Parallel Universe

While watching the premier of The Sarah Silverman Program (Sweet Jesus, I am probably going to hell for enjoying it as much as I did, but at least I'll be in good company), Matty and I were talking about the idea of parallel play.

Aside from being a really good name for a band ("Thank you, Cleveland! We're Parallel Play!"), it's the neat notion that two people can engage in separate pursuits whilst in the company of one another, though it largely refers to interaction between children. However, Matty and I each had tales of significant others who couldn't effing leave us alone to read or do a jigsaw puzzle for 20 minutes. (So as not to tarnish Matty's image, I'm the one who does jigsaw puzzles. Pictures of cats, mostly. They're so cute!)

In any case, to me parallel play seems an ideal for which to strive. In my head, I envision that my imaginary sweet love schmoopy doll face is reading The World According to Garp, while I'm building a model train set or making pudding. At the same moment, we look up from our activities to meet each other's eyes, smile and bask in the contentment that comes from being together, but independent.

I've always thought a relationship should enhance my life, not take it over. Interestingly, one of the biggest complaints I get from those who dare brave the 123V waters is that I'm too detached, too independent, too caught up in my own pursuits. (Though, to be fair, I do get a lot of compliments on my breasts, my good nature and my vegetable lasagna.) I usually counter that the other person doesn't have enough going on and that they're a stupid head who smells bad. I'm still building my argumentative skills, my pretties.

Anyway, no real point to this post. It's just good to know that there's an actual name for one of my crazy ideas.

In the Comments section, tell me one of your crazy ideas. The winner gets to come over and help me with my latest jigsaw puzzle. A lovely photo of hot air balloons. I think there are cats in them.