One of my favorite activities each week is reading the Sunday edition of the New York Times. Though I’ve lived in Southern California for 36 years, I still have quite a bit of New York in me. I never read the Times when I lived there – I was only fourteen when we moved away. But my mother did the crossword puzzle every Sunday, and I have followed her lead. Doing the Sunday puzzle can sometimes be so frustrating it make me want to scream, but I keep at it, and every so often I actually finish one.
One of the things I really enjoy in the magazine section is The Meh List, which was, until recently, compiled each week by Greg Veis. This list is a little square of wry observation that I look forward to each Sunday. In case you don’t know, the word “meh” means boring, mediocre, just not interesting – over. Some say it is only used on the east coast, but I think, in context, nearly anyone would understand. Sadly, on July 8 Greg Veis’ final Meh List was published. I will miss his wit, but I am sure his replacement Samantha Henig will be just as clever.
Here is what was on Mr. Veis’ last meh list:
1. Mugs with slogans
2. Vodka cran
3. “Having it all”
4. Starting tweets with “You guys!”
5. Office going-away parties
6. Greg Veis
(source: New York Times, Sunday, July 8, 2012)
Do you see what I mean? And most amusing of all is that the author included himself on the final list.
This got me thinking about what I would include on my personal meh list. There’s so much to choose from…but I will share with you some of my top picks for currently meh things.
1. Couponing
2. John Irving’s latest book
3. “I follow back” on Twitter
6. In and Out Burger
5. Pictures of cats on Facebook
6.”Weeds”
There, that felt really good. You know, I could do this every week. If the New York Times ever needs a new person to compile The Meh List, they should most definitely call me. Especially because I would never include their Sunday crosswords on any meh list I wrote. Even when I can’t finish it.
Thank you....I know there is hope.
Oh, how sweet. Yep, looking back, I just embrace the awkwardness of her. Thank you for your sweet and meaningful reply.
Shirley - that's funny but what you are saying is true about the men...first sex, then a little company, then back to the dating sites. :) There are too many fish on line to stick with just one so they go back to see what else is available. I am a me
Here’s my mehs:
1. People talking/texting on cell phones instead of living their lives.
2. People talking/texting on cell phones instead of driving their cars.
3. People talking/texting on cell phones, ignoring the “loved ones” (children spouses, etc.) right there with them.
4. People talking/texting on cell phones while trying to walk (and doing a very mediocre job of it).
5. People talking loudly on cell phones in public places (like every fast food eatery on the entire planet), disturbing everyone else around them.
6. People blocking public access while taking 953 cruddy low-resolution photos with their cell phone’s built-in camera.
Notice a theme here? I used to think it was the technology I disliked, but it isn’t. It’s the oblivious, rude people who (mistakenly) believe THEY can multi-task better than those other folks, and who have no idea how much they impose on and endanger those around them.
I recently had an experience with texting and driving – I wrote about it here:
http://www.vibrantnation.com/other-topics/texting-and-driving-a-personal-story/
I think it’s more than MEH!