YearBook Blues
Year Books are dreary affairs. Mine is barely a month old. I was cleaning my room, when I chanced upon this volume under the bed, of all places.A year back, we had been asked to submit an entry for a friend, not exceeding 400 characters! 400 C-H-A-R-A-C-T-E-R-S not W-O-R-D-S. I remember being taken aback then. Brevity, as you will realise (if u have not already) is not my forte. And to write about a friend in <= 400 characters? I-M-P-O-S-S-I-B-L-E !
But who am I to defy the decrees of fate? So, with the help of Merriam Webster, I managed to besmear Appy's (my unfortuante friend) pristine reputation to the best of my ability!
What I found striking about these yearbook entries is that most references are very personal. They don't correspond to the idea I had about the person. For example: "She has an affinity for 'K' prefixed with 'V' or suffixed with 'S'."
Huuuhhhh??
And most of them conclude with the inevitable - "He is all set to take the world of **BLAH** by storm." Some others with - "She/He is sure to make a mark in the field of **BLAH**."
* Substitute any field you want for the variable **BLAH**.
After all this eloquent criticism of year book entries, it is only natural that you are curious to read mine, written by the inimitable Appy.
Some adjectives are flattering, some others simply scary. I would love to reproduce the piece - my very own creation - that wrecked Appy's life for ever. But I don't understand most of it myself. :)
One last question: Why is it that the most unflattering B&W photograph has been chosen to record my image for posterity?
I shall stop harping here for now, atleast about yearbooks. They don't matter no more!
But who am I to defy the decrees of fate? So, with the help of Merriam Webster, I managed to besmear Appy's (my unfortuante friend) pristine reputation to the best of my ability!
What I found striking about these yearbook entries is that most references are very personal. They don't correspond to the idea I had about the person. For example: "She has an affinity for 'K' prefixed with 'V' or suffixed with 'S'."
Huuuhhhh??
And most of them conclude with the inevitable - "He is all set to take the world of **BLAH** by storm." Some others with - "She/He is sure to make a mark in the field of **BLAH**."
* Substitute any field you want for the variable **BLAH**.
After all this eloquent criticism of year book entries, it is only natural that you are curious to read mine, written by the inimitable Appy.
Species Description:
Intelligent, Daring, Herbivorous (huh?), Determined, Mischevious, Thick-skinned Predator with Eccentric Tastes (uh-oh!) Abounds in the Central Library. Rarely seen in classes (yay! am not a geek-o!) Mostly survives on a vegetarian diet but can behave as a cannibal. Barks occasionally but certainly does not bite. Bundle of Energy. Very Lovable. Stuck in Pernennial Childhood. When confused, strokes her chin and grits her teeth.
Some adjectives are flattering, some others simply scary. I would love to reproduce the piece - my very own creation - that wrecked Appy's life for ever. But I don't understand most of it myself. :)
One last question: Why is it that the most unflattering B&W photograph has been chosen to record my image for posterity?
I shall stop harping here for now, atleast about yearbooks. They don't matter no more!
Meera @ 2:30 PM| permalink
4 Comments:
You hate writing, yet you write so well. I wishe i hated writing the way you do!
Year book? For me, I wasn't even mentioned in the year book. Why? cos i didn't contribute to it, i.e. i didn't send in a photo of myself. Worst experience ever, i feel cheated after having spent 6 years at that high schoool. No matter, your experience seems to be happier, and congratulations.
I think writing should reflect one's thinking as honestly as possible with as few words as possible. I, on the other hand, beat about the bush so much that I touch upon everything but what I REALLY wanted to write. I end up feeling spent and dissatisfied most of the time, after writing. But unfortunately , I cannot be without writing - Its like an itch I cannot stop scratching :)
Oh! I have not told the whole story of my yearbook. I shall reserve it for another blog maybe :)
But between you and me, I did not send a photograph, simply because I did not want an entry. Unfortunately, they seemed to have gotten hold of some old snap from an application form - a sort of mug shot - where I am staring straight ahead with the grumpiest face :) Appy decided that I should write her entry and when she makes up her mind, it is futile trying to change it. But I was not aware that she had submitted mine. I was in for a rude shock. Here I was laughing at the mug shots of others and thanking God that I had the smarts to keep myself out of this, when there, in that corner, that hideous predator! Is that me? Oh! for crying out loud... There is no escape when the fates are out to get ya!
Hey Zhuo, I think I'll start a blog exclusively for recording my comments to you. I have already typed a looong one in your blog and here I am at it again... Some people just can't shut their mouths :)
cheers,
Meera.
Hi!
Its been eons. What's brewing? Chanced upon this entry and made up my mind to write to you.
Love,
Appy(No matter what i do, the name sticks)
Pleasant surprise, Ap!
I am meandering noiselessly through life...
How have you been?
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