Characteristics
So, there comes a time in ones life when you’re confident enough in your own skin to be totally and utterly inane. In my case, I think this really settled in when I turned 30.
I realize now that I am deeply and happily uncool. I realize this especially when I look at my shoes.
There is a certain happiness however in the realization that you can be happily inane and uncool in the company of another. A few years ago, I would have felt that I had to try to retain my reserve around a good lady friend, a feeling that exists no longer. I am thus free to babble inanely and share my most infantile thoughts.
Here is a recent email conversation between my girlfriend Tiger and I, reproduced verbatim. We are both in our thirties and university educated. This is, I think, an example of the enjoyment of nonsense.
From: Slabface
Sent: Monday, 12 July 2010 11:33 a.m.
To: Tiger
Subject: Characteristics
Right.
You’re allowed three characteristics off of any wild animal.
Personality traits, or physical appendages.
x
From: Tiger
Sent: Monday, 12 July 2010 11:53 a.m.
To: Slabface
Subject: RE: Characteristics
An elephant’s memory.
A puppy’s enthusiasm.
An owl’s wisdom.
Et tu?
x
From: Slabface
Sent: Monday, 12 July 2010 11:54 a.m.
To: Tiger
Subject: RE: Characteristics
A giraffes horns, colouring and big black tongue.
x
From: Tiger
Sent: Monday, 12 July 2010 12:01 p.m.
To: Slabface
Subject: RE: Characteristics
Really? So basically, you just want to be a giraffe.
x
From: Slabface
Sent: Monday, 12 July 2010 12:03 p.m.
To: Tiger
Subject: RE: Characteristics
Yes.
x
