Sometimes I wonder why as we get older, we women choose to complicate our everyday lives obsessing with how we look. A photographer blogs about his observations in a straightforward enough manner (which is what I'd expect from a guy), and I find myself agreeing with him. Just as he said, at the end of the day, men don't complain for as long as it makes them turn their heads.
Woman in Red - Makeup by Dave Beckerman
The more I learned about what women go through, just to get out of the house, the more I began to believe that if I had been born a woman, I would have had a very tough time getting anything done.
I have enough trouble just trimming my beard every once in a while and all my clothes are the same - jeans and tee-shirts.
Tomorrow, for example, I need to go to a birthday party, and already I'm in trouble because my one pair of "good pants" - well let's say they are seriously crumpled. And I need a hair-cut. And there's a host of stuff that I've put off while I've been doing my work.
And then put on top of that all the other things that they are responsible for - and I can honestly say that I just don't see how I could get anything creative done.
Obviously, since there have been great women artists - there's a way to do it. But I think that if you jump back two hundred years - I don't know that there were many women artists back then. Were there?
Can you imagine living in a world where it took over two hours to get dressed for a party. I used to wonder, as a kid why my mom was always late for everything. When I grew up I found out.
All my dad had to do was put on his suit, maybe brush his teeth and shower and voila. But women, especially at a certain age, are forced by society to be actresses and play roles that are just so time-consuming, and frankly - superficial.
Now in real life, I don't complain about this. I see a beautiful woman and my head turns just like it always did.
Do you know what the fashion and cosmetic business pulls in every year? I'm not saying that there aren't some men that go through a similar process but it's mostly the face and hair that's got to be groomed.
With a woman - it seems to be every single part of her body. In other words - every potentially erogenous zone (I think that's what they used to be called) has to be taken care of. I won't name them all - but from nails to bust to eyes, nose, hair, fingers, toes, etc. etc. What a job.
And sometimes I see that even a large pocketbook isn't enough to carry the paint and brushes around.
I was fascinated by this for a while, and just kept a lookout for women putting on their makeup on the subway each morning. It's enough for an album.
Well anyway - those are my thoughts. Not sure if they are P.C. - probably not - but it's too late to think about that and I've got to get to sleep.
I did a shoot today of a woman, and watching her fix her makeup between each shot (which I am glad she did because the pictures turned out beautiful and no I won't post them now - not without her permission) - but like I say, I would have made a bad job of it.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Peace and (Dis)order
The recent rains prompted me to go through the stuff I have been keeping in storage for, well, goodness knows how long...
I could have easily tossed out all the excess files in the trash can that morning, but as usual, curiosity and the urge to browse slowed down the sorting process and I was once again looking at the mountain of paper that become a haven to bookworms, silverfish, and 'dust bunnies'.
I focused on the contents of a shelving unit that stood in the corner. There were some novels that were handed down by my mother (a voracious reader who has more time to enjoy at her stage in life at past prime) and several inspirational books that I picked up from book sales over the years.
...then I noted in dismay that there must be at least two more boxes of books that I haven't brought out since we moved to this apartment more than a year ago...
I ended up moving my modest collection(s) of magazines to my bedroom. I had one set that was on travelling, another that was a year's subscription of National Geographic, another on home decorating, and yet another on the fascinating stories of high society. Though I scarcely read through an entire issue at a time, I keep the magazines for an occasional dose of light reading.
I lingered on the huge pile of documents and miscellaneous files, all sorted in folders and binders. They should have been properly kept in a metal filing cabinet, but I decided against getting one since I was so convinced that I could keep the paper stream under control.
The subjects of scrutiny were: training manuals from the courses I delivered or developed when I was working for a call center, modules on coaching and leadership development, materials from the conferences and seminars I attended as a delegate from time to time, excess worksheets and lesson outlines from the years that I worked as an ESL instructor (there were essays written by my students, photocopied sections from references such as textbook and academic journals, notes and handouts from my French, Spanish, and Italian classes conducted by my co-instructors).
I even dug up materials from my university days: term papers, copies from required readings, a published script from "The Apartment", film critiques, shooting guides. As I went through them I recalled discussions from discourse analysis exercises in class.
Even after tossing out a basketful of paper, I still felt that resistance to part with the contents of the remaining folders, which are research materials and references. One would think there should be less need for hard copies what with search engines and wikis --- but I reasoned I could never completely trust anything that’s copy-pasted or inadequately researched.
I feel a sense of calm whenever I sit down to sort things. There is something comfortingly familiar about flipping through pages that open a wealth of knowledge, insight, and even memories. Skimming through files felt like opening tiny drawers in my head and letting ideas leap at me like the little critters that were agitated by my sorting.
Another day was ending, and it looked like the decluttering chore was just starting. In the battle for control over the physical chaos housed in this 12’ by 8’ utility-cum-guest room, I realize that the 'hoarding instinct' is a long, long way from surrendering.
I could have easily tossed out all the excess files in the trash can that morning, but as usual, curiosity and the urge to browse slowed down the sorting process and I was once again looking at the mountain of paper that become a haven to bookworms, silverfish, and 'dust bunnies'.
I focused on the contents of a shelving unit that stood in the corner. There were some novels that were handed down by my mother (a voracious reader who has more time to enjoy at her stage in life at past prime) and several inspirational books that I picked up from book sales over the years.
...then I noted in dismay that there must be at least two more boxes of books that I haven't brought out since we moved to this apartment more than a year ago...
I ended up moving my modest collection(s) of magazines to my bedroom. I had one set that was on travelling, another that was a year's subscription of National Geographic, another on home decorating, and yet another on the fascinating stories of high society. Though I scarcely read through an entire issue at a time, I keep the magazines for an occasional dose of light reading.
I lingered on the huge pile of documents and miscellaneous files, all sorted in folders and binders. They should have been properly kept in a metal filing cabinet, but I decided against getting one since I was so convinced that I could keep the paper stream under control.
The subjects of scrutiny were: training manuals from the courses I delivered or developed when I was working for a call center, modules on coaching and leadership development, materials from the conferences and seminars I attended as a delegate from time to time, excess worksheets and lesson outlines from the years that I worked as an ESL instructor (there were essays written by my students, photocopied sections from references such as textbook and academic journals, notes and handouts from my French, Spanish, and Italian classes conducted by my co-instructors).
I even dug up materials from my university days: term papers, copies from required readings, a published script from "The Apartment", film critiques, shooting guides. As I went through them I recalled discussions from discourse analysis exercises in class.
Even after tossing out a basketful of paper, I still felt that resistance to part with the contents of the remaining folders, which are research materials and references. One would think there should be less need for hard copies what with search engines and wikis --- but I reasoned I could never completely trust anything that’s copy-pasted or inadequately researched.
I feel a sense of calm whenever I sit down to sort things. There is something comfortingly familiar about flipping through pages that open a wealth of knowledge, insight, and even memories. Skimming through files felt like opening tiny drawers in my head and letting ideas leap at me like the little critters that were agitated by my sorting.
Another day was ending, and it looked like the decluttering chore was just starting. In the battle for control over the physical chaos housed in this 12’ by 8’ utility-cum-guest room, I realize that the 'hoarding instinct' is a long, long way from surrendering.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Facing Myself in Facebook
Taking quizzes is among the things I liked doing on Facebook (well, when quizzes were still in). Here, I am posting some of the results that I got, and I must say that they don't sound that far away from the truth...
===================================================
The Stripping Down Test
Result: You Are Observant in Life - You are serious and stable. You are a bit of a perfectionist, and you like structure.
You are the happiest when you are planning and dreaming. You like to live in the future.
You are sensitive and considerate. You are always putting other people's needs before your own.
You are adventurous and constantly seeking. You feel like you still have a lot to learn about yourself.
Are You One in a Million?
There are approximately 424,166 people with the last name R-----. This Surname ranks the 42 most common in the United States. There are an estimated 215,901 Females with the last name "R-----". It is further estimated that there are about 29 Females with the exact name, C----- R-----.
What Does Your Mind Look Like?
Your mind is like The Deep Ocean. You are always active, but aren’t easy to get to know. Once people do, they see a clever but relaxed person. Many people look up to you, you're a hard worker, don’t waste time and are loyal to those close to you.
Que movimiento de la Historia Del Artes eres?
Eres Impresionismo - Buscas el completo rompimiento con lo clásico, lo estructurado, lo establecido. Eres un gran observador de los fenómenos de la naturaleza, a la que te vuelcas insistentemente; la forma en la que percibes la luz es todo en tu vida. Muestras también, gran interés en los aspectos espontáneos de lo cotidiano, eres sensible y perspectivo, aunque la sensación de las cosas es lo más importante para ti.
What Is Your Inner Self Saying?
Result: You’re a very unhappy person. Sad nearly all the time. Nothing makes you happy. You seem to always be in a funk and never want to join in with others. Happiness isn't something you look for, you just accept that you're alone, and that's that.
What Song Illustrates Your Life?
Result: Aretha Franklin - "R-E-S-P-E-C-T"!
Is that too much to ask? You work hard, live hard, but don't get what really should be coming your way. Right? Right. You bring in the cash, you bring on the laughs, you even fix the office's photo copier. Recognition? Of course not. Raise? No way. Appreciation? Forget it. Why bother even taking the quiz if no one will be slightly interested in seeing your result. Ask for what you want. Remember, you're the man (or woman)! Just a little bit...I can hear you humming the tune already!
Love And Life Via Date of Birth
Results:
Your Life : You are always surrounded by a circle of friends. You are friendly and fun to be with. Although you occasionally disappoint them by being stubborn, but over all, they love your qualities.
Your Love : You want to have full control of your love and that's not a nice way to treat your partner. You take your time in saying yes to his wedding proposal or if you are a man, you will not propose anyone until you are certainly confident which might take ages.
Are you a Woman or a Man?
Result: Woman! Congratulations! You are a typical woman who enjoys shopping, guys, and free meals! Be proud of yourself.. unless you are a man who got this result. Then I would seriously suggest changing up your life style.
What Kind of Mom are You
Result: Middle of the road kind of gal - You're really the most ideal kind of mom to have - You're not too strict, you're not too loose. The kids know how to have fun at a playdate, and you're not ripping out your hair worrying all of the time about airborn germs and fingerprints. You keep your kids clean and well maintained yet they have fun getting dirty too. You keep your house picked up, but you don't have a home air purifier system and sanitizing wipes stashed in every nook and cranny. Your kids play well with others because they have manners but they're also relaxed enough to make friends. Good for you!
"Which Crazy Bitch Are You?"
Result: Sinead O'Connor. - You are one fierce bitch. You are very independent and will take no bullshit from anyone but your personality is actually sort of quiet and shy. You are a natural beauty and you are very comfortable with your feminity. You don't feel the need to overdo it or go out of your way to fuss over your looks. You don't want to distract people from what you stand for and the talents you possess. You are very idealistic and will go to any extremes to stand up for what you believe in even if it creates controversy and people don't understand. Relationships can be hard for you sometimes because men feel threatened by you but time again they come running to you and realize that you are actually very sweet and motherly....until they cross you.
"Are You Clinically Insane?"
Result: Bipolar. - Ever wondered why you're so moody? You experience days or weeks of paralyzing, cheeto-binging depression, then a week of frenzied, hyperactive, ridiculously irresponsible behavior characterized by wild thoughts, sleepless nights, maxing out credit cards, having unprotected sex with dozens of strangers... or shaving your head and attacking the paparazzi with an umbrella. Some might call that chemically imbalanced... others call it "passionate" or blame it on the "artistic temperament". Whatever you call it, you could do with some balance... and Abilify..
Which Type of Woman Are You?
Result: Lovely Lady - You are lovely and caring. You help others and spread out a lot of sympathy. Your life aim maybe is to serve the people. But your weakness is that you forget about yourself, your own needs. All your time is hold back for your friends and family. You are always there for people in trouble. Ready for any emergency. You make a lot of sacrifices just to be a good human. But every woman has her needs, her longings and a destiny. Don't lose yourself in work or curing other people's souls. You will have your own problems in your life. Another problem is that you don't say your opinion when it's right and important to say it. People trample onto your soul if you are always so kind and lovely and helpful. They will play on you. Though you should try to relax more and enjoy your life, you should not lose the gift that was given to you to help others . Not everyone is created this way... You are unique and rare!
What Are You Born To Do?
Result: natural instinct - Tell us the truth... when you were a kid you played the detective game more than any other games and you were always the detective. Whether you are a private investigator or a govt. agent you will be the top of your field...you have a natural instinct which helps you to understand and look at it from a different angle than everyone else
===================================================
The Stripping Down Test
Result: You Are Observant in Life - You are serious and stable. You are a bit of a perfectionist, and you like structure.
You are the happiest when you are planning and dreaming. You like to live in the future.
You are sensitive and considerate. You are always putting other people's needs before your own.
You are adventurous and constantly seeking. You feel like you still have a lot to learn about yourself.
Are You One in a Million?
There are approximately 424,166 people with the last name R-----. This Surname ranks the 42 most common in the United States. There are an estimated 215,901 Females with the last name "R-----". It is further estimated that there are about 29 Females with the exact name, C----- R-----.
What Does Your Mind Look Like?
Your mind is like The Deep Ocean. You are always active, but aren’t easy to get to know. Once people do, they see a clever but relaxed person. Many people look up to you, you're a hard worker, don’t waste time and are loyal to those close to you.
Que movimiento de la Historia Del Artes eres?
Eres Impresionismo - Buscas el completo rompimiento con lo clásico, lo estructurado, lo establecido. Eres un gran observador de los fenómenos de la naturaleza, a la que te vuelcas insistentemente; la forma en la que percibes la luz es todo en tu vida. Muestras también, gran interés en los aspectos espontáneos de lo cotidiano, eres sensible y perspectivo, aunque la sensación de las cosas es lo más importante para ti.
What Is Your Inner Self Saying?
Result: You’re a very unhappy person. Sad nearly all the time. Nothing makes you happy. You seem to always be in a funk and never want to join in with others. Happiness isn't something you look for, you just accept that you're alone, and that's that.
What Song Illustrates Your Life?
Result: Aretha Franklin - "R-E-S-P-E-C-T"!
Is that too much to ask? You work hard, live hard, but don't get what really should be coming your way. Right? Right. You bring in the cash, you bring on the laughs, you even fix the office's photo copier. Recognition? Of course not. Raise? No way. Appreciation? Forget it. Why bother even taking the quiz if no one will be slightly interested in seeing your result. Ask for what you want. Remember, you're the man (or woman)! Just a little bit...I can hear you humming the tune already!
Love And Life Via Date of Birth
Results:
Your Life : You are always surrounded by a circle of friends. You are friendly and fun to be with. Although you occasionally disappoint them by being stubborn, but over all, they love your qualities.
Your Love : You want to have full control of your love and that's not a nice way to treat your partner. You take your time in saying yes to his wedding proposal or if you are a man, you will not propose anyone until you are certainly confident which might take ages.
Are you a Woman or a Man?
Result: Woman! Congratulations! You are a typical woman who enjoys shopping, guys, and free meals! Be proud of yourself.. unless you are a man who got this result. Then I would seriously suggest changing up your life style.
What Kind of Mom are You
Result: Middle of the road kind of gal - You're really the most ideal kind of mom to have - You're not too strict, you're not too loose. The kids know how to have fun at a playdate, and you're not ripping out your hair worrying all of the time about airborn germs and fingerprints. You keep your kids clean and well maintained yet they have fun getting dirty too. You keep your house picked up, but you don't have a home air purifier system and sanitizing wipes stashed in every nook and cranny. Your kids play well with others because they have manners but they're also relaxed enough to make friends. Good for you!
"Which Crazy Bitch Are You?"
Result: Sinead O'Connor. - You are one fierce bitch. You are very independent and will take no bullshit from anyone but your personality is actually sort of quiet and shy. You are a natural beauty and you are very comfortable with your feminity. You don't feel the need to overdo it or go out of your way to fuss over your looks. You don't want to distract people from what you stand for and the talents you possess. You are very idealistic and will go to any extremes to stand up for what you believe in even if it creates controversy and people don't understand. Relationships can be hard for you sometimes because men feel threatened by you but time again they come running to you and realize that you are actually very sweet and motherly....until they cross you.
"Are You Clinically Insane?"
Result: Bipolar. - Ever wondered why you're so moody? You experience days or weeks of paralyzing, cheeto-binging depression, then a week of frenzied, hyperactive, ridiculously irresponsible behavior characterized by wild thoughts, sleepless nights, maxing out credit cards, having unprotected sex with dozens of strangers... or shaving your head and attacking the paparazzi with an umbrella. Some might call that chemically imbalanced... others call it "passionate" or blame it on the "artistic temperament". Whatever you call it, you could do with some balance... and Abilify..
Which Type of Woman Are You?
Result: Lovely Lady - You are lovely and caring. You help others and spread out a lot of sympathy. Your life aim maybe is to serve the people. But your weakness is that you forget about yourself, your own needs. All your time is hold back for your friends and family. You are always there for people in trouble. Ready for any emergency. You make a lot of sacrifices just to be a good human. But every woman has her needs, her longings and a destiny. Don't lose yourself in work or curing other people's souls. You will have your own problems in your life. Another problem is that you don't say your opinion when it's right and important to say it. People trample onto your soul if you are always so kind and lovely and helpful. They will play on you. Though you should try to relax more and enjoy your life, you should not lose the gift that was given to you to help others . Not everyone is created this way... You are unique and rare!
What Are You Born To Do?
Result: natural instinct - Tell us the truth... when you were a kid you played the detective game more than any other games and you were always the detective. Whether you are a private investigator or a govt. agent you will be the top of your field...you have a natural instinct which helps you to understand and look at it from a different angle than everyone else
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