The ability to use my suspension of disbelief in everyday living has strengthened as I have grown older and, I think living in Orange County just sharpens the skill.
We all do it. Most of us can sit in Lucille’s BBQ in The District and think, "I just love visiting the South. What a simple and sweet place it is." We can detach from our reality just enough that we are no longer in a restaurant in the parking lot of Lowe's, but instead, enjoying a pulled pork sandwich in the sweltering heat of the Deep South.
We all do it. Most of us can sit in Lucille’s BBQ in The District and think, "I just love visiting the South. What a simple and sweet place it is." We can detach from our reality just enough that we are no longer in a restaurant in the parking lot of Lowe's, but instead, enjoying a pulled pork sandwich in the sweltering heat of the Deep South.
This is really quite a talent, honed by growing up with Farrell's and I suspect possible vapors from Disneyland looming in the air.
I don't think this ability is a bad thing in and of itself. People do it in the theater, walking through "Venice" in Las Vegas, and even at the occasional corporate retreat (you know, we're not at the Ramada in Bakersfield, we're at a luau in Hawaii!).
I don't think this ability is a bad thing in and of itself. People do it in the theater, walking through "Venice" in Las Vegas, and even at the occasional corporate retreat (you know, we're not at the Ramada in Bakersfield, we're at a luau in Hawaii!).
But, where it has become sort of a faint, nagging quandary for me lies in my fear that I like the illusion of the experience more than the actual experience.
Here are a few examples (I can't believe I am going to share this as it reveals my utter inanity); I much prefer the "pier" at Disney's California Adventure over an actual pier.
Here are a few examples (I can't believe I am going to share this as it reveals my utter inanity); I much prefer the "pier" at Disney's California Adventure over an actual pier.
I know, it's pitiful.
I like that it is clean; not a chachki store selling wind chimes in sight; and even the weather (the weather!) is better than an authentic pier.
I like the carnival-like rides and atmosphere at the various outdoor malls in Orange County more than the rickety, future-tragic-headline-producing rides at your random fair or carnival.
I like the carnival-like rides and atmosphere at the various outdoor malls in Orange County more than the rickety, future-tragic-headline-producing rides at your random fair or carnival.
Another pathetically revealing example is, I think I like the animals in the zoo more than truly wild animals. If I were walking in Africa and saw a wild Lion right in front of me, to tell you the truth, I would be scared, not charmed by the cute way he grooms his big killer paws.
Well, that one is just silly, but please tell me your get what I'm saying.
Well, that one is just silly, but please tell me your get what I'm saying.
Sometimes my sensibilities return to me and I get annoyed at this trend of theme living. If it is not a motif that is appealing to me, I don't want it around me at every turn. The Rainforest Cafe is a good example of this. I don't think raging gorillas, torrential storms, lurking snakes and trees dripping with moss are conducive to eating a salad. It just makes me jumpy and too vigilant to enjoy myself.
So, now you know the worst of it. My deepest shame is "out there." But don't judge me until YOU have had a tuna melt sitting at the shining counter of Ruby's, sipping a Vanilla Coke, while The Andrew Sisters sing "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy."
…I love living in the 40's.
Brilliant! Fresh perspective! I’m tired of reading about how great/terrible/addicting Facebook is, or about the Octobabies, or about the credit crunch. This is the kind of writing that gets your mind thinking. Yes, pretty silly, but smart, too. Cheers, Suz!
Glad to know I’m not the only one that prefers the pier at DCA over most piers. This post makes me want a Cherry Coke and tuna melt from Ruby’s. Themed living can be so much fun!!
ok…gotta ask what is a tuna melt?
Very cute Suz. I would never judge you….we all have our “thing” and know we know yours!!!!
I spend a great portion of my day doing much the same thing. It’s a way of staying sane, I figure and having lots of vicarious enjoyment at the same time!!
LOL! Isn’t it the truth!
You had me at mint julep.
There is a lot of truth in your story. I understand the lion-thingy, pier almost. I have travelled everywhere inside my head and why not. It´s so cheap and easy.
LOL! I hate themed living. Less theme… more living!
The thing is, I do know exactly what you’re saying. I love the enchantment of the fantasy too, still there is something about the thrill of the adventure when you’re home safely looking back at it. But, I don’t want to find myself facing a lion in Africa either. 🙂
And yes, Bolsa Chica is in Huntington Beach right on PCH.
Great blog! I just vacationed in Orange County and Hollywood last week. It is very nice there.
I always get super cold on the pier. And it smells like fish guts. So I totally hear ya.
Oh, I loved this. Honesty…it’s a breath of fresh air.