Wednesday, August 14, 2024

"cruel optimism"

My problem with the meds reminded me of Lauren Berlant's cruel optimism--in that, the thing that I was doing to make myself feel better was actually making me feel worse.

I gave myself the day off from editing to hang out with At. We're down to one car (because of our fender bender a couple of weeks ago) and Big A needed it to go give a talk in Ann Arbor, so I took a Lyft to At's place, and then At and I rode the bus everywhere. 

I got my pre-semester haircut, and then we went thrifting and hung out drinking tea and talking about what we'd read. I've put Andrea Long Chu's Females on my to-read list. I think it's a book meant to be disagreed with (meant to be disagreeable?) but it's very short. I had to chuckle at At's current playlist, which had the theme from The Battle of Algiers in honor of Imane Kheleif's Olympic victory and lawsuit. As Imani Gandy said, I hope she gets that "wizard money."

Big A picked me up from At's and we got home just as Nu got home from "kickstart" where they'd gotten their picture ID and senior year schedule. Max and Huckie were relieved to see everyone again and it reminded me that those poor babies have NO IDEA that school starts up next week...

Pic: At and me at the bus stop! We got there way too early for the bus because I was anxious we'd miss it. (Can I say... I'm glad At is so skilled at navigating Lansing's public transit system and that Lansing has such good public transit for such a small city, but also that it makes me sad to think of At waiting for the bus especially when the weather is bad. We've offered to buy another car after they totaled the car we gave them (as has my mom), but At's refused, and it's probably safer all around. But still...)

17 comments:

Nicole said...

I miss living in a place that has decent public transit! There is a transit system here but I don't think it's great in my area.
SENIOR YEAR FOR NU! Unbelievable! And yet, here we are!

Nance said...

At has a lovely smile. It's almost enigmatic, like the Mona Lisa's, in a way.

Your day together sounds perfect. Isn't it fun to have a special day with each kid? I still love doing that, and my sons are 36 and 39 now! (And Jared brings Theo. Even better.)

I hope Nu is excited about Senior Year. It's such a milestone--for everyone.

Gillian said...

Take care.

Jenny said...

exp, that book sounds interesting. And, you seem to have some bad car luck in your family! As Nicole said, at least you have decent public transportation. Our car insurance has gotten so expensive that just this morning my husband was threatening to go down to one car for our family, which would NEVER work where we live. But he's still muttering about getting an e-bike.

Jenny said...

That's weird- I have no idea where that "exp" came from at the beginning of my comment...

StephLove said...

Sounds like a fun outing. We all use public transit a lot, especially me and the kids, since none of us drive.

Life of a Doctor's Wife said...

Oh this sounds like a great day! Hooray for good public transit! And I love the photo of you two.

Sarah said...

That’s such a cute pic of you two. SENIOR YEAR!!!!!! Maybe Nu wants o go to UW and you can come visit ALL THE TIME?

NGS said...

No! Nu should go to UWW! Forget Madison! Small regionals are the way to go. Ha ha ha.

I am not ready for students to come to campus. I am Not. Ready. At. All.

maya said...

Here we are, indeed!! :)

maya said...

I shared your lovely compliment with At, Nance, thank you! I miss the Theo updates! This first year is so miraculous... And yes, Nu is cautiously excited :).

maya said...

Thank you!

maya said...

I would LOVE to walk or bike everywhere--if only our lives and cities were set up for it, right? Speaking of bad car luck, I don't know if you know that my car has been in the shop since January... haha

maya said...

Steph--That's a good reminder. I expect that's pretty standard when you live in the environs of a big city like D.C. though, right? Many of my NYC friends don't drive (never even learned to) too.

maya said...

Thank you, Suz!

maya said...

Thank you, Sarah. I think UW might be a reach for Nu, but that would be a plan!

maya said...

A bidding war for Nu? LFG! Engie--Same!! But it's happening anyway. Take a deep breath.

just look up

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