young americans

I found myself watching a show called "Life After Top Chef" on On Demand this morning.  Well, I was watching it until my fabulous cable company decided that for some reason I could no longer watch that show at this time.  They seem to fail quite regularly when it comes to delivering shows On Demand.  I guess I did not read the fine print that says it is On THEIR Demand and not mine.  I am a pretty big fan of "Top Chef," and began watching this show merely because I think that Jen Carroll is quite easy on the eyes.  "Hot" as the younger generation might say.  I would gladly let her date me, but I digress.  This blog is less about food and more about not food.  Seriously, Jen Carroll, if you are reading this blog call me. Day or night.

As I was watching the few minutes of this particular episode that I was allowed to watch by bubba's cable company, Fabio made a comment about the American Dream (noted as AD in this blog)  and that got me thinking.  Scary I know, and yes I do feel a migraine coming on now.  Fabio (not the one on the covers of romance novels, but the chef) grew up in Italy, and came to America 5 years ago. He has been successful as a chef/businessman.  He said he is living the American Dream.  Apparently he works about 40 hours a day in order to live that dream.

What does the American Dream mean?  Does it require working yourself into oblivion?  Working so much that you have no time for friends, family, proper rest and relaxation?  Where do we draw the line and say enough is enough?  Of course I have songs for it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNw1ZPzqP9Q

Advertising executives might have you believe that the AD is wearing the right clothes, drinking the right vodka, eating at the right restaurants, and happiness will abound.  I've worn some of those clothes (sorry but skinny jeans will never find their way onto my body), I've drank the "right" vodkas/rum/bourbon/beer in various combinations.  I've eaten at many nice restaurants.  Let me tell you that none of those things compare to the joy I feel when I hear my daughter laugh at something stupid I have done to elicit that laugh. That laughter is the essence of the AD to me.

 I remember one day, many years ago, they opened a new Super Target near her house.  (yes, i am aware of the irony surrounding my story as we went to consumerists mecca). We journey to Mecca several times a week.  She had been to this particular store before, but I had not.  She kept telling me how big the store was compared to the dinky little target that was 5 miles down the road.  We pull into the parking lot and I just let out a string of "Woos" as I feign surprise at how large the store is.  At first, she had a look in her eye like I might need to be committed to some institution, and hopefully they still make use of electric shock therapy.  Then she realized while I may be insane, I'm pretty damned entertaining and she started laughing and could not stop laughing.  The real benefit of being able to make people laugh is not that it makes you feel good, it is that it keeps them from sending you to Uncle Jethro's Mid-Western Facility for the Clinically Insane that is conveniently located in Guam. 

I believe that at one time my vision of the AD was having a big ol' pile of money that I could roll around in like a pile of freshly raked leaves in the fall.  And while I would not shun that pile of dough, I feel as if my views have changed as I have aged.  Now, I think that the AD is more about spending quality time with my friends and family.  Taking some time out for myself. Stopping to smell the roses if you will.  I've worked 6 days a week before, and quite frankly it sucked. 

Now I'm not saying I support a vow of poverty. Not quite ready to join the monastery, wear a woolen robe and chant all day long.  I'm just saying that I value interactions with the world around me more than I value material things.

What might your idea of the American Dream be?  How far are you willing to go to achieve that dream? 

I am aware that I used to plural "songs" earlier, and I did not lie. Nor did I make an grammatical mistake.  At least not one that has to do with using a plural noun. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVYDnQwi3OQ

yes, i know this song is about heroin use, but maybe the American Dream is like heroin for some. "I used to do a little, but a little wouldn't do, so a little got more and more."
well, i must go pack so I can move.