Thursday, January 13, 2011

Christmas merry?

So, yeah. I've noticed that things are becoming distinctly un-christmassy as of late. I suppose that has something to do with the fact that it just happens to be January 13. Who would've thunk it?

We spent Christmas at home this year, which was nice. Christmas not-at-home just isn't the same. Then for the rest of my precious, precious vacation, we stayed in Massachusetts.
Now, I had it pretty easy, as I was staying with my horsie aunt, who is my shorter, red-haired great-minds-think-alike buddy. However, Mom did not have it so easy. You see, she suffers from a general affliction called "genetic obligation," in which the sufferer's mind is twisted in such a way that they believe that, no matter how crazy or difficult your parents are, you should always stay at their house.
I love my grandparents, really, I do, but when I found out that my aunt was more than happy to have us stay at her house, I jumped for it. I believe in self-preservation. Apparently, Mom does not. I think it will be another few days before she is finished with her post-Christmas detox. Psychological warfare takes a few days to recover from.
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On another note, how pathetic is it that you've finally grown to enjoy life and appreciate the smaller things, yet you still feel an intense childhood jealously of your filthy-rich-but-in-denial 9 year-old cousins when they show you their horde of Christmas presents?
... and by "you," I mean "I"?
Grrrrr!

Calm down. Calm down. Think happy thoughts, and of Willie, who's better than any object and can love you back... :)

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

My Dear TomTom

Assignment: Write about a Christmas gift you received.

Constantly spying, it follows me. My every location is instantly known. The only game I can play with this scrutinizing being is "hide and don't seek," in which you travel aimlessly in futile attempts to drive it crazy and lose track of your current whereabouts. Usually, the only way to win this game is to press the power button.
Deep down inside, I know that when I ignore its commands to "turn right after 400 feet," it is secretly crying and gnashing its little electronic teeth in anguish. "Oh stupid, pathetic human! Why won't you follow my every command? How could you be so sure of yourself, when only I know where you're going, while you do not?!"
Fortunately for me, I can mute it whenever I want, looking at the glowing screen at my own leisure, and only when I'm quite sure I am lost and need its divine guidance from the heavens. I am certain that this poor creature is silently weeping, because as it comes up with new and innovative ways to rescue me from certain doom, I reach over and power it down. I wonder if that's how God feels?

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Big House Rant

I had to perform a rant at the front of the class for an English assignment.
I went to the US for Christmas, and what I saw bothered me.
A lot.
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Alright people, listen up. Big houses are completely unnecessary. They are everywhere you go now. I see that there's you, your spouse, and your dog, and you like to entertain. But unless you are planning on entertaining a horde of orphans, you don't need over 2000 square feet and "bonus rooms." "Oh, but I can't live without my billiards room, man den, 3 or 4 extra bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, work out space, indoor pool, 3 car garage, and 2 dining rooms!" Yes, you can. Get over it. The amount of money and energy you spend on heating and cooling the house could feed thousands of poverty stricken people for months.
People used to make do with under 1000 square feet and those were the families with 5 or more kids. Why is it, that in the past 50 years, the average house size has doubled? Why would anyone need that much space, especially since people have fewer kids than ever before? Let's stop this craziness.
A big house should not be the measure of a person, ever. A trip through modern suburbs, and shows like MTV's Cribs seem to push the idea that a huge house means instant popularity. Not only is that shallow, it also causes people to believe that they are worth nothing because they aren't filthy rich.
I understand that different people have different priorities, really, I do. But it's time people realize that "need" and "want" are two entirely different concepts. Get rid of your extra stuff, downsize, and for godssake, don't bring home anymore of those "reusable" bags. They will not redeem you in the environment's eyes.