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Category: Thoughtful Reflection

Hello Baby!

Hello Baby!

Today is April 2, 2014, and your mom and dad are at the hospital waiting for you to be born. They were admitted to the delivery room around 5:30am. Mike, your father, is usually awake around this time, I think, so it sounds like you two are already on the same schedule.

You are being born to two wonderful people, who are so excited to have you. You have been super loved from the very beginning. And you were conceived out of love too, as I suspect you were conceived on my birthday, a day we always like to celebrate with your mom and dad. Nobody has confirmed or denied this, but I know it to be true.

Now, by the time you’re old enough to read this, around two, I presume, you may be pre-occupied with worldly matters, but I want you to know about your parents too! So here’s a short list:

– Your parents are fun, in the best way possible. They laugh a lot, and they make clever jokes. They once formally invited David over to cultivate their land, after David expressed interest in agriculture. They have taken us apple picking many times, and the trips were always full of laughter. The first time we went on our apple picking trip, Mike pulled down a branch so Sara could pluck the apple. That was fiercely romantic. There was also talk of a meat-bomb, which threw your father and David into fits of laughter, but Sara and I agreed this was a curious phenomenon that only they would share.

– Your parents are kind. In addition to volunteering, they are so quick to help out people who need a hand.

– Your parents are really good looking. Not all parents are good looking. As a child, I was confused when I met children with unattractive parents. I didn’t know that was a thing, as I too was blessed with good-looking parents. So, it’s best you learned now: your parents are better looking than other parents. Keep that information to yourself though; it’s rude to point it out.

– Your parents are smart and hardworking. Sara educated us about farm-raised eggs. Mike knows so much about cars. And both of them understand jokes: subtle and not subtle ones, very quickly. They also have a great work ethic. Seven years ago, they were not long-distance runners, but they trained and practiced, and now are incredible athletes, because they worked really hard at it together. I think Sara runs an 8 minute mile, which is ridiculous.

– Your parents are super sweet. This past weekend, they had us over for pizza and ice cream, and let us stay late to watch the UVA vs. Michigan State basketball game, even though they were really tired and do not care about basketball. And then during half-time, they set up their TV so we could show them two commercials that were not as wonderful as we had built them up to be. And they did this with a smile on their faces the whole time, because they’re wonderful.

So, Baby, you’re probably wondering what the point of this note is. Well, you’re about to enter this world, and maybe you won’t get to see your parents as David and I do, because they might be tired or busy, or because they’re your parents, so they can’t show you their fun side until you’re a mature adult. Or you might be a handful; we have no idea. But you should know you have incredible parents. And they love you. And we love you. And we’re excited to start new adventures with you in our couple’s clubhouse.

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To Wait or Not to Wait

After Saturday’s “Sketch-writing” competition, an organizer and an actor approached me about joining their sketch writing team. “Your sketch was spot on,” she said. “We’re a team of seven writers and a handful of actors, and that’s just the kind of dark humor we’re looking for.”

I didn’t think my sketch was particularly dark. I replied: “Yeah, if that’s the kind of piece you’re looking for, that’s totally the kind of brooding writer I am.”

She correctly interpreted this as a sign of my interest, and she continued, pointing to the gentleman next to her: “Sean here, is one of our actors.”

“I love writing sketches for Sean.” I said, “Sean doesn’t know me, so I realize this might sound odd or creepy, but I have watched him, and I write sketches with him in mind.”

Sean raised his eyebrow thoughtfully, “I’m more flattered than creeped out.” Classic Sean. What a guy.

“I just love his acting style,” I continued, justifying my writing methodology. Obviously I didn’t have to do that, but I wanted to, so she would understand I am a serious writer who could be part of their team.

Sean walked away.

The organizer continued, “We’re a committed group.”

“I’m committed too,” I said, hoping she didn’t think much of my choice of words, especially after that whole Sean weirdness.

“We have a google doc where we store all of our sketches and review them,” she explained.

“I think google docs are great,” I replied. “Great for collaboration.”

She nodded, “We do the whole thing: write, produce for web, practice for live performances. We think DC is ready for sketch. Are you interested in these other components? Acting, producing, or are you just interested in writing?”

“This sounds great,” I replied. “I’m interested in the other components, but I’m primarily interested in writing. I don’t project very well as an actor.”

“Me too,” she said. “I’m not so great at projecting.”

I nodded, because I had seen her perform.

“So let me get your email, and I will send you a note and details,” she said.

I was in. I was in. I was in. So I gave her my email. Then I said, “Do you want to give me your email, in case you don’t contact me?”

“No that’s okay, I just need your email,” she said.

“And you’ll definitely email me?” I asked.

“Yes…” she said.

And she hasn’t emailed me yet! I know I wrote down my email correctly, because I know my email address by heart, and I have extraordinary penmanship.

I don’t really know what to do: should I email her, or should I wait? I want to be part of a sketch-writing group!

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On Discovering

I feel like the word “discovered” is used incorrectly a lot, by me. So when I use it I have to justify it immediately.
“I discovered a new soy-glazed salmon recipe…in my cookbook. Yes, it was a harrowing journey through the pages and I lived to tell the tale.”

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On Daily Goals

I’ve noticed that as I’ve gotten older, my goals for the day have become less and less ambitious, but equally challenging. It used to be, “I plan to finish my to-do list by the end of the day and get a head start on tomorrow’s tasks.” Now it’s more like: “I’m going to try to not overeat at dinner tonight.”

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Aspiring Artist

One of the most awkward things to tell people is that I am an aspiring comedian. It always follows with this conversation:

Person: Tell me a joke.
Me: Well, I’m aspiring, so I don’t have many jokes yet.
Person: Tell me one.
Me: (hesitate)
Person: (getting angry) Come on. Tell me one joke.
Me: It’s not very good. (Lower expectations)
Person: Come on!
Me: Okay, here it is (pause, take a deep breath, build anticipation)
Person: (Stares.)
Me: I was at an open mic last week. And I thought, “Wow, that looks very difficult. I bet I can make that look difficult too.”
Person: (Stares. Slowly begins to nod.)
Me: That’s the joke.
Person: I get it. That’s kind of funny.
Me: Thank you. That’s my best joke.

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Signed Sincerely, Me

It has come to my attention that if you want to buy a pair of google glasses, you must submit a paragraph explaining why you want to buy google glasses. I thought this requirement was incredible and have decided to implement a letter writing process to help me earn the privilege of all future purchases.

Purchase Plan: This sweater from JCrew

Ground-breaking sweater
Ground-breaking sweater with buttons

Dear JCrew,
When I was younger (re: last year) I discovered the reformative power of elbow patches. I also like buttons on sweaters. However, up until recently, buttons on sweaters rarely served functional purposes. They were simply shoulder décor. Your innovative design demonstrates that buttons can indeed serve a function when placed on sweaters. This design is going to change the world, and I want – no, I demand – to be at the forefront of this fashion revolution.
Sincerely,
Me

 

 

 

 

Purchase Plan: Prescription Glasses
Glasses
Dear Optical Retailer,
When I was younger, I was diagnosed with the devastating condition of NATROPS (Not Able to Read Overhead Projector Slides). My world was turned upside down as I was henceforth forced to live a life bound to the whims of a tempestuous polycarbonate companion susceptible to harsh weather conditions, such as fog, rain and sudden changes in temperature as I go from outside to inside (glasses). To make matters worse, I also had astigmatism. I’ve learned to fully accept my condition and the person it has made me, and all I ask is that you do the same. Kindly allow me to purchase these glasses from you. I cannot legally drive without them.
Sincerely,
Me

Purchase Plan: Dental check up
Dear Dentist,
Last year I visited you, and it was amicable. I assured you at the end of the visit that I would be back soon for a check-up and would dedicate my evenings to rigorous flossing and brushing exercises. I must confess that although I didn’t know it at the time, these promises were written in sand. This means that I did not keep them. They were blown away by the metaphorical wind, obviously. I’ll probably repeat this exercise with you this year. Engage me in our annual oral song and dance and pencil me in for an appointment.
Sincerely,
Me

Purchase Plan: Airplane flight
Dear Travelocity,
Travel is very complicated to begin with: perhaps humans are not meant to be in the air. But humans are bold and daring and presumptuous, so they have figured out flight. This is in no thanks to you, you annoying third-party booking system full of trickery. Moving forward I’m booking directly through the airlines.
Sincerely,
Me

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Play-by-Play

Play by Play of Me Getting Dressed in the Morning:

This young woman hails from the Mid-Atlantic, a region known for its fickle weather and political confusion. She starts with a strong layering decision: a button down and a sweater. But wait, rather than pants, she is putting on…a skirt! Ladies and gentlemen! Skirts have been seen in the recent JCrew catalogue offering, but this one has been resting in her closet for over seven years and is an unprecedented addition to today’s conservative ensemble. She does not cease to amaze. Okay, and now, now for the tights selection…will she go with the standard, respectable black color? Yes. Yes. Predictable. Wait. She is changing her mind. She is going with…GRAY. Gray tights to accent the gray sweater! Inspired approach to colors today: gray tights are just different enough to be noticed and subtle enough to wear in polite company. She has done it again, ladies and gentlemen.

Play by Play of Me Starting Work in the Morning:

This young woman has already overcome incredible odds by just being here, ladies and gentlemen. Oh yes? Yes. Tell us more about that, the fans love a good overcoming-the-obstacles story. Ah yes, well, you see, she did not want to be here this morning, and now, now she is here. Oh. Is that it? She might have a cold. We can’t be sure if it’s a cold or general grogginess. I see. Incredible young woman here.

Okay let’s focus on the action at hand. She has a lunch bag with her, and she is turning on her desktop computer. And now, now she is putting her lunch bag into the fridge and taking out her coffee mug. That is a strategically inspired move; you can tell she’s a seasoned employee. She does not waste time during her computer boot-up process. She fills her mug with water, and puts in the microwave. Now she is sitting down at the desktop, which is just about ready for her to enter in a password. Does she get it right on the first try? Indeed. Indeed she does. Clearly general grogginess does not affect her keyboard dexterity, which I believe we’ll all continue to marvel at as the day continues.

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Like a Vulcan

I thought I looked really good tonight, but David didn’t say anything. So I ate a lot of cheese.

And obviously the title of this post reflects the opposite of its content.

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Sitcom Idea

“If I don’t wake up in the morning, just know that I had a good time.” I sighed, closing my eyes. “You showed me a good time.”
David thought about this for a moment and decided to not accept the compliment: “We need to go to the hospital if you are not feeling well.”
“I’ll be fine!” I replied. “I just drank too much.”
He sat back, “Well that was a really sad thing to say.”
“It was a really honest thing to say,” I whispered. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” he smiled and turned to sleep, absentmindedly-grabbing most of the comforter in the process. I was too weak to grab any back, so I laid there, in the cold, and drifted off to my final sleep.

This is the final scene to my new sitcom: How I Met My Maker. Every episode I unwittingly avoid death in a darkly humorous way, until the series finale, obviously, which will be deeply touching.

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Theories and Things

Things I love:
Avocado
Guacamole
Salsa
Nutella
Tea
Cappuccino
Chocolate chip cookies (soft)
European desserts
Elbow patches
Dresses
Tights
Boots
Exercise
Music

Conspiracy Theories I have:
Jeff Bezos is the mastermind behind this government shut-down to increase Washington Post readership.

Michelle Bachman is part of a covert, unconventional German operation to destroy the U.S. from within. Even the Germans are shocked she is making progress.

Toyota car recalls are just a ploy to get me back to the dealership to pay for unrelated service work.

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