Book Report: Know My Name

Per is my now usual - I bring you another book report/recommendation on a book I haven't finished.

I can't property describe this book. I've tried to explain to Paul and to other friends but don't know where to start. While lying in bed tonight, I had an idea of why I can not get this book out of my head. It's a concept I'll call the "Horrible Slot Machine".

The basic idea is that I can easily recall three situations at the same stage of my life as the author's, that could have added up to her story.

Situation 1: The post-graduation Ivy frat party

Towards the end of one week during my post-college internship in DC my cousin, Beckley, called to invite me to visit him in Philadelphia for family weekend at UPenn. His parents would be unable to join, and with his fraternity having an 80s party, it would be a fun Saturday to visit.

As I do, I showed-up wearing a New Kids on the Block t-shirt and bright purple Roos to learn that our first order of business would be dinner with his friends and their parents at the Ritz Carlton. #underdressed #borrowedcocktaildress 

After a nice dinner we headed back to his fraternity for the party. I don't remember a lot from the night other than the band was fun and I felt like a total dork. I was still 22, so I was in the age range of party goers, but I still felt totally out of place. I can't imagine I had more than a beer or two before I snuck back to Beckley's room to fall asleep.

I attempted to find a photo of my time in Philly, but it turns out I only have ten photos total of my Autumn on the East Coast. This NYC photo seemed fitting as Laurel went to Stanford where much of the book takes place.  

Situation 2: The accidental over consumption

Not surprising to anyone who knows me, I've never been a drinker. My basic personal objection is I find it annoying when people can only talk about their "real feelings" when they are drunk. The fact that I love dancing is the only thing that's kept me from having the complete appearance of someone who doesn't know how to have fun. With that introduction, there have been two times I have had too much too drink, both because of mis-calculations. 

Rum + Coke + Broke + NYE = Bringing Plastic Bottle in purse to bar 

Not big enough dinner + Purse Cocktail + Next Morning = Decide to buy a one way ticket to Mexico (ok that last life decision worked out ok)

Sushi + Sake + Bar Hoping + Altitude = The only time I've barfed not from illness.

Situation 3: The Worst Airplane Ride Ever

In the fall of 2009 I bought the JetBlue Unlimited Travel Pass. For something like $600 I could travel anywhere JetBlue flew (including international destinations if I paid the tax). I'd like to think my photography has improved since then, but let's be honest I just married up.

In any case, on my very last flight from SoCal to PDX I sat next to this man who would not stop touching me - holding my hand, putting his hand on my thigh, and trying to talk to me. I was, and am, a strong, assertive woman but I could not find the words to tell this guy to knock it off or ask a flight attendant for help. I was shocked by how powerless I could feel.

In conclusion, I know everyone comes to my blog for Hugo shenanigans:

Who knows what he's trying to reach.

Post-bath climb to eat sprigs of Rosemary. #littlegoat

Soggy nap

 but sometimes, you get a little piece of the Momma's mind too.