It is What it Is

Two Dreams And My Top 10 Break-Up Songs

In my 32 years of television and movie viewing/life, I have come to want two things:

1. A montage set to music: Me falling in love, me moving up the career ladder, me getting a makeover. Any scenario would work really so long as my montage included me throwing papers into the air, twirling in an evening gown and smiling meaningfully at a member of the opposite sex.
2. A soundtrack. 

Neither of these wishes are real possibilities, what with me being a person leading a life and not the star of a movie, but it does seem that I have unwittingly given all of my break-ups soundtracks.

Unforseen Side Effects

Once you start editing, you can’t ever really stop.* You’d think you could leave the commas and semi-colons at the door once you leave whatever magazine/newspaper/website you’re working for, but it doesn’t work that way.**

You become an editor of everything – menus, billboards, banners. If you pass a car wash that used a possessive when it should have used a plural or vice versa, it irks you.

For 11 months, I lived down the street from Annnie’s Auto Repair and not having a talk with management took all the will power I had.

Then, before you know it, you’re taking pictures on your cell phone at garage sales because you just can’t believe the errors people make.

I might need help.

* I probably shouldn’t speak for all editors or former editors. Most of them are probably far less neurotic than I am. They probably have photos of their kids on their cell phones and not “hilarious” spelling errors.

** This post also in no way implies that I will not commit future spelling or grammatical errors.

Kids These Days -- And Their Kids?

I think this needs to be said: There are too many pregnant teenagers on television.

Is teen pregnancy a reality that should be addressed? Absolutely. Is it unrealistic to pretend that there are no consequences to teen sex? Sure. But, good God, if you pay attention these days, you’d think 1 in 3 teenagers has had a baby. I’m sure there are some great think tanks spreading similar propaganda, but I really want to know when this became entertainment.

No one on Dawson’s Creek had babies. Or Felicity. The original 90210 had some dramatic pregnancy tests, but it’s nothing like you see today. (I also think Brandon dated a girl who had a baby, but they had to break up so she could concentrate on her son, kind of like how he and his ice skater girlfriend had to break up so she could focus on her sport. Note to self: Brandon Walsh’s exes might make for a good “Where are they now?”)

I guess I should have seen the beginning of the trend with One Tree Hill five or six years ago. Two of the main characters were born to teen moms, and another character had a daughter. (If you paid close attention, you’d also notice that half the commercials associated with the show were for pregnancy tests or diapers.) But after awhile, the question became who really watches One Tree Hill? Or the CW network in general? And do we really need Chad Michael Murray in our lives?

What Happens When You Talk Too Much About Your Wigs

I get that my love of wigs might seem strange to some, but I really did see it as a little quirk, maybe an eccentricity if you will. It may be weird, but it's not intervention- or even therapy-worthy. It's not like I'm Star Jones or Wendy Williams. Apart from certain major holidays or bachelorette parties, you're seeing my real hair.

Then, the other day, shortly after I posted about Halloween, this -- no joke -- arrived in my e-mail inbox:

Hi!
I am the Associate Producer for the new TLC series that is showcasing serious and dedicated collectors and passionate enthusiasts of all kinds. We will follow the individuals on their pursuits for the next great piece, or delve into their world as they teach us what it is that drives their passion.

I came across your article about your wigs, and wanted to discuss the possibility of appearing on our show.

Let me know your thoughts!

Theodora: Great With History, A Little Light On The Sexy Details

Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore by Stella Duffy is a fascinating work of fiction depicting the early life and ascent to power of a woman who rose from the world of theater and brothels to prominence in the royal court.

Stella Duffy is a gifted storyteller, and her choice of subject matter makes for a compelling read. Sixth century Constantinople and its surrounding areas come to life through Duffy’s vivid descriptions. The setting of the novel nearly wrestles with its heroine for the reader’s attention. Markets, city life and even the desert pulse with energy thanks to Duffy’s writing.

Of course, Theodora is an intriguing main character. From actress and prostitute to penitent and spy in the palace and finally empress, both her physical and emotional journey make the reader curious as to what transformation and cast of characters await on the next page.