Seatbelt-ema...

So last night, I was hanging with the usual peeps...and "seatbelts" came up in conversation at two different times. I realize, that this is not that exciting of a post, but seriously, when do you ever talk about seatbelts? Generally, I only ever mention seatbelts when we're checking to make sure people have them on and fastened. And even then, it's kind of a give and take sort of situation. I remember riding in our '67 Chevy pick-up with my dad, and there weren't even working seatbelts in the cab...so in all actuality; seatbelts almost never come up in conversation. Last night though, our new-found Fruitland friend received what I've decided to call, a "seatbelt-ema". In other words...the seatbelt fasteners, that are anchored in the seat sticking straight up, did exactly that, it went straight up the chute. What an odd situation; and yet, I have to wonder how often this has happened to other people. Granted, only a native Fruitlander would ever voice this occurence (Just kidding Ms. Raul) and yet, we've all crammed into cars before and it is a distinct possibility that others too, have received a seatbelt-ema. Fruitland...you're not alone (probably).

The Evolution of Language

The return of leggings, flannels, and aviator sunglasses have proved to be a fairly smooth transition into the re-birth of what some might consider "fashion". But isn't it strange how things come in and out of style? If you ponder about it too much, it kinda makes you feel like the most un-original person ever. In fact, it makes me feel like there is no hope in finding something totally new. Music, clothing, movies...it's all recycled.

Language is one thing that I think might be the exception. The other night I was sitting with my roommates watching the fantastic HBO show, "The Tudors". I started thinking...can you imagine if we still talked in that sort of manner? In that style? It was so formal and proper. And as far as I can tell, very few aspects of language are recycled...many sustain their spot in language, but few leave and come back. The term "peace" might be one word we see that resurfaces from time to time as a "cool" slang. But what about our grandparents..."whipper-snappers" or "golly"...or our parents, "geesh" or "in a jiffy" or "put 'er there"? In ten years from now, will it be weird to hear people say things like "take it easy" or "what up"? I think that language is fascinating...and I wonder what other phrases can seep through the tyranical ever-judging abyss of time.

Spare Change

Isn't it ironic that some people are deathly afraid of change and might search their entire lives for a plateau of comfortability; where some people feel off balance without a little variety and change in their lives? I often wonder if change bothers people because it is not a controlled scenario. If I choose to change a situation, I of course feel completely satisfied with the change, but the others that my decision effects might not feel this way. It really is a paradox.

I personally attributed much of my need for change to my childhood. I grew up moving year after year, making new friends each grade, and settling in to a temporary bedroom. I figured this is why I want change...I want anything other than a mundane-life. But I am beginning to wonder, can I spare to not have change? I love changing jobs...houses...careers. How is this going to help/hinder my future? I know that I'm not afraid of commitment, but I am afraid of boringness.

To change, or not to change? Is there a better perspective, or must we surrender to the idea that life is a process...change is necessary.

Feed your kids!

We live in America...the land of the free...home of the McDonald's. We stuff ourselves passed fullness, and yet kids today are still eating playdough. What's the deal? Why is it that kids eat playdough, and glue, and glitter, etc.? The reason can't be that they aren't eating enough. Maybe they're just bored...or curious. I wonder why?

Inspiration

When someone talks about inspirational calendars I always think of the climber, with one hand dramatically gripped to the cliff...hanging in mid-air...and the line reads something like "Perseverance" or something to do with "living" life. I began thinking about other months of inspiration like the hang-glider and such. Who really got inspiration from these pre-x-gamers? Did someone really see a climber risking his/her life at sunset as inspiration to go and persevere through their mediocre job? I wonder...how did someone make money on this concept? Granted, people have made money on far dumber things (i.e. pooper scoopers, koosh balls, and those little "pill-like" things that expand into little animal shaped sponges in water), but let's all be honest, inspirational calendars...they've got to be on this list. Let's take a hippie's point of view:

"Art is my life, and my life is art...every drop in the ocean counts" -Yoko Ono

Be inspired...or not.