The fact that I’m blogging today is nothing short of a miracle.
Nothing truly catastrophic has happened–for which I am immensely grateful–but I’ve had enough work and personal drama over the last two weeks to fuel at least three Lifetime movies and about three seasons of Sons of Anarchy.
Don’t believe me? Try holding a coherent conversation with me that lasts longer than thirty seconds, and then reevaluate. Remember Captain Pike in the first episodes of Star Trek?
Yeah, that’s me—minus the scars and the fancy automated chair. I’m fairly certain my frontal lobe is closed for renovation due to the nuclear implosion that occurred either late Monday night or early Tuesday morning.
Thankfully, those who work or live in close proximity to me have (wisely) given me space today. (Hubby’s been keeping his distance since I threw a two-pound hand weight across the room Tuesday night. Go figure.) This much needed bit of breathing room has allowed the tiniest fraction of fog to lift long enough for me to ruminate on how I responded to my latest fourteen day stretch of drama hell.
In a word?
Scarlett.
Yeah, baby. That’s totally how I responded. Not soft spoken. Not calm, cool, and collected. Oh, hell no. I let my mind be heard to anyone in a tri-state area.
And then I came home and fretted about it every night.
“Why can’t I be more like Melanie?” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said this to myself. She was so gracious. Kind. Cool-headed.
Alas, that’s not me. And no amount of wishing will ever make it different.
But the more I’ve stewed about it, the more I’ve decided it’s ok I’m like I am. Scarlett, for all her drama, held her shit together when it counted. Not only that, she made sure her people—Melanie included—were taken care of. (Well, up until a certain point. Some people need tough love, and I think Scarlett would have dished that out too.)
Which one are you? Scarlett, or Melanie? Rhett, or Ashley? Some other fictional character you relate to? And why?
9 Comments
C. C. Cedras
September 26, 2013 at 2:50 pm*sigh* Gender identification issues aside, I really am more Rhett than anyone. I’ll chase after what I think I want for a good long while, but if it’s just too much trouble/drama? Seriously, I have no damns to give.
Rhenna
September 26, 2013 at 6:34 pmGotta love Rhett!
CJ Burright
September 26, 2013 at 4:32 pmI was reading this at work and laughed out loud when I saw that picture of Captain Pike! I’m still laughing! That is SO me sometimes! I’ve never watched Gone with the Wind (gasp – I know! Sacrilege or something!), but, to keep with the Star Trek theme, I’d have to say I’m more like Lt. Uhura – quiet, reliable, rarely throws a bitch fit. I’ve been oh-so-tempted to fly off the broomstick, believe me, but there’s only room for one drama queen (Yup. Hubby’s a total DQ) in my family.
Rhenna
September 26, 2013 at 6:34 pmOk, that does it. Next year. RWA. Gone with the Wind part in my room. Gez, girl. You write ROMANCE for cryin’ out loud. (Though I’ll confess. I’ve never watched Casablanca.)
Susan
September 27, 2013 at 5:18 amGracious+kind+cool headed=BORING! Plus, I’m pretty sure when Melanie died, it was because of bleeding ulcers from holding all her upset inside.
True women throw weights when the need arises.
Hope things are better soon!
Marianna Ramondetta Heusler
September 27, 2013 at 7:55 amAbsolutely Scarlett. Love when she tore down those green curtains. And when she held up that carrot and screamed, “As God is my witness, they won’t lick me. I’ll live through this and after it’s over, I will never be hungry again, or any of my folks. I will lie, I will kill, I will steal, but as God is my witness, I will never be hungry again!” Words to live by,
Ritter
September 27, 2013 at 4:42 pmI remember the first time I saw Gone With the Wind–at about 12, I think. I thought Scarlett was the strongest character I’d ever seen, as she struck out for what she wanted, and let nothing and no one stand in her way. And if a roadblock came up she didn’t let it get her down; she’d think about it when she was ready. Then I read the book and saw the movie again at about 16, and realized how incredibly wrong I was before, and recognized that Melanie was not only the strongest character in the story but had the most character besides. She knew–really knew–but kept her head up and her family intact, and was deemed the lady until her last breath. I’d like to say I used the amazing moment to model myself after Melanie as I moved forward in my life. But sadly, like Scarlett I have a tendency to kick butt and take names too often instead. I do remind myself pretty often, however, that meek doesn’t not equal weak, so I guess that’s good, anyway.
But when it comes to the guys, I can’t figure anyway to understand Scarlett’s attraction to Ashley. I’ll take “Captain” Butler any day of the week, thank you.
Gretchen Wing
October 1, 2013 at 10:42 amFirst of all, OMG Rhenna, get out there and rent Casablanca. NOW. ‘Nuff said. Now, about your question? I’m totally Scarlett, but less for the bitchiness and more for the “I’ll think about that tomorrow” approach to life. In fact I actually SAID that last week, talking about self-publishing and how hard it’s going to be! Humor.
Rhenna
October 1, 2013 at 11:21 amHahahaha! I know, I know! I’m horrible. Maybe I’ll add it to the to-do list. Right after I finish catching up on Sons of Anarchy. 🙂