Movies | Sarcasm And The City

Listen to Lily Allen – “22” –

Wake up. Snooze button. Snooze button. Shower. Pray that my pants aren’t too wrinkled. Grab some string cheese and a v8 and hope that constitutes as a healthy breakfast. Drive way over the speed limit to work. Stare at the computer screen for eight hours. Drive home. Do homework. Drink wine. Sleep. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat…

I’ve officially hit the quarter-life crisis. I can’t help but think, “Is this going to be my whole life?”

Let me be trendy and blame the media for this. First, I watched Revolutionary Road a few months ago. It didn’t get the best reviews, and I wasn’t thrilled with the acting. But the story – a husband and wife who both believed they were destined to do something “special” with their lives and had extraordinary gifts yet succumbed to life in the suburbs – hit me hard. “Ugh, they were so selfish and ungrateful” my mom complained. I think I smiled and nodded, but I secretly (mom, please don’t read this part) understood what Kate Winslet’s character was feeling.

I want to travel. I want to have a family. I want to visit every continent (well, maybe not Antartica) and write a book and save the world and live overseas and get two master’s degrees and possibly a doctorate.

And I’m staring at a computer screen.

Then there’s Lily Allen’s song “22”.

When she was 22 the future looked bright
But she’s nearly 30 now and she’s out every night
I see that look in her face she’s got that look in her eye
She’s thinking how did I get here and wondering why.

I’m grateful for what I have. I absolutely LOVE the people I work with, and my company I work for. I have a great life… but I can’t help but wonder what else is out there.

She’s got an alright job but it’s not a career
Wherever she thinks about it, it brings her to tears
Cause all she wants is a boyfriend
She gets one-night stands
She’s thinking how did I get here
I’m doing all that I can

I think most people in their mid twenties can understand where Lily is coming from (right?) Luckily, I got out of my funk rather quickly. I, like everyone else I know who is employed, can’t help but say “At least I have a job.” And it’s true. At least I have a (great) job, (greater) family and friends, a house a few miles from the beach… but still…..

Download Lily Allen – 22
Buy song – 22
Buy Album – It’s Not Me, It’s You

Buy DVD – Revolutionary Road