It feels so quiet with all of my guests gone. First it was Kathleen and Charles in the interim between apartments, then Darcie and Tom for their visit. All of a sudden, the house is empty and I'm all alone. I love my friends, but it feels kind of good not to have to entertain anyone or worry about whether or not I'm ever going to get around to all of the things that have been put on hold while socializing. Bills to pay, house to clean...
I'm half way through a couple of loads of laundry and decided to relax on the couch and see what's on the tv. Something I have watched very little of this summer. But I'm definitely not complaining. My dad chucked our tv into a dumpster when I was a little kid and I have since been very weary of it. We later acquired another tv by accident when my little sister needed to go to the bathroom so badly while waiting in the car outside of a grocery store that my mother took her in the bushes by the dumpster out back so that she could go. It was there that they discovered a brand spanking new television that someone probably ditched during some sort of dubious or perhaps criminal activity. We watched movies with our vhs for years, but tv was never an even remotely dominant facet of our environment growing up.
I was at my sister's house recently and she said to me "don't tell mom and dad, but we have a tv." That's pretty funny. I purchased my first very own television less than a year ago and I love it. I hate commercials with a passion. Think they are just so blatantly insulting to a person's intelligence (as is much of the regular broadcasting), but I like a lot of shows that are on and I love movies. My boyfriend works in the television/movie industry, so I consider us pretty hip to what's going on in that arena.
Anyway, tonight I'm watching The Bachelor for the very first time. It's hilarious. In a way, I think it portrays these girls (and sort of, women in general) in this really shmarmie, demeaning light, where they are all subservient to the whims of this one man, this "Adam," if you will. They're crying and arguing and flirting and finessing, and doing every last goddamn thing that they can do to beat eachother out at this game. The game of who can win this "perfect" man. It's a fucking joke. And at the same time, it's fetching entertainment. I have to say that these girls stoop to looking like real idiots sometimes, as much as they are sort of charming and you can see why they were chosen for the show. I also think it portrays "The Bachelor" as a complete slut as he hops from girl to girl, kissing and making out and "harboring a connection" with each one. I wouldn't even want to be with a guy after that experience. After knowing that he'd kissed and caressed and gotten intimate with every single other girl in the house. It's just too damn weird. Apparently, this is the steamiest season ever and Mr. Perfect has never been more perfect. The girls have never been quite so beside themselves and tripping over their own feet to get a minute with him.
Now I've seen a few of these shows. I have to admit that I did watch "Joe Millionaire" and even "The Bachelorette." I have seen my share of "The Real World," "Road Rules," "American Idol" and I even watched Celebrity Survivor once. I have also watched my share of "Fear Factor" and other such trash. These shows always amaze me with how far people are willing to go in front of a camera. (I guess that's the point.) Someone (don't recall who) said "It's 1984 and the whole Big Brother scenario, but in a way that no one ever expected. We are now inviting the cameras into our home. People are fighting for the opportunity to have their life captured on national television." Back when old Mr. Orwell wrote that book, I'll bet he didn't really think about that. Who could have predicted the reality tv phenomenon as we now know it?
I did read this bit on the smoking gun about how the cast and crew of the Bachelor trashed the Malibu home that they rented for the filming of the show (before I'd ever actually seen it), so it's kind of interesting to see the home in question. All I can think now is how irresponsible of everyone involved that they disrespected someone else's home that way after making many promises that they would treat the house with earnest care.
Speaking of houses and care, it's probably about time for me to get back to my chores.
Posted by Maria at October 8, 2003 09:18 PM | TrackBackHouseguests are great, but it's always nice when they leave. Being a military family it seems we always have people dropping in at least once a month. Last Sunday we got a surprise, our friend from years ago came down here for a bowling tournament and popped in, it was so nice. I was in my grungy housecleaning clothes, no makeup, stero blaring and ding dong, here's Allan. It was so good to see him and lucky for him I always cook a huge dinner on Sunday, so there was plenty to go around. But when I know people are coming, no matter how close we are I get nervous, I want everything to be perfect, I go and buy 15 different kinds of soda, tea, juice, you name it, hell I'll even buy a 6pack of Yoo Hoo..you never know. The biggest compliment I've ever receieved has been, "Sandy, I love coming to your home, I feel so comfortable here" To me that means so much.
I honestly don't know what my opinion is of these reality shows...I did catch the Bachelor last night and could not believe the CRYING. The guy does seem okay, but to cry over someone you barely know...hmmmmmm. I think somewhere down deep we all want our 15minutes of fame, but I just don't think I could live out my life in front of a camera...
I know what you mean about guests. I love having guests and making their stay as comfortable as possible. The best compliment I receive from my friends is "Maria, coming to your house is like going to grandma's house, you have everything." That rocks! My friends who never have much more than condiments and a loaf of old bread in their fridge are always excited to look in my fridge and pantry and fix whatever strikes their fancy. One day this summer two of my best girlfriends from highschool were over and said "we want to paint our nails, where's your polish and stuff?" I pulled out a shoe box chock full of every color anyone would want and all the necessary tools. They were like seven year olds. "We love coming over to your house! It's just like grandma's house." It made me feel so proud.
How funny was that whole cryfest on The Bachelor? I mean, okay, he's cute and funny and smart, but for god sakes are women really THAT desparate to find a decent guy that they are prepared to fall to pieces if they don't win him in a contest? Is a good man really THAT rare? Maybe so. But I still think the whole thing is supremely bizarre.
Posted by: Maria at October 10, 2003 09:33 AM