Crazy Talented Pig Fan

19. Every once in awhile it occurs to me that I’m talented and smart. I’m in another of my esoteric-Shakespeare classes at the moment, and last night it became apparent that some things that are obvious to me are extremely challenging for others. At one point, our instructor said the problem part of a line was really challenging and she doubted any of us would guess it. And I knew it. I wasn’t guessing, I just knew. It was in plain sight to me (it involved the word “learn” having to be two syllables in order to fit the scansion… it’s hard to explain out of context). She was surprised when I got it right, and looked at me as though I held promise, then made some reaffirming statement like, "Really great work, Cookie" before continuing. I had three moments like that in class, where I could solve a problem that others couldn't. And when I was reciting my monologue, it just felt natural. I really know my stuff. It is a life goal of mine to be considered a scholar, and I think Shakespeare might be my way in to that club.

20. On the way home from class, I found myself seated at the back of the bus directly between two men who were talking to themselves (there are a lot of crazies in the city). And then they began talking to each other, ignoring me in the middle. It was one of the weirdest city experiences I’ve ever had. I wasn’t really scared or anything. I mean, I talk to myself all the time. I just try not to do it when other people are within earshot. Or, you know, sitting right next to me.

21. I have a stuffed pig and a blanket that I slept with throughout my childhood. They bear the names “Piggy” and “Blankie” (I have a feeling that my mother named them). I refrain from eating pork and ham to this day because it bothered me so much as a kid that I was eating Piggy. When I was a kid, I wouldn't go anywhere without them. This means that I dragged them through Europe, and that my dad once had to run around Mackinac Island looking for Piggy after he fell onto the road during a carriage ride (he found him in some weeds on the side of the street, looking vaguely like roadkill). I have them in my apartment now, and when I’m having a bad day, I curl up with them. It’s comforting. I've actually slept with them for the last couple of nights, just for fun.