The Second Revenge of Betty Anderson

So, I'm not so good at the remembering to blog thing.
BUT . . . it was because I was doing stuff and having a good summer, so I'm not going to beat myself up about it. This was my summer in list format

TO DO:
1. Have amazing job doing civil legal aid: I LOVE family law. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Everyone thinks I'm crazy, but it speaks to me. It's really rewarding to be able to assist people with personal and difficult conflicts. How many people can say their clients gave them a hug after a hearing? Plus, getting a Protection from Abuse order against an abusive partner? Makes me feel like a legal bad ass.
2. Shed my city girl ways and learn to drive: This was not fun, but I can now drive. And on Sept. 30, I get to take the test (note: do not wait till the last minute to schedule a driving test in Pennsylvania, they're booked for months). Wish me luck!
3. Reconnect with my parents: I haven't lived with my parents for more than 2 weeks since I was 18 or so. However, my amazing summer legal job was in my hometown, and they were nice enough to let me have my old room back. It was interesting to live with them as an "adult." I caught myself falling back into the old rules of the house. I even burst out a "may I please be excused?" at the dinner table. More on this later, maybe. I'm still thinking about how much I want to talk about personal stuff. Also, my mother hates the internet more than people who don't do their homework and probably doesn't want me blogging about her.

More later, but for now I need to recover from the AMAZING day I spent in Pittsburgh with some of my favorite people in the world.

Love and Other Indoor Sports,

Kate

No Parking (with boys)

It's almost a cliche to be a 20-something female and adore vintage things, but I really do adore vintage things. So very much. Vintage is nifty keen.

One of my personal vintage obsessions is vintage educational film strips from the 1950s. These little movies are unintentionally hilarious mini-time capsules. What better way to learn about the values of a society than to look at what we teach impressionable teen-agers? Below is a gem that will teach you about the importance of managing those messy emotions. So let's cut out the chatter, turn the lights out and pay attention so you can all mature into proper young ladies and gentlemen.

Toward Emotional Maturity (1954)

In this film, young Sally learns that unless she controls her emotions, she'll turn into a dog-abusing, snake-fearing, window smashing hooligan. So let's handle our emotions, say no to parking with boys, and lead emotionally mature lives.

If you're accused of being fast . . .

. . . you might as well run. That way you get to all the good stuff first."

This is a momentous occasion. After some serious googling, I have found photographic documentation of the moment that led to the creation of my blog. The dress, the wicked smile . . . This is a girl who is going places. My personal Patron Saint of the Summer: Betty Anderson.

Pick Me Ups

Here's a depressing truth about family law: you don't have clear winners and losers often. Instead, you get hard won compromises that make neither party completely happy.

But, I'm soldiering on. And to cheer myself up tonight I'm going to make a list of my favorite comfort songs.

The following are Songs That Make Me Feel Better No Matter What

1. Miriam Makeba's classic song Pata Pata.

I dare you to not start dancing in your desk chair. Just try. Next, listen to more of her stuff and marvel at how amazing she is. Case in point.

2. Emily Kane by Art Brut. What girl doesn't want to think that to someone, somewhere, she is the one that got away?

3. Expectations by Belle and Sebastian.

I would have been much happier in high school if I had known this song existed.

4. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? by The Shirelles.

Two things about this song: 1. it is a guaranteed hit for karaoke. 2. Can you think of a better song to slow dance to while wearing a 1950s prom gown? I need this dress and a dreamy prom date.

hmm . . . Big Kahuna or Moondoggie?

5. Chelsea Morning by Joni Mitchell. Someday I will fall in love to this song. I really believe that in the secret hippie part of my heart.

Love and Other Indoor Sports,

Kate

Things I LOVE

I had a lovely concept for my post today, but it's a lovely day and I'm feeling a bit lazy. So instead I'm making a list of things I love at the moment.

1. Michelle's Cafe. One week in town and they already know my "usual."

2. The Pierces. This is my song of the summer. I'm already learning the dance in the video. Flappers are never passe.

3. Running. I'm signing up for a membership at the Clarion University gym this Monday. Here's hoping I don't slack off!

4. Family Law. It is my official calling in life.

5. Rediscovering old favorite books. Short list: Cold Comfort Farm, Peyton Place (of course!), Sister Carrie. More on this in a later post.

Sing us off!

Love and other indoor sports,

Kate

Let the Summer Begin!

As I was watching Peyton Place for about the 50th time last night, I realized something. The only person who has any little bit of joy or love in her life in that movie is Betty Anderson. While Allison was angsting and Selena was dealing with horrific troubles; Betty was kicking ass and taking names. There's a scene in the Tweed Shop where Betty is trying on this AMAZING red dress. I have personally lusted after this dress since I was 15 years old. Another girl tells Betty she looks "fast" in it. Betty replies "If you're accused of being fast, you might as well run. That way you get to all the good stuff first." This is my new motto for the summer. I'm going to run and experience all the good stuff.