This Post May Contain Adult, Content

[spectralbovine]

Today we had a departmental off-site, and we all had to answer the question "Who inspires you, and why?" Now, I am a very uninspired person, so it was difficult for me to come up with someone. All I knew was that I was not going to name a family member, which is what 61% of the 88 people did (yes, I counted

Comments

[spectralbovine]

When I started naming fictional characters, the first one that came to her mind was...Buffy! I'm going to enjoy working with her.

[equustel]

Which brought on more laughter, because somehow that's funny, as if stories don't have power.

Ah, I'm right there with you. I get the laughs as well, though I don't know why. Fictional characters embody ideals! Real people are way too murky in that department. Although David Mack is one of the less murky ones. Good choice. ;]

And you win so many cool points just for mentioning Daredevil. High five!

[spectralbovine]

OH, MATT.

Fictional characters embody ideals! Real people are way too murky in that department.
Exactly! Real people are complicated. Fictional characters are also complicated, but in specific, calculated ways.

[skogkatt]

I like your answer. Perhaps you are getting that reaction because you are more comfortable in your skin, and confident in your ability to do the work you do, and in the validity of liking the things you like.

[spectralbovine]

Having confidence is WEIRD.

[skogkatt]

But also awesome! Uri Borechka approves.

[stephl]

Which brought on more laughter, because somehow that's funny, as if stories don't have power.

I'm right there with you. (Which shouldn't be surprising.) Why *shouldn't* fictional characters have power?

Also, w/r/t the "P-C is growing up!" sentiment, at some point during the "Dude, wear this necklace" debacle, I really wanted to tell your family to just back off because you might not be ready to get married now, but you're absolutely busy becoming someone who is going to make an outstanding husband when (or if) you *are* ready.

I hope that makes sense.

[spectralbovine]

I'm right there with you. (Which shouldn't be surprising.) Why *shouldn't* fictional characters have power?
What is the point of creating them if they don't? Like equustel says above, they embody ideals.

I hope that makes sense.
It does. Aw, thanks. I don't think they see me that way, though. I'm not an adult unless I get married. Oh, and unless I call my parents every week. And all my aunts and uncles. And go to Indian functions and make Indian friends.

[hecubot]

I think the self-confidence is the most notable part. When I first met you, Younger!Sunil was a callow constellation of enthusiasms and neuroses very loosely tied together. You're better knit together now.

People tend to use the word integrity as a simple synonym for ethical but I try to retain the sense of being integrated. Your interests and your ethics are very efficiently converted into your actions and your friendships. You've really come into your own: a good man, a fine friend, excellent at your job, thoughtful, kind and my daughter thinks you're hilarious.

[spectralbovine]

You're better knit together now.
In college, I felt like I grew into myself, like I barely recognized the person I was in high school. In grad school, I learned there was more growing for me to do. It seems that each stage of my life, I come closer to who I'm supposed to be.

my daughter thinks you're hilarious.
BUNNY SPOON!