Voices Inside My Head

People are so easily swayed by words. Take for example when you're told that that dude's got something against you. Several iterations of "why?" can race through your mind as you try to pinpoint the time when you may have stepped on his proverbial toes. What the heck did I do to make him not like me? Maybe he caught me when I wasn't smiling (right again, Mom). Or when someone suggests that another person might have an interest beyond friendship, your interaction with that person takes a turn for the awkward. Suddenly, you notice that they notice. Completely innoculous attention suddenly is filled with artifically conjured "come hither" advances. Okay, maybe not. But suggestion has more power than we give it credit...at least when it comes to people's proclivities towards other people.

So how about when your "I've been on skis since I could walk" friend tells you that the hill isn't as bad as the map makes it out to look. "Everywhere else, this would be a blue, but it's a black here. You can handle it." So after realizing there is no other way down, you (okay, I admit it, this is me) reluctantly head over the edge, cutting through mogul after mogul, while taking my friend's name in vain in the only two breaths I take the whole way down. Looking back up at the bumpy face of a mountain, my friend quips, "By the way, it's actually a blue, but everywhere else, it's definitely a black!" I'm not sure which was better, but I had the inkling to impale him with one of my ski poles. Lucky for him, he's much faster than me on skis (nevermind his being my ride home). Not quite analagous to the premise with which I started, but in general, we are susceptible to the pull of people's words, especially from people you trust. Or from those you thought you trusted.

Moral of the story; don't trust anyone. =P

All Star

I have been chosen.

Last night, I had the fortuitous opportunity to be a date at the Warriors vs. Rockets game. A friend got tickets last minute, so against every non-spontaneous bone in my body, I jumped at the chance. 9th row, a parking pass, and even better, the tickets were free! Originally we were going to play tennis, but instead of flaking on me and bringing some hot boy toy who would've drooled at the chance of going with her to the game (more because her of course), she picked me! I felt like the little green, rubber alien in Toy Story as the claw slowly descended upon the sea of alien brothers only to scoop him up. What a great way to start the week.

The game was fairly uneventful the first half. The Rockets were faster, defended well, and always found the hole in the Warriors' defense. The Warriors, on the other hand, seemed to just stand around and watch the Rockets sink 3 pointer after 3 pointer. It was sad. But in the last period, our homeboys came alive, charging the basket, led by a net finding Baklava (http://www.livejournal.com/~wenfy/ Mar 15 entry). After taking a dive to an 18 point deficit, The City came back to tie the game with only a few minutes to go. But alas, in true Warrior fashion, they could not deliver in the end. But we had a good time, with numerous 4th period turnovers, fouls, and a slam dunk getting us up out of our seats (did I mention they were free?). Good old fashioned ball game craziness complete with yummy garlic parmesan fries and chili dogs.

It's good to be an American.

Story of A Girl

Over the weekend, after discussing first impressions, Howie mentioned that I came across as a jubilant person, always happy. That was the exact word he used. JUBILANT. I couldn't believe it. How many beers did this guy down? I'm sure those around me who were lucky enough to have such an absurdity land on their unexpecting ears had to exercise great restraint to not spit their beef stew across the table. But I was pleasantly surprised to hear that I came across in such a positive light. Afterall, no one wants to pull others down into their doom laden pit or exude an unapproachable aura that keeps potential new friends at arms length. I've been known to do both. But lately, even in the midst of my sadness, I've sought to glue my grin on my tired face, selfishly hoping to pilfer some happiness from those in close proximity. Even at the office, a few have mentioned an unwonted appeal to my optimistic countenance during and after heated, political discussions of late. A smile goes a long way...even mine. Who woulda thunk it? Mine!

Thanks, Mom, for the good advice.