What I Learned From Prime Time TV

Hi, my name is Jenna and I'm a Grey's Anatomy addict.


It started as a way to turn off my brain at the end of an exhausting day. I was always the one who rolled my eyes at my friends who were obsessed with the new millennium's answer to ER. But then one day, there they were, all the seasons of the show on my Netflix screen. OK, I thought to myself, let's see what the big deal is. I had nothing else to watch and it must have been raining that day. It pains me to even say it but I got hooked- immediately. The drama, the light-hearted comedy, the characters, the insane plots, the sex, and Patrick Dempsey really did get hot! It only took me three whole seasons to realize, however, that as much as I loved watching the disaster that is these people's lives, well frankly, this show pisses me off!


I made the mistake of comparing a wildly unrealistic television show to my own painfully realistic life. And I was left with this nagging question:


When the hell ever happened to saying what's on your mind?!


Sure, on Grey's Anatomy viewers receive an overdose of melodramatic characters expressing every fleeting emotion. How else are you going to getting those kind of ratings? But look at the real world. Do you see anyone anywhere at any time having those conversations? Would anyone ever admit that they are avoiding their best friend at work because they are secretly in love with them? Would any two people sit down over a cup of coffee and discuss at great length, in perfect articulation, the reasons why they got drunk and had sex the night before?


These people are so in touch with their own emotions and motivations that I'm starting to feel like rolling my eyes again. Yes, I know, it's scripted prime-time soap opera drama; I'm not an idiot. People get paid a disgusting amount of money to out those perfectly articulated words in these people's mouths. But when I look around my own reality I can't help but wish a little of that immaculately scripted honestly could show itself in real life.

We're living in a world that perpetuates passiveness and ambiguity. We text everything to the point many of us have lost the ability to carry on a real conversation over the phone. It seems as though everyone hashes out their problems with people over Facebook status updates and third-party gossip. The last time I had a person confront me about an issue they had with me it was via Facebook chat. Evidently that is what's being considered bold these days. All you have to do to avoid someone is not answer a text message and conjure up a lame excuse the next time you cross paths with that person. "I'm sorry I never got back to you, my phone died after I left it in my friends car and then I fell asleep."

Don't get me wrong, if the real world was just like a Prime Time drama nobody would ever get anything done because they would all be too busy having lengthy conversations about everything they ever felt. And to that end, how do these people manage to be doctors when they spend so much time whining? But I digress. I'm not asking for everyone to air out every grievance, uncertainty, and mini-drama in their lives, that would get annoying extremely fast. However, it would be nice to know that our generation has not become completely emotionally stunted to the point where we are all just high school students with day jobs, mortgages, and children of our own.

So essentially what I'm saying is we should learn to talk to each other again. We should be able to figure out what it is that's really bothering us or what we're feeling in general and form an appropriate and coherent response. Is your best friend pissing you off because she doesn't return any of your calls? Tell her! Are you avoiding someone at work because they did something last month that got you all twisted and even though it doesn't seem like that big a deal anymore you still can't break the silence? Talk to them! It may be uncomfortable and you may not have a million dollar script to tell you what to say but friggin' try anyway! Don't let our generation be the one that destroyed the brilliant art of human interaction. Don't do it. 

Yeah, It Will Get Better... But It Sucks Right Now!

It started with that first defining gulp of a cold Bud Light. The muscles in my body that had been twisted and contracted so tightly they felt as though they could snap like a rubber band began the process of de-tangling and relaxing. The welcoming smiles and hugs from people I have come to think of as family eased the process along as well. After a few more sips and the simple act of being off my feet after what seemed like an eternity working at the bar I began to feel somewhat human again.

I knew how the night would end before it began. I not only had accepted it, I knew it was necessary. A day earlier I was informed that my essay that I submitted to Glamour which would have been the "Big Break" in my writing career was rejected. I was rejected. I'm a writer, this is not an unfamiliar concept. However, this was a significant rejection. As they say, hope for the best and prepare for the worst. I prepared myself to be rejected. I'll tell you one thing though; prepared or not, rejection sucks. And all the positive words and support from friends and family, while greatly appreciated, did not make it suck any less. So I had a plan: one night to blow off steam, drink too much and just generally be pissed off, depressed, and negative. Then I would pick up the laptop and get the hell back to work!

Drinking too much is not a difficult endeavor among my circle of friends. They are all too willing to oblige when one of us is in need of some "liquid therapy". After a few beers and some very tasty shots I was forgetting all about whatever there was to be pissed about in my life. The rejection? Whatever, fuck 'em! My job? Just another day, another dollar. I had friends and I was young and spontaneous. More shots? Sure! Bring it on!

Then it snapped, broke, shattered, and collapsed. The walls tumbled down and the tears came and they came hard and determined. I at least had enough dignity left in my inebriated haze to remove myself from the building and find a quiet spot out back before I let the tears have their way. I couldn't fake the smiles and laughter anymore that night. I had to break at some point. I knew that when I walked in the door. My friends did their best to calm my sobs and lend a sympathetic ear but a drunk friend can only offer so much support. What meant the most to me is simply their presence. That was enough to show me that I have people who care. They didn't leave me alone in the dark to feel sorry for myself. They offered their shoulder for me to literally cry on, knowing full well that they couldn't fix what I had to deal with.

After I was all cried out I took a deep breath and joined my other friends inside. One more shot for the road and I was more than ready for bed. On the way home I was grateful even though I hadn't quite shaken off the self-pity of the general suckiness of the situation. I was grateful that I knew I would be OK, I have friends that care about me through the good, the bad, and the drunk, and I also knew that I have the fierce determination not to quit over one stupid essay rejection.

So my plan worked; one night to dwell on the negative and mourn the loss of a life-altering opportunity, one night to cry and feel sorry for myself, then it's right back to work! Here I am, back at my laptop, and I'm not giving up any time soon!

For Your General Amusement: The Facebook Awards!

It's that wonderful time of year again. A time where us common folk gawk at unfairly beautiful celebrities in dresses that cost more than my car while downing our thoughts of self-deprecation in a bottle of Pinot Noir and a pint of Starbucks ice cream. What, that's just me?

That's right, it's awards season! So I thought, in honor of that special time of year that makes us all depressed that we haven't lost the holiday weight yet and don't have a little gold man to show for our lifetime accomplishments, I would present my own awards. But as with any award show I'm going to make the audience wait a little longer than they're comfortable with for the grand finale. Enjoy!

Social networking is a lot like knowledge of nuclear science. Placed in the right hands it can be productive, useful, and make the world a better place. Placed in the wrong hands, however, it can reduce the entire planet to a pile of shit. Unfortunately social networking does not have an IQ requirement in order to understand it and use it for its intended purposes.

My first segment will consist of what I believe to be the ten biggest transgressions in the Facebook Universe. Someone needs to bring these missteps to light because I know I'm not the only one that's getting fed up with our feeds getting clogged with this nonsense.

DISCLAIMER: If you believe you may be guilty of one of the following Facebook crimes, close this window immediately! I do not wish to offend those who stick by their annoying behavior. If you're intrigued or morbidly curious about where I'm going with this, please read on... but do NOT say I didn't warn you.
Incidentally, I do expect a significant number of people to de-friend me after reading this- but that's a risk I'm willing to take.

10. Completely Unnecessary Wall Posts
This includes posting on someone's wall if you are currently in the same house. Really? Your methods of communication have been reduced to that? Also falling into the category of unnecessary wall posts are the "call me when you get this" messages and the general request to "text meeee!". The entirety of your social network does not need to see that. I can't believe I have to clarify that the phone works both ways, but evidently some people still don't grasp that concept.
Moving on...

9. Combined Facebook pages.
This is ridiculous... If I see a page titled KellyandTim Smith, guess what... I don't want to be friends with either of you! I'm married, happily I might add, and I am acutely aware of the fact that there are things you just keep separate: closets, toothbrushes, underwear, email addresses, in my case bank accounts... Some of these may seem obvious to you but if you've gotten to the point in your relationship where you have combined your first names to share a Facebook page I think you need to look up co-dependency in the APA Dictionary of Psychology.

8. "You're Not Human and You Have No Soul if You Don't Re-Post This in Your Status" Statuses
Don't assume that 97% of people are heartless or don't believe in God or hate kittens because they don't waste 30 precious seconds in their day to copy and paste a notice to the world stating otherwise. If you really want to preach or raise awareness about a cause you feel so strongly about, at least attempt to take the time to be original.

7. Cryptic Status Updates
Is this your passive aggressive way of calling someone out or begging for attention without actually growing a pair? For example: no one wants to see "Kimmy McEmo is tired of all the bull shit" or anything referring to karma being a bitch or "people need to get what they deserve". I don't know what your problem is, and if it's not with me I really don't care and I'd venture to guess no one else does either.

6*. Wishing Happy Birthday to EVERYONE
I know if it weren't for Facebook you would not know it's my birthday much less if I was even still alive. Your empty wishes only make me a little sad inside. If the only time of year that I hear from you is when I see the obligatory "Happy B-day" wall post, it's pretty clear Facebook tipped you off. Thanks all the same, but save your energy.


5*. Making a Facebook Page for Your Pet
I really don't care about your dog's social life. The only way that would be adorable and really impressive is if your dog made it himself. But we all know its you, so it's just lame.

4. Kissing Pictures

The only time a kissing picture as your profile picture is acceptable is if either A) it was taken on your wedding day or B) and I'm calling out the ladies here... you're kind of a slut and your profile picture is of you kissing another girl and you're basically advertising that you're open for business. Otherwise I'm not really interested in photographic evidence of how "in love" you are at the moment. Like I said before, I'm not a cynic, I'm happily married and very much in love; I just don't see the need to rub everyone else's faces in it.



I'm going to pause to mention that the Top 3 were very difficult because all three of these behaviors drive me completely bonkers and it was hard to determine which one made me want to rant until I give myself a stroke the most. So... in no particular order, these are the worst of the worst Facebook crimes...

3*. "Like" Button Abuse
There should seriously be some sort of digital obstacle course that one must pass through in order to like either someone's status or a page that shouldn't even exist in the first place. These are two things about which I'm genuinely surprised my head doesn't explode from frustration. Here's one I came across today actually:
S**** M****: Just wants to cry. They're all the same.
   G*** F*** likes this

Seriously? Do you really like the fact that your "friend" is having a bad day and wants to cry? Or is it just that you can't come up with anything remotely supportive to say so you suppose the "Like" button will provide the necessary encouragement. Bottom line... You suck as a friend and you probably suck as a person.
Here's another situation where it is completely inappropriate to go anywhere near that "Like" button: if someone is posing a question on their status. For example:
P**** R*****: Anyone know where I can get an awesome cheesesteak?
    F****** M****** likes this

If you can't answer the question just don't do anything. I'm serious, don't hit that button! It's not necessary and you're not being helpful!

Moving on...

I can't frickin' stand when I see people who like Facebook pages that shouldn't even exist. If I see that one of you "likes" any of the following I will immediately de-friend you and write you off as a vapid moron:

• When We First Met I Had No Idea How Important You'd Be to Me :)
• Pretending to Text in Awkward Situations
• Don't Worry Best Friend, I Will <3 You More Than Any Douchebag Will
• I Said You Were Ugly Because You Are, Not Because I'm Jealous of You
• I Think Forehead Kisses Are Cute :)
• Don't Text Him Back... Oh, I'm Not... You Texted Him Back Didn't You?... Yea

I could go on with this list for days; that's the really sad part. Stop. Just Stop.

2. Calling Your Significant Other Babe.
This is the one I think the most people are going to be offended by, but I honestly don't care. If this wasn't a FB epidemic it wouldn't have made the list, but the reality is I see this way too often. This isn't middle school (at least for the people on my friends list) so for those of you that are in your twenties or older let me tell you something: it is only appropriate to refer to your significant other as "babe" to his or her face. If you refer to that person as "babe" to anyone else you run the risk of making them physically ill. I can't express how little I care that anyone is "sitting home waiting for babe" or "curled up on the couch watching a movie with babe". It wouldn't bother me so much if you used the persons actual name but please keep your pet names between the two of you.
And now the winner for the #1 Facebook Crime of the Year- the screw up that makes me want to fly into a homicidal rage and scream in the face of every transgressor that they should be wiped off the face of the planet because they are a true Darwinian Nightmare... drum roll please...

1. Self-Taken Pictures Specifically to Be Posted on Facebook!!!
Let me just clear up for the people that may accuse me of being a hypocrite and say that everyone takes pictures of themselves to post on FB. Nope! You will see many pictures of me and Brandon that were taken by one of us flipping the camera around, this is not the issue. In fact, I am putting a bounty out there. Anyone who can find a picture posted on my FB page that I have taken of myself and only myself I will give you $100. (To make it fair I have not taken the time to go through and check every picture... I'm just that confident one doesn't exist)

Self-taken pictures are just proving to the world how either narcissistic you are or how insecure you are by displaying yourself for others to judge. You thrive on the "cute pic" comments and the "damn, hottie!" responses. Knock it off, it's not fooling anyone.

There are two scenarios, however, that need to cease immediately. The first are the pictures that were clearly taken of yourself in the mirror. I don't think I can come up with the words to describe how obnoxious this is and I'm a writer for god's sake! I will just plead with you all to please stop taking those epically stupid pictures. The second scenario that has to come to a screeching halt yesterday is what is now not-so-affectionately known as "duck face". You know what I'm talking about!  I don't know when girls decided that this was a flattering pose to strike when there's a camera in their face but, trust me, it's not. I truly don't understand the "duck face" phenomenon! It's not cute on anyone. It makes your face look huge, your mouth look wrinkled and gross like you're a 78-year-old pack a day smoker, and it frankly makes you look like you're just plain stupid. Here's a thought... smile! It's cute on everyone and you don't look like you need safety scissors and circle paper!





I would like to end my Facebook Awards on a positive note because, as I said before, not all people use their social networking capabilities to annoy us. I am still a proud member of Facebook because I am continually entertained by those I am proud to call my friends. I would like to acknowledge them now with a segment I call The Best Facebook Status Updates. In no particular order these are the statuses that put a smile on my face or literally made me laugh out loud (although I attempt to refrain from abbreviating it):

• Meghan Colleen Welsh: Am I really awake at 7AM watching an REO Speedwagon concert?
 
• Ryan Honeycutt: I'm drinking some beer.


• Ryan Honeycutt: Twix is a very underrated candy bar. Also, breakfast.

• Jon Koch: Apparently there's a guy out there who looks exactly like me, his name is also Jon. He dates Christines though. I wish I did that.

• Nat Doegen: I just woke up from a dream in which Harry Potter and I discovered a teleportation spell called "Ooombly Boombly." J.K. Rowling, I await your phone call.

• Josh Bee's Knees Logan: Dear craigslist posters,
Why do you constantly move to Africa so that your wife must handle your real estate ventures back in the states. Hope it works out for you and sorry that I couldn't wire money even though you've assured me that the check you sent will definitely clear. I hope you die soon. Go America

• Shawn M. Callender: Had a dream about being attacked by a rabid cat lastnight. Killed my cats just to be safe.

Kat Rafferty: Fact: tacos taste better than yoga.


And now, for the Grand Finale I would like to show you my top five nominations for Best Picture... Best Profile Picture, that is... And the nominees are...

5. Lisa Unghire


4. Joe Teague

3. Ryan Honeycutt

2. Andy Edmunds

And the clear winner is...

#1. JON KOCH

Honorable Mentions go to Brandon Clark & Jeff Dziennik for these lovely pics:

Stay tuned for my next post which will be Jon's acceptance speech.

Thank you, and goodnight.

An Open Letter to My So-Called "Friend"

Dear "Friend" (if that is, in fact, your real name),

I am writing this letter to you in an effort to open your eyes to the pain you have caused me throughout what I thought to be a close and meaningful friendship. Maybe I was the naive one, maybe you were just too self involved. Either way, the bottom line is that you used me and I let it happen.

Time and time again I was there for you. I made your pain my pain. I made your personal victories my personal victories. I supported you through every high and low point that you encountered since I've known you and the tragedy of the whole sick scenario is that I have received exactly nothing in return. When no one else understood what you were going through, I was there. When others doubted you, I was in your corner. Evidently I was the strength you needed to see there was life outside the darkness.

Well, buddy, I hate to be the one to tell you that a friendship is intended to work both ways. Here is something for you to think about: I have pain too. I have personal victories that I want to share with my friend. And when I feel weak, sometimes I need a friend to be strong for me and be a solid shoulder to lean on. You were none of those things. 

The only thing you managed to accomplish is to drag me down into your dark, bleak existence that consists of broken dreams, pity parties, and incoherent whiskey hazes. Every time I tried to reach out to you for a return on the investment I've made in our friendship, I was met with blank stares, weak attempts at canned advice (on a good day), or a short cold "I don't care". Well, guess what... Not. Good. Enough.

Sure we had fun; when it was convenient for you and you decided to pull yourself out of your own personal hell for a day or two to become what resembled a functioning human being. Too bad it never lasted long enough for you to even closely resemble a decent friend.

Well, sweetheart, I have nothing left to give. Fortunately for me, I know that above all else I am resilient. I am strong. It may take me a little while to learn how to regain my faith that there are people out there who are capable of thinking of someone other than themselves; but, baby, as I've come to discover... you sure aren't one of them.

I will never resign myself to cynicism or basically becoming a cold-hearted bitch, so I'll leave you with this: I still think there's a decent person buried under all that self-pity and misguided behavior. And in the end I truly, with all my heart, hope you find what you're looking for. I just won't let you use me to find it.

Sincerely,
Jenna
A True, Excessively Caring Friend


Writer's Note:
This letter was written with a specific person in mind, however I will not divulge his or her name to protect the privacy of the, well, not so innocent.

To my readers, I would venture to guess that many of you have been in a friendship or perhaps a romantic relationship that resembles what I have previously described. I hope for those of you that can relate to this, that you can find your freedom; because people like the one I have described will only serve to sap you of all your emotional resources and leave you with mentally and physically exhausted. It's crucial to care about the people that are important to you in your life, but if you're not getting back what you're putting in, it's time to move on.