Where to start is still as big of a question as it was. But I got a lot of insight tonight. A LOT. Around dinner we discussed the pop culture aspect of my lackings (well, I listened). Apparently I need to see Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 90210, Heathers, Friends, Xena, My So Called Life, Family Guy and of COURSE(!) Simpsons and Seinfeld! AND---I can’t even remember all the things I MUST see!
But it was good. I think I found some enthusiastic contributors to my catch up list. And I want you to contribute as well. You know the categories, music, art, pop culture, literature, etc. I’m tired of saying “huh?” in conversations or just blanking out because I have no idea what was just said.
I’m imagining myself to appear somewhat Amish to my new friends. In my mind, there is a lot of difference between me and the Amish, but to my non-religious friends, I do think I make an interesting study case. And why not? You know how much fun it is to share something you love with someone who has never experienced it. Maybe it’s a place, a food, a movie. So I can definitely understand the fun. It’s like watching a baby learn to walk. Except I’m an adult. Does that make it more special? Or just messed up?
Two things I learned tonight:
1. I WILL NOT catch up in a year. However, I still insist on calling it my “Catch Up Year” because it is the year I will make the most progress, I will go through suggested, watching, listening, viewing, reading, etc, with intention, and this is the year I will chronicle it.
2. Someone mentioned tonight that there’s a good chance I might not even like what I’m exposed to. That maybe I won’t be interested after all. I am sure that is a great possibility. Like the time I had never been to a baseball game and wanted desperately to go and experience that piece of Americana and then I hated it. But there has also been plenty that I’ve tried and loved. I think the point was to try everything and find what I love.
So, this year, as I catch up, maybe I won’t watch all 20 seasons of the Simpsons. But I will be exposed. I will watch the Simpsons. And I will know what ‘doh’ means. Whether I fall in love with Bart, or Buffy, or the Gilmore Girls remains to be seen. So, make your suggestions. I will taste it all and spit nothing out. And next time we see each other, maybe I’ll say something clever like “Would that show be anything without NPH?”
And I’ll get a sick little joy in my heart as I see someone hesitate trying to think who that is. Or worse...maybe they’ll have to google it.
