(Untitled)

[rodanside]

Let’s see what I got for my berfday…

• 160 gig iPod
• Amazon.com gift certificate
• Book: This Is Your Brain on Music (do these people know me or what

Comments

[mtntopdreams]

Oddly enough, I picked up that same book when I went to the bookstore today. I thought it looked interesting, but since it wasn't on my list of books needed, put it back down. I hope you enjoy it.

I know where you're coming from when you want to believe that the people you look up to are superhuman. It's hard facing the reality that at the end of the day, we're all just the same. It's even harder to deal with it when the older (and suppose to be wiser) generation comes to you for help. It seems like you made it through your dinner the best you could though.

[rodanside]

I'll let you know how it is! I've read a few pages of it already and it seems insightful, accessible and fun!

You're very right. We're all human beings, and my older relatives aren't any more immune to travails than I am simply for being older. I just look up to them so much, and I hate seeing my role models fall from grace. Like, when I was 16, and I didn't drink any alcohol because I thought it represented irresponsibility (I drink now, don't worry, but moderately at the most), I saw my mom become drunk one night and had a difficult time forgiving her. How could I deal with my hero doing something I thought at the time was so wrong, you know? It's like that. Just as I know that getting older doesn't make anyone less fallible, I also know that my own aging won't make me any more resistant to the same crippling weaknesses I'm going through now.

[mtntopdreams]

That would be lovely!

I try to create a barrier between what I believe to be "right" and "wrong", and what other people do. If I held my role models to the same standard I hold myself, I would be very disappointed in them a majority of the time. I try to pick out the qualities I consider to be absolutely marvelous, and leave their flaws behind because everybody has them. This doesn't mean that I'm never disappointed in the choices that they make. I just try not to get stuck on them for too long because holding such grudges does not help you in any way..

[rodanside]

Your perspective is incredibly mature, and probably makes you a happier person for it. Being able to see the good in people no matter what, and forgiving them for their mistakes no matter how much they may disappoint you--it's something many of us strive for and few of us actually achieve, at least most of the time. That's a perspective I'm trying to make habit.

[xstillxframex]

Maybe he was hoping that you would invest the money to start your own advertising business since it's in the family, it would only make sense.

[rodanside]

Heh, I wouldn't rule that out. The dude is very controlling. (One of his favorite ways to start a phrase is "The truth of the matter is...", and then he'll espouse the "truth" to you, the humble receiver.) Which is why I'm so startled that he's calling this "fun money" with which I can do whatever I'd like. I figured a car was both fun and practical, since when my beloved Acura dies I'm gonna need another one, and when I told him about that he didn't even flinch. And if he does secretly hope that I get into advertising, he'd better give up that pipe dream because I think advertising is kind of evil, not to mention that I'd be horrible at it--I wouldn't be able to sell a life raft on the Titanic.

[isolated_glory]

Happy (belated?) birthday!!
That must be a hard situation to be in, I'm sure it's difficult to see these important figures in your life seeking advice from you. It sounds like you did the right thing though by listening and reassuring your Grandpa. : )

[rodanside]

Thanks, that's sweet of you to say. I hope I did the right thing--I know how volatile he can be, and I also do think he cares about me, which is why it would probably kill him if I didn't say or do the right thing. I managed to get out of it alive though, and with veal sweetbreads in my tummy (yummy! ^_^).

[therealjuliet]

You'll love "This is your brain on music"!

[rodanside]

Yeah! It seems like it's right up my alley.

[lindendryad]

Happy birthday! ;)

Unfortunately nothing is really free, even if it is a gift. At least you are willing to spend the time with your grandparents and show your grandpa that you can be there for him. You're just paying your dues I suppose.

[rodanside]

Thanks for the birthday wishes! And you know, you're right: Nothing is really free. But for $5000 I didn't mind listening to him talk about himself through the night, especially when he was going through his victories one by one by the end of the meal. I figured, for $5000, he deserves to feel like a superstar for at least that night and it's my obligation to make him feel that way.