adventures of a psychopathic magnet

My Dad is Red Forman

Over the years I have heard my Dad's lectures over, and over and over again, sometimes all in the same sitting. For some, I know exactly what he will say. Like the If-you-are-going-to-be-late-just-call one, or I-will-support-what-you-want-to-do-but-you-have-to-have-a-plan, or another big one I-think-it's-really-important-that-you(fill in activity/action/whatever here). But last night at the dinner table I got one of my all time favorites! The you-aren't-doing-enough-with-your-life lecture. God how I love it! I get to hear about how getting good grades in school and working and having a social life (he added this, scout's honor) is not enough. How I need to do something else because life is passing me by.
Among the suggestions as to what I should add to my life to give it meaning, were volunteer work or doing something unique for little or no money and that I don't enjoy but will learn something from. As I sat there listening to this lecture (interrupting one of my dad's lectures before the second loop is like digging your own grave) it dawned on me. I spent last year, working as a nanny for almost no money, I didn't really enjoy it but learned something from it. Oh, and it was in a different country, making it unique!
And let's see, what was it I did before that? Hmm......Thats right! I volunteered in an art gallery! True it's not the traditional help the homeless/retarded/whatever, but that wasn't specified in the lecture. In fact I believe he suggested the art museum as a good place to volunteer.
I'm glad he had this talk with me. As I obviously had NO idea how pointless and empty my life is. But as bad as it is for me, it's nothing compared to what Dave is going through right now. Ever see the episode of "That 70's Show" where Red busts them with pot? And he goes psycho and makes the house into a prison and does bed checks? It looks like that. All he needs to do is put bells on the doors.

posted by lulu @ 5:14 PM