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[11 Nov 2022|11:22am] |
 throw your soul through every open door
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| {BIO & OOC CONTACT} |
[10 Nov 2022|10:10pm] |
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my faith in you could move these mountains
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[21 Jul 2011|12:13am] |
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[posted at one in the morning~] |
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For those of you just joining the show, I’ve become convinced that the dude who predicted the world was going to end a few months back might’ve not been entirely off. Before you start to side-eye me or start dunking me in a vat of tequila- hear me out. Maybe it’s not the claw of raptor Jesus that will bring the end of the planet but our own hands. Normally I try to be fairly optimistic about the state of the world. I’d like to believe that people can be inherently good and would like to mean well in their intentions. That’s not to say that I’m not realistic-enough in my personal views to be aware that for every bit of good in the world there’s someone/something out there trying to counterbalance that. (After all, someone had to help create dark forces like say, Justin Bieber.) However with tragedy after tragedy hitting our society in such frantic repetition? It’s honestly enough to test a person’s hope for the world.
Idealistically I’d like to think that if we used that energy we expel to destroy the world around us, we could probably turn this place into something magnificent. Then again that’s not to mean that destruction can at times breed creation. In esoteric terms, I mean. (What was my point again?) I guess my point in all of this is to just say that enough is enough. Society as a whole should step up our proverbial shit and stop repeating the same mistakes from the past. Ignorance, hate and senseless violence will not create any progress or advancements for the world around us. (However you define such markers per your prerogative.) I want to believe that as a people we are capable of more. But seeing such disparaging news flood the headlines constantly? It’s enough to make me second guess things. Then again it’s the bad stuff in life that makes all the good that much more valuable.
There are a few nervous habits I’ve picked up over the years that tend to emerge when something gets under my skin or has me particularly antsy. I’m not the type of guy to sit around with a thumb up his ass (hey now, keep those thoughts pg~) while things go on around him. I have to do something, anything to keep my mind off any particular stressors. One of those coping mechanisms is cooking. I know, I know. That’s not a big shocker to anyone who knows me or my passion in life. But I think this is one of those things I picked up from Nonna when I was young. I remember being a kid and occasionally eavesdropping when my mom would talk to her about whatever was going on in her life. At that time I was too naïve to realize just how hard my mom had it as a single parent working full-time and going to school on top of dealing with my adorable little ass. (Milla- no comments. None.) However while my mom vented to Nonna in the kitchen of that little apartment that at times managed to fit half of Brooklyn on major holidays, Nonna would just listen with an open presence. Nonna would hear my mother go on about her troubles but her hands would be busy creating yet another culinary masterpiece as the kitchen would fill up with the most delicious smells you could ever imagine. (At this point I was usually salivating or plotting a way to get a taste before anyone else but w/e.) Finally Mom would come to that point in her catharsis where she felt a semblance of peace. That’s where you would see Nonna work up her magic.
She’d serve up a plate of the food she just made and would let Mom chow down. Just as mom was half way done with her meal that’s when Nonna would start dishing out the advice. Now keep in mind that Nonna is nothing but honest with people. She loves the world and will treat you like you’re family regardless of who you are but if it’s one thing she’s guaranteed to do: she’s guaranteed to never bullshit you. It was during those times where I was spying on all of this that I came to realize just how much wisdom and strength my grandmother has. Between her laying out the law and being fully aware that she had you pinned to that plate, (Seriously, try walking away from her food. Just try) she would offer up some of the best advice on the planet. It was like she had all the answers in the world and all it took was for her to bring them to a simmer on the stove. I think that’s why I ended up going to culinary school after I graduated, mostly because I saw what Nonna was capable of achieving with the right blend of spices and a few choice words. So much to the shock of those around me, I developed the habit of cooking when I need to do something while stressed. It’s not a patronizing act or me determined to make everyone ten pounds heavier by Christmas. For real though- some of you need to eat. Too skinny! But as I whip up whatever recipe comes to mind first, I can’t help but hope that Nonna’s mojo rubs off on me and I can help find some of the answers the world needs. Even if at the moment it feels like it’s going to take more than just Pasta Florentine to turn the world around.
Before anyone asks: yes that’s an open invite for food. If you haven’t eaten a good meal or are living off a vending machine diet. (I’m giving my Nonna side-eye at a few of you.) Let me know and I’ll drop off some grub.
Keeping on topic of my family: Chicago brace yourself. The twenty-fifth is quickly approaching and that means one thing. Nonna and Mom are landing! I’ve managed to clean my apartment to the point that it doesn’t feel like home but if anything I know it’ll pass inspection. As for everyone else? Expect to have my family accost you for stories about me or prepare to be coddled by an elderly Italian woman who may or may not make commentary on your life. I’m genuinely excited for this visit and now having my beloved Milla here; Chicago is beginning to feel even more like home. (BTW, Milly. Imu and we need to do lunch/plot world domination/etc.) However preparing for this visit on top of dealing with all other things going on at once? Yeah, I’m certainly trying to keep my mind busy from stressing too much over people. Then again cooking my ass off, sparring relentlessly with my heavy bag and cleaning like crazy can only distract you for so long. I just hope that once my family lands that the visit goes well and that they approve of Noah and nothing bad happens. Cuz otherwise? I’m going to have to grab my frying pan and dish out some Tangled-inspired justice. Consider this my verbose wish for the best as I brace for the worst. I'm full or excess energy and if anything this has helped clear my head for a little bit. Though I most likely may go out for a run across the rooftops or go help the council go bug a certain RN. I guess that part of my evening remains to be seen.
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