Good morning, Wednesday. Well it's 12/12/12 and it's a pretty one here in the city. My neurotic side thinks some weird meltdown will happen today, but my positive side says the earth is well in order today thus chaos will be kept at bay as the sun, moon, and stars align. Regardless, I had a funny thought as I was stuffing a kong full of treats for Khan last night so he would keep quiet while I was on a 9 pm conference call with Japan.
I was thinking about how stressed I feel lately and how every day I feel like I'm in the race of my life. The funny part is- I'm not much of a competitor, at least naturally. But through evolution and circumstance, I've become tough to beat in certain areas. Too bad I'm really more type C- than type A to really care. In the world of advertising, I'm surrounded with many people that are Type A times ten, of whom I've talked about before on this here blog and how I'm really just a lazy sod who would much prefer to watch television and loaf around than just about anything else on the regs.It's a good thing I live in New York City (NOT). Hardly a city for chililng out and way more a city for those seeking the tippy top and best in class.
Now there's two wonderfully smart and beautiful women I work with- both amazing at their jobs, on point, on their shit, and seemingly so composed. Not only do they kick ass at work, but they are also both triathletes, and have done Iron Mans and all sorts of other challenging things. And then this weekend's Times had an article about Wall Street type A dudes that instead of merely going to the gym on the weekends, do those "tough mudder" races where they risk electrocution, dehydration, and exhaustion. And you really can't blink these days without seeing some status of one of your hyper thyroided friends about Cross Fit, boot camp, or acrobatic yoga. I'm not mad at these people, but I can't help but wonder how many of our parents, or our parents parents, knew someone who was in a triathlon or even knew what one was. Yea, it seems like running really took off with Jim Fixx back in the day, but let's not forget he keeled over dead from a heart attack. I guess I'm just wondering when did everything get so competitive? So intense? So unneccesarily challenging? Do you really need to risk electrocution on a Saturday to stay in shape or prove your mettle? We've simply become a world where keeping up with the Joneses is no longer enough, you now have to pass them in a Roadrunner like frenzy (meep meep).
I guess what I really want to know is- can't we all just chill the fuck out? Or do I just need to move somewhere where competition is not the key to a good life? I'm just not in the mood to race you, chase you, or get covered my mud for a good time. If you have recommends on where I could go where such competitiveness was not required, send my way. I'm too lazy to look myself. (PS- am I becoming a socialist?)
And that's what's up this competition is overrated kind of Wednesday in the 212. Is harder and faster really always better? On this 12/12/12, the last repititive date we will see in our lifetimes, why not take a break and simply enjoy the afternoon? I'm starting to think life in the big city is marathon enough. On this triple threat of a 12 spot, let's all just take it down a notch. XO