a terrible singer, and then I would have to never do it again and lose a favorite activity just b/c I couldn't handle knowing people think I am bad. That won't happen and I need to squash those negative thoughts. Lastly, just singing alone in my kitchen, I am reminded of just how great it feels to belt it out. Not only do I enjoy hearing myself just belt it, but I feel good as the body chemicals rush through me. If I could just sing more in public, I could get this positive rush more, since I don't get to be alone too often.
So, that's that - my attempt at being a happier, healthier me. Who knows how long this will last, but I like the idea. And hey, it got me to write this post, so it's working already!
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Who's Got Two Thumbs, and Is Ready (Almost?) to Be Rejected By the Male Half of the Internet?
So, I've been getting a lot of encouragement (pressure?) lately from people I know to start online dating. This is something that I have had in mind as an eventual thing, but I would always say "someday" or "I'm not ready yet." But finally, I think I am ready.
Well, idk if ready is really what I am. More, I've come to terms that there really is no ready and I might as well just get out there and see what happens. I have being doing a lot of thinking about it. And I know you're all "you, thinking too much about something? Never!" But it's true. And this is what's being running through my head.
I don't know if there can ever be a ready. A person is a work in progress, and maybe my next step in progression is with someone, or at least a long slew of someones that suck and eventually someone sucks less than most. I figured, if I had a string of terrible dates, then at least I have plenty to blog about.
But mostly it's been some serious reflection. I mostly worry that I am not good enough. Granted, I know there are plenty of people out there that objectively seem less likely to find someone decent than me, yet they find someone. It's just that fear that maybe nothing has really happened to me yet b/c nothing can happen. What if I am the one women in the entire world that is completely unattractive to the entire male sex? Boo!! That would suck. Hard.
There's that Fry meme where he's all "can't tell if I'm oblivious to flirting, or if no one flirts with me." That, like, peered into my soul! But what if all I learn from online dating is for me it's the later? Then I would have to buy some cats, and honestly I am really more of a dog person. Or a no pets person. I am definitely a no plants person (I kill every plant way too soon.)
But I also found that I am equally afraid that someone will like me and want to get close, and that I will somehow prove incapable of that. I'm not the most "let's talk about feelings" person. Granted, I've gotten a lot better at that, but it's hard. And it definitely doesn't help listening to people I know talk about feelings issues they have. I am already prone to being way of an over-analyzer. Things could get really bad. >_< It's bad enough when I just like someone. I get too in my head about. And what starts w/ thinking about all the signs that could mean positive things, I soon turn to thinking about all the things that would make something happening a bad thing. I turn looking into things that make me like him into things that make me want to pass. And add online dating into the mix, that could be bad, right?
Yet, with all of that weighing on mind mind, I realized that whatever I worry about happening already happens to some extent anyway. I mean, I am already a heavy thinker, no matter the context. And I will always to some extent and at some points feel inadequate. But I might as well feel inadequate w/ someone else than alone. And what about being afraid to open up? Well, I am closed off by being alone, which is a for sure thing. So why not try and see if maybe I can be different when not alone. There is also the plus that if you online date, obvious the guy wants to be there for some reason. Even if it ends up sucking, there was something about your profile that made that guy go on a date. In my book, that is better than some stupid crush fantasy where you moon over someone, but in reality it will never work, no matter how much you've imagined the guy is so great for you. And not everyone can suck, right? RIGHT??
Even so, I do have the concern that I have way too all over the place of a personality to find someone who can match everything I'd like in a guy. I'm surprised that I am one person that likes all the stuff I do. I can't imagine there is a guy out there w/ the same/similar interests and has a decent job and is a decent person. Mostly, I just need to find someone who I have somethings in common with, is a decent responsible guy, and will tolerate my other crazy interests. Besides, I could so totally get someone into Doctor Who or some metalcore. Whatevs.
Besides, I would ideally what I am looking for is the West Coast Ted Mosby. And damn it, Ted Mosby gets to meet his girl finally. So, I should get out there and meet my person. I even have a wing-girl much like Barney Stinson to help me out. Time to suit up!!
Well, idk if ready is really what I am. More, I've come to terms that there really is no ready and I might as well just get out there and see what happens. I have being doing a lot of thinking about it. And I know you're all "you, thinking too much about something? Never!" But it's true. And this is what's being running through my head.
I don't know if there can ever be a ready. A person is a work in progress, and maybe my next step in progression is with someone, or at least a long slew of someones that suck and eventually someone sucks less than most. I figured, if I had a string of terrible dates, then at least I have plenty to blog about.
But mostly it's been some serious reflection. I mostly worry that I am not good enough. Granted, I know there are plenty of people out there that objectively seem less likely to find someone decent than me, yet they find someone. It's just that fear that maybe nothing has really happened to me yet b/c nothing can happen. What if I am the one women in the entire world that is completely unattractive to the entire male sex? Boo!! That would suck. Hard.
There's that Fry meme where he's all "can't tell if I'm oblivious to flirting, or if no one flirts with me." That, like, peered into my soul! But what if all I learn from online dating is for me it's the later? Then I would have to buy some cats, and honestly I am really more of a dog person. Or a no pets person. I am definitely a no plants person (I kill every plant way too soon.)
But I also found that I am equally afraid that someone will like me and want to get close, and that I will somehow prove incapable of that. I'm not the most "let's talk about feelings" person. Granted, I've gotten a lot better at that, but it's hard. And it definitely doesn't help listening to people I know talk about feelings issues they have. I am already prone to being way of an over-analyzer. Things could get really bad. >_< It's bad enough when I just like someone. I get too in my head about. And what starts w/ thinking about all the signs that could mean positive things, I soon turn to thinking about all the things that would make something happening a bad thing. I turn looking into things that make me like him into things that make me want to pass. And add online dating into the mix, that could be bad, right?
Yet, with all of that weighing on mind mind, I realized that whatever I worry about happening already happens to some extent anyway. I mean, I am already a heavy thinker, no matter the context. And I will always to some extent and at some points feel inadequate. But I might as well feel inadequate w/ someone else than alone. And what about being afraid to open up? Well, I am closed off by being alone, which is a for sure thing. So why not try and see if maybe I can be different when not alone. There is also the plus that if you online date, obvious the guy wants to be there for some reason. Even if it ends up sucking, there was something about your profile that made that guy go on a date. In my book, that is better than some stupid crush fantasy where you moon over someone, but in reality it will never work, no matter how much you've imagined the guy is so great for you. And not everyone can suck, right? RIGHT??
Even so, I do have the concern that I have way too all over the place of a personality to find someone who can match everything I'd like in a guy. I'm surprised that I am one person that likes all the stuff I do. I can't imagine there is a guy out there w/ the same/similar interests and has a decent job and is a decent person. Mostly, I just need to find someone who I have somethings in common with, is a decent responsible guy, and will tolerate my other crazy interests. Besides, I could so totally get someone into Doctor Who or some metalcore. Whatevs.
Besides, I would ideally what I am looking for is the West Coast Ted Mosby. And damn it, Ted Mosby gets to meet his girl finally. So, I should get out there and meet my person. I even have a wing-girl much like Barney Stinson to help me out. Time to suit up!!
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Tipping the Scales Back Toward Life
Aaaaaaaannnnd... I'm back! And hopefully a lot more often. See, I got a new job a few months ago and it has taken up a lot of my life. But in the new year, I am resolute to put some balance back in the whole work/life balance thing. I think it more important now then ever to have an outlet for whatever needs letting out.
So, as a special treat (you know, for the 3-5 people I actually know IRL who are the only ones who read this) I have decided to share something I have begun and wish to share. Although, I like to share it on my blog b/c I can pretend whatever I need to so my ego isn't bruised, and people I know can read it w/o having to fake praise when it sucked. But mostly, what's an outlet if it's not let out into the world, at least a little. And by putting it here on my blog, it's kind of a promise to me and to you that I will keep writing. Well, unless it sucks and breaks the Internet. But whatever! Here it is, not my first attmept at fiction, but definitely the first I am letting people read (not counting the crap I wrote in middle school.)
Enjoy. Or, whatever...
So, as a special treat (you know, for the 3-5 people I actually know IRL who are the only ones who read this) I have decided to share something I have begun and wish to share. Although, I like to share it on my blog b/c I can pretend whatever I need to so my ego isn't bruised, and people I know can read it w/o having to fake praise when it sucked. But mostly, what's an outlet if it's not let out into the world, at least a little. And by putting it here on my blog, it's kind of a promise to me and to you that I will keep writing. Well, unless it sucks and breaks the Internet. But whatever! Here it is, not my first attmept at fiction, but definitely the first I am letting people read (not counting the crap I wrote in middle school.)
Enjoy. Or, whatever...
Sunday, October 27, 2013
I've Got a Theory...
...and if you sang that title, 10 points to you!
Anyway, I have a number of "theories" that I like to kick around. Some or all may not be actual theories, and probably don't actually hold up to real life facts, but mostly I just find them amusing. So, I thought I would share.
1. All loud new millennium rockers have a secret passion for dance music.
Maybe it's just the music I listen to, or maybe I am just reading WAY too much into this, but I swear there is something about loud rockers and dance music that just happens. Now, I use the term dance music not as the specific genre but more generally as like music that you would dance to or might hear at a club, or something w/ lots of synthe and bounce to it. (Ok, I am a little out of my depth w/ describing this, jeez.) I mean, I suppose it makes sense in a way as the Millenial generation has only given the world 2 new music genres: dubstep and metalcore. And there is all the synthecore and similar music that actually combines loud post-hardcore like music w/ synthy dancy stuff. Let's also not fail to mention that there have been many rockin' artists that have moved on to more fancy dancy stuff. I mean, one day I got curious to whatever happen to Sonny Moore after he left From First to Last, and when I found out I was all "WFT?!?!?!" Where did that come from? Plus, while I do very much love "Save Rock and Roll" you can definitely see that Fall Out Boy got some of their dance groove out w/ this album. (I think Patrick Stump got way dancier while going solo, but let's be honest, I was all "no thank you." Idk, I admit I love me some poppy dancing music, but not mixed with and/or from my loud rockin' people. Combining those 2 worlds just kinds of weirds me out. I like chocolate and broccoli, but you don't see me combining those together.
2. Despite English being their language, Brits don't know the proper use of the letter "r"
I watch a lot of British things. A LOT. They have all sorts of adorable language quirks and silly slang terms, some cooler than other. I mean, no matter if people speak a common language, slang and enunciation is going to differ from place to place. I get that. But what bugs me is the complete inability of many Brits to correctly use their "r"s. And you would think, since they invented the language, they'd know how to use it better. Besides, this is an epidemic across all sorts of British locals, not just isolated to one part and dialect. Here is the problem. They cannot seem to enunciate the "r" when it's there. For example, "car" sounds more like "caw." But then they randomly throw them in other words where they don't belong. Like "banana" would be said as "bananer." No!! There is no "r" there! What do they do? Do they not enunciate the "r" in certain words, and then go "oh, crap, I kept off that "r" and now I need to use it in another word. This r-less word would do." No! That will no do!
3. People suck but persons are awesome
I have this theory or thought or feeling, whatever, that people as a whole suck, but persons are awesome. What I mean is that as a whole, people can really be grouped together as a bunch of ass holes. People start wars, they are bigoted, they promote things en masse that really stupid, etc. I swear, anytime you think of grouping people together and then describing them as a whole, it is usually as something negative. It makes me think of Julius Cesar and how the crowd was dumb and easily swayed by a charismatic speaker to take action, w/o really thinking of what was actually a good idea. But I find that individually, I will often find a person that rocks. I think many people taken one at a time have a great story to tell. Granted, there will always be people that you just want to punch in the face, but I think those are outnumbered by people that would stir more sympathetic emotions. One of my favorite times is when I check out at the grocery store. There are some very nice checkers there and I always have an interesting conversation with them. I really doesn't matter about what, I just like the little connection w/ a stranger, and it brightens my day. And recently I got my hair cut at the beauty school by a nice young man. I thoroughly enjoyed just listening to all the things he wanted to do and all the interesting stories he had. It is moments like this when you realize the world is an alright palce and people aren't so bad.
4. Favorites
Do you often read or hear about someone saying they couldn't pick a favorite something b/c they love them all so much? Like, how they love wine or music or noir films or whatever so much that it would be hard to pick just on favorite? Honestly, I think that's kind of BS. Mostly, I just think you haven't given it enough thought or your not that discerning. No matter how much you love something and how much volume of it you love, if you really took the time to think about or if something in the group really attached to you, you could pick a favorite. Like me for example, I easily have a bunch of favorites in music, even thought I love soooooo much of it. I have a favorite band, a favorite song, and I can even name my favorite song of my favorite band. Plus, I could name my fav song of a lot of bands I like. Why? B/c I thought about it and know there are just some songs, for whatever reason, I just love more. A lot of times it has to do w/ sentimental reasons or it's something I relate to. With books, however, I don't have a favorite. I don't even have a favorite author. I think it's because books take me longer to read, it's hard to compare a lot of them. And then it's not always easy to remember all that you read, which makes it harder to compare. And as for authors, I read so many different ones that it's I haven't pinned down one who I like more than the rest. There are few authors I have read (almost) completely. But I have favorite TV shows. And I have a favorite color. But that's because those things catch my heart and I an drawn to pink more than anything else.
5. The name Chad
Now, if your name is Chad, I apologize for any offense. Unless this is accurate to you, then I don't care. So, I have this theory that no real guys were named Chad, but rather it is a name made up by movie people to be given to snobby preppy-boys b/c it sounds, well, it sounds so much like a preppy snob's name. Think about it, how many movies have you seen w/ guys named Chad where this was true? Mind blown, right? Ok, I know that there are actually real guys named Chad. My fav band has a Chad, and he is neither snobby or preppy. But let's face it, there are enough of those Chad's in popular culture to make my point at least a little valid.
6. Romeo and Juliet living would have been a real tragedy
Shakespeare describes there never being a tale of more woe than these two story-crossed love birds. But I would argue that them living at the end would have been the bigger tragedy. Let's look at the facts. First, they are really young. This sweet, "our parents are feuding but we love each other" thing is all hot now, but once that blows over or enough times goes by, and it's jsut going to be annoying. Their relationship wasn't exactly based on their liking each other for their personalities. And let's not forget that not many moments before Romeo laid eyes on fair Juliet was he heart-wrenchingly complaining about some Rosaline ho. Fickle much? If her can forget Rosaline so quickly, soon it would be, "Juliet who?" Oh, but wait, they secretly got married. Good thing they died. Otherwise, that marriage wouldn't have ended well. I can see it now. It's all "yay, we lived and now we can be together b/c our parents now see how stupid they are." But soon, with the drama over, the romance would soon fade. Maybe on its own, maybe b/c Juliet finds out she is pregnant and that makes Romeo feel the noose tighten. Whatever happens, he starts getting fickle again, this time w/ whomever is around. Juliet finds out, or at least senses something is going on, but it's way back in the day, so no divorce for her. This is a perfect time for Paris to swoop in, looking all sympathetic (and like way more by Juliet's parents). Maybe there's a duel for Juliet's honor, maybe Romeo runs off w/ some hussy and Paris picks up the pieces. Either way, Juliet is never really happy again w/o her 1st love (who is plenty happy off w/ anyone and everyone else). I mean, in the real version, at least they both still loved each other in the end. Right?
Anyway, I have a number of "theories" that I like to kick around. Some or all may not be actual theories, and probably don't actually hold up to real life facts, but mostly I just find them amusing. So, I thought I would share.
1. All loud new millennium rockers have a secret passion for dance music.
Maybe it's just the music I listen to, or maybe I am just reading WAY too much into this, but I swear there is something about loud rockers and dance music that just happens. Now, I use the term dance music not as the specific genre but more generally as like music that you would dance to or might hear at a club, or something w/ lots of synthe and bounce to it. (Ok, I am a little out of my depth w/ describing this, jeez.) I mean, I suppose it makes sense in a way as the Millenial generation has only given the world 2 new music genres: dubstep and metalcore. And there is all the synthecore and similar music that actually combines loud post-hardcore like music w/ synthy dancy stuff. Let's also not fail to mention that there have been many rockin' artists that have moved on to more fancy dancy stuff. I mean, one day I got curious to whatever happen to Sonny Moore after he left From First to Last, and when I found out I was all "WFT?!?!?!" Where did that come from? Plus, while I do very much love "Save Rock and Roll" you can definitely see that Fall Out Boy got some of their dance groove out w/ this album. (I think Patrick Stump got way dancier while going solo, but let's be honest, I was all "no thank you." Idk, I admit I love me some poppy dancing music, but not mixed with and/or from my loud rockin' people. Combining those 2 worlds just kinds of weirds me out. I like chocolate and broccoli, but you don't see me combining those together.
2. Despite English being their language, Brits don't know the proper use of the letter "r"
I watch a lot of British things. A LOT. They have all sorts of adorable language quirks and silly slang terms, some cooler than other. I mean, no matter if people speak a common language, slang and enunciation is going to differ from place to place. I get that. But what bugs me is the complete inability of many Brits to correctly use their "r"s. And you would think, since they invented the language, they'd know how to use it better. Besides, this is an epidemic across all sorts of British locals, not just isolated to one part and dialect. Here is the problem. They cannot seem to enunciate the "r" when it's there. For example, "car" sounds more like "caw." But then they randomly throw them in other words where they don't belong. Like "banana" would be said as "bananer." No!! There is no "r" there! What do they do? Do they not enunciate the "r" in certain words, and then go "oh, crap, I kept off that "r" and now I need to use it in another word. This r-less word would do." No! That will no do!
3. People suck but persons are awesome
I have this theory or thought or feeling, whatever, that people as a whole suck, but persons are awesome. What I mean is that as a whole, people can really be grouped together as a bunch of ass holes. People start wars, they are bigoted, they promote things en masse that really stupid, etc. I swear, anytime you think of grouping people together and then describing them as a whole, it is usually as something negative. It makes me think of Julius Cesar and how the crowd was dumb and easily swayed by a charismatic speaker to take action, w/o really thinking of what was actually a good idea. But I find that individually, I will often find a person that rocks. I think many people taken one at a time have a great story to tell. Granted, there will always be people that you just want to punch in the face, but I think those are outnumbered by people that would stir more sympathetic emotions. One of my favorite times is when I check out at the grocery store. There are some very nice checkers there and I always have an interesting conversation with them. I really doesn't matter about what, I just like the little connection w/ a stranger, and it brightens my day. And recently I got my hair cut at the beauty school by a nice young man. I thoroughly enjoyed just listening to all the things he wanted to do and all the interesting stories he had. It is moments like this when you realize the world is an alright palce and people aren't so bad.
4. Favorites
Do you often read or hear about someone saying they couldn't pick a favorite something b/c they love them all so much? Like, how they love wine or music or noir films or whatever so much that it would be hard to pick just on favorite? Honestly, I think that's kind of BS. Mostly, I just think you haven't given it enough thought or your not that discerning. No matter how much you love something and how much volume of it you love, if you really took the time to think about or if something in the group really attached to you, you could pick a favorite. Like me for example, I easily have a bunch of favorites in music, even thought I love soooooo much of it. I have a favorite band, a favorite song, and I can even name my favorite song of my favorite band. Plus, I could name my fav song of a lot of bands I like. Why? B/c I thought about it and know there are just some songs, for whatever reason, I just love more. A lot of times it has to do w/ sentimental reasons or it's something I relate to. With books, however, I don't have a favorite. I don't even have a favorite author. I think it's because books take me longer to read, it's hard to compare a lot of them. And then it's not always easy to remember all that you read, which makes it harder to compare. And as for authors, I read so many different ones that it's I haven't pinned down one who I like more than the rest. There are few authors I have read (almost) completely. But I have favorite TV shows. And I have a favorite color. But that's because those things catch my heart and I an drawn to pink more than anything else.
5. The name Chad
Now, if your name is Chad, I apologize for any offense. Unless this is accurate to you, then I don't care. So, I have this theory that no real guys were named Chad, but rather it is a name made up by movie people to be given to snobby preppy-boys b/c it sounds, well, it sounds so much like a preppy snob's name. Think about it, how many movies have you seen w/ guys named Chad where this was true? Mind blown, right? Ok, I know that there are actually real guys named Chad. My fav band has a Chad, and he is neither snobby or preppy. But let's face it, there are enough of those Chad's in popular culture to make my point at least a little valid.
6. Romeo and Juliet living would have been a real tragedy
Shakespeare describes there never being a tale of more woe than these two story-crossed love birds. But I would argue that them living at the end would have been the bigger tragedy. Let's look at the facts. First, they are really young. This sweet, "our parents are feuding but we love each other" thing is all hot now, but once that blows over or enough times goes by, and it's jsut going to be annoying. Their relationship wasn't exactly based on their liking each other for their personalities. And let's not forget that not many moments before Romeo laid eyes on fair Juliet was he heart-wrenchingly complaining about some Rosaline ho. Fickle much? If her can forget Rosaline so quickly, soon it would be, "Juliet who?" Oh, but wait, they secretly got married. Good thing they died. Otherwise, that marriage wouldn't have ended well. I can see it now. It's all "yay, we lived and now we can be together b/c our parents now see how stupid they are." But soon, with the drama over, the romance would soon fade. Maybe on its own, maybe b/c Juliet finds out she is pregnant and that makes Romeo feel the noose tighten. Whatever happens, he starts getting fickle again, this time w/ whomever is around. Juliet finds out, or at least senses something is going on, but it's way back in the day, so no divorce for her. This is a perfect time for Paris to swoop in, looking all sympathetic (and like way more by Juliet's parents). Maybe there's a duel for Juliet's honor, maybe Romeo runs off w/ some hussy and Paris picks up the pieces. Either way, Juliet is never really happy again w/o her 1st love (who is plenty happy off w/ anyone and everyone else). I mean, in the real version, at least they both still loved each other in the end. Right?
Friday, September 6, 2013
If You Can't Use It Right, Don't Use It At All!!
I have a handful of interesting pet peeves, many of them odd. I also have a very strong feeling about people using the language correctly. I feel that over time it's bad for language in general, and being able to communicate w/ people who supposedly speak the same language. So, you can imagine that I am big on people using words and phrases correctly. Honestly, it's not that hard. If you don't know what a word means or how a phrase is supposed to be used, don't use it. Because, honestly, you just sound dumb!!
My biggest phrase usage pet peeve is when people use the phrase "Catch 22." The next time I hear someone use this wrong, I may just scream and throw a public fit. And part of the problem is that I just recently heard a very intelligent, professional person use this phrase incorrectly. Yikes!! It's funny, because I never really heard many people use the phrase, correctly or otherwise. But for some reason lately people have been using it like crazy, and using it wrong!
Admittedly, it's not an easy phrase to necessarily understand. I get it, because when I tried to explain it, I found it difficult to explain in words. That being said, if it is THAT difficult, don't use it! Period! But, here goes nothing. I found it most helpful to read the Wikipedia article. That explained it much better than I can.
The phrase "Catch 22" comes from a book of the same name. (It's a good book but also somewhat difficult to follow). Basically, Catch 22 in the book is a law about requirements for people in the military, and pops up all the time to cause trouble to the characters in the book. The basis from the phrase as it is/should be used is an issue faced in the book.
See, what happens is the main character, Yossarian, and a lot of his cohorts are military pilots during WWII. The government originally told them they only had to fly so many missions before they are discharged from the military. But over time the number keeps getting increased, so no one gets discharged. And seeing how it's WWII and the flight missions are crazy dangerous (with most men dying eventually) you can imagine why these guys get peeved. So Yossarian wants to prove himself crazy. See, under Catch 22, if you are crazy, you can be discharged from the military. However, for this to happen, you have to yourself prove that you are crazy. But wait! If you can prove you're crazy, you are obviously sane enough to realize it, and thus not crazy. It's a Catch 22! Or to attempt an explanation, it's a problem where just the nature of the problem makes the outcome impossible.
I think the better to understand example comes from the sequel Closing Time (also a really good book). In this book the President is no longer in office (I forget whether he's impeached or resigns). Therefore, the VP is now the President. Well, in protest the Chief Justice of the Supreme steps down. So, the VP wants to get sworn in, but can't b/c there is no Chief Justice to do it. And the only way to get a new Chief Justice to swear him in is to have one appointed by the President (which they didn't have). Idk if this is actually possible in real life, but you can see how the problem works. They can't get a new President w/o a Chief Justice, which they can't get w/o a President. It's a Catch 22!!
Get it? Not yet? Well, I find the concept easier to understand w/ examples, so I have another one. The particular example hits close to home, and given the state of the economy and trouble for young people, it may hit home for a lot of other people as well. It goes like this: I need a job, but to get a job I need experience, but to get the experience I need to get a job. >_< I've been there. Many other people have too. And guess what? It's a Catch 22!!!
Get it now? Well, if not, look it up somewhere else or you just will never get it and thus cannot use the phrase. Let me tell you what is NOT a Catch 22. The incorrect use that I always hear is when someone is listing two crappy choices, neither of one which you want to chose, but have to, and then say, "oh well, it's a Catch 22." But it's not!!!! If there is choice that can be seen to a conclusion, no matter how crappy, it's not a Catch 22. It sucks, and I am sure there is a name for that, but not Catch 22.
So hey! Now you know something new. And if you want a phrase to explain the immediately above situation, look it up. And you may learn a few more things. But whatever you do, just don't use Catch 22 incorrectly in front of me. I may not have control by then of my reaction.
My biggest phrase usage pet peeve is when people use the phrase "Catch 22." The next time I hear someone use this wrong, I may just scream and throw a public fit. And part of the problem is that I just recently heard a very intelligent, professional person use this phrase incorrectly. Yikes!! It's funny, because I never really heard many people use the phrase, correctly or otherwise. But for some reason lately people have been using it like crazy, and using it wrong!
Admittedly, it's not an easy phrase to necessarily understand. I get it, because when I tried to explain it, I found it difficult to explain in words. That being said, if it is THAT difficult, don't use it! Period! But, here goes nothing. I found it most helpful to read the Wikipedia article. That explained it much better than I can.
The phrase "Catch 22" comes from a book of the same name. (It's a good book but also somewhat difficult to follow). Basically, Catch 22 in the book is a law about requirements for people in the military, and pops up all the time to cause trouble to the characters in the book. The basis from the phrase as it is/should be used is an issue faced in the book.
See, what happens is the main character, Yossarian, and a lot of his cohorts are military pilots during WWII. The government originally told them they only had to fly so many missions before they are discharged from the military. But over time the number keeps getting increased, so no one gets discharged. And seeing how it's WWII and the flight missions are crazy dangerous (with most men dying eventually) you can imagine why these guys get peeved. So Yossarian wants to prove himself crazy. See, under Catch 22, if you are crazy, you can be discharged from the military. However, for this to happen, you have to yourself prove that you are crazy. But wait! If you can prove you're crazy, you are obviously sane enough to realize it, and thus not crazy. It's a Catch 22! Or to attempt an explanation, it's a problem where just the nature of the problem makes the outcome impossible.
I think the better to understand example comes from the sequel Closing Time (also a really good book). In this book the President is no longer in office (I forget whether he's impeached or resigns). Therefore, the VP is now the President. Well, in protest the Chief Justice of the Supreme steps down. So, the VP wants to get sworn in, but can't b/c there is no Chief Justice to do it. And the only way to get a new Chief Justice to swear him in is to have one appointed by the President (which they didn't have). Idk if this is actually possible in real life, but you can see how the problem works. They can't get a new President w/o a Chief Justice, which they can't get w/o a President. It's a Catch 22!!
Get it? Not yet? Well, I find the concept easier to understand w/ examples, so I have another one. The particular example hits close to home, and given the state of the economy and trouble for young people, it may hit home for a lot of other people as well. It goes like this: I need a job, but to get a job I need experience, but to get the experience I need to get a job. >_< I've been there. Many other people have too. And guess what? It's a Catch 22!!!
Get it now? Well, if not, look it up somewhere else or you just will never get it and thus cannot use the phrase. Let me tell you what is NOT a Catch 22. The incorrect use that I always hear is when someone is listing two crappy choices, neither of one which you want to chose, but have to, and then say, "oh well, it's a Catch 22." But it's not!!!! If there is choice that can be seen to a conclusion, no matter how crappy, it's not a Catch 22. It sucks, and I am sure there is a name for that, but not Catch 22.
So hey! Now you know something new. And if you want a phrase to explain the immediately above situation, look it up. And you may learn a few more things. But whatever you do, just don't use Catch 22 incorrectly in front of me. I may not have control by then of my reaction.
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