Yesterday sure kicked my ass.
The news about my father was not actually at that all surprising. In fact, it explains a few things. However, the origin of his mental illness has always been of concern, and the more layers of it that are discovered, the more my siblings and I become worried about… well, catching crazy. Or, inheriting it, rather. Genetics can be a bitch. If it seems that I’m being glib about something serious, or that I’m being unkind, understand this: My father is a man who doesn't want to live with secrets. And he’s a man who fights hard things with humor. This is how we deal.
You want gentle, go pet a bunny.
The news about Mike, on the other hand, was horribly shocking. I’ve been seeing its radiating effects in comment boxes and on blogs all morning. His death strikes me as very senseless, and if it’s anything I can’t stand it’s lack of reason. I found myself wanting to argue with Paul when he told me. Which is just so me. Yes, let’s convince Paul that he’s wrong, and bring Mike back. I suppose it’s a natural reaction. Silly, but natural.
Instead of fighting, though, I sat at my desk and cried for a while. Then I patted my puffy eyes and retreated to Ari’s for good company, warm food, and the comfort of The OC. Oh, come on; don’t tell me that brainless television doesn’t make you feel a little better. That’s why God invented vegging, you know. Because he knew even a bagful of Hershey’s kisses only goes so far when you’re feeling whipped.
That’s probably also why he invented alcohol, though I suspect that may have had more to do with encouraging procreation. People are far more likely to be fruitful and multiply when they’re feeling drunk and flirty. Speaking of drunk and flirty, I think I’m headed out tonight for a bit of fun (no procreation, though). Let’s hope it results in scandalous stories, too, because I’m getting kinda tired of morose.
Besides, I’m out of Hershey’s Kisses. Again.
Sorry about your friend. I just ate a box of peeps on your behalf.
Posted by: krystalc at February 11, 2005 12:43 PMsorry about your father and your friends. bad news travel in bunches. have a fabulous evening tonight. and interesting point on alcohol and procreation in the olden days. hmm. makes more sense now.
Posted by: writersbloc gal at February 11, 2005 01:19 PMthat should read "friend" not "friends"... sorry.
Posted by: writersbloc gal at February 11, 2005 01:20 PMThus the whole reason I began watching 90210 and why The OC is such an important part of my life...nothing, I repeat nothing, can make you feel better than mind-numbing television.
Posted by: marissa at February 11, 2005 01:20 PMi, too, am sad to hear about your dad and your friend. try to have an extra fabulous weekend that includes fun, friends, and alcohol. :)
Posted by: red at February 11, 2005 01:28 PMI'm sorry. I inherited depression... it's a bummer. :P Meds help, though. :)
Posted by: Andrea at February 11, 2005 01:40 PMGoing out tonight is the smartest thing you can do. Get drunk, laugh and cry. Buy a shot in honor of Mike and give it to a complete stranger who looks like they need it. Life is so ridiculously hard sometimes,but it always gets better. Smile.
Posted by: Jasika at February 11, 2005 02:28 PMwhen my stepmother called and woke me at 3 in the morning, and said "your father just died", (nobody knew that he was even sick), the first thing that flew out of my mouth was, "are you sure?". mindless t.v. is a godsend.
Posted by: Alisa at February 11, 2005 04:24 PMLuckily there is always mindlessness going on here at the Ari-Apartment. I'm glad you came over darlin', we were happy to have you and that pizza was {your} genius idea.
My place is yours, it is here whenever you need. Love you.
Posted by: Ari at February 11, 2005 04:27 PMoh i love the oc, such a good show, or atleast it used to be...i feel as though this season just isn't as good or as funny as last years...but maybe that's just cuz i don't like marissa and i really don't like this whole lesbian plot-line thing they got going for her...just too over the top
Posted by: ak at February 11, 2005 06:09 PMI inherited my own crazyness from both my parents, who unfortunately met one day and then got married. Neither of them was ever properly diagnosed like I have been, but the genetics part is scary, especially when you have kids yourself. Go out there and have a good time, don't dwell on it too much. I have two relatively 'normal' sisters.
Posted by: Irene at February 12, 2005 04:59 AMH, I am once again posting this here because a lot of people read your blog...
We are holding a Celebrate Mike party on Friday, February 25th at 7 PM at the Overlook Lounge, located 225 East 44th St, between 2nd and 3rd Aves in NYC. You are all welcome, whether you knew Mike "in real life" or only through his blog. A bunch of us will be swapping anecdotes and raising a glass to our friend. This will be night of celebration---because that's what Mike would have wanted us to do. Please join us. I would also appreciate it if you could help spread the word.
Finally, if you would like to make a donation in Mike's name, his parents suggested the March of Dimes. You can click to send a donation here.
Posted by: Daniella at February 12, 2005 05:37 PMI'm out of chocolate, ice cream, wine, and doritos.
I'm doomed.
Posted by: Jen at February 12, 2005 06:25 PMBig hugs Fish. Friends are indeed great treasures to have in times like these.
Posted by: jimmycorrigan at February 12, 2005 07:25 PMOh how weird. As I read that you're out of Hershey's kisses the Hershey's Kisses commercial aired on TV. The one where they're square dancing.
Posted by: muffy at February 13, 2005 09:54 PM