"I moved to New York 6 months ago to pursue a career in comedic writing."
This statement is 100% true. But if you ask me face-to-face, "What are you doing in New York?", I begin blubbering nonsensical quotes with a meandering rant all as a feeble attempt to justify my passion. So stupid. It's disgustingly cliche, but if you don't believe in you, then whats the point? I didn't move house and life to work 40+ hours a week at a "no-add" job or to pay off my entire debt by staying in every night or even to kill myself going out all the time to get stupid drunk. I came here with a focus to pave my passion road map.
In an attempt to keep you focused too, lets share a needed punch to the stomach by Alan Watts. Readjust your eyes and ask yourself the why, what and how of your daily routine.
Truth be told, I like cartoons. This blog isn't dedicated to graphic novel readers so to most of you it may seem immature, silly or classic Peter Pan syndrome. Indulge me. I enjoy cartoons because they convey adult themes through light hearted illustrations.
Adult themes are heavy, depressing and overwhelming so when they are expressed through lovely little illustrations, I suppose it lightens the blow. Using the cartoon medium to convey adult issues makes it a little less painful for me to accept and understand such ideas as death, love, acceptance and purpose. However sourcing quality graphic novels is difficult for me because I am not a member of that community. So when NPR posted a review of "Tune: Vanishing Point" by Derek Kirk Kim I was intrigued.
This isn't your average "comic". Kim's story is identifiable for every 20-something, as he explores life after college. Or for anyone who has struggled with the inevitable "reality-check". Kim's hopeful and lovable character, Andy Go breaks down as he searches for a job, struggles with roommates (his parents) and accepts his new career path. Plus, stay with me, it uses aliens to help soften the blow of life lessons.
Maybe that sounds a little familiar to you? Well, sans aliens.
A great story line coupled with expressive illustrations by Les McClaine makes this a great read. In any case, now you know about Derek Kirk Kim. If you have any friends who love comics drop his name and you will get major credit points. He is kinda a big deal. You're welcome.
As a latch key kid, my afternoon routine involved a lot of television, video games and junk food enjoyment. Sorting through unsupervised viewings of Lifetime movies, Jenny Jones and Ricky Lake, I surprisingly managed to land on some quality kid friendly programming. Specifically gal pal 'toons who taught me all that is fashionable, cool, witty, sassy and confident. Years later I still channel their fabulosity. And if I had ever been blessed with a position on GUTS, I would trade my piece of the Aggro Crag if it meant discovering never aired episodes.
Drum roll please and I present... The Top 5 Lady Cartoons to Shape 20-Something Women
5. Ms. Frizzle
When most gals were playing with their 'Barbie: Makeup Head' (or wishing on the belly of their Gem Troll they had one), Ms. Frizzle was making Science cool. The woman was fearless as she explored hurricanes, hung with dinosaurs and rolled with bees. Not to mention her vintage dresses coupled with one of a kind prints make her a fashion icon. Still need proof? She had a lizard named Liz and took her class on perpetual field trips. I would have bet my entire pog collection for a teacher like this. Wait, what if Ms. Frizzle and Bill Nye got together and had science babies??? Ah, to dream...
Ms. Frizzle & Liz
4. Jerrica Benton aka Jem
She was heir to a music company, a moonlighting rock star and the caregiver for 'Starlight House', a foster home for girls. It doesn't get better when your role model is the ultimate cool while still being a good person. I mean she was raised in a foster home and her 'sisters' were Asian-American, Afrian-American and one adorable red head. Jem was an equal opportunity friend who rocked Tawny Kitaen hair sans bitchy attitude.
The woman could fix a faucet, lead a rock band and run a company, simultaneously being truly outrageous...truly, truly, truly outrageous!
Jerrica Benton
I wish I could hologram my outfit each day.
3. Judy Funnie
An artist that spent most of her days reciting plays and drumming bongos, Judy was older-sister-cool. Doug may never have 'got' her but oh how I wish I could have been invited to one of her singing cat shows or slam poetry nights. She is undoubtedly the original Brooklyn Babe, with her partially shaved head and non conforming attitudes.
2. Daria Morgendorffer
La, la, la, la, la...cue guitar feedback! The lone survivor from Beavis and Butthead, Daria made cynicism cool and let us know it was okay to hate on the 'Quinns' of the world. She was witty, intelligent and she rolled with the baddest bitch, Jane.
Favorite Daria quote,
"Sometimes your shallowness is so thorough it's almost like depth."
1. Pepper Ann
The video game obsessed and rollerblading queen was so adorably awkward you had to love her. She was from a single parent household and the older sister to Moose, the first prepubescent lesbian on the Saturday morning cartoon lineup. She twerked her frizzy hair without abandonment and was best friend to a hippie and poet. In 30 minute increments, Pepper Ann explored gender inequality, pimples, unsupervised birthday parties and divorced parents.
"There's no one cooler than Pepper Ann. She's her own biggest fan Pepper Ann," should be whispered as a self-mantra by any self doubting person. Which in reality is everybody, so kick back and let yourself enjoy the joy that is Pepper Ann...
Honorable Mention Carmen Sandiego
A female villain who was always a step ahead of detectives. She was a criminal mastermind while wearing a fabulous red outfit and inconspicuous hat. Plus The Chief was played by Lynne Thigpen and she was a bad-mother-shut-yo-mouth!
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Washington Heights, NYC
On Oct 1st, I will have officially lived in New York for one month. Not much to any normal person but a substantial unit of time in NYC language. Where anything can happen in a 'New York Minute', 4 New York weeks have led me to live, die, hate everyone, live again and back to loving everyone.
As a new...New Yorker there are 3 pieces of truth no one told me about living in New York. I would like to share these truths with you.
1. You will pay more attention to current events.
Current events does not mean pop culture. I mean current events centered around real issues whether they be political or community based. Not only will you read more but you read the same article from different feeds because you develop a distrust of news sources. I have developed a lens I like to call "What the fuck is going on and why am I just noticing this now?" Perhaps this has emerged based on the recent election, my current unemployment or my move to New York. Whatever the case, the trifecta has hit and I can now carry a conversation among great minds. (Thanks Eleanor.)
2. You will be suspicious of all men regardless of age, race, creed or socioeconomic status.
It could be season 1-13 of Law&Order: SVU or maybe most republicans (I hope) are men and my growing fear that republicans hate women. Whatever the reason, my level of awareness when I am surrounded by men on a subway/coffeehouse/darkstreet/mybedroom is Spidey Sense realm. However I do take comfort in knowing all these men are equally terrified of me and they should fear me. My level of anonymity in this town is like nothing I have ever experienced and I have little to lose these days.
3. Hand sanitizer is crucial.
If you are like me and living among the 47% then you too must ride public transportation. Have you ever viewed the Gothamist's PSA's on subway riding? Don't. Do. It. (okay do it.) I want you to be as horrified as I was when I began scrolling through these disgusting videos. Although I wish this was a dramatized TLC show, this is real life. These videos matched with Kate Winslet's truth in Contagion, keeps me up at night.
Disclaimer: These are my 'truths' which may fade and die as I continue on my New York journey.
This past week my partner and I began the 5 day drive to New York City. We packed up our little lives and kissed kitty goodbye. Before we began the drive through Alabama, North Carolina and the mountains of Kentucky, I made sure we did a quick pit stop in good 'ole New Orleans.
Louisiana Swamp
NOLA is our go-to for getaways. Probably because it is the only thing cool within an 8 hour radius. Small exception with Big Bend but let's get real, that place can't compare with New Orleans. Heaven forbid any Texan speaks ill against their state but this state just isn't hip. And one little blue dot can't justify the rest of this "great state". You see, little Texas boys and gals are conditioned from elementary school to identify with Texas more than America which means we love/ defend our state to the end. We know our state bird, flower and song by memory. And when we go overseas, we tell people we are from Texas not the United States. It isn't our fault, just classic brainwashing from the Texas education system. Maybe if we focused more on actual learning rather than Texas elitism we wouldn't rank in the last percentile for education. Even know I am feeling Texas guilt for speaking TRUTH.
As we drove into the city we knew Tropical Storm Isaac was on it's way but it wasn't until we saw 20 cop cars accompanying school buses (sans windows) out of the city. As they left the city, I realized that lives of NOLA prisoners have higher value than mine. yikes.
By the time we got to the second hotel (i accidentally took us to the wrong one at first!), we were ready to pass out. After watching late night weather news, we wanted to get the hell outta dodge by first sunlight. All in all it wasn't a total bust. I did manage to enjoy a few beignets on the trip.
The last few days have been filled with packing, purging, and an overwhelming sense of anxiety. Plus multiple arguments followed by immediate apologizing and kissing. 'They' say moving and job searching are among the most stressful moments in your life. Add moving in with a partner and leaving my (cat) child, then perhaps I can justify these pre-30 gray hairs. gross.
Organizing my life into a bag full of essentials isn't new to me but no matter how many times I move house, I never seem to nail the process. However I have managed to ease the pain of moving by indulging in every last bit the ATX has to offer. The binge eating has been justified this past month by the motto, "I'm moving to NYC and will walk it off." Please remind me to create a new excuse next month.
All in all I am absolutely ecstatic about living with my partner AND my best friend in New York City. The new adventure of living with someone I love plus the opportunity to vegg out and watch 'Joyful Noise' on repeat with my best friend since 2nd grade must make you all grow green with envy. And if it doesn't, then you are way too negative or just not listening.
I just have to get through 2 luncheons, 1 gig and a road trip across the east coast. Piece of cake.
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