Monday, April 5, 2010

The Art of the Self-Invite

I have no qualms about inviting myself to your party. Let's be honest, you simply forgot to check my name when you were sorting through your contact list. No big deal. I could see how that happened. I'm not offended. I'll still show up with a beverage or snack item.

If any of the following sound reminiscent or have happened to you, fret not:

  • Your coworkers come in on Monday and talk about their scurrilous weekend together
  • Your Facebook feed is dominated by parties you weren't invited to
  • Perhaps you Photoshop yourself into group shots

If you often find yourself on the uninvited list (also known as the shit list), there's a simple solution. All you need is the address. Yes, there will be some uncomfortable moments. You may get some doors closed in your face--think of the back door as a second opportunity. If you've brought some beer or medium-tier fermented beverage, the collective thirst of the group will outweigh their disdain for you. Initially it might be wise to avoid glass containers. Alcohol is to a party what beads and shells were to the Native Americans. (As an aside, the Native Americans were the first group to truly know the joys of gentrification.)

In no time you'll be known as "that guy who shows up." Use Twitter and social networks as your tools. Don't think of it as stalking. As soon as they hit publish, it's public information. I'm not sure about the legality of this, but it sounds solid.

Once you've mastered this, the brass ring is the wedding invite. Instead of booze, you'll want to bring a toaster or kitchen appliance. Don't over do it and get a Kitchen-Aid, then you'll get invited to everyone's wedding and go broke. I will take this opportunity to announce that should you be in the greater metropolitan Chicago area, I may be able to lend my services, but I will need a formal invite.

Monday, March 29, 2010

If Onlys

If I could read faster I'd...
If I lived downtown I'd...
If I had more time I'd...
If I had more money I'd...
If I could do anything I'd...
If I met her I'd...
If I could leave tomorrow I'd...
If I had more energy I'd...
If I were stronger I'd...
If I could be anywhere I'd...
If I had more time I'd...
If I'd gone to meet her I'd...

If only I could stop thinking about if.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Pockets and Purses Give Up Their Secrets - Lens Blog

Pockets and Purses Give Up Their Secrets - Lens Blog - NYTimes.com

You are what you carry, which makes me two slightly used tissues, a month-old issue of New Yorker, a camera and some eye drops.

What do you carry that best defines you?

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Two Catholic Kids and a Cart

Sitting in her SUV, we both blankly stared forward. We had made a rookie mistake. Had we learned anything from the caper movies we'd seen growing up, we'd have known to case the joint. Instead we rolled up expecting an easy heist. My friend assumed the role of getaway driver and my penchant for pilates made me the muscles of the operation.

Waiting for dark and fearing that it might be our last should things go awry, we sat down after work for a two-course dinner. We managed to keep the conversation on everything but the task before us.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

First Few Breaths

After a day of honking and sniffling
a tissue taking the place of a hand
sleep brings relief

After falling asleep in your day clothes
you awake and
for a brief moment
you can breathe through your nose
who cares that it's just one side

After a few breaths
and thinking the symptoms gone
the sinus flood gates open