Pean’s Adventures in the Big City

…was what my friend ”Sammy Makamoto” said on our way to Thanksgiving Dinner regarding recent injustices that have been done to him.  Naturally, my response was, “WTF?! We’re on a train full of people.” SM replied with a short parable, which I found to be both deep and ridiculous, where content is concerned:

“This is the story of the Chinese general, who was the King of Chu.  This general murdered the family of the famous general, Wu Zi Xu (picture is located on your right), in fear that Wu’s fame would outshine that of the king’s.  Wu then escaped to the neighboring kingdom, also called “Wu” (What?), and helped to build a mighty army.  Years later, Wu exacted his revenge when he marched his army into the capital city of Chu and took it.  By that time, the old King of Chu (the murderer let’s remember) had already expired, so Wu dug up the King’s grave, opened his casket (here’s the kicker), and whipped the decaying corpse to revenge the death and the dishonor of his family.  Moral of the story is children: There is justice in the world, and you should live your life with principle.”  Sammy also asks me to remind you: “Do not mess with Asian men, b/c they’ll just dig your shit up.”

How this applies to me, I’m not quite sure as of yet.  I wanted to put it out there, and let you toss it around–see what you think.  Have I had injustices done to me? Of course I have, who hasn’t?  I think anyone would agree that at times we all wanted revenge on someone who has wronged us, i.e. after a particularly bad break-up—all you want to do is mail back your ex’s stuff in a box.  However, one would never do that, b/c it’s both childish and vindictive, as are many other displays of immaturity that we have all witnessed and been apartied to at one time or another.  I think the point of such a story should be to rise above, to forgive even when you cannot forget.  Take that which is unjust and use it to make you stronger, carry it with you in the form of new found wisdom.  In any event, am I likely to run around with a head full of Chinese proverbs like my good friend? No.  However, I am also not likely to share it with a train full of strangers on the LIRR on a national holiday, and call it a “Thanksgiving Parable.” 

Alright, this was a bit off-the-cuff and now I am finished.  I will update with something more clever and refreshing soon.  I’ve been watching a little too much Lord of The Rings with friends today (which has caused everyone to get a little carried away, I admit), and we have also discussed the amount of running in the week ahead (gross!).  This is usually exciting, but Beantown is so far off that I feel like crawling under my covers with a good book, some Chopin, and hiding out from Winter altogether. aaaaaaah who am I kidding?  Pean would never.

 p.s. I’d be pretty freaked out if there was a ghost army coming at me.

As we all know yesterday was Thanksgiving.  A day where we travel out of our habitat, Manhattan, and make our way to the great suburbs.  From the moment we arrived at our destination, we were treated like family, and I was able to add a little “Pean” to the table with some white roses I brought out from the concrete jungle (I love to bring flowers anywhere that I go—I think they are nature’s reminder of how perfect all living things are).  Thanksgiving has been deemed a day to give thanks, eat yourself to an oblivion, and then sit around for the remainder of the day watching T.V. or, if you happen to be me, grab two of your best friends, a rather large bottle of wine, light some candles, throw on a little jazz and then go through the year in review. 

Now the time period following big dinners like this are especially appreciated in female circles, because it allows us to “air our dirty laundry” or any grievances we may be walking around with, and catch up on any personal stories involving anything from family to work, and of course, relationships.  For example, a friend of mine recently went on a date with this crazy financier (can we call him that?), whom she chronically cancels on (I don’t blame her).  He’s everything Manhattan has to offer in terms of a man: over-the-top, self-absorbed, and has an affinity for taking women to  restaurants conveniently located right around the corner from his apartment.  After canceling multiple times, she (my eternal optimist) decides to go and get it over with.  She knows what he’s about and nothing he says or does is particularly shocking, except for on this occasion they decided to meet downtown, fine.  However, once this individual lured her down to the lower east side for drinks, he made an interesting proposal: “Next time you should wear a fish net body suit.” Take a minute, let that one sink in for you…take it all in.  I don’t think I need to write down her response to such a faux pas in order for you to fully grasp the implications of such a statement, but have we really considered what this outfit looks like? What is it even used for?  A few things come to mind I assure you, and I have attached the image here for you to see (the cleanest one I could find)—how festive.  In the event that no one can supply me with such information, I will take the liberty of performing the research myself and get back to you.  Sorry to digress, but I had to throw this one out there, because honestly…wtf??

Regarding Thanksgiving in general: I really don’t have much to say about it, except the food rocked, the hostess was incredible, and it was nice to relax and chill with close friends.  Plus, my day came to an end in a way that could only be described as priceless. Now, I have always been a rather “spirited” person and anyone can attest to that.  I do, I enjoy running my mouth and telling you exactly what I’m thinking; however, this habit of mine is seldom exercised without provocation.  Well at the end of the night, as I climbed into Marilyn’s car, her ”colorful” brother came up to the window to shake my hand and I started laughing–his reply was simply: “STEPH, YOU NEED TO BE SLAPPED LIKE A MAN, YOU CRAZY BROAD.” I can honestly say that for the first time in my life I had no response…NOTHING! What can you say to that? What does being slapped like a man even entail?  A ridiculous day, but a better time than any words could describe. 

Slapped like a man…….is this seriously my life?

Since I now actually have one of these things (I feel like I’ve been given a baby with no instructions, and I have been told I have to raise it, and get it into an ivy league college) I am just throwing a few rules out there:

As for keeping this blog: I make no promises that I will update it in any timely manner. I am not responsible.  I am not clever.  I also have NO computer knowledge when it comes to posting photos of myself (gross, why do it?) and have no desire to do such things on any sort of “basis.”  I am not a “blogger” per se, and I never understood people who keep them.  This wasn’t even my idea, it is the brainchild of two of my close friends who listen to all my stories and tell me to write them down.  One of them just happens to be a total computer geek, and bought me this domain for Christmas (tears to my eyes, really).  I’ve heard people speak of “blogger burn-out” and I assure you, I’m already bringing that to the table. Do not hold any expectations for me, b/c I hold none for myself.  I will not use this as a vehicle to dump all of my personal problems out into the universe, nor will I use this to discuss any particular topic at length, i.e., my attempts/aspirations to attend medical school, saving the world one child at a time, or writing about the countless mileage I log on my running shoes.  However, I realize that this site can be used for good.  I want this to be a place where I can write down what I see in this crazy metropolis.  How many times have you seen or done something and said, “I can’t wait to tell someone…” I want this to be a place where my family can stay updated and in touch, and be a place where the lovely and incredible things my friends do everyday can be shared, so that everyone else can know how amazing they are….not just me.

Alright, that’s all.  I’ve already taken up way too much time writing this, and therefore everything I just said above is total nonsense now.  Have a kickin’ Thanksgiving Eve, and Thanksgiving Day!!  Later.