In my grammar and style class, our homework was to come up with words for things that didn’t have words. I was done 10 minutes after class:
interdoubt – the state after you connect to a new wi-fi network where you’re not sure if it worked or not (you’re opening your Web browser, checking to see if your IM client will connect, waiting for the “new mail” sound)
subhalcyon – the slow, shallow rush of air that happens in silence inside the subway tunnel which means that surely a train is approaching
connectalasis – the foreboding feeling (when at work or in class) that you are missing out on something awesome going on online (be it an Apple keynote, celebrity nip slip, or a Facebook post from your best friend)
I’ve been terribly busy this week, but I did still have time to see Hot Chip at the Hammerstein Ballroom on Friday. I’ve basically had to read Huckleberry Finn in four days (I’m about 2/3 of the way through), and then read all these critical essays on it. My lit teacher is basically obsessed with the idea that Mark Twain invented the American novel, but I think that’s poetic bullshit. I think his comment about Salinger borrowing Twain’s style of dialogue rings true—Huck Finn and Holden Caulfield would have a grand old time together—but I don’t see what the big deal is. I suppose I will come class tomorrow.
I just got back from the gym and I’m feeling a bit tired. I need to read as much as possible in that book and prepare for my presentation on Jean Baudrillard on Wed. It should be epic.
Categories: Ennui