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March 19, 2006
The Math of Fantasy
There is a science to my fantasy life, apparently.
It goes like this:
When there is some hint of romance and intrigue in my own life -- perhaps dating someone new, interviewing for summer associate positions, etc. -- my fantasies are very pragmatic. The perfect outfit I wear for said date. The incomprehensibly unblemished thing will I say that will solidify our fate forever. My impressive response to that surprise interview question. My deft response to my professor's question tomorrow.
But when there is, alas, no romance or intrigue, somehow my fantasies get more grandiose! The ultimate converse relationship.
And by fantasies I mean those little scenarios you set up for yourself as you're in bed, trying to fall asleep, and hoping to shape the path of your dreams.
Of course, you actually end up as Patty Hearst, robbing banks with some really ugly kidnappers, or your mother is taking high tea with an ex-boyfriend in his underwear and she has some watercress in her teeth, but you know, you try to at least get the party started right.
Anyway. When the facts of my own life lack the necessary potential, suddenly I find my bedtime stories involve things like:
- Winning the lottery
- Being discovered as the heretofore unknown heir to the throne of some country where being queen involves wearing a lot jewels and making Serious Policy Decisions about the fate of the nation
- Being discovered by George Clooney (and by being discovered I mean, Being Discovered, much like Columbus plundered America)
Anyway, I know these fantasies are ridiculous. And to tell you the truth, I just made up the Heretofore Unknown Heir to the Crown fantasy while I was writing this just now. But don't think I won't be using it these evening! Do you think heirs to the crown get to spend most of the time playing baccarat and drinking martinis? I kind of do. And maybe they have their own chauffeurs who get to drive them to clandestine make-out spots with their wrong-side-of-the-tracks, tough-with-a-heart-of-gold-and-six-pack-of-steel boyfriends? Yep! I'm pretty sure they do!
'Night. I know how I'll be spending the next 7 hours. Playing some baccarat and trying on the crown jewels. Unless my mom shows up with watercress in her teeth. Damn her.
Posted by jen at March 19, 2006 11:07 PM
Comments
Heh. And I thought I was the only one who entertained princess fantasies in order to fall asleep.
Posted by: Sammy at March 20, 2006 02:29 AM
I just watched "The Transporter" yesterday. I think the chauffeur should look like Jason Statham.
Posted by: Dagny at March 20, 2006 08:10 AM
Inverse relationship, I think you mean. Argh, looking at that graph just reminds me that I need to get back to my own analyses. Except they're not fun ones, like yours, but rather, ew, work, can I get on a plane already?
Posted by: Gloria at March 20, 2006 09:11 AM
Inverse and converse are the same according to wikipedia. I couldn't remember which was which and so looked it up. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inverse_relation
Posted by: jen at March 20, 2006 10:57 AM
And I'm glad I'm not the only one, either Sammy.
Perhaps you are right, Dagny. Or maybe like Dr. McDreamy.
Posted by: jen at March 20, 2006 11:13 AM
Dagny, I am also in lust with The Transporter. He can transport me anywhere, anytime.
Posted by: laurie at March 20, 2006 11:41 AM
Another priceless graph. If you're not careful, you'll be discovered by David Krumholtz.
I too find it reassuring that I am not the only one who entertains fantasies of being a princess to go to sleep.
What?
Posted by: dan at March 20, 2006 06:32 PM