Moral Currency

I made a post last month about a few Canadians nervously staring at a coin - none emboldened enough to assert ownership. An additional layer of depth was added to my analysis in human interaction when a co-worker shared a similar coin related story that took place in London.

While enjoying a pint on a sunny spring afternoon in Islington, Owen noticed a man attempting to pick up a pound coin. Unsuccessful (and awkwardly aware of his public demonstration of greed and self-entitlement), the man hurried along his original path. A steady stream of individuals scraped and scratched at the pavement in pursuit of pound, but all efforts were quickly exhuasted. Before long, Owen realised that his afternoon entertainment was to be attributed to super-glue and some mischievous mind.

Moments like these reveal so much. We want the money, but it's important for us to act like we don't to preserve our falsely escalated moral height. However, ones public persona can be jeopardised for a substantial amount (a pound, but not a pence). Once the pursuit of fortune is confirmed, a few high-stress steps follow.

Scope out the scene.

The coast is clear?

Swiftly scoop up the loot.

Did anyone see?

Avoid eye contact.

Move swiftly.

Be cool.

Act like it never happened.

Nobody to judge here.

Exhilerating rush ensues.

BLEEP

Generally speaking, I don't believe in censorship. However, I must admit that I've grown to adore those words used to censor dialogue on television. The creativity this process inspires is pretty impressive. These are my current favourites...

Mother hubbard/Mother tucker

Shut the front door
Forget you

Get the puck out (Canadian)

I find it pleasing to use these phrases partially because they have the propensity to further enrage, but most often they seem to lighten the mood. Regardless, they always make me keel over in laughter. HAHA.

Oh, Canada...

Today, I witnessed an achingly Canadian moment.

It's 7:18AM and I'm on the Skytrain traveling to work.

A man boards.
He pauses briefly and draws attention to a loonie lying on the floor.
The man sits down, but uncomfortably turns around to ensure the loonie he noticed earlier is still present.
After a few more awkward efforts to settle into his seat, he speaks.
He asks the man standing above the loonie if the coin belonged to him.
Unclaimed, the loonie flaunts its value through its worn exterior.

Commercial. Foot traffic floods in as this station is a major hub. 

As the early morning commuters disperse, the loonie does not reveal itself again. 

Oh, Canada. It's good to be home.

Watch Woody Woo

Earlier this month, I attended a film series called Wise Cracks at the British Film Institute (BFI).

The tribute to Woody Allen's comedic works placed some of my favourite films on the big screen. What a very special way for me to add a few more of his films to my existing roster. See my updated list below:

1. Hannah & Her Sisters

2. Annie Hall

3. Manhattan

4. Husbands & Wives

5. Sleeper

6. Vicky Christina Barcelona

7. Crimes & Misdemeanors

8. Everyone Says I Love You

9. Midnight In Paris

Woody Allen is unforgivingly honest in his portrayal of life, relationships and all their associated complications. And since the dynamics of social interaction has always interested me, I naturally found his blend of humour and phychoanalysis very entertaining. Not to mention I adore his vulnerability, neurosis and awkward confidence.

In the past, I've even declared Woody Allen as my ideal mate. Comments of this kind are usually met with laughter and considerable rowing, but to me it makes perfect sense. Intelligence, a sense of humour and purpose in life are all things that I find incredibly attractive so of course I want Woody to adopt me!

Twee x3

Coincidences always give me a burst of excitement. In a strange way, I think it validates my life by convincing me that my actions are just as the world intended and all things are falling perfectly into place. It's dumb, but I can't help it.

So whilst chatting with a friend, I was overcome with amusement when I realized that twee, a simple childhood nickname was actually incredibly expressive of my current condition. Here are the translations for the word twee... 


Dictionary Twee: affectedly or excessively dainty, delicate or cute
'80s Twee: coined by my brother, this was my childhood nickname 
British Twee: a slang term to denote chiefly British behaviors


Actually, I'm the polar opposite of twee by the dictionary definition, but accept that it well appears to be an apt descriptor on the surface. If you ask my brother, he'll claim that I earned the twee title because I was once small, annoying and constantly chirping. These days I'm quite twee in an entirely new way as I live in Britain and have eagerly adopted elements of British culture including tea, scones and football (I used to say soccer). 


How very twee of me.