It all comes back to The Golden Girls.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Work It Out
Believe it or not, Cracker Barrel is NOT my dream job. Neither is Borders or other numerous places I have been forced to apply to due to the failing economy. Of course, I can't mention their names because those companies might be reading my blog right now and consider this post a "conflict of interest" when viewing my job application for part time sales associate. Woe is me. Yet again.
What amuses me the most about this whole lack of job security thing is the exchange of insincere, cordial, politically-correct, business speak. I try to put on the best show I can in terms of presenting myself as one who is excited and thrilled to be a cashier or stock person or part of a team. I don't understand why the process is so pretentious. You, as an employer, are going to pay me minimum wage (maybe 50 cents more, if I'm lucky) to do physically mundane and repetitive work that is going to rot my brain and self esteem and I'm okay with that. I'll do it. I SAY YES. Just give me the shit money so I can make a living wage!
I was warned that maybe I am too qualified to work at various places, which behooves me. I am not looking for anything more than an exchange of labor for money. I don't think I can put it any simpler. I will work for money. Regardless of the many achievements I have made academically, artistically, or professionally, I need money. I would think given these achievements, one would realize how much time and effort I spent establishing goals and succeeding beyond them. This should give an impression of how dedicated I'd be working anywhere. But maybe it creates fear. Maybe when I outshine the average worker, it is known that I might be destined for something bigger than retail. Maybe that consummation is so real, even fake corporate speak is not enough to dismiss it. It's like an infection.
All I can hope for is for things to become a hell of a lot more stable. Everything else should fall right into place. My dreams and aspirations for greatness are not (nor could they ever be) forgotten, but they will need to be put on hold just long enough for me to master all the ways to say, "Would you like fries with that?" or "What size do you need?".
What amuses me the most about this whole lack of job security thing is the exchange of insincere, cordial, politically-correct, business speak. I try to put on the best show I can in terms of presenting myself as one who is excited and thrilled to be a cashier or stock person or part of a team. I don't understand why the process is so pretentious. You, as an employer, are going to pay me minimum wage (maybe 50 cents more, if I'm lucky) to do physically mundane and repetitive work that is going to rot my brain and self esteem and I'm okay with that. I'll do it. I SAY YES. Just give me the shit money so I can make a living wage!
I was warned that maybe I am too qualified to work at various places, which behooves me. I am not looking for anything more than an exchange of labor for money. I don't think I can put it any simpler. I will work for money. Regardless of the many achievements I have made academically, artistically, or professionally, I need money. I would think given these achievements, one would realize how much time and effort I spent establishing goals and succeeding beyond them. This should give an impression of how dedicated I'd be working anywhere. But maybe it creates fear. Maybe when I outshine the average worker, it is known that I might be destined for something bigger than retail. Maybe that consummation is so real, even fake corporate speak is not enough to dismiss it. It's like an infection.
All I can hope for is for things to become a hell of a lot more stable. Everything else should fall right into place. My dreams and aspirations for greatness are not (nor could they ever be) forgotten, but they will need to be put on hold just long enough for me to master all the ways to say, "Would you like fries with that?" or "What size do you need?".
Monday, March 2, 2009
From the Lap of Lady G. to the Other Lady G.
Dear Lady GaGa,
I would like to take this opportunity to tell you that you have a song I actually like. You generally annoy me, but I find your new video "Love Game" fun to dance to. I just don't understand your lack of originality, your all-blondes-in-one image. You know, a little bit of Christina Aguilera (the hair/the videos), a little bit Gwen Stefani (the gold/referring to a beat as "sick"), and a little Madonna circa the Confessions album (the hooded high thigh leotard). But I guess most of all, what I don't understand is how you totally bit my style in that scene on the train.
Damn, grrrl.
I will forgive you, though. Because as an artist, I understand that you can not always be the most unique at a given time. I guess the only advice I have for you is to keep hustlin'. It seems to be working for you somehow.
Sincerely,
Lady G.
P.S. Take that damn blonde bow off your head. You look like a fool. OK, that's all.
I would like to take this opportunity to tell you that you have a song I actually like. You generally annoy me, but I find your new video "Love Game" fun to dance to. I just don't understand your lack of originality, your all-blondes-in-one image. You know, a little bit of Christina Aguilera (the hair/the videos), a little bit Gwen Stefani (the gold/referring to a beat as "sick"), and a little Madonna circa the Confessions album (the hooded high thigh leotard). But I guess most of all, what I don't understand is how you totally bit my style in that scene on the train.
Damn, grrrl.
I will forgive you, though. Because as an artist, I understand that you can not always be the most unique at a given time. I guess the only advice I have for you is to keep hustlin'. It seems to be working for you somehow.
Sincerely,
Lady G.
P.S. Take that damn blonde bow off your head. You look like a fool. OK, that's all.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Hearts Farts
I receive emails daily about events, news, and savings from various businesses I subscribe to so that I can somehow justify spending money as long as I get something for a ridiculous bargain. And then I love to brag about it. However, today, January 5, 2009, I already received an email exclaiming super duper savings for Valentine's Day! Yippee... I can get some sexy see-through crotchless panties for 25% off, a whole loving month before I ?need? them. Better jump on that.
Now, I understand that we're all getting a lot more desperate to save these days, but I hadn't even fully recovered from celebrating the new year before I was bombarded with the arrival of the next nationally recognized Hallmark holiday. Seriously, WHY? do we even bother anymore? What has made these holidays remarkably unique, sincere, or fulfilling? Isn't gift giving supposed to give you joy? At this point, it seems wherever you go, the inevitable reign of consumerism is all that surrounds you. Another reminder that you'll soon be obligated to buy a meaningless object for someone you probably resent or are trying to impress. You cannot buy love or acceptance. And it doesn't come in the form of chocolates, flowers, or dumb ass heart-holding teddy bears. Now, *diamonds* are another story, but I digress... When you work as hard for the money as we all do these days, isn't it enough to just have each other? Or, I don't know -- to MAKE something for someone else?
Enough already! Take a break from all the overspending by challenging the ever present marketing schemes that tell us "to buy is to love!" And PLEASE: Resist the urge to paint everything in garish and pukey pale shades of red and pink! It's not flattering.
Now, I understand that we're all getting a lot more desperate to save these days, but I hadn't even fully recovered from celebrating the new year before I was bombarded with the arrival of the next nationally recognized Hallmark holiday. Seriously, WHY? do we even bother anymore? What has made these holidays remarkably unique, sincere, or fulfilling? Isn't gift giving supposed to give you joy? At this point, it seems wherever you go, the inevitable reign of consumerism is all that surrounds you. Another reminder that you'll soon be obligated to buy a meaningless object for someone you probably resent or are trying to impress. You cannot buy love or acceptance. And it doesn't come in the form of chocolates, flowers, or dumb ass heart-holding teddy bears. Now, *diamonds* are another story, but I digress... When you work as hard for the money as we all do these days, isn't it enough to just have each other? Or, I don't know -- to MAKE something for someone else?
Enough already! Take a break from all the overspending by challenging the ever present marketing schemes that tell us "to buy is to love!" And PLEASE: Resist the urge to paint everything in garish and pukey pale shades of red and pink! It's not flattering.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
An Open Letter to the Windy City
Dear Chicago,
I'm writing to you because I want you to know how I feel about you and I didn't think it would be appropriate to put it any other way. I thought about texting you, but there's too much to say, and I wanted you to comprehend my sincerity. I'd call you, but even though it's the weekend, my cellphone plan doesn't have the amount of minutes it would take to accurately describe what you've meant to me. Yes, it's that deep.
When I met you, I was on the cusp of a pivotal transition in my life. I was just about to complete my undergraduate academic career and I knew that I was ready to experience something outside of the comfort and security of my birthplace. You showed me a new world of opportunity and a place to advance myself personally and professionally. I remember thinking how incredible you were. You seemed to have everything. And I wanted everything.
Since we've been together, and having made a few trips back to North Miami Beach, FL (what they do), I've realized many things about our relationship. I put a lot of pressure on you. I've spent the past year trying to figure you out. Sometimes I wonder about your intentions, but I've enjoyed your company immensely and I have a lot of fun with you. We play around a lot, but I want you to know I'm serious about you. We've gone through so many things together, so many ups and downs. OMG, We're even going to see a hometown hero as President!
You're definitely different from anything I've ever experienced before and I'm trying to accept just who you are. I get frustrated sometimes when you don't understand me or where I'm coming from, but I'm appreciative that you give me the chance to express it anyway.
I'll be happy to see you again, even though you might be cold to me. I'm kind of looking forward to it... Actually, I'm really looking forward to it. I can't wait to hear you say you'll be with me another year. See you soon.
Yours Truly,
Anna G.
Anna G.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Cornered
I went to the Museum of Contemporary Art today (Target FREE Tuesdays-- whew!) and had the great opportunity to view one of my favorite artists' pieces. Adrian Piper, one of the most important artists and scholars in contemporary art and philosophy, created a video installation in the late 80s called "Cornered", which is a confrontation with the viewer about racial identity. Piper's video is a 16 minute monologue of her reciting her proclamation of being black. With a consistently calm and pleasant tone of voice, she expresses her point of view as identifying herself as black but also questions the viewer's reactions to her statement. Much of her performance refers to the viewer's personal responsibility and reaction to the realization of their black ancestry and racial identity. She challenges the viewer by injecting wonder about social reasoning for the acceptance or denial of the outcome of the question of their racial identity. She unloads many assumptions associated with identifying as black, and what that means to others or the public when it is announced.
The impact the work has in its physical space in the museum setting is immeasurable. The video is placed in the corner of the room and in front of a section of chairs, much like a small lecture group. In this setting, the audience has the opportunity to sit and reflect bold interrogations made by Piper, and are subject to her forceful assignment of self exploration. The environment in the museum makes the piece affective in many ways. The void of her physical presence restrains her subjects from engaging in discussion. Those who take an interest usually engage in quiet contemplation but are also visibly intrigued by the artist's accusations. The absence of the actual person or speaker also allows for uninterested or people made uncomfortable by her accusations to leave without disturbing the presenter. They, in turn, become part of the performance wherein Piper presupposes that there will be some people who are disturbed by her presentation or more so the reality of confronting their racial identity.
If you are able, I recommend going to the MCA to see this intriguing art piece. If not, here is a link to the video I found online: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6756190809617046211
The impact the work has in its physical space in the museum setting is immeasurable. The video is placed in the corner of the room and in front of a section of chairs, much like a small lecture group. In this setting, the audience has the opportunity to sit and reflect bold interrogations made by Piper, and are subject to her forceful assignment of self exploration. The environment in the museum makes the piece affective in many ways. The void of her physical presence restrains her subjects from engaging in discussion. Those who take an interest usually engage in quiet contemplation but are also visibly intrigued by the artist's accusations. The absence of the actual person or speaker also allows for uninterested or people made uncomfortable by her accusations to leave without disturbing the presenter. They, in turn, become part of the performance wherein Piper presupposes that there will be some people who are disturbed by her presentation or more so the reality of confronting their racial identity.
If you are able, I recommend going to the MCA to see this intriguing art piece. If not, here is a link to the video I found online: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6756190809617046211
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