I Am Deeply Shamed
April 30, 2008
For someone who claims to be in the know and attends “dorky” events with enthusiasm, I am horrified to announce that I have just become aware of a bookstore in Pasadena that does readings with some interesting and amazing people. Because I am consumed by self-doubt and horrified at the thought of spending $4.05 per gallon, if I can’t walk somewhere I usually don’t go. Just last week I missed Stephen Hawking give a lecture at Cal Tech. Granted, I didn’t know about his appearance until 3 days after the fact but I should have. While I’ve been keeping my ears pricked and my camera ready as I’ve spent many hours loitering the 3rd Street Promenade and combing the beaches for celebrity sightings, I’ve cheated myself on some truly fascinating lectures. But boys and girls, that’s all about to change.
It turns out that one of my favorite authors, Dave Sedaris, will be speaking in a Pasadena bookstore (Vroman’s) on June 28. This is a MUST-ATTEND event for me. That man is a huge kick in the pants and I have spent many hours laughing out loud while reading some of his books. You should know that me making noises while laughing — outside of any sort of wheezing and the occasional snort — is huge for me. I may have a fantastic (if not twisted) sense of humor but I’m a silent laugher.
Next week, former President Jimmy Carter will be at this bookstore! You may or may not agree with his recent meeting with Hamas leaders. Maybe Habitat for Humanity means nothing to you and you still remember what a disaster the hostage crisis of 1980 was (I know I do. I had to write a content analysis of events for my first grad school class and my professor was a complete nut case). But he’s a former president and I’m clearly interested in what he has to say. I know, I know… my dorkiness prevails but I believe I already said that I was OK with this. I’ve got my tickets and I’ll be standing in line 90 minutes before hand with all the other political wonks in LA.
Then there will be a sit down with Barbara Walters. OK, now she gets on my nerves, I don’t agree with her on a number of issues, and think her show (The View) is pretty lame… but I could be saying this because although I’m not as perky as Elizabeth Hasselbeck, I’m much smarter than she is and could no doubt add value to that joke of a show whereas she just pisses people off. I suppose with my hosting duties (after taking Elizabeth’s place, of course) I wouldn’t refer to it as “a joke” but would no doubt embrace the information it provides to housewives and hung over college students. But I digress. She’s (that’s Ms. Walters, NOT Elizabeth Hasselbeck)broken ground for female journalists and knocked some incredible interviews out of the park. There’s no doubt Babs has some good stories to tell.
I’m always on the look out for something to do and it looks like listening to Jimmy Carter will be just the thing this girl needs. The goal is just to keep on top of all these speaking engagements and then to actually attend them. While I may not be able to eat at a restaurant by myself (I feel as though people are judging me, like the waiter, and think I’m a very sad individual), I have no problem seeing movies alone (well, I do if it’s a Friday or Saturday night) and frequently attend lectures all by my lonesome. Maybe I’ll meet someone new who shares my passion for the dorkier things in life. Maybe.
Entry Filed under: Dave Sedaris, Politics, california, pure luck, things to do in LA. Tags: Jimmy Carter, book reading.
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1.
Lynne | April 30, 2008 at 4:33 pm
I actually like watching The View and do so often, however, I despise Elizabeth Hasselbeck. I even considered writing a blog about her today called Elizabeth Hasselb****.
2.
pamajama | April 30, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Wow, those are some great names to visit with. I would love to see both Jimmy Carter and Barbara Walters. I saw her for a taping of The View, but that was completely different. I am not a fan of the show, not in the least little bit. Not sure why I don’t get it, since I know many people who looove it. I have to run to the library to check out some David Sedaris. Laughing out loud is worth the trip!
3.
glassowater | April 30, 2008 at 7:33 pm
I love David Sedaris! He is one of my favorite authors and I have gone to see him speak on several occassions. My other favorite speaker is Sarah Vowell. I would so go with you to the dorkier lecture stuff! I love all that!
The silliest(dorkiest) thing I found myself going to in the past few years was a lecture at the University Of NH by a UFO conspiracy author that was both informative and amazingly hysterical! Nothing like listening to the paranoid rantings of some lunatic and being thoroughly entertained not only by his lunatic fringe mentality but also by the fact that the college shelled out for his speaking fee!
I have been to quite a few open and free lectures at UNH, Harvard, UCONN, Dartmouth, Holyoke and Smith..for me, it’s like live action National Public Radio….
4.
bluesuit12 | May 1, 2008 at 5:42 am
Wow sounds like you have some good, fun stuff planned! And Lynne if you read this comment, I think your title for a blog is hilarious. I hate her too and am not sure why they keep her on the show.
5.
Allison | May 1, 2008 at 6:59 am
I you replace Elizabeth, I will set my DVR to record The View daily.
6.
Allison | May 1, 2008 at 6:59 am
If, not I.
7.
lowdogg | May 2, 2008 at 6:59 am
Echh. Jimmy Carter. I would love to remember him for Habitat for Humanity if he could just keep his mouth shut. But I can’t say it wouldn’t be worth going to.
Maybe I would dress like an Israeli victim of Hamas.
8.
Pammy Girl | May 2, 2008 at 7:31 am
Lynne: Amen, sister!
Pamajama: check out Dave Sedaris and learn why he makes me snort (especially ‘The Santa Land Diaries‘).
Glass: Public lectures = fascinating entertainment. I love how you described it, too: live action National Public Radio. Hilarious!
Bluesuit: feel free to join me anytime!
Allison: Awww… thanks so much. Feel free to tell Babs that when she visits your town.
LowDogg: You remember I’m a Dem, right? While you may not agree with his ideals or actions, Carter is a fascinating individuals who will no doubt provide an excellent lecture without being defensive or angry. I can’t say the same about our current “leader”.
9.
Sportsattitude | May 3, 2008 at 11:34 am
It is interesting a number of folks have been “on” Carter for talking with Hamas. If anyone has been paying attention, one of Barack Obama’s key positions on international diplomacy is he claims he is willing to meet with those others are writing off. One way to understand those who hate us so much is to engage them. I can’t see why meeting with someone means you are on the same page as them or share their views. Giving someone an audience isn’t the same as being one of them. I have no issue with either a Republican or Democrat meeting with anyone anywhere, anytime…if we’re not willing to do so we clearly have no interest in striving for a world without conflict. I saw Carter on “Hardball” the other day and was impressed with how he seems to still “have it” after all these years. And his work with Habitat For Humanity is legendary and as worthy a cause as there can be, providing people with shelter and a home they can call their own.
10.
Natalie Black | May 6, 2008 at 2:03 pm
That’s not dorky at all! I love that you are filling your time with valuable things like attending lectures and I’m especially impressed that you are posing as a pseudo-paparrazzo. Haha! Your roommate “L” looked great at the fashion show by the way, as do you. Don’t be too concerned with eating out alone. I do it occasionally and it’s empowering.
11.
lowdogg | May 6, 2008 at 5:30 pm
I definitely know you’re a Dem. That’s partly why I left a comment. Its for fun.
I do hope you’ll tell it how it was.