Howdy!
To help promote the sister blog "Accidentally Heroic" and help reboot the "Curve Zone" I would like to do a broadcast Q and A (Question and Answer) session. I'm going to try to borrow my fiance's laptop which has a webcam. If you have any questions for the Curve Zone or Accidentally Heroic please post them in the comment section. If your question is deemed appropriate, I'll answer it via video. While there's nothing scarier than the sight of my face- it will haunt your dreams forever (you've been warned), I thought this would be a great chance to reach out to the readers.
Much Love,
-'Cutio-
A frightening journey into the mind of an American woman.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Episode Fifty Four: A Generation of Humor
Forgive the absence from both Accidentally Heroic and Curve Zone- aside from an advertising issue I've been a little under the weather. And by a little under the weather I mean I've been so sick I've been losing more weight than I did when I had food poisoning a few months back. So- if there is not a speedy recovery eventually "The Curve Zone" will become the "Straight and Narrow". Best weight loss plan ever.
And yes, I am being melodramatic- though I have been sick and too fogged up on fevers to write much.
I'd been mulling something over for quite some time now. At first I considered it a personal issue- often expressing myself through humor instead of sitting down and talking about things seriously. Then I realized that many people in my age demographic do the same thing. We don't like to talk about the hard issues unless we're buffering our conversation with jokes or facetious statements.
I see the generation gap at work constantly. Many people think that people in the Gen Y category don't care because we hide behind the shield of "LOL". We may seem oblivious- tethered to our iPods, showing a lack of enthusiasm for voting, etc. The truth is beneath our cavalier demeanor is a wealth of pain and acute awareness of the myriad of problems plaguing our country and planet.
We grew up on "Captain Planet" the guy who pumped us full of concern about the environment. We might have even cried a bit watching "Fern Gully" as kids- just a bit. Not long after we could drive did Gas prices start going up- but Hybrids, not exactly in our budget. As soon as the ink was dry on our college degrees, the economy was in the toilet. As hard as it is being downsized after 20 years of loyal service, at least you experienced 20 years having a job you could feel proud of. Many in our generation have excelled at school, worked hard at low level jobs- and never once had a taste of a real career. Doors slam in our face. I see more job postings for 5-10 years experience on Career Builder. If you're under the age of 30- chances are you don't have 5-10 years in position higher than Stock Boy or Waitress.
We watched our parents get laid off, we watched the twin towers crumble, we listened to news of the Enron scandal, just like you, we were there witnessing the chaos of the world around us. We were not blind and deaf as you may have thought us to be. But we were young, and our hearts were crushed before we were old enough to purchase alcohol.
Every generation adapts its own style, its own signature. Our generation is the one that laughs when we want to cry. At times our humor is indeed inappropriate- but it is how we cope with the darkness we perceive around us. Humor is how you get us to open up about the things we care about. Through the sounds of our laughter you can almost hear the faint whimpers of our cries- our cries for justice, cries for change, and cries for hope.
Humor is our adaptation to the challenges of our environment.
And yes, I am being melodramatic- though I have been sick and too fogged up on fevers to write much.
I'd been mulling something over for quite some time now. At first I considered it a personal issue- often expressing myself through humor instead of sitting down and talking about things seriously. Then I realized that many people in my age demographic do the same thing. We don't like to talk about the hard issues unless we're buffering our conversation with jokes or facetious statements.
I see the generation gap at work constantly. Many people think that people in the Gen Y category don't care because we hide behind the shield of "LOL". We may seem oblivious- tethered to our iPods, showing a lack of enthusiasm for voting, etc. The truth is beneath our cavalier demeanor is a wealth of pain and acute awareness of the myriad of problems plaguing our country and planet.
We grew up on "Captain Planet" the guy who pumped us full of concern about the environment. We might have even cried a bit watching "Fern Gully" as kids- just a bit. Not long after we could drive did Gas prices start going up- but Hybrids, not exactly in our budget. As soon as the ink was dry on our college degrees, the economy was in the toilet. As hard as it is being downsized after 20 years of loyal service, at least you experienced 20 years having a job you could feel proud of. Many in our generation have excelled at school, worked hard at low level jobs- and never once had a taste of a real career. Doors slam in our face. I see more job postings for 5-10 years experience on Career Builder. If you're under the age of 30- chances are you don't have 5-10 years in position higher than Stock Boy or Waitress.
We watched our parents get laid off, we watched the twin towers crumble, we listened to news of the Enron scandal, just like you, we were there witnessing the chaos of the world around us. We were not blind and deaf as you may have thought us to be. But we were young, and our hearts were crushed before we were old enough to purchase alcohol.
Every generation adapts its own style, its own signature. Our generation is the one that laughs when we want to cry. At times our humor is indeed inappropriate- but it is how we cope with the darkness we perceive around us. Humor is how you get us to open up about the things we care about. Through the sounds of our laughter you can almost hear the faint whimpers of our cries- our cries for justice, cries for change, and cries for hope.
Humor is our adaptation to the challenges of our environment.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Episode Fifty Three: The Sanctuary in My Home
When my fiance and I started apartment hunting we originally thought of getting a two bedroom. Amid other features that had us fall in love with our current apartment, there was the den. Our apartment is labeled a "one bedroom with den", in which we pay a lower rent but have a mythical space tucked away at the front of the apartment. There isn't a door- but it doesn't matter, the moment you enter the den you are submersed into the loving arms of tranquility.
Unfortunately it wasn't until our den started flooding due to the excessive rain that we remembered it was there. It had become, the storage room. The flooding was a blessing in disguise- we have a benevolent landlord who fixes everything quick and never gives us grief. So they sent in the carpet cleaners and we had to haul all the storage tubs and boxes out of the den. Fresh carpet later, I stepped into the room to remember the vast potential of the haven before me.
Due to the death of the laptop I moved my desktop into the living room. I am seriously considering if I can pick up any free or cheap furniture on Craig's list for the den. I yearn to transform the wondrous space before me into a sanctuary.
I'd love your feedback on what you would do with your own sanctuary and if you have a place in your home where you can relax and escape.
Unfortunately it wasn't until our den started flooding due to the excessive rain that we remembered it was there. It had become, the storage room. The flooding was a blessing in disguise- we have a benevolent landlord who fixes everything quick and never gives us grief. So they sent in the carpet cleaners and we had to haul all the storage tubs and boxes out of the den. Fresh carpet later, I stepped into the room to remember the vast potential of the haven before me.
Due to the death of the laptop I moved my desktop into the living room. I am seriously considering if I can pick up any free or cheap furniture on Craig's list for the den. I yearn to transform the wondrous space before me into a sanctuary.
I'd love your feedback on what you would do with your own sanctuary and if you have a place in your home where you can relax and escape.
 | |
| Have I mentioned my love of tropical beaches? |
Episode Fifty Two: Taking Risks
Howdy Curve Zone readers near and far. Today I wanted to share an anecdote about the Odyssey in which I started taking risks. For the first twenty-ish years of my life I had tried to do everything perfect. I got amazing grades in school, I never got into any sort of trouble, and I pursued the career goals that I felt others expected of me. I was working on a Masters in Counseling, working a crappy job in a mandatory union, etc. One night I met up with my friend Jared to hit up Denny's- I had late classes and shifts at work, so being out at 2 am was my norm. We got pulled over by a police officer who proceeded to harass us. I should note there are plenty of amazing police officers out there who are good people who work hard without thanks. However, there I was, a model citizen getting harassed like a common criminal by this figure of authority.
Then I thought "Screw it."
It was weird, but something just sort of snapped that night. I decided then that living my life the way that made other people happy was getting me no-where. It took a few months to get the courage, but I left the masters program I was in- ignoring great grades and the money wasted. The next thing I knew I was moving to a strange town where I didn't have a support network, a job, or a clue to enroll in a new graduate program. I met the love of my life, some amazing friends, and got my Masters.
By far it was the worst financial decision I ever made- there are plenty of people who would argue that it was a bad decision on that basis alone. Sometimes we have to leap though, sometimes we need to take a chance. There are bumps and bruises along the way- but making a mistake doesn't have to be the end of the world. We, as in humanity, are consumed by the concept of making the "right" decisions.
I've always loved the song "Get Here" by Oleta Adams (Youtube it if you don't know it). Lyrically it's very simple, I mean she's just listing modes of transport for three minutes, but the way she sings it with so much conviction and passion makes the song. The message of the song is relevant. It's not how we get there- it's that we get there. Sometimes I wish I had more money- but then I remember all the blessings I have that other people do not.
Then I thought "Screw it."
It was weird, but something just sort of snapped that night. I decided then that living my life the way that made other people happy was getting me no-where. It took a few months to get the courage, but I left the masters program I was in- ignoring great grades and the money wasted. The next thing I knew I was moving to a strange town where I didn't have a support network, a job, or a clue to enroll in a new graduate program. I met the love of my life, some amazing friends, and got my Masters.
By far it was the worst financial decision I ever made- there are plenty of people who would argue that it was a bad decision on that basis alone. Sometimes we have to leap though, sometimes we need to take a chance. There are bumps and bruises along the way- but making a mistake doesn't have to be the end of the world. We, as in humanity, are consumed by the concept of making the "right" decisions.
I've always loved the song "Get Here" by Oleta Adams (Youtube it if you don't know it). Lyrically it's very simple, I mean she's just listing modes of transport for three minutes, but the way she sings it with so much conviction and passion makes the song. The message of the song is relevant. It's not how we get there- it's that we get there. Sometimes I wish I had more money- but then I remember all the blessings I have that other people do not.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Episode Fifty One: Goodnight Sweet Prints
It has been a year of loss from my friend, my aunt, my cousin, and my fiance's grandmother. Now it is time to mourn the loss of machine as well. I stand here to declare the time of death on my laptop- handed down to me by my fiance. After six years a pinched wire in the screen has caused the visual display to become unpredictable at best.
Updates of the Curve Zone and Accidentally Heroic may be slightly, but not greatly delayed.
While it was a computer, not a printer, I dare to say "Goodnight sweet prints"
Updates of the Curve Zone and Accidentally Heroic may be slightly, but not greatly delayed.
While it was a computer, not a printer, I dare to say "Goodnight sweet prints"
Friday, May 6, 2011
Episode Fifty: 50th Episode Spectacular- How to Deal with Exes
In honor of our 50th episode we have a crudely drawn Hamster with a Cupcake on his back.
Today's topic doesn't relate to the 50th post (sorry!), but it was one that came to mind. Today's topic is everyone's favorite subject, exes!
Now I haven't run into any of my exes recently (thankfully) and the ones I have seen/talked to in the past year have all been gentlemen with whom I was on good terms. However, I realized when my mom was talking about how she dreaded going to her school reunion because she'd run into my dad, I realized most people do have at least one ex they'd like to avoid.
How to Handle Exes:
How to handle your ex is centered around what sort of relationship you want to have with that person. Do you want to be a part of this person's life or would you rather they lived on Pluto? It is possible for exes to be friends, but it's also natural to not want to associate with your exes.
Unfriendly Exes
Don't want to associate with your ex? Sometimes you have to because you have children together, work together, or due to mutual friends and other loved ones. If you dislike your ex and don't have to interact with them- then don't. It's as simple as that. You don't need to follow them on facebook, twitter, My Spacewhy would you even have a My Space? a digital purge is the best first step.
Here are some tips:
1. "But what if they're talking bad about me?" The Answer: So what? It is a disappointing fact of life that someone, somewhere, sometime will speak ill of you. People who love you, the ones who matter, won't pay heed. The only time it is a problem is if children are involved- at which time you're better off speaking to a professional rather than confronting your ex.
2. "I want to avoid them, but what about the wedding/funeral of a mutual friend or when we're dropping off/picking up the kids?" The Answer: Be professional and aloof. If you don't like someone, ex, coworker, client, etc- your best bet is to be professional. Keep your interaction to the business at hand. Don't be snide, mean, or nasty- just be neutral. You don't have to be nice, just don't be confrontational.
3. "What if I see them with another person?" The Answer: If you really don't like this person let it be someone else's problem. Don't set out to "save" the next person. If it bothers you, well, you may have unresolved feelings, but your best bet is to be courteous. If you hate that your ex has moved on and you haven't don't worry- your time will come.
Friendly Exes:
I can't really do this topic justice in one post, so I will keep to the basics. I do recommend reading "He's Just Not that Into You" if you are struggling with this topic. As harsh as the title may sound it is actually filled with many positive points, many affirmations of worth. Some of the advice is simplistic- but it has a sturdy foundation.
If you're still in love with your ex it boils down to two outcomes: you get back together or you do not get back together. If you truly had that one in a million, cannot be replaced, absolutely meant to be together love, then eventually you will find your way back to one another. Sometimes people just need time to grow on their own. Most often it isn't meant to be. The good news is the remedy for both situations is the same: space and time. Either you need time to grow or you need time to realize that your ex wasn't really the right one.
In the Meantime here's what you do:
1. Be nice, be very nice, but never break boundaries. Your goal is to be desirable but ever-unobtainable. Be sweet, funny, and all the wonderful things about you they fell in love with. But, never, ever give your ex more than friendship. Don't sleep with them, don't kiss them, don't date them- just be the Aphrodite or Adonis that you are, ever out of arm's reach. Don't be the one yearning away- be the one yearned for.
2. Learn to Let Go: If you truly love the other person then you must accept that the next man/woman may be better for them than you. This is an ego blow, but don't let it get to you. If your ex would put someone ahead of you they're not worth it. You deserve someone who would never settle for anyone but you. Let your ex and their new love interest go. If the new fling is bad for your ex, they will eventually figure it out. Let them make their own mistakes. If the new fling is good for your ex, you don't want to be the sort of person who breaks two people up.
3. Find You. Even in a healthy, happy relationship it is easy to lose sight of who you are. You may simply lack the time to do certain things you loved to do. Rediscover your self- your hobbies, your sense of adventure, your personality. The happier you are with yourself the easier it will be to handle your ex.
4. When you're ready, move on.
But please, be cautious of internet dating...
Today's topic doesn't relate to the 50th post (sorry!), but it was one that came to mind. Today's topic is everyone's favorite subject, exes!
Now I haven't run into any of my exes recently (thankfully) and the ones I have seen/talked to in the past year have all been gentlemen with whom I was on good terms. However, I realized when my mom was talking about how she dreaded going to her school reunion because she'd run into my dad, I realized most people do have at least one ex they'd like to avoid.
How to Handle Exes:
How to handle your ex is centered around what sort of relationship you want to have with that person. Do you want to be a part of this person's life or would you rather they lived on Pluto? It is possible for exes to be friends, but it's also natural to not want to associate with your exes.
Unfriendly Exes
Don't want to associate with your ex? Sometimes you have to because you have children together, work together, or due to mutual friends and other loved ones. If you dislike your ex and don't have to interact with them- then don't. It's as simple as that. You don't need to follow them on facebook, twitter, My Space
Here are some tips:
1. "But what if they're talking bad about me?" The Answer: So what? It is a disappointing fact of life that someone, somewhere, sometime will speak ill of you. People who love you, the ones who matter, won't pay heed. The only time it is a problem is if children are involved- at which time you're better off speaking to a professional rather than confronting your ex.
2. "I want to avoid them, but what about the wedding/funeral of a mutual friend or when we're dropping off/picking up the kids?" The Answer: Be professional and aloof. If you don't like someone, ex, coworker, client, etc- your best bet is to be professional. Keep your interaction to the business at hand. Don't be snide, mean, or nasty- just be neutral. You don't have to be nice, just don't be confrontational.
3. "What if I see them with another person?" The Answer: If you really don't like this person let it be someone else's problem. Don't set out to "save" the next person. If it bothers you, well, you may have unresolved feelings, but your best bet is to be courteous. If you hate that your ex has moved on and you haven't don't worry- your time will come.
Friendly Exes:
I can't really do this topic justice in one post, so I will keep to the basics. I do recommend reading "He's Just Not that Into You" if you are struggling with this topic. As harsh as the title may sound it is actually filled with many positive points, many affirmations of worth. Some of the advice is simplistic- but it has a sturdy foundation.
If you're still in love with your ex it boils down to two outcomes: you get back together or you do not get back together. If you truly had that one in a million, cannot be replaced, absolutely meant to be together love, then eventually you will find your way back to one another. Sometimes people just need time to grow on their own. Most often it isn't meant to be. The good news is the remedy for both situations is the same: space and time. Either you need time to grow or you need time to realize that your ex wasn't really the right one.
In the Meantime here's what you do:
1. Be nice, be very nice, but never break boundaries. Your goal is to be desirable but ever-unobtainable. Be sweet, funny, and all the wonderful things about you they fell in love with. But, never, ever give your ex more than friendship. Don't sleep with them, don't kiss them, don't date them- just be the Aphrodite or Adonis that you are, ever out of arm's reach. Don't be the one yearning away- be the one yearned for.
2. Learn to Let Go: If you truly love the other person then you must accept that the next man/woman may be better for them than you. This is an ego blow, but don't let it get to you. If your ex would put someone ahead of you they're not worth it. You deserve someone who would never settle for anyone but you. Let your ex and their new love interest go. If the new fling is bad for your ex, they will eventually figure it out. Let them make their own mistakes. If the new fling is good for your ex, you don't want to be the sort of person who breaks two people up.
3. Find You. Even in a healthy, happy relationship it is easy to lose sight of who you are. You may simply lack the time to do certain things you loved to do. Rediscover your self- your hobbies, your sense of adventure, your personality. The happier you are with yourself the easier it will be to handle your ex.
4. When you're ready, move on.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Episode Forty Nine: Hats and Writer's Frock
Hats:
There has been some interest in the number of hats featured in the royal wedding.
To that I say:
As for the rest of my post- I wanted to give a shout out to someone who (unlike me) can actually draw.
Webcomic with fun portals.
Now let's hope she'll start updating now that I've pointed some readers in her direction :)
Writer's Frock:
I'm not going to call it Writer's Block, because that is not what is happening to me. I shall dub it "Writers Frock". I apologize I haven't had a nice, strong post in the Curve Zone recently. I've been struggling with picking a topic to write about. I call it Writer's Frock because it is a bit like trying to pick out an ensemble to wear on a date. You rummage through the closet and can't find anything that is quite what you're looking for. There are things you could wear, yes, but nothing leads to the goal you desire. Writer's Frock is when you sit down at the keyboard, start writing, and keep erasing what you write. Nothing really seems to come out the way you want or make the impact you need to make. Your words seemed outdated, overused, or plain.
Metaphor, the unceasing cure for Writer's Frock :)
There has been some interest in the number of hats featured in the royal wedding.
To that I say:
 |
| I admit, sometimes it's just fun to see where a pencil takes you. |
Webcomic with fun portals.
Now let's hope she'll start updating now that I've pointed some readers in her direction :)
Writer's Frock:
I'm not going to call it Writer's Block, because that is not what is happening to me. I shall dub it "Writers Frock". I apologize I haven't had a nice, strong post in the Curve Zone recently. I've been struggling with picking a topic to write about. I call it Writer's Frock because it is a bit like trying to pick out an ensemble to wear on a date. You rummage through the closet and can't find anything that is quite what you're looking for. There are things you could wear, yes, but nothing leads to the goal you desire. Writer's Frock is when you sit down at the keyboard, start writing, and keep erasing what you write. Nothing really seems to come out the way you want or make the impact you need to make. Your words seemed outdated, overused, or plain.
Metaphor, the unceasing cure for Writer's Frock :)
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| This one is what happens when I start splicing photographs together in MS Paint. |
Monday, May 2, 2011
Episode Forty Eight: Next time, read the news- then blog.
The last post was written before reading the news. So, in lieu of Part Two, which I would have made a joke about the President being a Bond-style Super Villain, I have crudely drawn art.
People are pretty charged about the news that Osama Bin Laden is dead- understandably so. If the story is true, well I hope we will create a new national holiday and give it a snazzy name like "Revenge Day", however my fiance insists if a holiday is made it will have a very corny name. So I'm thinking something lame like "Patriot Day", "Justice Day", or the completely vague "American Day".
p.s. I may start sketching things in the notebook and scanning them in as such. The crudeness of the lines and spiral binding is a pretty nifty effect.
People are pretty charged about the news that Osama Bin Laden is dead- understandably so. If the story is true, well I hope we will create a new national holiday and give it a snazzy name like "Revenge Day", however my fiance insists if a holiday is made it will have a very corny name. So I'm thinking something lame like "Patriot Day", "Justice Day", or the completely vague "American Day".
p.s. I may start sketching things in the notebook and scanning them in as such. The crudeness of the lines and spiral binding is a pretty nifty effect.
Episode Forty Seven: The Blame Game (Part 1)
Today's post is broken into two parts on account of me needing enough time to set forth with a pencil, a sharpee, and MS Paint to make some decent art.
Trolling is quite entertaining, but now and then- people are serious. One of the most interesting phenomena I have seen has been the "blame Obama" tactic. Actually, before Obama, President Bush was also getting blamed for many things. Regardless of your political leanings, some of the things blamed on the President are so out there, they are humorous.
As a result I decided to come up with some of my own "Blame Obama" statements:
1. Obama is the reason fried food makes you fat
2. Obama stole the sock you're now missing
3. Obama made Mount Vesuvius erupt and destroy Pompeii
4. Obama was behind the Watergate Scandal
5. Obama is the reason Justin Bieber is a star.
6. Obama is the reason the Dinosaurs are Gone
7. Obama is the reason Popcorn costs $10 at the Movie Theater
8. Obama is the reason your wife left you.
9. Obama assassinated President Lincoln.
10. Obama made Ugg Boots a fashion statement.
11. Obama killed Dumbledore
12. Obama gave you spoilers to the Sixth Sense
13. Obama is why low-fat yogurt tastes so bad
14. Obama is the reason Batman's parents are dead
15. Obama invented My Space
16. Obama is the reason Bieber sounds like a Girl
17. Obama killed Mr. Body in the Library with the Candlestick
18. Obama is the reason Hipsters drink PBR ("ironically")
19. Obama is the reason Lifetime Movies are Sub par
20. Obama cast Topher Grace as Venom
So the next time you find your favorite discussion thread has been overrun by political bickering- derail the tension by blaming the destruction of Planet Krypton on Obama.
Trolling is quite entertaining, but now and then- people are serious. One of the most interesting phenomena I have seen has been the "blame Obama" tactic. Actually, before Obama, President Bush was also getting blamed for many things. Regardless of your political leanings, some of the things blamed on the President are so out there, they are humorous.
As a result I decided to come up with some of my own "Blame Obama" statements:
1. Obama is the reason fried food makes you fat
2. Obama stole the sock you're now missing
3. Obama made Mount Vesuvius erupt and destroy Pompeii
4. Obama was behind the Watergate Scandal
5. Obama is the reason Justin Bieber is a star.
6. Obama is the reason the Dinosaurs are Gone
7. Obama is the reason Popcorn costs $10 at the Movie Theater
8. Obama is the reason your wife left you.
9. Obama assassinated President Lincoln.
10. Obama made Ugg Boots a fashion statement.
11. Obama killed Dumbledore
12. Obama gave you spoilers to the Sixth Sense
13. Obama is why low-fat yogurt tastes so bad
14. Obama is the reason Batman's parents are dead
15. Obama invented My Space
16. Obama is the reason Bieber sounds like a Girl
17. Obama killed Mr. Body in the Library with the Candlestick
18. Obama is the reason Hipsters drink PBR ("ironically")
19. Obama is the reason Lifetime Movies are Sub par
20. Obama cast Topher Grace as Venom
So the next time you find your favorite discussion thread has been overrun by political bickering- derail the tension by blaming the destruction of Planet Krypton on Obama.
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