On my Jet Blue flight I watched a commercial that showed people losing a bazillion pounds in a couple weeks by using some dumb product. Near the bottom of the screen was the disclaimer: “RESULTS NOT TYPICAL.”
I think this is a bold new move in advertising, and I look forward to it being implemented across the board. Hot Pockets commercials could remark “NOT ACTUALLY EDIBLE” and trailers for Ben Stiller movies can point out “NOT ESPECIALLY FUNNY.”
Aside from that, my trip to New York was a mostly uneventful blur of work and play. I did, however, get to have dinner and drinks with long-time blog acquaintances Sarah B. and Evie at the Comfort Diner, which was excellent as well as being comforting.
Those who read Sarah on a regular basis will not be surprised that she frequently says things such as “I like the idea of testing people you meet to see if you like them. On a first date, for example, you can wear a lot of fake blood. The person’s reaction lets you know immediately if they’re in or out.”
Talking with them made me reconsider what I’m doing for a living. Sarah recently quit her job after getting a book deal, and Evie is an editor for a nationally known magazine. Evie’s boyfriend Aaron produces a talk show on Sirius and plays in two bands. I, too, desire this Nora Ephron-style existence. I’ll start by being John Stewart’s houseboy and work up to being whatever Mark Ruffalo does when he’s playing the boyfriend in Jennifer Garner movies. Plus, maybe I’ll record a hit song.
My friend Praveena was with me. She doesn’t know a blogosphere from a hemisphere, so afterwards I asked if she was bored listening to the conversation of a bunch of people who post about their lives on the Internet. She said, “Are you kidding? I had a great time! They were hilarious!”
I nodded proudly, paternistically, and said “Why yes. Yes, they are.”
Quit your job. I did.
What’s the worst thing that could happen? Afraid you could end up back on the reservation?
I agree with both Dan and Sarah. You should definitely wear a lot of fake blood to all job interviews and business meetings. After all, you want to know if you’re going to be able to work with these people.
Awe, you’re such a sweet proud paternalist. We had a blast, sorry you couldn’t stay longer. And also, I should note that it took both Sarah and me at least two years to successfully switch careers-- I still support it wholeheartedly, but Ephron can be a real holdout bitch (and she still hasn’t given me my unrealistically large and bright “rent controlled” Manhattan apartment).
I was just going to comment about the Nora Ephron apartment!
It was great hanging out. It’s always so nice when internet people are as cool as you thought they’d be.
i’m ready to start a blogosphere commune of sorts--one where we can sit around all day and amuse each other and not have to work for a living and can wear all the fake blood (and fangs!) we want.