Blog for Blog's Sake

I've been awful this month, haven't I? I've either been busy, didn't have anything to say, or a little of column A and a little of column B. There are a lot of political things I could say, but something tells me I'm preaching to the choir and honestly, there comes a point when I'm just exhausted with the whole thing. I'm not done fighting by any means, but it's gosh darn frustrating!

The sun is shining today which I think means a happy blog is in order. It's funny how easy it is to pick something unhappy to talk about compared with something uplifting. It's not that I'm perpetually gloomy. Well then, let's talk about the sun.

I've missed you, sun. I've missed the bounce you put in my step. I missed the smile you unwaveringly place on my lips. And most of all I missed your radiant warmth. Actually, I still miss that. One thing about living in Chicago, it really makes me appreciate you in a way that Florida never did.

How about cats. Cats make me happy on a regular basis. I've really come into my own as a cat person. I used to deny it. No, I like dogs but cats are easier to take care of, I'd say. The truth is, I like cats better. We're both solitary, moody, intelligent, and lovable (right Sergio?). I get cats and cats get me. I mean, if you think about it, I'm basically a cat in human form. I like to nap. I like to eat. I enjoy seafood. I'm a fan of snuggling. But I'm not a crazy cat woman. Promise. I mean, I only have one. Just because I said I was for all intents and purposes a cat doesn't mean I'm crazy. I'll just stop now.

Money. I don't have it now, but when I do it's awesome. I'm planning on moving soon and all I can think about is the wonderful amounts of cash I'll be saving. And I will be saving too. Few things thrill me more than watching my money market slowly expand. I feel like Scrooge McDuck counting his gold coins and boy does it feel good. I don't think it's a greed thing. It's more of a, if I keep doing this maybe I can one day fulfill my dream of building a LEED certified house with bamboo floors and solar panels kind of thing.

So there you go folks, happy things.

The Hunger Games

I just finished reading The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins. It's been a while since I've been so wildly impressed by literature intended for a younger audience. Back in the day (for example when Grimm's fairy tale's were first being compiled) children weren't coddled. Stories were a way to introduce children to certain themes which are universal as well as difficult to stomach. Fairy tale's were a way to teach children about death and love and the gamut of human emotion.

The death of a parent isn't as widespread in modern times as it has been in the past. I think parents are inclined to shield their children from as much pain early in life as possible. Who can blame them? I want my children to have an ideal childhood of creativity and discovery. But are we doing more harm by lying about the worlds problem's?

I'm no expert. I'm not even a parent. But I do tend to think that literature is a remarkable way to introduce children to themes that are otherwise unpalatable. In a round about way, removed enough from their own tiny lives, a book might prepare them for the shock of losing a grandparent. It seems to me, even as an adult, that when there is a character in a book that I relate to in someway, it helps me to feel less alone. It stresses the universality of humanity.

The Hunger Games is brilliant in that it refuses to talk down to children. It is written like an adult book with death and war and love. There isn't a fight of good over evil. There's grey area written on every page. Decisions are made that aren't good and just, but the right decision all the same. They are terribly glum books, but addicting and all consuming until the very last page.

The Hunger Games will rank up with His Dark Materials and the Harry Potter series as my favorite "literature for young adults", though I hate that label. I hope there is turn in the genre towards more thought provoking plot and characters. Perhaps it is the twilight of the Twilight's.

So a Blizzard Happened

I'm beginning to hate Chicago. I mean, I don't hate it. Chicago has some really great aspects. I'm having trouble thinking of one currently, but... Well maybe the hot dogs... Maybe if I could live at the Field Museum... The truth is I'm just filled with so much venom when I think about this crazy, cold, bitter, spiteful weather we have. I'm sick of being perpetually uncomfortable! I would like to go outside and not wear forty pounds of winter gear. Ah, dreams.

Are there no bastions of culture in a milder climate? Do we really need to suffer in order to hone our artistry? Can't we live on beaches sipping pina colada's and still write the next great American play? I guess not. But then, why couldn't Florida have culture? Florida doesn't belong exclusively to the old, rich, retired, and republican! Why couldn't I move to New Orleans and start a theatre company the produces plays that focuses on Americana?

But then I want to get a doctorate in Anthropology and teach and travel. I want to find and cultivate those things which make me happy. Can't I have that? I can't until I figure out what those things are.

This has been another episode of "Heather Ranting/Going Off on a Tangent".