SkoopaTroopa was A Roof Pirate

(with thanks to Echo Farmer for the memory boost)

I have this very distinct memory of piracy. There was jug wine. There was roof. There was Beloit. It was late summer or early fall and we were, most definitely, pirates -- swilling cheap lambrusco from across the Illinois border where they'd sell it to us after 9PM.

I was young. I don't know how young, exactly, 20 or 21. This was a time in my life where my id was definitely doing the driving. But, the fun thing about my id is that is has always sort of just been an old woman--like, have the most fun you can have while also being not actually that much fun. I think, though, that I cared less about things beyond the moment I was living in. That moment was what was important and I was always seeking out ways to really live in and love and experience the moment as it was happening. Drinking cheap booze on a Beliot roof top with my friends, pretending to be pirates, was one of those ways.

I can't even say how that entire scenario came about or why we were so into pirates at that point in time. My friend, Captain Spatula, was like a punk rock pirate of sorts. And, having the moniker "Captain Spatula" really sort of just sealed the deal. I think this night, the one that I can picture, where we're sitting on the roof top and listening to punk rock (those are Mest lyrics, aren't they... they are...living the dream, so to speak) and yelling very pirate-like things like "Did ye hear the cannon shots last night" or "Booched" with some "Avasts" and "Scallywags" thrown in for good measure, at passers-by is the night we came up with the rest of our pirate names.

This is something that happened a good decade ago. So, I really just don't remember how many of us were up there and I've probably forgotten most of the pirate names. There was Shoebeard, the Dread Pirate Scoop, Salty Echo and Dencker, who may have, in fact, been allergic to a pirate name.  And, really, none of this matters. It's a still frame that exists in my head and I associate the feeling of happiness with that moment on that rooftop.

I'm definitely romanticizing the moment. My life was, and always will be, imperfect. I am a girl who has loved and lost and lived, and that doesn't come without bumps or bruises. But, I remember the happiness I experienced during some of these more outlandish moments in my more formative years.

I think that when people get older, they lose these moments. They lose these feelings, the ones that make day to day life seem worth while. And, I wonder about those people. How do they live? What might their day to day lives be like? And, I think to myself that I never want to be one of those people.

And, this post isn't really about pirates. It's about realizing that you need to take the time to have fun in life. Sometimes that means sacrificing sleep or responsibility. Sometimes it means letting things pile up in your car or not picking up your bedroom as often as you should. Sometimes it means playing tag in public with your friends who are all well into their twenties or thirties or forties. Sometimes it means staying up all night just to spend time with someone you like. But, all of those times, it's worth it. Happiness is worth it. Friendship is worth it. Smiling is worth it. The hangover is worth it.

One Fine Day, SkoopaTroopa Was Peeing In A Pond...

This is, how you say, a "cop out" post. I haven't blogged in a while (shame on me) because I've been busy enjoying life and it's little quirks.

Currently, my English Composition students are studying "film" and their assignment is to essentially write a rhetorical analysis / literary criticism of their favorite film. I like to provide students with imperfect, but strong examples of what I'm looking for. However, when an assignment is new, I find that I've got to come up with my own "imperfect, but strong" example of what I might be looking for. I like to ask students permission to use their work as examples (name redacted, of course), but you can't do that if you just created the assignment. 

So, I took to writing my own college freshman analysis. Now, it's been a while since I've actually been a college freshman, but I think I see enough work to write something that might pass (or I'm a pedantic asshole... who knows... it's probably this option).

I decided to write about "Labyrinth" because I love the film. It's something my Aunt Tina passed down to me.... and something I plan to pass down to my nieces and nephews. Corrupt them young, I always say. 

If you're wondering about the title, and you might be.... the opening sequence of the Labyrinth portion of the film shows Hoggle peeing in a pond. This was something I found HILARIOUS as a child... and also today because I am, in fact, an overgrown child. My Aunt and I used to play a story game that often started out with "One fine day, Hoggle was peeing in a pond..." and went off in all sorts of fun and inappropriate directions.

 

“Labyrinth”

 The film “Labyrinth” was not a box office hit. It did not gain popularity until it found its way into the homes of potential viewers via VHS, DVD and now BluRay. The movie is widely regarded as a “cult classic,” which warmed the hearts of viewers through its opposition and derivation from mainstream cinema. While the film did not originally strike a chord with its intended audience, it has fought against the odds to attain a “cool” status. Today, the film is seen as revolutionary and is often ironically enjoyed. Though, in regards to popularity and quality, “Labyrinth” rivals some of today’s best films with its message of female empowerment, promotion of fostering strong friendships, use of trademark Henson puppetry, and inclusion of musical icon David Bowie.

 

The premise of the film is a simple one. A teenage girl, fed up with the way the world treats her (as so many teenagers are), wishes for the Goblin King to come and take her crying baby brother away. Not knowing that the Goblin King is real, the girl winds up going on a journey through the labyrinth to find and save her baby brother from becoming a goblin (Rattray & Henson, 1986). It is hokey. Though, it is meant to be. The film was aimed toward children. What wasn’t intended was the message of female empowerment that the film conveys.

The teenage girl, Sara, starts out as whiney. She is weak and absentminded. She believes the world is cruel and that her step-mother is “an evil witch from some fairy story” (Rattray & Henson, 1986). Though, as she gains determination while fighting to save her little brother, her childish attitude falls away. At the end of the film, she battles with the Goblin King and walks away the winner. She is stronger. The film conveys the idea that the Goblin King has no power over the young girl (Rattray & Henson, 1986). This was a newer approach used in the 80’s films. So, as time progressed, female viewers grabbed on to this character and the feats she managed to accomplish in the film. 

The film also conveys a warm fuzzy message about the enduring power of friendship. Sara enters the labyrinth alone. But, as she gets closer and closer to the center of the maze, she starts to pick up a colorful cast of friends. By the end of the film, they bonded through their adventures. Emotionally, this concept of friendship tugs at the heart strings of viewers. The resounding mantras of, we will be there whenever you call, whenever you need us and you’re not alone, even when you think you are connect to the sentiments of viewers. The characters are entertaining, grouchy, indignant and feisty. But, they are friends. They’re loving and supportive. This is something that all viewers want, that they can relate to. So, regardless of demographic, the film is able to bridge the gap between story and audience (Rattray & Henson, 1986).

However, it is not only the message and cast of characters that are compelling. The film itself relies on the creativity and design work of Jim Henson. Over time, Henson’s work has become a thing of legend. It’s also something that many people of many generations associate with their childhood. The vibrantly colored and imaginative puppetry that earned Henson his fame is ever present in this film. Henson, coupled with the artwork of Brian Froud, created fairies, goblins, henchmen, giant wooly beasts and even a tiny British snail. These iconic characters now adorn all sorts of merchandise. They are interesting to look at and aesthetically pleasing in a way that only Jim Henson was able to create. But, realistically, Jim Henson’s creations bring back fond memories of childhood of a time when things seemed simpler. This is the feeling that many viewers associate with “Labyrinth”. The film work and technology is limited by what was available in the mid-eighties, but still holds that signature Henson charm. 

 All of this, coupled with the choice of leading man, makes for a well-defined film. This, of course, refers to the iconic David Bowie. Bowie was a trendsetter. He was outspoken, bold, and talented. He was revered as the epitome of cool. Bowie brought an essence of 80’s glam to a children’s film. The world that knew him as this edgy musical pariah, but Bowie’s work in front of the camera only added to his repertoire. He went on to star in several films. 

Furthermore, he penned the soundtrack for the film. And, while it was a little tamer than some of his more experimental music, his vocal abilities and lyricism added another dimension to the film. He writes of love and greed and insanity. He portrays the Goblin King as a flawed individual in need of love, but also as someone who needs to control others. When all was said and done, the inclusion of David Bowie widened the scope of who the movie could or would eventually reach. Bowie fans, as adults, can watch the film and appreciate the talent and performance that he brought to the character, the music, and to the screen.
 

So, while “Labyrinth” was not initially the success that studios had anticipated, it is still a quality film. The way it has gained popularity against all odds is telling. The initial failings of “Labyrinth” were more due to an inability or confusion about how to market the film and who to sell it to. Does it appeal to children? Of course. Could it have been marketed to an older audience? Yes. It was a film that didn’t quite fit into the confines of traditional cinema. But, with an aire of coolness and a strong concept, the film has wormed its way into the hearts of viewers of all ages. The story is strong. The ideas are compelling. The puppetry is iconic. And, of course, David Bowie is David Bowie.

References

Rattray, E. (Producer) & Hensen, J. (Director). (1986) Labyrinth [Motion Picture]. United States

of America: TriStar Pictures

SkoopaTroopa's Grandparents Were Marines

I am a fairly rational adult human. I'm at a point in my life where I completely understand that I cannot have 100% of what I want, out of life, out of people, out of a relationship. It's unrealistic to expect to have ALL of what you want. And, I probably want and expect too much from other people. I understand all of that.

I'm also 100% okay with that. I don't think I NEED 100% of what I want. I just want it. But, I'm not a petulant child. So, it's okay if I don't get it.

But, for me, the trouble lies in determining which part of the pie is least important. What am I willing to budge on? What can I live without? It's not really a matter of settling for something less than I think I deserve, or even a matter of compromising, it's more a matter of happiness. I can give things up and still be happy, but what are those things? I don't really know. And, maybe that's one of those things that you never really know until they slap you in the face---or, I'm a moron. The world may never know (If it's me, and I'm the moron, go ahead and let me keep living in my idiot bliss).

I've always wanted to write about my grandparents. I've told this story to some people. For those of you who were fortunate enough to have known my grandparents, I'm sure you can also corroborate what I'm about to say.

***

My grandparents loved each other. They loved each other in this very real and very visceral way. It wasn't the type of love that you see in a gross sappy romance. It wasn't the love that you read about in fairy tales. It was real love, bruised and bloody, but also fierce and unrelenting.

My grandfather was an Air Force and Marine veteran who fought in the Korean War. My grandmother was also a Marine. They were always Marines, something they'd never let you forget. They met and married while in the military and both went to school for Political Science. They were young and very different from one another, but love was all like, yup. This is how things are going down.

Now, I'm sure my perspective differs from that of others. I am not their child. I did not know them in their more formative years. All I have to go on are stories of their youth and my own observations, which spanned about 28 years of my life.

My grandparents had and raised 6 sons and 1 daughter, and formed this crazy Chicago Hawaiian family, one that indulged in both American culture and Hawaiian culture. And, I know that they were never perfect. I'm sure my grandmother yelled and threw things much more than was necessary and that my grandfather probably just ducked and quietly rode out the storm most days. They'd bicker. They'd pick at one another. I'm sure they had habits that drove each other up a wall. My grandmother would constantly suck at her teeth, trying to get at who knows what. My grandfather would often nod off mid-conversation. They were what I'd refer to as adorable.

My grandfather's wardrobe largely consisted of Hawaiian shirts (and polos) and my grandmother was a fan of a good pair of black slacks. My grandfather was always looking for the next crazy get rich scheme and filled the basement of their house with things like Oxy Clean or Orange Glow or unprinted Hockey Jerseys, and my grandmother always went along with it. My grandmother liked to do craft fairs and sell Hawaiian wares. She played the ukelele and danced the hula, passing her knowledge down the line to her children (and trying to pass it on to some of her more uncooperative grandchildren, like myself -- I'll Hukilau right off stage left while no one is looking). And, my grandfather always went along with it. He'd sit behind craft fair tables telling stories about his youth, about Wisconsin. He'd give advice to others (and he'd usually tell me to go become a lawyer).

I have this really funny memory of sitting at one of those craft fairs. Some woman had come up to the table and was talking with my grandfather. My grandmother was so jealous. Like, how dare that random woman speak to her husband. It was very funny to see her get flustered, also slightly terrifying. But, you're looking at two people who had been married 40 years. There was trust there. But, she just didn't want another woman flirting with her husband.

My entire life, they refereed to one another by using gross pet names (I say gross, but only in this context because I, of course, do the same thing which is decidedly NOT gross) like babe. My grandfather would often refer to my grandmother as H.K., which I didn't figure out were her initials until much later than I should have -- a little slow on the pick-up there. But, then again, I forget that grandparents actually have names. They always held hands. It was disgusting, and also I loved every second of it.

Near the end of my grandmother's life, she sort of lacked a filter of any sort. And, I warn you that you may not want to read ahead -- I certainly didn't want to overhear the conversation when I did, but in retrospect it's definitely okay that I did. We were sitting in the living room. I don't know who else was there. It may have been a few family members or I may have randomly knocked on the door with a car full of my friends -- something that I did often when I was in college. I was always excited about it, like "Hey guys, you wanna go to Chicago and meet my awesome grandparents?!". I'm weird. Get over it.

Anyway, we had just eaten pizza. I'd show up. They'd order pizza, regardless of whether or not I was hungry. They were sitting in chairs across the room from one another and my grandmother was in a mood of some sort. The conversation, across the room, while I was sitting there went sort of like this:

Her: You don't love me anymore.
Him: Of course I do.
Her: Then why don't you touch me down there anymore?
Him: I do, sometimes.

I am sure I cringed. I'm sure I was wriggling and that I thought it was the grossest thing to hear. Ew! Ew! Ew! Grandparents are like Barbie dolls. But, after that fact, you're looking at a dying woman in her 70's having a nonsense spat with her doting husband.

Like, they really and truly loved one another right until the end. She passed away, and he was fairly healthy, not spry, but healthy. After she died, he was on a steady decline. He made it longer than I had anticipated, but not by far. His heart was broken. His partner was gone. But, he held on because they had built this super awesome family with an abundance of love, much of it aimed right at him, 7 kids and their significant others, 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

***

Now, I know that lots of people have stories like this. There's this attainable end game that we're all seeking, and this one is mine. I want an imperfect, but everlasting love. I definitely don't want all of what they had. But, what I do want is what they felt for one another.

And, it's not that this is some sort of metaphor for my life or poetical waxing. It's just this thing that's always bouncing in the back of my head. Like, it's real. It's there. I've seen it. I have proof. And, that's where I want to end up some day.

In the end, I will not be a princess with wealth and fortune and everything I've ever wanted. I'll be an old woman sucking at her teeth, trying to get out some chicken from lunch, sitting in a comfortable chair across the room from someone who has, does and always will love me despite my many faults.

SkoopaTroopa Does Self-Concepts (Again)

We build out self-concept based on the experiences we have with other people. If we do not communicate, it can be hard to determine what we like and what we dislike. If we do not expose ourselves to media, we don't form preferences. This is all a matter of common sense.

But, we define who we are based on these incidents. A self-concept is a relatively stable set of perceptions that we hold true about ourselves. It is something that doesn't change drastically over time. It helps us to understand who we are as people and it's made up of many many components. Someone with a strong self-concept will usually have strong self-esteem. If you don't know who you are, it's hard to find worth or value in yourself.

However, the self-concept is often something that is difficult to quantify or define. It is usually a complex creature. I've tried several activities with students asking them to create boards or mind-maps or write essays about their own self concepts. But, no activity has been as successful as I'd like it to have been.

So, I want to try something new the next time I get to teach the course. I want my students to come up with a list of fictional characters that they identify with (10, 20, 100, however many they like -- though I'll probably set a minimum at some point). Then, I'll have them analyze how/why they identify with these characters. Why do you connect?

It's my guess that we connect to these fictional characters because they're a reflection of something we see in ourselves. We are, at heart. selfish creatures. We're indulgent.... unless it's just me... it is, isn't it? Ha.

Regardless, I went ahead and did what I'm asking my classes to do... as a test. I invite you to do so as well. If you do, feel free to post it in the comments. At least, it will be an interesting social experiment. At most, it'll help you to understand yourself a little better, right?

1. April Ludgate - Parks and Rec : I have a sarcasm problem and a fascination with the darker side of life. I am the sort of person who thinks horror movies are, mostly, hilarious. I remember seeing The Ring in theaters with my first college roommate. At the end of the movie *spoiler alert*, when they show you the film itself, I cracked up laughing. The people in front of me turned around and explained why I was a monster for having laughed. Three days later, I got a bloody nose. If you've seen the movie, you'll understand why that's funny. So, I pulled an entire Ring prank on my roommate and had someone call the dorm with the "seven days" shtick. I thought it was hilarious. She did not.
2. Miss Frizzle - The Magic School Bus: If you've met me, you'll understand that I am a real-life version of the iconic Miss Frizzle (not to be confused with the new Miss Frizzle). I am off-beat, funny and I find joy in learning. I like to make learning fun, whenever possible, which is hopefully something my students enjoy. Also, I'm a teacher. While I do not teach science, as Miss Frizzle does, I do have a deep respect for it. She and I also have a very similar fashion sense.
3. Daria - Daria: The teenager in me was this odd combination of Daria and Jane. I was weird. I am weird. I liked things that most people did not. Again, sarcastic. I wasn't great at most sports (but did play some soccer, I like kicking stuff). Ask me to play volley ball and I'll pull a Daria, every time. I love books. I am smart. But, the Jane in me is all sorts of artsy fartsy.
4. Jessica Day - New Girl: Jess is the second teacher on my list, and there's a reason for that. I am a teacher. But, the reason that I really identify with Jessica Day is because I have the ability to laugh at myself when I'm being awkward, which is often. I am also terribly boy-stupid. I don't realize when men are flirting with me. I don't usually know how to react to it. On a practical level, both Jess and I have masters degrees, enjoy singing instead of speaking, are quirky and play guitar (and by play guitar, I mean jam on some sweet power chords).
5. The Dread Pirate Roberts - The Princess Bride: I think I am very much the country mouse who went to the big city to try to become something bigger and better than I thought I was. But, along the way, I was distracted by a group of misfits and decided that gaming and drinking and punk rock sounded more fun. However, I never lost sight of the noble quest of bettering myself and being more....just more. I have this sort of save the world complex where I want to help others, even when they so clearly do not want to be helped. And, I fear no rodent. So, I will save you from an ROUS if you need me to. I am always much more Fred Astaire than I ever will be Ginger Rodgers.
6. Skeeve the Magnificent - Another Fine Myth: This one is easy. I think of myself as a bumbling fool who, for some reason or another, has been put in a position of power. Much like Skeeve, I keep the ruse up. But, fundamentally, I sort of always doubt that the person who gave me power really knew what they were doing. In short, I am a magician posing as a powerful wizard in a world where powerful wizards are plentiful.
7. Rebecca Bunch - Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: Singing, again, with the singing. If I could sing my way through life, I would. I also identify with Rebecca because she is very smart, book smart. She, however, lacks the more practical life skills that many people have. I definitely fall into that category. I am lost when it comes to domestic life. I am a buffoon when it comes to romantic entanglements. But, I am a boss when it comes to textbooks and battles of wits.
8. Elmyra - Tiny Toons: Do I or do I not squish animals into aggressive bear hugs whether or not they want me to? Yes. I do that. Definitely, yes.
9. Edgar Frog- The Lost Boys: Besides my deep love of a good red bandana and collection of comic books, I have an unhealthy obsession with the "horror" genre. In addition to this, I am not opposed to having an underground vampire hunting gig on the side.
10. Andie - Pretty in Pink: This one is a little bit more complicated. I can empathize with Andie as I come from humble beginnings and was raised in a single-parent home. I've never been the popular girl. For most of my life, I was rather the opposite. Mostly unnoticed. Mostly without friends, save a few very close ones. I'm less that way today, but only because I found a niche in which I fit, people who made sense to me, and solidarity in being the odd one out. I think Andie would have developed that way too. She was torn over liking the pretty rich boy with the sensitive side. I may have been too. But, I'd have always gone for the Ducky instead. I like a good project, and I love devotion.

SkoopaTroopa Does Sportsing

I have a very complicated relationship with sports. My parents expected me to be a boy, but I popped out with a glorious innie instead. I was not the Danny they had been hoping for--and I think, especially my father, really wanted a boy. Looking back at childhood pictures, I was frequently dressed as a jockey or as a baseball player. Likely, this was through no choice of my own -- people don't generally let toddlers gussy themselves up.

 

 I was an uncoordinated child, much interested in fantasy or swordplay. I've never been very good at reality; it's super boring. I loved Thundercats and Silverhawks and the occasional BraveStarr. I routinely decapitated Barbie dolls because I didn't like them or because I was a burgeoning little serial killer--anywho...

I was a less than feminine child. There are pictures of me looking miserable in pink bunny outfits and frou frou dresses that my grandmother would buy for me -- they always came in tan Madigan's boxes with navy blue lids. I may even have some of those boxes stored away in my basement.

But, this, all of it, left me in this muddy middle ground, falling short of everyone's expectations -- Jessica, the disappointment--too female to be a boy and too masculine to be feminine, awe shucks.

I tried my hand at bowing for a while; I did an ill-advised stint as a cheerleader because I wanted a trophy. Both were sad and laughable feats. The only sport I ever actually wanted to play was soccer, which was never a "life passion" for me. But, this is all me getting ahead of myself.

My dad and I have very little in common, save a wide nose and similar shaped eyes. When I was young, he was a truck driver, often on the road. I didn't see him very often; I still don't. I'm not all that certain I've ever known him very well. However, I do know that he loves Chicago, our home town. More importantly, he loves Chicago sports.

So, as a child, it seemed in my best interest(s) to also love sports. And, I did. I didn't actually know what was happening in the game(s) I watched. I wasn't sure why some games were played on courts and others in fields. I did not know the rules of any of the games. They were far too complicated for my tiny flighty mind. What I did know was that Bulls and Bears and their Cubs were all that was right with the world.

I knew that Michael Jordan was a winner, to cheer for Scottie Pippen, and that Horace Grant wore ridiculous goggles. I knew that 1985 had been a good year and that I probably wanted a Papa Bear Halas. I learned to SuperBowl Shuffle and read books about "Sweetness", though I always preferred "The Fridge". I knew that we lived on the North side of town which meant that Sox were dirty and were best placed on feet or in shoes. I knew that Harry Caray called the games and that hot dogs always tasted better in Wrigley Field.

Sports were clearly important to my father. So, they became important to me. I have few truly vibrant memories from my childhood that include my father. But, I can always clearly picture myself sitting in his lap in my oversize ALF t-shirt, happily watching sports. I think I was content I think I felt accepted.

While I am less of a sports enthusiast than you might now assume, these moments with my father stuck with me, instilled in me this deep love for the city from which I came, this team loyalty. It's that thing that people don't understand about Chicago fans, why love a losing team? You love a losing team because it's part of who you are. You love a losing team because it's part of where you came from. You love a losing team because your dad loved a losing team, to be closer to him. You love a losing team because they don't always lose, because the sweet satisfaction of something you've cherished for so long finally achieving a victory makes it all that sweeter.