Understand
I am not a know-it-all. I may think I know a lot. But, I never profess to know it all. In fact, I’m always open to learning more. So, it should come as no surprise that there are some things I just don’t understand…
I do not understand why people feel a need to fill out their Facebook status with So-and-so has nothing to say. Maybe it’s just me, but if you don’t have something to say, why don’t you shut the hell up? Along those lines, I also do not understand why some people find it necessary to give hourly updates on the status of their children, allergies, weather or sports. Maybe it’s just the way I use FB, which is to scroll through it a few times a week looking for the big stuff.
I do not understand why anyone thinks sex tapes are a good idea. Eventually, someone you did not choose is going to see that sex tape. I especially do not understand why celebrities (or wannabe celebrities) make sex tapes. Because, when that someone you did not choose finds that sex tape, most likely that someone you did not choose is going to try to make money off selling that sex tape. And then you’re going to get mad. And whine that your privacy has been invaded. How about not making that sex tape in the first place and you’ll never have to worry about who finds it, because there’s nothing to be found.
I do not understand why I like being irrelevant with pop culture. What do I mean? Well, shows I do not have any interest in watching include American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Glee, Lost, SNL (regardless of whether Betty White is or isn’t hosting), 30 Rock, need I go on? You’d think I’d feel left out when the world seems to blog and FB and Twitter (which I also refuse to do) about these shows. But, I don’t. If anything, I get annoyed that that’s all people have to discuss.
I do not understand why Diet Coke, ice cream, Coco Pebbles and candy have to be bad for me. Seriously, if they were good for me, I’d probably eat them a lot less. For that matter, I do not understand why peppers, brussel sprouts, beets and turnips can’t taste like Diet Coke, ice cream, Coco Pebbles and candy. If they did, I’d likely eat them. Willingly.
I do not understand why certain celebrities feel it necessary to renew their vows. I take that back. I kind of find what Heidi Klum and Seal do each year to be cute, funny and a fun way to celebrate their marriage. But, Mariah and Nick, Tori and Dean? Definitely not so cute. In fact, it wreaks of desperation to stay in the spotlight. I know, Mariah, why don’t you put out some music that people actually like and then maybe they’ll care about you. Tori? I wish I had an answer, but you never were a very good actor and probably should find another career.
I do not understand why it’s so hard to differentiate between my work email and my personal email. Work email is for work. Therefore, only people involved with me during my workday should be using it. Personal email is for everything else. It’s an account I can keep up in the background if I’m not too busy, but an account I can easily shut down if I’m slammed at work. I have asked friends and family to use said personal account. And yet, some people refuse to let go of my work address (which a lifetime ago, I did use for personal banter). I wonder if people will notice if the emails they send to me at work go without response.
And there you have just a glimpse into some of the things I do not understand. Care to help clear the air? Or care to add your own list of things you don’t understand?
May 13th, 2010 at 6:29 am
A few comments:
Just last night we were talking about FB and I said I don’t understand why people use their status to write political BS. FB is not the right area for that… imo! It just makes people look like total extremists asses!
I am completely irrelevant to pop culture too. Especially TV. Every once in awhile I watch Top Gear on On Demand and that is it. We are seeing Iron Man 2 this weekend but I think that is my only touch to pop culture. Definitely not interested in music ;)
And seriously with the email? That is just strange! Sure, Steven sends the “when are you coming home?” and “how is your day” emails, but that is it.
There is a lot I don’t understand. I should start a list too.
May 13th, 2010 at 6:43 am
Sorry, I can’t help clear the air on any of that stuff ’cause I don’t understand it either.
I’m afraid the list of things I don’t understand would take weeks/months/years to complete and then I wouldn’t understand why I wasted all that time completing the list of things I’ll never understand.
I do understand why I love reading your posts ;)
May 13th, 2010 at 7:23 am
I have the same trouble with people e-mailing me on my work account, it kinda boggles me!
Things I don’t understand: why construction projects take so long in Canada, reality tv, and French. I would love to speak it but would have no hope of ever keeping up with it, so I stay uninformed.
May 13th, 2010 at 7:51 am
I’m not a fan of pop culture reality shows either. There are a few shows I dont miss during the week but thats it. I also dont give people my work email and if they do find it, I ask them not too. If I couldnt access my personal email at work I would probably use it more though for a few select people.
Things I don’t understand — co-workers who insist on putting their cell phones on loud and have stupid ringtones (like a freaking dog barking), why people think fruit and jello in a mold is a good idea, and why the work weeks take forever but the weekends fly by.
May 13th, 2010 at 8:40 am
I facebook update a lot, but I try to limit to once or twice a day. And I love most things pop culture. I think that is because I still consider myself an awkward 14 year old at heart.
I don’t understand why dust gathers so quickly on book shelves and lamps. Do I have to dust every single day?
May 13th, 2010 at 8:56 am
I don’t understand irresponsible pet owners. Seriously, if you get a dog you have responsibilities to pick up after your dog.. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen dog owners let their dogs do their stuff and walk away. Ugh!
I agree with the daily or hourly facebook updates. Most of my friends of FB are not like that.
May 13th, 2010 at 9:04 am
“Mariah, why don’t you put out some music that people actually like and then maybe they’ll care about you. Tori? I wish I had an answer, but you never were a very good actor and probably should find another career.”
High five!!
I don’t understand why the over/underpass idea hasn’t made it to Winnipeg yet. Yesterday I sat in traffic for an hour and a half and if we’d had simple overpasses it would’ve expedited the trip considerably. Or why cars aren’t all “Go Go Gadget” machines and we could just switch on the propellers when traffic was too slow. The sky’s a big place!!
May 13th, 2010 at 9:13 am
I don’t understand why Tori from Tori and Dean thinks it’s okay for her to be so darn skinny. Honestly, she looks ill. I hope that she can get help if she needs it.
I don’t understand why coworkers send an email asking for you to do something when they could have done it in the time it took for them to send said email. And also why the older dudes at my office send an email, proceed to walk up to my desk and ask if I received it. Either/or, dudes, not both.
And also? Why guys think it is okay to text you to ask you out. NOT OK. Immediate turn off. Phone calls is where it’s at. Texts are for once you’re in a relationship. If you’re too shy to make the call, then you shouldn’t be dating. And if you’re too lazy to make the call, then I definitely am not interested.
Whew! Feels good to get that off my chest =)
May 13th, 2010 at 9:29 am
I don’t get the sex tape thing either. Why do people want to see themselves have sex??? I can’t say that’s anywhere on my list of Things I Want To Do. Having the sex = good. Watching the sex = bad.
Tori Spelling also needs to eat a bagel or twenty.
May 13th, 2010 at 9:44 am
Haha. I’m actually irritated at myself that I am in love with Glee. Glee and Celebrity Rehab.
May 13th, 2010 at 9:45 am
I don’t know Nilsa, 30 Rock is pretty damn funny. But the one I would say you are definitely missing out on if you’re not watching it is Modern Family. That’s one not to miss!
I think act like they are mad about the sex tape being leaked but really any publicity is STILL publicity. It’s all a ruse to get back into the limelight.
In my opinion, the worst offenders are those that update FB and Twitter with the same shit. I hide them on FB because it’s a bit of overkill.
May 13th, 2010 at 9:47 am
ha ha! I agree with a lot of those things, like the FB status updates. There is a friend of mine who ALWAYS posts about his kids puking. HIDE.
I do like pop culture and I think for a lot of people it’s one of those safe topics like the weather. It’s common ground. I do, however, stop talking about a pop culture subject if I see that someone I’m talking to has no idea what I’m talking about. I can read social cues.
I think one of the biggest things I don’t understand is how people who are miserable seem to like being in a state of miserableness. is that a word? Anyway, they seem to never try and find any way to lift themselves out of that state. Everyone has periods of sadness, loneliness, depression…but I for one don’t want to feel that way so I at least try as best as I can to try and find happiness. Yeah, I just don’t understand that…
May 13th, 2010 at 9:51 am
Oh if only beets didn’t taste so disgusting I would eat them, but blech! Ick. Ewww. Nope.
It’s funny you should mention the tv shows and pop culture. Matt feels the same way you do which is really a negative for him because he’s been teaching high school students who always mention something related to pop culture which he never understands. Guess who he comes and asks? Yup, me. I’m going with what Sizzle said too, 30 Rock and Modern Family are pretty hilarious.
May 13th, 2010 at 10:12 am
When I was a little kid I used to think I would grow up to invent a machine that would make broccoli taste like chocolate ice cream and vice versa.
I shouldn’t have given up on that dream so early. ;)
May 13th, 2010 at 10:13 am
I don’t understand why people feel that they don’t have a right to be offended. Like, they are going to explode if someone offends them. Get over it, people shouldn’t have to walk on eggshells to please everyone. It’s impossible!
May 13th, 2010 at 11:13 am
I’m right there with ya on the FB status thing, and I laughed out loud at the “Tori? You need a new career” part.
Me? I don’t understand why God invented allergies. Especially allergies to foods that are a) delicious, or b) found in EVERYTHING. I also don’t understand why every night this week around 10 PM, I’ve been getting so tired that I literally can’t keep my head up…regardless of how many hours of sleep I had the night before!
May 13th, 2010 at 11:44 am
I’m so with you on the work email/ personal email thing. Other than a quick logistical email (movie tickets, plane tickets, hair appointment, dinner reservation), I don’t use work email for personal stuff. It’s just not appropriate. My dad didn’t seem to agree and sent a really inappropriate forward to me a year ago at my work address. I immediately sent a curt response back telling him to never contact me at work and that he shouldn’t be sending out inappropriate emails period. He didn’t like that, but you know what? Too bad. I have a job to do and won’t have it compromised because my father can’t be a professional, let alone aware that he’s acting inappropriately as a father.
May 13th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Um, I don’t understand how your list PERFECTLY mirrors what *I* don’t understand either! Facebook, Glee, Lost, celebrities, sex tapes… I hear you, lady. I HEAR you.
It’s startling to me that on most days I get a lot less than I grasp. Is that good? Is it bad? Eh, who knows.
May 13th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
Nilsa, you totally crack me up. I hate to laugh at your “I don’t understands” -- but the range of them just totally got me. I think sex tapes are made on purpose -- with the intent that someone will find them and the “stars” of them will get a bunch of publicity. Facebook statuses…yeah I don’t really care that you have nothing to say or that your 2 year old just had a really stinky diaper.
The TV and pop culture stuff though…I get sucked in! I’m sure you rolled your eyes at my blog yesterday. :) Being a theater buff, I would think you actually might enjoy Glee.
You know what I don’t understand? Why people keep hacking up kids in China. And why our country isn’t doing more to find alternative fuel sources so we can ditch the middle east. And why wine tastes so much better when you drink it with certain kinds of cheese. I’m just really thankful for that last one, even if I don’t understand it…
May 13th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
I don’t understand why I can’t eat whatever I want, exercise minimally, and not lose weight.
How’s that for a segue? Would you mind emailing me about your final recap for JC? I re-read the posts, but I’m not sure if you would give it a final thumbs-up or not. We’re debating that, WW, or Nutrisystem. Hubs has about 17lbs to lose, I have about 10.
May 13th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Apparently I don’t understand what the Facebook updating rules are. I may bore you or others with certain updates, but I do know there are people/family in my life and on facebook who do care that my daughter performed well in her dance recital, for instance. Too bad there is not a “boring”: filter for that stuff.
Pop culture… well not having watched network or cable for 2 years except an hour or two here and there at the gym, I don’t know/care much about it either, and frankly never did.
I don’t understand how I don’t miss my old job as a scientist, but I miss working and I miss science.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Ugh, I wish I understood FB better. Half the things people post are awful. I gotta agree with Sizz though — 30 Rock and Modern Family are amazing.
May 13th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
I agree with you on FB. I don’t want a blow-by-blow of where you are going, what you are doing, etc. “Phil is at the gym.” Etc. Who cares? Put something funny up. Put something interesting up. Etc.
Sex tapes are for publicity.
I disagree with you on the food thing. Beets are DELICIOUS. I have never had Cocoa Puffs so I have no idea what they taste like, but they kind of sound disgusting. Who wants chocolate in the morning? I guess I do like hot chocolate though….
As far as pop culture? I don’t care about some of those shows- AI, Dancing, Lost, etc. but I do watch 30 Rock b/c it is hilarious. TV is what interests you. Betty White was funny on SNL this past week though…
May 13th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
I work in a cube farm and as such have no privacy whatsoever. I don’t understand why my co-workers (a) leave their cell phones on the loudest ring possible (and by “ring” I mean some annoying song they think is cute) and (b) have a loud personal argument with their significant other while (c) having their conversation on SPEAKER.
It’s a cell phone people, just follow the rules -- put it on vibrate when you enter the office, take your personal conversations outside, never ever ever ever put said conversations on speaker -- it was bad enough just hearing one side of the argument.
May 13th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Similar to your sex tape reference, I do not understand why men in the limelight--politicians, ummm Golfers--think they can cheat and get away with it. Like, seriously? I want to shake them. Someone always finds out! And someone will always sell you out if US Weekly comes with enough cash, so if you are hiring a call girl on a regular basis or have a sex addiction (fulfilled by smeone other than your wife)… it will be found out. Can’t you see that? Boggles my mind.
I agree with you wholeheartedly about Diet Coke. I would live in much less shame if the piled up cans in the recycling bin at my desk were not considered poison by so many. I dont do much bad, shouldnt i be able to drink my diet coke in peace??
May 13th, 2010 at 11:25 pm
Sure a sex tape is a great idea in theory but then it gets real and then the affects of it are even more real. Plus, do you really want to watch yourself in odd positions like that? no. Leave that to professionals.
May 13th, 2010 at 11:26 pm
I found myself nodding along to a lot of these because I feel the same way. Especially the one about soft drinks, ice cream and candy being bad for me. It shouldn’t be. Period.
And I don’t understand sex tapes, either. Or why I always feel like I need to eat fast food (something I stay away from at all costs) once I smell it. What’s up with that?
I hope you’re having a good week! I’ve missed reading your blog!
May 14th, 2010 at 11:34 am
I rarely update my Facebook page, but I try not to put just anything there when I do. I try to be clever and informative. Facebook for me, lately, is simply a place where I can see what my long time friends and family are up to. If they are eating lunch and post that every day, then I don’t care to know what they are up to. If they have something informative to post, then I like that.
As for keeping the work email and personal email separated, I am 100% in support of that. As an email admin for over 15 years, I have harped on people to keep their personal emails out of their work accounts. I see this when someone quits and I have to manage their disabled accounts and see tons and tons of Target, Victoria Secret, ESPN, Match.com and all sorts of stuff that they subscribed to while employed, but didn’t unsubscribe before they left. Irks the living shit out of me. I try to tell people to sign up for GMail, Yahoo or Hotmail and move all of their personal emails over to it. Some listen, but obviously some do not.
May 14th, 2010 at 9:33 pm
I don’t understand pop culture either. Well, at least pop culture when it comes to television. Sure I watch it but I refuse to make it a part of my daily conversation online or in real life. I will mark a blog post as read, skip over a Tweet or a Facebook status if I see it’s solely about popular television shows.
May 18th, 2010 at 2:34 am
I loved this post, Nilsa.
I should write my own “I don’t understand”-list when my vacation is over ;)
I am totally with you on the pop-culture thing… I don’t have time (and I am not interested) to follow all the shows that you mentioned (or others).
May 19th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Hahaha I completely agree with you the FB ones. I also don’t understand why people insist on putting up melodramatic, depressing, woe-is-me facebook statues! Hate those!!
I use my work email for personal with a couple of friends -- but for the most part I keep them separate!