Book Review: Shop Class as Soulcraft

I recently finished the book Shop Class as Soulcraft by Matthew Crawford. I'll be honest and admit that I originally didn't expect to enjoy this book, mostly because I'm not really a "let's get our hands dirty" kind of girl--I can hardly cook, I do laundry about once a month (and average about at least one ruined article of clothing per wash), and I grew up having my dad do any necessary house/car/misc. repairs. But while there were many parts of the book where it was a little hard to relate, I still understand Crawford's main points.

First, here's a little background on Crawford. He has a Ph.D. in political philosophy from the University of Chicago, served as a postdoctoral fellow on its Committee on Social Thought, and is currently a fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture at the University of Virginia. He also happens to be very passionate about motorcycles. In fact, he owns and operates Shockoe Moto, an independent motorcycle repair shop in Richmond, VA. So basically, this guy is the real deal.

In Shop Class as Soulcraft, Crawford describes some of his jobs after getting a higher education. To his disappointment, he found that most of the work he did stuck in a cubicle did not actually require him to challenge himself mentally. To make a long story short, he ended up opening up a motorcycle repair shop, and he enjoyed it much more than simply doing chug and plug autopilot kind of work in which he never got to see physical results. When he was describing the kind of work he previously did and how unsatisfactory it was for him, it really got me thinking about my own level of content with my own job. In describing the intricate and oftentimes frustrating process of learning as you go and figuring things out through trial and error while repairing motorcycles, it made me gain an appreciation for the work of mechanics that makes my life so much easier. It's a shame that blue collered jobs are looked down upon and viewed as "lesser than" in today's society, although their work is so important. It made me realize the backwardness of someone having a college education receiving more value than a tradesman who may actually produce more viable work.

Society today is pushing for everyone to have a higher education, and while I think that there are many great institutions out there, I don't think college is for everyone. Also, depending on the field, more knowledge may be acquired while getting actual hands-on experience in the work place than in a classroom. I really respected Crawford's decision to break from the conformity of society to do what he really feels passionate about. I don't think many people today with a Ph.D. would turn away from a white collar job to open up his/her own motorcycle repair shop. From Crawford's experience it made me realize that for some, in order to find true happiness it may require rejecting a life course mapped out by others as obligatory and inevitable. To some it may seem crazy and stupid, but it's your life, and you should do what you need to do in order to be content. As Crawford would say, "Live well."

Lastly, Crawford asserts that in order to be a better worker and to challenge yourself, you must learn to accept failure. You can never know too much; there is always something else to be learned. I think that is something we all forget from time to time as we become comfortable in our jobs and fall into a monotonous routine. We should continuously challenge ourselves even if the outcome isn't what we had hoped it to be, and in doing so, we will become improved individuals who will take that experience and apply it to the next, thus doing what it takes to "live well."

So ask yourself, are you content? With your career? With your life? Are you doing what you want to do or are you simply following the path that society has already shown its approval towards?

I Spy: The Look for Less!

I absolutely love finding articles of clothing that look very similar to designer duds for a fraction of the price. No one should have to have a ton of money to look good and dress in style. Here's my fav find of the week:

Chanel - Black and White Fantasy Tweed Jacket (on the left)- "discounted" price on Rue La La $2,199.00

Express - Metallic Sweater Jacket (on the right) - $69.90

Loooooves it. I love Chanel's classic style, and this Express sweater jacket screams Chanel. I actually tried it on myself at Express and it's well made. There's a lot of detail on it, which makes the $69.90 price tag seem like a steal. I may have to buy it... :)

While I'm Chanel loving, I'd also like to show these amazing boots of theirs I also saw on Rue La La for $699. They are already sold out, which doesn't surprise me considering how cute they are!

On My Radar

I've been keeping my eyes keenly attuned to the trends this Fall. And I like what I've been seeing. Here are some things that I think are hot right now:

• Sheer tops - If done right, a black sheer top revealing a black bra underneath can be really sexy. Wearing a bright colored bra would be crossing the thin line into trashy territory though, so be sure to keep it as classy as possible. This top on the left from Urban Outfitters is my ideal pick.
  
  
• Nails with a little flair - You don't want anything too tacky, but it's acceptable to do a little experimenting with nail color. On InStyle.com, they suggested white nails with a grey shimmer color on the index finger.



• Fur - I'm sure Peta is just thrilled about this, but fur is really in this season. I'm still not sure how I feel about it, but I have to admit that there are some styles I like, one being the fur vest on the right from Express(as long as it's faux fur, right?). This may also be a style that is a little tricky for some to pull off. The problem with furry fur is that it may make you look like you're larger than you actually are, and obviously no girl wants that.
  
• Lace - Sexy. Enough said.
  
• Over-the-Knee Boots - If done right, you won't look like a hooker. I wouldn't suggest wearing 4" over-the-knee boots with a tight, scandalous skirt or dress because chances are you will be cat-called. I think the boots with no heel or about 2" heels could dress up a pair of jeans and cute top.
  
• Grey and Olive - These two colors are very popular this season. Olive is also one of those colors that happens to look good on almost everyone.


• Sequins - Skirts, shirts, tank tops, sweaters and scarves, sequins are appearing on all articles of clothing this Fall. I like it because it can dress up something that would ordinarily look a little bland. Here is a skirt from J.Crew that I really like. I would be able to wear it to work or for a night out in the city.

• Plaid - Yup, it's still in! I'm surprised about this too. Can't say I'm too disappointed though. It's comfy and it makes me feel like I can fit in the hipster crowd ;)
  

Fall Fall Fall, such a wonderful time of the year. I'm so excited to start layering up!

"Food" -?

I recently read a story about a little experiment a woman, Sally Davies, conducted which involved buying a McDonald's Happy Meal and photographing it weekly. The spin is, although Davies kept the happy meal out on her kitchen table for over 180 days, the burger and fries look indistinguishable on day 180 than from the first day she bought it! In fact, Davies noted, "The only change that I can see is that it has become hard as a rock."

Now if that doesn't gross you out I'm not sure what will, especially if you're ingesting that junk. What's even more concerning is the fact that it was a Happy Meal, a meal most beloved by children all over the world. Hey, I'm even guilty of begging mom and dad for them when I was a little squirt. McDonald's targets youth with the "great tasting" Happy Meal and seals the deal with the offer of a free toy (offered for a limited time, of course). In fact, that's a great marketing ploy. I'm sure half of the kids want Happy Meals simply because of the toy, and McDonald's always has collector toys, making the kids want to go back again and again in order to collect every toy in the series.

Since I personally don't eat fast food (I'm a vegetarian--limited options at a burger joint), I decided to talk to someone who actually does--my own brother--in order to try to grasp why people enjoy it so much. And clearly many people do considering the recent blast of articles I've been reading on growing obesity rates in America.

Me: So what fast food joints do you usually hit up?
Garrett: McDonald's, Taco Bell, Wendy's and Burger King

Me: How often do you eat fast food?
Garrett: I would say around three times a week. But I've been really busy at work, so lately it's been more like four.
Me: Do you usually go for lunch or dinner? Probably lunch right, just to grab a quick lunch before getting back to work?
Garrett: Um...yeah. Sometimes both.
Me: (scratches head) Uh...well that would mean you have fast food more often than three or four times a week, but whatever, let's continue.
Garrett: I know it's unhealthy, so I try to eat it in moderation.
Me: But you eat it at least three times a week, how is that being moderate? You know I'm writing this conversation down, right? You sound like an idiot because you're contradicting everything you're saying. Just sayin'.
Garrett: Oh. Oops.

Me: Okay, so why do you like fast food?
Garrett: It's pretty cheap, it's convenient and fast.
Me: What do you usually order?
Garrett: A double cheeseburger. And a Coke. Fountain Coke's are better than cans of Coke because they're more carbonated. And fries with everything.
Me: Do you actually like the taste?
Garrett: It tastes good when I feel like it.
Me: Well you have it at least three times a week, so you obviously frequently feel like it...
Have you noticed a difference with your body after eating so much fast food?
Garrett: Yeah. Since I haven't had much time to work out because of my work schedule, I've started to notice a little chub around my mid-section.

I'm not saying one should never eat from McDonald's or another fast food chain, I simply want to suggest to others that they should really eat it in moderation. And by moderation, I do not mean my brothers idea of moderation which is three times a week. If you'd like some more convincing, just check out the pictures from Davies' Happy Meal Project, and maybe seeing the unnaturalness of "food" not actually decomposing will be enough to get you to cut down on the Big Macs (or just look at the picture of this cute little chubster who is probably going to spend his adolescence being picked on due to his unhealthy love for Micky D's.)

Happiness Unbound

Life has been really stressful lately with taking on more responsibilities at work as well as living in the city on an already tight budget. So, my work in progress is trying to make the most of my (small amount of) free time by doing things that will make me happy. Below are three key things that I can work towards to live a more balanced and healthy life.

1. Feeling good about myself!

This includes:

a.) working out - sweating and getting adrenaline flowing creates endorphins which make us feel good about ourselves. Plus, we want to keep our bods tight and in shape!

b.) shopping - b/c when we wear a cute outfit we feel good about ourselves

2. Sleep! zzzzzzz

I hate feeling grumpy and lethargic because of sleep deprivation. I need to be alert at work, so if that requires me to make it into bed before midnight, so be it! I'll appreciate it the next morning.

3. Enjoying the moments in life that may be overlooked or seem "minuscule" to some, but may be just the break you need to get through the rest of the day/week. For me this includes:

- Starbucks - I literally get a little excited every time I get a beverage there.

- Slurpees - Luckily, I have a 7-11 right across the street from work. Feeling like a little kid again while slurping a frosty slushie is totally acceptable despite all the sugary calories if it'll make me a little happy, if only for a few minutes.

- Nature - One of my favorite things to do one day over the weekend is to go to the park. After being holed up in an office and apartment building all week, it's refreshing to see actual grass and trees. I love central park and the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.

- Reading - Get away from the noise of a TV or ipod every once in a while and get lost in a story.

- Movies/TV - I love catching up on my favorite TV shows by watching episodes online. That way, I can watch it on my own time.

- Making no plans - Once in a while it's relaxing to make no plans at all and just do what you want to do whenever you get around to doing it. After abiding by deadlines all week and rushing to make it to appointments on time, it's nice to have at least one day to do everything at my leisure.

Doing the above things definitely does lift my mood, but when I think about it, can 1-3 little enjoyable things make up for the remaining hours in a day that are not so enjoyable? I personally think it would be unrealistic to expect to be happy throughout the majority of the day, even though I do wish there was a little more of a balance. Although it sucks and we often complain about difficult things, it is the difficulties that make certain things seem special to us. It gives us something to look forward to.

So tell me, what makes you happy? What gets you through a hard day?

Rude, Nice or Something In Between?

I witnessed something very interesting this past weekend on the subway. I was on a packed train and there were not enough space for everyone to sit. There was a man sitting on the end of the bench closest to the door, and there was a tourist with a backpack standing next to him. It was a little bumpy, and like I said, it was pretty packed, so the woman's backpack was in the man's face a little bit. While I would assume most people would feel a little uncomfortable about something being in their personal space but get over it by rationalizing that it's bound to happen when taking public transportation, this guy was getting irritated and kept pushing the woman's bag. She had no idea he was doing this, but finally he got her attention and gruffly told her that her bag was in his face. She apologized and tried to step away (couldn't go too far though). I watched the whole thing and I kept thinking how rude and unnecessary it was of him. I thought that he could have put up with feeling a little uncomfortable for a few minutes given the situation. Plus, he had his music on loud enough for the people around him to hear. I became a little angry. I felt like telling this man that he shouldn't scold others when he was being inconsiderate himself by blasting his music. But then...

Emotions are quite fascinating. You can feel a certain way one moment and the complete opposite next. Emotions are also conflicted. As the saying goes, things aren't often simply black or white. And this is what I grappled with on the train that day.

Feeling annoyed and slightly resentful of the mid-to-late twenty year old beside me, my perception of him muddled to confusion in the matter of seconds as I watched him dig a dollar out of his pocket and give it to a man sitting on the bench parallel to ours that appeared to be homeless. I had hardly noticed the man. My new New York eyes have quickly learned to turn a blind eye to the dozens of homeless people I see on the streets daily. The homeless man was just sitting there on the subway, no empty cup in his hands begging for change, and here the young man that seconds before I deemed an uncourteous ass just voluntarily offered him some money.

While I have experienced a wide range of emotions in my day, I don't know if I've had an experience quite like that. Of course I've had changing opinions of people over time, but never one so rapidly--not to go from being irritated by someone to thinking they're kind, but more so being in a limbo in which I don't know whether or not to classify someone as a generally good person or bad.

After those few short minutes on the train, of course I cannot make the assertion whether the guy who yelled at a woman for accidentally bumping into him one moment and gave a poor man some money the next is a good or bad person, but I think it just goes to show that we shouldn't write someone off so quickly.

An Eulogy for the Color Black

Black. It's weird how this one color can be so versatile. Sleek and sexy, black is said to flatter the body. It has the power to transform a dumpling body into something curvaceous and slightly alluring--or at least the power to manipulate our self conscious into believing we look better and slimmer. Look at that, a color that can boost confidence.

I'd also like to point out all of the ironies of this one color. Black is worn to both funerals and weddings. If you didn't get it the first time around, an eulogy is "a speech or writing in praise of a deceased person or thing," but it can also simply mean "high praise or commendation." The two are at parallels in the way they seem so clear cut, but when you break them down you realize there's much more complexity to their meaning.

Black is the staple color in the Gothic culture. It represents darkness, mystery, seduction and tortured souls, which is why the group as a whole is often frowned upon by mainstream society. On the other hand, black is a chic and timeless color popular in the world of fashion. Every girl knows that one of the most essential articles of clothing one must own is a little black dress. It's a wonderment that something so simple can speak elegance and sophistry. When I don't feel like coordinating an outfit or if I can't find anything to wear, black is my go-to color. Even more, I feel like one can never have too much black in their wardrobe, partly due to the fact that it is the only color that is ALWAYS in-style, regardless of the season.

Black is classic. Nothing more to say. Even though it's a dark color, and dark is usually accompanied by a negative connotation, it still has widespread acceptability and holds a predominance over any other color in our lives (arguably even more so than white--after all, in terms of dress, an old tradition is that white shouldn't be worn after labor day while black doesn't have an expiration date).

Now then, what better way to end this post than with a poem by the master of beautifully dark poetry, Edgar Allan Poe:

A Dream

In visions of the dark night
I have dreamed of joy departed
But a waking dream of life and light
Hath left me broken-hearted.

Ah! what is not a dream by day
To him whose eyes are cast
On things around him with a ray
Turned back upon the past?

That holy dream - that holy dream,
While all the world were chiding,
Hath cheered me as a lovely beam
A lonely spirit guiding.

What though that light, thro' storm and night,
So trembled from afar
What could there be more purely bright
In Truth's day-star?