I was just doing some free association writing over on my tumblr (also yes, hi, it's me again, I'm still here even though I did take something of a winter hiatus, but I'm back to overshare here on Jaw Wired Shut for you and I hope everyone has been having a lovely 2012, mine has pretty much been awesome so far I'll tell you more about it later) and somehow a comment about doing some work spiraled into the observation that teachers don't make a lot of money.
I wrote:
I had to write about four paragraphs of copy for an upcoming episode. I do this kind of stuff a lot (I mean how else are fake Facebook pages for characters created?) for the show, but this one was REALLY interesting. I wrote about Schizophrenia and Winslow Homer and Maine and Art and for like five minutes, as I was thinking to myself, “this is fun and I am really good at this” I was also thinking to myself “fuck TV writing I should go back to school” and then I checked my bank account and realized there’s a reason more people don’t return to or stay in academia - it pays shit.
I think I need to add to this.
That's fucked up. Teachers, professors -- they should make more money. They should make more money than TV writers. I mean I don't make any money right now, because I'm what is known as a baby writer (seriously, this is sometimes a term for young writers), but like the good TV writer money. Actually, what I make right now is probably akin to what teachers make (okay really it's a little less probably) and let me tell you, that sucks. If this is what teachers make then teachers are not getting paid enough to lead comfortable lives. At least not in cities or other places as expensive as LA.
Actually what do I know? I don't actually know how much teachers make but I guess what I am trying to say here is that I know it's not enough. It should be more. I know it will never be that way and it's weird for me to suddenly just think of this now, really, but it popped in my head and I thought, "teachers!"
My mom taught art for many years, then special ed, and for the year prior to her death, art again.
Teachers give their lives to other people. They give themselves. They give SO much. They should get more back.
I named this post "Teacher! Teacher! Teacher!" because when I was in high school I took an ornithology class and to study for exams we used little shortcuts (like mnemonic devices, I guess?) to help us remember the birds because yes we learned how to identify over 100 birds by their plumage and/or call and when the Ovenbird sang its call sounded just like "Teacher! Teacher! Teacher!"
Being a TV writer is really hard, and I suppose on some scale, in the scheme of it all, it is an important and significant profession. But on a much larger scale, on like the whole big scale of everything, teachers are the real heroes.
No idea who wrote this, but my dad forwarded it to me in an email and I feel like this is a good parable for all the politically frustrated out there.
A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered her altitude and spotted a man in a boat below. She shouted to him,
"Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am."
The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, "You're in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above ground elevation of 2,346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude.
"She rolled her eyes and said, "You must be an Obama Democrat."
"I am,"replied the man. "How did you know?"
"Well," answered the balloonist, "everything you told me is technically correct. But I have no idea what to do with your information, and I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help to me."
The man smiled and responded, "You must be a Republican."
"I am," replied the balloonist. "How did you know?"
"Well," said the man, "you don't know where you are or where you are going. You've risen to where you are due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. You're in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but somehow, now it's my fault."
Do I smoke pot? Yes, yes I do. Is it legal? As of now - no. At the moment, marijuana is decriminalized on a state level, which is why I can go to my neighborhood dispensary and buy weed. But me and my pot-smoking is not why I want to talk about Prop 19. I want to talk about Prop 19 because I live in California and this state is totally in the shitter when it comes to money, and Prop 19 is a near-immediate solution to this massive problem.
I absentee-voted in Maine, so here's my plea for all you CA voters - Vote YES on Prop 19 not because I'm some crazy hippie pothead who lives in Venice (I actually live in Santa Monica), but because the state of California is totally in the can with a massive deficit. If marijuana is legalized it can be taxed, with an estimated $1.2 billion in revenue, not to mention creation of new jobs and a total economic impact of anywhere from 1 to 18 billion. Voting YES is not part of the problem - it's the first important step in the solution.
And that's the last of my political ranting today. Carry on.
Okay I can't not see Matt Damon and not say MATT DAMON a la Team America. But then I watched this adorable YouTube video of him urging people to vote on the Working Families party line, and I love him so much more than I thought I already did. Especially when his voice kind of cracks holding the Yankees hat. Blech. I feel your pain MATT DAMON.
In more adorable Matt Damon news, his wife had another baby girl over the weekend. I am convinced the reason he and Ben Affleck have such perfectly darling families filled with beautiful little girls is all thanks to their New England upbringing.
Okay so the subject line of this post is obviously not true. However it did not prevent me from telling EVERYONE I work with that this was the clear reason President Obama (I still get excited writing that) was coming to LA, and (as rumor would have it) staying in the hotel across the street from my office. Co-workers were only marginally amused (as with most of what comes out of my mouth). Unfortunately yesterday afternoon was so hectic I didn't even get to write the fake scenario in which I envisioned our impressive president greeting me and shaking my hand and commending me for my hard work in Pahrump and for all those lives I touched and for loving freedom so very much. And then his little visit went and f-ed up my morning commute so now I just don't know if I have it in me to write this sure-to-be hilarious/award-winning scene in which I would be rewarded for my patriotic devotion.
I realize that I can't shut up about certain shows, Friday Night Lights, Bones, Buffy being some of them--and I'd like to take a moment to wax poetic about BattlestarGalactica, which is sadly coming to an end with it's 84th hour this Friday night. BSG is a profound show--that's probably one of the best ways I can think to describe it. So profound in fact, that last night there was a BSG panel discussion at the United Nations in New York. Yes, you read that correctly, THE UNITED NATIONS.
Now, I have some experience at the United Nations. Please, try to hide your shock, but I was at one time--a scholar. (Continue holding shock please. Thanks). My last semester of college was not spent toiling in the hallowed buildings of Middlebury, but rather at the UN home base in Geneva, Switzerland, where I spent 5 months studying and working on my senior independent project/essay/thesis type thing. (Something about the EU and Turkey and national identity and politics and big words and the overuse of the phrase "most salient issue" and other things I've obviously blocked from my memory). The UN is an interesting place--a lot of worldly types, impressive politicos, negotiators, bureaucrats, decrepit library, peacocks wandering the grounds, great cafeteria, the works. Obviously, the fact that BSG was at the UN says something about the legitimacy of the subject material of the show (and not the illegitimacy of the UN, thank you very much) and even though the show bids farewell in two days--it's a must see, and thank God for TV on DVD. Do yourself a favor and get watching. Start with the mini-series and go from there. It's 4 seasons of compelling drama, characters and story lines.
Great write-ups of the UN event, where the topics included Human Rights, Children & Armed Conflict, Terrorism, and Reconciliation & Dialogue Among Civilizations & Faith, can be found here and here.
1.) Per last night's terrible dream I've spent some time googling Earthquake Phobia this morning (also known as Seismophobia). In addition to that nightmare, I keep having sensations where I feel rumblings and I am convinced we're about to have a big quake. The dream was super realistic though--very scary. Took a strange turn with the looters/vampires.
Oh wait a minute. I watched an episode of Buffy last night in which there was an earthquake. Well that explains the vampires and the dream... and my general phobia contributed I am sure.
2.) I am channeling my inner hipster today with a flea market men's plaid shirt that I've belted with a thin braided gold belt, skinny gray corduroys and gold ballet flats. Normally when I wear this shirt sans belt I just look like a boy, so I'm hoping the gold flare ads a feminine touch. Undetermined thus far.
3.) I have the thinnest traces of a hangover this morning due to drinks last night with co-workers, followed by trivia with friends (we came in 3rd after most incredible comeback). The downside of all this (besides slight headache) is that it felt like a Friday when I woke up. Sadly, it's not.
4.) Twitter addiction continues. And I designed my own layout. It's a little too me-centric but I wasn't really sure on Twitter etiquette when it comes to design.
5.) Anyone catch Jindal's rebuttal last night? Or has anyone not seen the amazing internet lampooning he's receiving this morning? Loving the Kenneth the Page comparisons...
This article just fuels the obsession. I mean President Obama is just plain, old fashioned COOL. I am fascintated by his habits/interests. I'm going to start telling people they're pretty Aloha Zen. Maybe I'll begin drinking Honest Tea.
I'm considering a drastic career change. Such an idealistic dreamer, aren't I?
(Actually, let's be honest--Hollywood and DC are essentially the same place, except in DC--those problems matter).
You know, if DC weren't so miserably humid half the year this might be a more realistic thought. I wonder if the Obama administration has a need for a Pop Culture Junkie... or Trend Forecaster/Consultant... or General Misdirected Mid-Twenties Professional Girl...
Special thanks to DiTonto who's convinced many of her friends to read the blog, and therefore extra special thanks to Malach who emailed DiTonto this video pour moi. I feel much better now. Not really, but thanks.
Right now, I love freedom. And liberty. And democracy. And all the people who voted and restored my faith in this country. I am really excited for President Obama.
So where was I when it all went down? Thanks to some issues with "crowd control" and an eager beaver fire marshal, we couldn't get into that Obama party at the Century Plaza Hotel. Instead, I bumped into a co-worker, with some other assistants I didn't know, and DiTonto and I followed them to the lovely Pink Taco, a hilariously named bar/restuarant nearby. The moment our new president was announced? DiTonto had another flip-out moment, while I just burst into tears. It was surreal. It still is. It's historical and incredible and utter happiness. His speech was inspiring and exceed expectations.
I also feel as though the perception of our country around the world is going to change, and that is heartwarming. I love reading about global leaders' reactions. Some more than others:
Perhaps one of the most poignant accolades came from Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s former president, who said in a letter to Mr. Obama: “Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place.”
And in other Election Night recaps, I just can't NOT say anything about that weird sci-fi moment on CNN last night. You know what I am talking about. Yes, my favorite part of CNN's election coverage had to have been the hologram. I mean really? A HOLOGRAM? Check out this Star Wars brilliance:
Hello loyal readers! While it's likely you won't be turning to my blog for any factual non-partisan election information today, I do want to let you know I am going to be providing some Live Blog coverage similar to the running inner monologue that was my Super Tuesday coverage. However, this time around it's going to be a LEGIT live blog. So keep coming back alllllll day long for updates.
6:05 am Wake up. Do I want to work out? No. Do I want to pee? Yes. Back to sleep.
6:40 am Wake up again, this time with the intention of getting some news and getting ready for the day. Run into DiTonto in the hallway, who, per usual, laughs at my crazy hair and sleepy incoherent ramblings about Obama winning some town in New Hampshire. She's clearly shown me up because she did work out this morning.
7:00 am Out of the shower to blow dry AND straighten my hair. Shit I haven't given myself a blow out in DAYS. All for you Obama.
7:25 am Election Day outfit: Pre planned. My two favorite Obama buttons and a necklace with a little pendant that is the great state of Maine. So much pride. Feeling really patriotic today. I might be wearing bright green pants, but I am LOVING FREEDOM.
7:30 am Watching DirecTV's SWEET election coverage--8 split screens covering all the major networks. Why do I have to go to work again?
7:45 am Watching Yes We Can in DiTonto's room, dancing, singing along, spontaneously bursting into tears/laughter.
7:55 am In the car with DiTonto (carpooling to be good Americans and to save the environment), looking for something inspiring on the radio. NOTHING. Yes We Can again!
8:15 am At work. Boo. Coffee a must. Thank God for CNN live online.
8:43 am Dammit. I always forget that coffee makes me really hot. Sweating... what else is new...
8:57 am Order breakfast. Totally splurging on a delicious Election day feast.
9:06 am Reading this NY Mag article about Obama talking about his grandmother and start to cry. It's going to be a long day, folks.
9:39 am Just finished breakfast and watched this West Wing clip about voting (thanks to EW's PopWatch).
Josh Lyman, I adore you. I loved that show. Actually I watched a few episodes Saturday when I was laying around hungover. Nothing like a fake president to get me to feel involved. I wish President Bartlett was what we'd had for the last 8 years, not some other hack.
10:15 am Start watching Gossip Girl. Need distraction...
10:33 am Staff meeting, during which I am given 5 new projects. Hate being a Team Player. Forgot I had to work today...
11:04 am Never mind spending the whole day refreshing HuffPo. Time to work. Well, it will make the time pass...
1:14 pm Definitely learning that having a LOT of work not only distracts me from the polls but makes the day go much faster... bummed though, I had grand intentions of going to the Obama phone bank across the street for lunch to make some calls, you know really just FIRE IT UP on Election Day here in SoCal. Not looking like it's going to happen though...
2:21 pm Just ate some lunch at my desk. By which I mean, despite wanting to vomit/cry/spontaneously combust, I forced myself to chow down on Trader Joe's finest Sesame Tofu Salad. Even though I have had one cup of coffee today I feel like I am all hopped up on meth or something (hence the nausea, among other things?). Polls in Indiana close within the hour. Christ.
2:25 pm Just researched flights to New Zealand. Really fucking expensive. But if McCain pulls this off, I've got a lot of packing to do.
2:28 pm Okay. Work. Work. Work. WHY ISN'T ELECTION DAY A NATIONAL HOLIDAY? DO THEY HONESTLY EXPECT PEOPLE TO GET SHIT DONE?
2:44 pm Goddamn HuffPo. I love you but like every five minutes you have THE. MOST. DRAMATIC. HEADLINE. EVER. and it's stressing me out! Example:
I just went to the bathroom but that headline makes me need to nervous pee. Okay, yeah that is a gross description but YOU KNOW WHAT I AM TAKING ABOUT.
2:48 pm I THINK I AM GOING TO VOMIT.
2:50 pm I did not vomit.
3:05 pm I am drinking Chamomile tea in a preventive measure AGAINST VOMITING. Polls have closed in some places in Kentuck and Indiana. In one hour the real shit storm begins.
3:24 pm FUCK. I have not self restraint. Oh God, the exit polls are looking tighter than anticipated. THIS IS BAD NEWS because they always tend to lean Democratic anyways. Now, I might actually vomit.
3:41 pm YES. 1% reporting in Indiana with Obama winning. If the rest of the state goes that way, I will in a significantly better mood. For now, I am going to settle for a disgusting sugar free chocolate mint hard candy. I CHOSE A BAD WEEK TO CUT OUT CARBS.
3:50 pm Workflow has calmed down, time to watch some TV in someone's office. God Bless you CNN.
3:56 pm 4 minutes until some big guns come out. Still comprehending significance of this election. However, the desire to vomit is subsiding for the moment... for some reason I started daydreaming about what it would have been like if Gore had won in 2000 (OH WAIT HE DID, so what I mean to say is, if Bush hadn't stolen the presidency) and then maybe we wouldn't be in Iraq right now, or maybe we all be driving hybrid cars and everything would run on solar and wind power and we'd all be getting Nobel Peace Prizes...
4:08 pm That nervous pee sensation is back. No wait, I really do have to pee...
4:32 pm Yep. Done working for the day. Seriously. I just don't have it in me. Thinking when it will be appropriate to ask to go the Obama HQ across the street, where I will be spending the duration of the evening (live blogging tonight might be spotty with the iPhone) but going to hold off until at least 5 pm.
4:36 pm A co-worker just told me Obama is leading in Maine. I LOVE MAINE.
5:12 pm MAINE TO OBAMA. YES. Also: you've lost me to the TV at this point... running around my office like a crazy person, have somehow become the de facto go-to person for all things politics, it appears. Will be light posting from here on out.
6:40 pm First Pennsylvania, then Ohio... Florida might be next... I don't even know what to say... I am feeling optimistic. Keeping my fingers crossed for the rest of the night.
10:33 pm Just got home. Elated. Obama is the next president of the United States. I never thought it would happen. It did. YES WE DID! Another great speech, another knock out of the park... had a hilariously bizarre night and celebration with people I barely knew at Pink Taco of all places... but I couldn't imagine it any other way... History folks, history. (And I promise a more coherent, better written election night recap tomorrow). Still watching CNN, hoping for a big NO ON PROP 8 here in California... Obama is the first step in the right direction. Obama is President-Elect.
Sweet dreams to all, and here's to a pleasant tomorrow.
I feel positively sick to my stomach right now. Sure, I’m not helping my cause by reading every pre-election what-to-expect article out there, and I really can’t decide if I am pessimistic or realistic, but one thing is for sure—I am not expecting an Obama win tomorrow, and I won’t believe it until I see it. But God, I am hoping and praying—and maybe tomorrow this time I will have a better sense of the whole thing.
I will say that being on West Coast time has its benefits—all you on the East Coast will have to wait until probably 11 pm for any confirmation either way—so that's 8 pm here. And if things go in a favorable way, you better believe I will be celebrating. And if not, you better believe I am hightailing out of the USofA Wednesday.
So blame the light posting thus far this fine Monday on my serious election anxiety. Maybe I’ll get some inspiration later on to post some things, but at the moment I am too busy reading poll stats.
