Firsts
Okay, so I got semi-addicted to Sex and the City last Thursday. And it’s just like me to get sucked into a show like that a zillion moons after the series ends. But, I’d had a difficult week full of serious decision making and harsh realizations. And to top it off – my two year old destroyed our two television/DVD players in as many days.
Left with no mind-numbing entertainment, sitcom connection or extra cash – I walked on over to my public library and picked up season six. I can watch DVDs on my laptop, but was left with the limited selection available on the “free” shelf. Besides, I considered, the main character is a writer and I’m a writer – how fun!?!?
Seven hours and 14 episodes I later – one thought kept ringing through my mind. There were way too many firsts on this show. This ultra popular chick-melodrama continuously banked on the same concept. I can hear the Carrie voice-over repeating stuff like for the first time… Charlotte, or today Miranda… for the first time…
Did these characters really come to such important realizations each day? Are we to believe that people can experience such life altering firsts EVERY DAY?
I know some people who learn important new things every day, but they’re all under the age of 10. Today, for example – my son discovered the “j” sound and used it about 763 times… in a row.
First, I decided that the whole show was disgustingly exaggerated and a weak portrayal of real life. Then I wondered if there is a season seven. Is there a season seven? So, last week for the first time, Gina learned that she is not above spending an entire night glued to a superficial sex series. Even if it is a couple years behind the rest of the world.
Then, it was as if I’d had some sort of epiphany. Friday morning, I woke up relaxed and with this burning desire to do my hair. And wear make-up. Soon I was counting my firsts. And, realizing that I do learn new things each day. Friday I finally learned that it’s completely necessary to put a “due date” on invoices. I know, I should’ve learned this long ago – but I just came to grips with it on Friday.
Saturday I learned some new HTML rules that make me feel less in the dark about running my web page. And Sunday, I finally learned how to juggle three bean bags – it was family day. I don’t know if I would’ve noticed that I was learning these new things if it wasn’t for Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte. And, just so that I don’t forget that I am just as on top of things as they are – I’m forcing myself to seek out new info.
And so it is that I’ve been back to the library to get, um…books. Do most people get inspired to read after watching a show with the word “sex” in the title? Hmmm – either way, I assure you that I am not really that boring. I’ve checked out HTML books, The Canterbury Tales, grammar guides and some religion stuff. I also read the newspaper on Friday.
I know that it’s important to read the paper every day – hey I write for a paper. But sometimes, I’m just so surrounded by it that I don’t have time to pay attention.
People like us need to be on top of EVERYTHING, huh? And the days easily run together when you’re running a business. I haven’t used my library card since college (4 years ago), and I feel sort of dummed down. Sometimes, business is the only thing I can talk about. But there’s so much free knowledge out there in the libraries, free museums, and even just talking and observing others on the street.
It doesn’t take forever to discover a bit about what others are doing and what makes the non-entrepreneur tick. Read a tabloid in the grocery store check-out, rent a cheesy flick and take a long break. Take advantage of all the free entertainment your city has to offer – you’ll probably meet others like you there. I think the best new ideas come from surprise places.
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