PIXIE OR ELFIN?

Last Wednesday, on a whim, I made and appointment to get my hair cut. I was in desperate need of a new style.

A month ago I volunteered myself for a free haircut, given by my brother's girlfriend (an apprentice hair stylist at FIORIO, my salon of choice). It was trimmed from shoulder length to the nape of my neck.

Now, with the holiday season upon us, I wanted my hair to be more coiffed. So off to the salon I went.

I'm very secure with my hair and I'm definitely not a timid hair client, after all it is just hair. I sat in the chair and said, “Do what you think is best.”

Well, my security and hair sensibility were tested. I came out of the salon with the shortest hair I've ever permitted (I should rethink giving stylist free reign to my hair). It's short, it's very, very short, boy cut short. It's what one would call a "Pixie Cut". Although, I do love and appreciate that my “high fashion” hair is very low maintenance, the haircut is definitely going to take some getting use to.

I'm continually surprised at my own reflection.

Now, having five days to absorb the hair, or lack there of, I'm over the initial shock… or so I thought.

On my way home from work, I stopped by a Café to buy myself a gingerbread cookie ('Tis the season). The man behind the counter asked, "Boy or Girl?" For a split second I thought he was referring to me. But common sense prevailed and I quickly realized he was asking if I wanted a boy or girl gingerbread person.

I guess I still am a little sensitive about the new style.

SCENES FROM: The Subway

I have a stranger crush on "Joe". It's unrequited love, he doesn't even know I exist... BUT, I was made well aware of his existence today on the TTC.

My crush for him is not a physical one, he is not, by any stretch of imagination, beautiful. He is however, absolutely beatific and this crush is a pure metaphysical attraction. Here's why...

INT. SUBWAY CAR - MORNING RUSH HOUR

A dense throng of commuter charge into the subway car, each forced to circumvent a lone rider, JANE, who stands steadfast in the middle of the doorway.

JOE, mid-twenties. An over sized hooded sweatshirt, in lieu of a winter coat, covers his lean frame. Slouch fit jeans and heavy black boots finish off his hardened, aggressive image.

He stands among the morning commuters, watching the uncompromising Jane.

He takes two decisive steps toward her. Leaning forward, he stops his mouth a hair’s breadth away from her ear and utters sotto voce.

JOE
It’s not very helpful with you
standing there, is it?

Jane sucks in a nearly audible breath, but remains immovable.

She shifts her head to look at Joe, shooting daggers at him with her eyes. She turns away and proceeds to ignore him hovering behind her.

Joe stares at her for a moment, then returns to his FRIEND and begins whispering loudly.

JOE

It takes a certain level of conceit
and prerogative to obstruct the
doorway during rush hour.

Friend nods in agreement.

These hushed tones prick up the ears and shift the eyes of surrounding commuters, who witnessed Joe’s comment to Jane.

JOE (CONT’D)
Anyways, it’s not like I’m
insulting her for no reason.

I mean if you are not going to
remember your manners, you
shouldn’t even bother leaving
the house.

FRIEND
What if she’s on her way
to meet up with her manners.
Then she has to leave the house.

Joe and Friend laugh. Surrounding commuters smirk.

A scowl of humiliation crosses Jane’s face, but she pretends not to hear Joe and Friend.

She pulls her expensive cashmere coat tighter around herself and prepares to exit the train.

Joe, looks in her direction, determined to make a concerted effort to instill manners into Jane.

JOE
Maybe next time, you’ll remember
your manners like a big girl.

Jane exits the train, stands on the platform facing Joe and flips him “the bird”.

Joe and Friend laugh.

FADE TO BLACK.

No portion of this script may be performed or reporoduced by any means, or quoted or published in any medium without the prior consent of NEWIN FILMS INC.

I'm a stickler for manners, I grew up having it instilled in me. It's one of my finer qualities. It's also one of the qualities I find most attractive in men (once you get passed all the physical attributes, afterall, I'm not blind).

My "Joe crush" is because of this very reason, he said all the things that I was thinking and so much more. An articulate, manner-filled hard core rocker willing to disrespect the ill-mannered.

A great paradox wrapped in a boy for Christmas. Wishes do come true!

Disclaimer: The names have been changed to protect the innocent.... and the guilty... and because I never really heard any names mentioned. All dialogue remains unaltered, some actions may have been embellished for the sake of the story.

CHOOSE WISE WORDS

I am a word snob, English and foreign languages alike.

I like knowing the etymology and semantics of words, its origin, interpretation and relationship to other language form. This comprehension of words makes learning new languages manageable (I'm in the process of learning Spanish, understanding the relation of Spanish words to French, Latin or English makes it easier for me to remember).

The more I write, the more I find myself in a greater search for more succinct and precise usage of words. An endless search for the absolute perfect words to convey my thoughts or images flawlessly.

"Choose your words wisely", advice taken to heart in my writing and in my conversation.

Conversation, however, is always subjective, what you mean and what is interpreted are not always one in the same. Therefore, even in speech I often choose words that leave little room for misinterpretation. I mean what I say, and I say what I mean (but this doesn't mean that I always say what I think, for THAT would definitely get me into trouble).

"What do you mean?" and "Do you know what I mean?" are questions that are often heard in my dialogue with others. Regardless of my constant usage of these phrases, dimwits, who discard my query of comprehension, have often misinterpreted me.

Speech should not be an attempt to string some random words together in hopes of being understood. Recognize what you're saying and what others say to you. If you don't "get it", for god sakes, ask for clarification.

Long blog short: I'm tired of dealing with Idiots. I give up. You try; see if you can get any further than me.

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

ON THE 1st DAY...

I've been waiting for this day with great anticipation. It's been circled on my calendar for months. (Well, not physically... I would have, if I had an actual calendar. BUT I've mentally circled it, in my cranium calendar.)

Why?

Beginning today, I can officially start telling everyone who crosses my path to have a HAPPY HOLIDAY and a MERRY CHRISTMAS! Starting today, I'm allowed to sing Christmas carols at the loudest volume my voice and neighbours will allow.

Any sooner than today, people give me funny looks and refuse to reciprocate the Christmas sentiment (this is not an assumption, it is a tried and tested certainty).

I’ve already begun reacquainting myself with that warm-merry Christmas feeling via downloaded Christmas music.

Christmas, it's everything I love all rolled into one holiday. Gift giving, Friends n' Family time, gingerbread and sugar cookies, cooking (Rumours to the contrary aside, I am a VERY GOOD COOK, I just don't do it very often), over indulging, TV specials, group singing, home decorating, Holiday parties, dressing pretty and SHOPPING!

Malls are over loaded with shoppers, but I don't care. No one in my family is fanatical about getting the latest gadgets or any must have item... so I'm free of gift giving restrictions. To some, this would be an annoyance; to me this is a great challenge, an annual treasure hunt with my own lyrical accompaniment.

Dashing through the Mall
In a rush to find a gift
Through the stores we go
Spending money swift.

Loved ones on your mind
Making spirits bright
Oh, What fun it is to seek and find
A perfect gift tonight! Aaay!

HAPPY SHOPPING, ONE AND ALL!