A formerly anon blogger, trying to make it honest
A few things I just had to get out, with no particular relation.
Sports vs. relationship talk. We all know that when men get together, they tend to be able to bond over sports. It frequently comes up in conversation, is the point of many countless debates and bets, and serves as a common ground for most men to stand on. For (most) women, that same common ground seems to be relationship talk. Think of the Sex & the City episode where Miranda gets so upset that all they ever talk about is men. These smart, successful women, who can’t find anything of substance to discuss. Sometimes I feel like I have that problem with my friends…and it sucks to think about. I have a very fun and busy life, why spend my lunches and dinners with girlfriends discussing relationships and men? Well, perhaps it’s just the one thing that we can all relate to.
Bachelor vs. bachelorette. I have decided, from the few bachelor party pictures from friends that I have seen…that they are way more fun. I kind of wish I was a guy, in fact. Think about it. Bachelor parties (from what I can tell) usually involve some kind of cigar, taking shots, reminiscing about the old times, and more often than not a naked woman or two. Sometimes a steak dinner is involved. Bachelorette parties usually include drinking as well, but also silly plastic penis straws, little tiaras or veils, (in fact, anything penis related), and stupid games to “test” how well you know your fiancee. Occasionally a stripper is found and sometimes you get a cute t-shirt made, but usually it’s just a bunch of women screaming “whooooo” and trying to finish a scavenger hunt that involves sucking something (Lifesavers off a shirt, blow job shot), finding something (condom, boxers), or kissing someone random. Boring. Lame.
Christmas shopping. This year, I was late. Really late. Usually I am done, signed, sealed, delivered by Thanksgiving or shortly thereafter. Oh, and Christmas cards have been sent at least two weeks before (they are still sitting in the box now as I write, not going to happen this year). I am just now finishing the final touches on my gifts for family. I was in REI last night, and I hate going in there. Everytime I go there, it tricks me into thinking I need something. First of all, I am not so much an outdoorsy person. Second of all, what the hell do I need another fleece coat for, or snow pants? There were glorious snow pants there. Gloves, boots, and jackets that I wanted. Then I had to remind myself that I do not do well with the elements, and that my money would be much rather spent on high heeled boots or nice jeans and a sweater. (Or, rather, not at all since I’m still paying off a shitload of debt.) It is also funny though that the more I shop, the more I see that I want to buy. I am a Christmas decorating whore, I love it all. Or, buying it all. Bags, paper, little trinkets I don’t need, candy (obsessed with the Hershey’s miniatures mint medley). Although, this year will be my first year without a Christmas tree (even at the parents’ house). That’s kind of sad I think.

New Year’s Eve. So expensive. So overplayed. Yet, still participating. I will be in Georgetown for NYE this year, and am looking forward to what 2008 will bring.
7 Responses for "Clunking Around In My Head"
1. Yeah, I know what you mean. I wish I could find girlsfriends who liked to talk about food, wine, politics, art. Still no luck.
2. Bachelorette parties are indeed lame. Should I ever have one, I will have female strippers rather than male ones (cheesy) and will for sure have excellent food involved.
3. Am shopping for no one this year. Seriously. I’m being selfish.
4. NYE is so anticlimactic.
1. Yeah, there’s a lot of relationship talk for sure. And now that my gals and I are in our 30’s, there’s lots of - gasp - wedding talk. And I’m the lone single, so I usually try to change the subject. Work and politics usually fit the bill!
2. Ditto, lame. Although one of my friends refused the typical bar crawl bachelorette deal, so we did a really great girls day out, with brunch and wine tasting. So fun.
3. Done! Weeks ago!
4. NYE is usually a letdown for me, and I don’t do much of anything. Don’t like the bars - so sometimes it’s just renting a DVD with friends.
Happy holidays to you!
Fuh-NEE!!
1. I agree that there are some topics that are bonding topics. Those topics tend to be thrown out especially in times of crisis (”How ’bout those Cubs?!”). Sports (generally) are a favorite of men and relationships are a fave of women but there’s crossover. Men certainly won’t discuss curtains or quiche as a general rule but it’s all about comfort.
2. I have never been to a bachelor party and I am not sure that I’ve really missed anything. If you’re not into strippers then it loses a lot of appeal; I can’t get into that scene anyway. All seems silly since you’re about to be married.
3. I don’t mind the shopping but for some people it is hard to decide on gifts. I think that the Secret Santa-one-gift-for-each-person is a good thing. I just don’t like it when people buy me things that they like for themselves that I would never use (e.g., a flask) or gifts that show no thought or sentiment.
4. NYE is about hope and feeling that somehow we can make the next 12 months better than the last twelve. Nothing really stopped us from changing our lives a week or a month earlier but this seems a convenient excuse. I stay home for the sole fact that I am a wacko magnet and the last thing I need is to be out walking or navigating the streets amongst all of the trustees of modern ethanol chemistry.
LOVE the first cartoon!!! I swear I have said that about M. I agree whole heartedly about the friend conversations… I have one friend who calls me 4-5 times a day just to complain about stuff. that is it. She has nothing to say to me!!! SHe just calls to vent about her parents and her neighbors!!!!! GOOD GRIEF!
Don’t forget, sports-watching is also the way we men avoid talking about deeper feelings.
love the bachelor party vs bachelorette part, so true, nothign worse than a mod of girls with penis straws yelling and screaming.
I have always observed bachelorette parties to be rather annoying. A group of obnoxious girls that no one’s going to get to sleep with that night. Totally useless.
Leave a reply