Student of history.
I was a history major for half a second in college, in between business and journalism. Like any college student trying to figure it all out, I was drawn to what I enjoyed more than what I could make a career of. Then my dad asked what I was actually planning to do with a history degree, and pragmatism won out. To finish the history program, I would have had to take the seminar class, where I’d write a (90-page?) thesis on some topic of history throughout time. I’m pretty disappointed that I never made it that far, since I do enjoy writing a good, long research paper.
Warped, I know.
Obsessions: Google Reader
Here’s what I’m obsessed with this week:
It’s not a new obsession, but it’s one of which I’ve been especially appreciative this week.
Last fall, I discovered Pioneer Woman on a coworker’s recommendation. I read most of the site in about a week (not much work was done, as you can imagine). But I found it hard to keep up with visiting her site via bookmark every day. I was missing very important, life-changing, world-altering updates! Well, not really. Mostly I was missing out on some really good prize giveaways.
Enjoying nature’s bounty.
I’m sure some of you are surprised that I have yet to talk about cooking on this blog. It’s always been my refuge — I’m one of those strange people who finds total relaxation in chopping vegetables or baking bread. It’s also a creative exercise to put ingredients together, to experiment and to coordinate many dishes all at once. Like conducting an orchestra.
I don’t spend a lot of time in my house — or sit down much, for that matter — so I haven’t been cooking recently outside of what’s required for general daily sustenance. In the last week, though, it’s been little sweeties galore as they’ve ripened in the garden, so I’ve had to be decently creative.
Lights, cameras, fashion.
Belk’s in Charlotte had a big weekend.
Jessica Simpson was in town on Saturday promoting … something … with her boyfriend, and the paparazzi photos made national entertainment news. Yes, paparazzi! In Charlotte! Not following Fantasia!
Last night I went to the JLC‘s Lights! Camera! Fashion! show, also at Belk’s. It was a great event, very well done. Especially since the fashion show opened with the drumline from Johnson C. Smith University — and drumlines are like my favorite thing ever. The fashion was also interesting … it seems that there is going to be a lot of military-inspired sportswear, with heavy combat boots, and orange, lots of orange, this fall.
As if I needed reminding, I hate everything in my closet.
She’s an astronaut.
I don’t plan to make a habit of recapping every Mad Men episode, since I realize not many of you (none?) share my obsession. But here are just a few observations from this week:
- I’m not even going to address the Miss-Blankenship-drops-dead-at-her-desk gag.
- Although I did enjoy the, “It starts with an L.”-“The hell it does.” exchange.
- How many red dresses does Joan own??
- I think I hate Dr. Faye.
- What the heck did Abe’s manifesto say? Did I miss that?
- I will share a cherry cheesecake with Roger anytime.
- My bet’s on Megan as Mrs. Draper #2. (Or is it technically #3?)
Mary, Mary, quite contrary.
It’s looking like the end of the summer growing season. Sad.
I’ve always had a pretty black thumb, even with houseplants, but this year was my first experiment with true gardening. I’d call it relatively successful. For the first time in my adult life, I have outdoor space, even if it’s only a 3′ x 7′ plot. It was important to me to try to grow my own organic food, and I have enjoyed taking care of my little plants.
Maybe we rushed into this.
Oh, Betty Draper, I do love thee. I know that’s not a popular opinion, but I just do. And I enjoy the episodes of Mad Men more when she’s in them … maybe I identify with icy, detached, petulant ennui.
(Kidding. I think.)
I also truly enjoy January Jones as Betty Draper. Despite her disastrous turn on SNL, I think she’s brilliant in her portrayal of the ’60s desperate housewife. She’s trapped in the social norms of one decade as the world is moving through drastic societal change in the next. In one of his interviews (or maybe it’s on the DVD commentary), Matthew Weiner said she gave a mesmerizing audition and that she brought the childlike characteristics to Betty; he didn’t write her that way. So I feel for JJ when everyone attacks her ability.
Connection in an isolating age.
I was talking with a friend this weekend about something that happened to her weeks ago, but I didn’t know about it. She responded, “Oh, you didn’t see it on Facebook?”
Nope.
I’ve been pulling back from the book of faces recently, only because I’m realizing it’s not real life. There are so many ways to get your feelings hurt, and it’s not rooted in any sort of reality. (Back in June, the NY Times discussed this: “An Ugly Toll of Technology: Impatience and Forgetfulness“) We’ve stopped communicating our major life events in person, over the phone — even over email — and we just put it up for our sister’s husband’s third grade next door neighbor to read.
It’s about that time.
This has always been my favorite time of year. The hot summer is fading into fall … but most importantly, it’s Fall TV Premiere season!
I’m such a nerd that I usually print out the fall schedule calendar, buy the TV Guide preview edition, read up on all the new shows, then dutifully program my DVR. I revel in it.
(I don’t yet recall all the stress the DVR causes me later as it inches toward 100% capacity.)
South & Sundry 