On Being Uncool......

A couple of nights ago, I could not fall asleep, and while flipping channels, I came across Almost Famous. I always loved that movie. Cameron Crowe's best work by far. I had forgot how many big stars were in that movie when they, themselves were "Almost Famous" if you will.

Phillip Seymor Hoffman
Kate Hudson
Jimmy Fallon
Anna Paquin
Jason Lee

Well, one of my favorite scenes is the conversation between the the main kid, and his mentor, the DJ. They are discussing how they will never be real friends with the rock stars, nor should they try, because are just uncool. They might know everything there is to know about bands and music, but unfortunately, they are just really uncool. It is a touching convo.

It has led me in the last couple of days to evaluate just how uncool I am. Especially because of my current program. And I don't even have the music knowledge to fall back on!

I am in San Diego right now at the super hip Hard Rock Hotel. It is very very cool.....

*Sleek and Modern
*Rooftop pool with sassy beds instead of sunchairs
*Loud Music piped in everywhere, and they have a DJ in the lobby on Saturdays
*the super hot club that has been featured on MTV
*All the employees wear all black, and are all good looking (some are tattooed, pierced, and very alternative, but I can't honestly say that any are ugly)

Oh, and they use music terms for everything...
*They call the hotel operator "ground control" and when you call, they say "You are on the air"
*The convention assists are called Roadies.

Everyone who works here has the name of their favorite band or singer on their nametag. I have enjoyed checking everybody's out. A few were obvious and generic...the metal lookin' bellman with Guns n Roses. The 18 year old popster girl at the desk with The Pussycat Dolls. The mid thirties Front Office manager with The Beatles. Others were more obscure.....our convention contact had two nametags and he said he switched them according to his mood (Rusted Root or Panic at the Disco)

Funny Story....and the first one discussing my true uncoolness.....

When I checked into the hotel a few days ago, the girl (about 20) asked me what kind of music I liked. Thinking that was a strange and random question, I stared blankly at her for a second. Now I am going to transcript form....

Girl at Desk: We ask everyone what kind of music they like, because we have it pumped in to the room for when you walk in.

Uncool me: Oh, that's fun. Well, my favorite singer is Tom Jones.

Girl at Desk: Who?

Uncool me: Tom Jones. you know..."It's not Unusual"

Girl at Desk: What kind of music is that?

Uncool me: It's 60s British pop.

Girl at Desk: (Pause) That 's not one of the music categories we have.

Uncool me: Oh okay...you want a category. How about 80s?

Girl at Desk: (long staring and clearly annoyed with me pause) How about Classic rock? Will that work?




You know, the more I think about this, the more reasons why I am just an uncool traveler surface in my mind. to list a few...

1. The suitcase I am using right now is so torn up, its hilar. Its a duffel style, bright red, humungoid bag, and all the straps have broken, so I just cut them off. Both zippers are broken, so everytime I open and close it, I have to attach a paperclip. Also, its not even really my suitcase. I borrowed it from a friend awhile ago when I had lost luggage with the airline, but still had to leave on a trip the next day. It was such a great bag as far as how much it held, that I asked if I could buy it from her (she very nicely said i could just have it! Rockin' friend) . I have been trying to replace it for about 3 months, but I just can't find one exactly like it, or one I like better. I guess I will use it until that moment when I am picking up my baggage after a flight, and I see my stuff coming on the belt one item at a time!

2. I have a set airport outfit. I wear the same thing everytime (both ways) for about 2 months or until I get a stain on it or rip it. Then I switch to a different outfit and do the same thing. It has occurred to me, that since I was usually at the St. Louis twice a week, the workers there who I see a lot must think I only have one outfit. Not really sure why I do this, but it has become a habit.

3. I go to museums by myself and I read all the stuff...like the posted background explanations and crap like that. I never realized how obsessive I was about this until I went to the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis one time with a friend, and she got very mad at me for taking so long at each display. I also love museum gift shops. They always have great books, and funky souvenirs. Best museum gift shops I have been to: The Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia & the Shop at Versailles outside of Paris. Actually, 3 way tie - I have to add the gift shop at the American Museum of D-Day in Normandy, France.

4. I like to go to fancy, trendy, often expensive restaurants by myself with an Us Weekly, and only order water, an appetizer, and a dessert.

This blog has gotten really rambling, so I will end here. I'm uncool, and it really shows when I travel, and usually in life too. I accept it.....


Oh....I do have to add one post script -

I went to Moonstone last night. It's the super sassy rooftop club at the Hard Rock Hotel. It was interesting...full of young beatiful girls in not very much clothing, and a lot of cheesy looking guys. So, I don't know how this came into my mind, but I was seeing all the really trendy, probably very pricey, and defintiely "Now" outfits. For some reason, I starting thinking, and mentally counting, the number of items that were on my body at that moment (clothes, jewerly, skibs, etc) that had come from Target. Let's just say that list was longer than I personally would consider cool....