I admittedly ponder all things deep probably way too often. In fact, the most natural major in school for me probably would have been philosophy, but literature added a little pizzazz and ended up being a great choice.In any case, I spent most of this week horizontal on my couch due to the dreaded flu. I got more than a good dose of daytime TV as a result. I rarely watch Oprah, if ever. She kind of just rubs me the wrong way, but I do admit that she can occasionally touch on things that are pretty good. One of those "things," as I discovered yesterday is Rabbi Shmuley. This man is incredibly dynamic and exciting to listen to. He often returns to a core message, which can be annoying on some level, but the message is a good one: "Much of the disintegration that has taken place in American society rests in a poor and rigid definition of success." He went on many tangents with this, some that I agreed with and others I didn't. If you take a few minutes, though, and think about the larger implications of this statement, it's a terrible downward spiral to be stuck within. If you pigeonhole yourself within one definition of success, then you totally lose touch with your everyday little successes. On top of that, you become one miserable and terribly driven person (not that I can at all relate). For instance, most would look at their careers or schooling as their indicators of success. But, if you put your all into that, then you drain yourself for all other successes you should work on as well--family, self, etc. So, the next time you hear someone babbling on about their degrees or what not, take a moment to drill them on the concept of success. Go ahead, be a good friend and do so.
As I have gradually slipped out of school mode, a mode that demanded lots of my time both inside and outside of the classroom, I have started to use a bit more of my time to take in some shows. Many of the shows that I have ended up really enjoying are those that no one has recommended to me. This is a major feat for me because there were times before when I clearly remember having absolutely no idea what was on TV. I never watched! And when I did, it was to tune into CNN or the Weather Channel. Thank goodness, those habits have since been placed on the backburner, and I am now building my TV repretoire. In addition to some recommendations, I have branched out. And what's most interesting to me is the random and, for the most part, unrelated selections I make. Drumroll, please...here are my top 5 shows for this season:
1: Extreme Home Makeover. I know, I know. I'm sorry, but this show is like a drug for me. Not only do I get a good dose of humanity and generosity from some very attractive men, but I get a few good tips on decorating my new place!
2: House. Probably one of the most messed up and unrealistic samples of medical drama. However, I think this is what draws me to it. You get the medical mystery that makes you watch to the end, but you also have these super weird dynamics between characters. Fascinating.
3: Scrubs. Always a great dose of comedy and, again, some medical mystery. Looking back, maybe I was meant to go into the field!...Nah...it's much more fun when the stakes are no higher than me liking or disliking an episode.
4: Ugly Betty. And for the wild card...In all honesty, it's another example of duality. On the one hand, it's about the struggle for one to remain who they are despite their changing surroundings. And the other part is simply the tacky and incredibly pathetic goings on with the others in the workplace.
5: Grey's Anatomy. It's just good. The sex, the medical drama, the incredibly good looking hospital staff. Maybe people wouldn't mind the hospital so much if all doctors and support staff looked this way for real!
It's been good TV karma so far this year. And when you throw in the occasional Saturday mornings of oldies like Spin City and Dharma and Greg, you've got endless entertainment!
