“Can I stay here with you ’til the daybreak?”
October 31, 2011 § Leave a comment
Despite overwhelming unpopularity, Mondays are my favorite days of the week (although often, it’s also the busiest). Though I make plenty of to-do lists and notes on various post-its and scraps of paper everyday of the week, I habitually set a smaller set of goals on Monday, so I can reevaluate at the week’s end. It’s nice to see a tangible checklist, no matter how big (write an entire chapter!) or small (buy saran wrap!) the achievements are.
Anyway, this week I’ll likely be…
…Listening to the Ray LaMontagne channel on Pandora. I’ve discovered some of my favorite artists this way, including Andrew Duhon, Peter Bradley Adams, and Paolo Nutini.
…Rounding up other seasonal candies, like these pumpkin Kisses, which are surprisingly delicious.
…Reading An Arsonist’s Guide to Writer’s Homes in New England by Brock Clarke, randomly chosen from the latest EBBC haul.
…Searching for replacements of my beloved stackable mugs from Anthropologie, which after 2+ years of ownership, are showing signs (cracks) of wear.
“You can pay for school but you can’t buy class”
October 26, 2011 § 1 Comment
Honie and I have what we simply and aptly call, our “Rules.” It started out, like many things, an inside joke about boys we would never date: a guy driving a yellow car or one who thinks baggy cargo shorts are a good look.
She’s too young to understand (or appreciate) it now, but with her budding teenagehood comes the inevitable stages of liking boys (much to Ki’s chagrin). Through first butterflies and awkward flirting, I know that Honie has begun to piece together qualities and traits she values the most in the opposite sex, setting the precedent for the rest of dating life.
And thinking about Honie’s introduction to romance got me thinking about how my own preferences have aged and adapted over the years. And after observing some male behaviors recently, it occurred to me what it really meant to be a man. Obvious anatomy aside, it takes much more to be classified as one, at least to me. It not about the impressive salary and flashy things he may own; any goon with a few bucks can buy expensive things. The true character of a man is in the intangible qualities, ones that can’t be bought, traded, or bargained. It’s in the minute details of his actions, like the way he treats his enemies, as well as his allies.
What else?
1. Loyalty. Without it, a man is nothing.
2. Men eat. Heartily. Unapologetically.
3. A man acknowledges his flaws but refuses to accept them. He works to improve them, despite knowing the futility in his efforts. He carries humility in his pocket, always.
4. A man knows the often blurred yet discernible distinction of being ambitious and determined, with being selfish and cunning. You can be ruthless and compassionate. You can be maniacally driven to succeed without sacrificing integrity. At no point in his endeavors will he expose himself to the possibility of being called a weasel.
5. Men understand the modern rules of chivalry* (giving up the remote, removing the nasty hair gunk from the shower drain, etc.) and practice them. They do not complain about this shit. *Other forms of chivalry, restaurant edition.
6. His appearance is never sloppy, because a man gets his shit tailored.
7. A man is generous, with both his time and fortune.
8. Respect: contrary to popular belief, men do not demand it. They earn it.
9. Alpha men are undeniably distinguished as such because they have a spine. Made of steel. Men of this caliber represent the highest level of nobility. And they know it takes more than an intimidating stature and status to be called one.
10. Conviction. With it, a man is everything.
soopastryheart 