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FacebookI’m feeling a little down right now because “The OC” has been canceled. While it’s not my favorite show, it is pretty irreplaceable. If “24” were to be canceled, I would be bummed but I don’t think I’d miss it (the story has been told). “Smallville” desperately needs to be canceled. Even the “Law & Orders” have been on for years and as much as I love it, I don’t think I’d miss it (not with continous the reruns on cable). “Lost” is a damn fine show…but the novelty has sorta worn off. I’d miss all my shows but none as much as “The OC.”
I’ve got this thing for bad teen dramas–I always have. From “90210” to “Dawson’s Creek” to “The OC” I’ve always had a primetime soap whose key demographic is teenage girls in my life. I don’t know why I like them so much–I just do. I guess what’s appealing about “The OC” is it’s a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously–it even mocks itself quite a bit. Sitcoms tend to be too over the top. That’s what’s great about my teen dramas: they have comedic moments and interesting enough storylines to detain viewers.
And soon “The OC” will be gone. The irony is that it’s still good–just as fresh and funny as the day it first aired. I don’t think the story is the slightest bit tired–there’s plenty more places to take it. I’m even impressed with how the producers handled the classic teen problem of keeping the kids around when it’s time for them to move away to college (“90210” somehow managed to send all but one of its characters to a fictional local college–like that could ever happen). Oh my “OC!” How I will miss thee!
I need another one–another corny drama to get me through the week (where’s Kevin Williamson when you need him). Either that or I’m just gonna hafta buy the box set of “90210.”
I never was much of a fan of New Year’s Eve. From the first time I stayed up to midnight, I’ve always questioned the validity of this “holiday.” Most holidays have a reason. On Veterans Day we’re honoring those who died for our freedom. Mother’s Day honors those who gave birth to us. Even on Arbor Day, we’re celebrating the life of our friend the tree.
But exactly what are we honoring with New Year’s Eve? Thanksgiving–now that’s a holiday. The Fourth of July has its merits too. Hell, even the Irish have a reason to party on St. Patrick’s Day. But New Year’s? “Celebrating” the Earth’s revolution around the sun always just struck me as an excuse to get drunk.
Nevertheless, I tried the New Year’s thing a few times–didn’t care much for it. Maybe it’s ’cause I’m not a heavy drinker or maybe it’s ’cause every day of my life is a party. Whatever the reason, I just couldn’t get into it. Amongst all the partying and celebrating, I couldn’t help but feel the whole thing was just downright stupid. Like we were all out their embarrassing ourselves (and I meant ‘we’ as in a species).
When I worked at Disneyland I was given the perfect excuse. If I was stuck working, I couldn’t go out partying with the world (that and New Year’s Eve shifts paid time and half). Even if I wasn’t scheduled to work, I made it a point to work that evening (you’d be surprised how many people are willing to give you their shift on New Year’s Eve–it’s almost like they’d rather be somewhere else).
Now that I’m a grownup, I’m done with going through the charade of trying to find a shindig worthy of my time on December 31st. When my boss approached me with the opportunity to pull a shift this New Year’s, I gladly accepted–even if he wasn’t gonna pay me (I’ll make it up for it by taking three hour lunch breaks for the next six months).
It may sound like the coward’s way out, but eventually you reach a point when you realize it’s just not worth it. Most events have a ridiculous cover charge. I’m still not much of a drinker (I prefer to save my boozing for drunken makeouts only). I really didn’t wanna fake it–that scene is just not my thing. I didn’t party this year and I don’t feel like any less than a man–or at least for the not-partying thing.