Who Are You People And Where’s My Horse?


After a week of sorting through the paper-bomb that exploded all over my desk, and nursing my sore wrists from three straight nights of court reporting, I’m finally back from the dead.

That. Was. Awesome.

That. Was. Awesome.

When I originally (and over-confidently) stated: “Let’s get this party started,” I was thinking of something along the lines of “casual dinner party”.  You know, some cheap wine, hot dogs and baked beans – the ambiance of Barry Manilow, maybe some Abba.  Instead it turned out to be one of those parties where people are doing keg stands on the roof, shaving the house cat, barfing in the Jacuzzi, throwing m-80’s in the neighbor’s mailbox, and lighting the bushes on fire.

Thanks for all of the awesome feedback from the people that dropped by.  It was a better party than expected…

Post Traumatic Pressed Disorder

If you’re hung up on being Freshly Pressed take my advice:  prepare yourself.  It’s a double-edged sword.  It’s a great experience, but when the story-wranglers finally push the launch button on you, your words will be put out in front of a lot more people than you’re accustomed to being exposed to.  I wasn’t ready for it.  At times it almost feels like strangers are walking through your home, playing with your knickknacks.  Criticism is inevitable too.  Personally, I take it really hard.  Everyone’s a critic though, right?  Opinions are like assholes?  It’s a tiny little glimpse of stardom, and a reminder of why I never want to be famous.

You’ll ask a lot of questions both during and after the experience about yourself, your writing, and your message.  After some time off to process the whole thing, I realized a lot about me, about my writing, and about the messages being cranked out of this noisy machine.

No "Dancing Queen" while I'm hittin' the beer bong, brah

No “Dancing Queen” while I’m tryin’ to hit the beer bong, brah.

The whole thing made me realize that what I do is bigger than me.  It’s not just about me, it’s about taking advantage of the opportunity that this platform gives us all; the ability to reach across the world and communicate a message – good or bad.

My experience has been about opening up, making sense of my life, and figuring out how I fit into the bigger scheme.  When I started, I didn’t have my mind set on becoming some fucking celebrity goofball, or even making a modest living at it.  Writing is important to me because it’s the only way I know how to communicate something without stumbling.  I could never voice any of this without writing it first.  It would come out wrong and the message would be lost.

This is all really important stuff for me and many others.  Whether you’re a recovering or struggling alcoholic, dealing with anxiety or depression, coping with the loss of someone in your life, or just want to make people laugh, we all want to be heard, understood, validated, and learn from others that have managed to dig their way out of the ground.

That’s why I value conversation.  There are so many meaningful messages out there looking for an ear.  It’s not just about blogging, it’s about communicating.  Sometimes it’s one simple phrase that can change the course of a life for the better or for the worse.  Never underestimate the power of intent.

On a Lighter Note…Wtf is this place?

You might be wondering what you stumbled on here.  It’s not what you think it is.  This whole thing is sort of like Self-Help.  Sort of.  Not really.  For the most part, My Right to Bitch is just one big metaphor that continues to unravel.  Oftentimes, I’m the one doing the unraveling…

Don’t take most of it at face value.  It’s positive when you sort through all of the slang and fuck’s.  I look at it like fighting for the arm rest on a plane.  It’s my space too.  There’s a lot of meaning beneath all of the *ha-ha* stuff, and I always encourage people to dig deep to find it.  But, feel free to take from it what you’d like and throw the rest in the trash.

Sometimes it’s introspective; me working through some internal conflict, or finding a way to dig myself out of another depressive funk.  Sometimes it’s about sharing a personal experience with hard lessons.  Sometimes it’s a fresh perspective about something, and sometimes it’s just for fun.

I try to keep things in perspective.  Words to live and die by:  ”if you’re not looking at the big picture, you’re losing at life.”  A lot of this is *big picture* stuff.  It’s not right or wrong, it’s just me writing from my viewpoint and sharing.  I have this weird thing about making up shit on the fly though, so if you ever stumble on a word or phrase you’re not familiar with, make sure you check the Official MRTB Dictionary.  It’s corny. I know.

It’s not really protected under copyright law either.  I just like the way that little “©” looks.  I guess if you wanted to rip it off you could probably get away with it.  But don’t do that.  That would be kind of a douche bag thing to do.

One last thing before you go…

Drop a link in the comment section of your best post.  Give it a header too.  It can be funny, gut-wrenching, or a brutally honest rant.  I don’t care what it is.  Just make sure it’s something authentically you, and is something that you want people to hear.  If the comment tray won’t allow you to post a hyperlink, try removing the hyperlink and paste the address.  Any problems, let me know.

–Happy Blogging    \M/

P.S.  I’m gonna be answering some burning Hypothetical Questions sometime this week.  Make sure you bring a question of your own to the *ahem* party.

[Credit]  ”Who are you people and where’s my horse.”  is an excerpt borrowed from George Carlin’s, “It’s Bad for Ya.” stand-up performance. (2008)  I’m not the owner.  Just a fan.  

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98 comments

  1. radaronelson

    Now that sounded like my kind of party…..bring on the keg stands! I may be 40 but I can drink with the best of them and put most under the table…….years of experience on my side. LOL

    Reply
    • SoundEagle

      Hi Adam,

      By now, SoundEagle hopes that you have recovered from Post Traumatic Pressed Disorder (PTPD), or have found ways to deal or live with it. All in all, most people probably agree or believe that it is better for any person (in this case, you, upon being freshly pressed) to be trapped in fame than in shame. Hence, SoundEagle also hopes that you have been able to enjoy the limelight whilst it lasts, or until the next brand new limelight turns in your direction . . . . . Perhaps fame is somewhat akin to drug addiction insofar as the first hit of fame is always or usually the best or most overwhelming, assuming that it is not the case of “Once Bitten Twice Shy”.

      As for which SoundEagle’s post (or page) is best to/for you, perhaps that is best left to your discresion and guided by http://soundeagle.wordpress.com/about/. Without further ado, may you find good reasons to leave your marks and dents all over http://soundeagle.wordpress.com/ and bitch to your heart’s content till your body and soul spin at the horizon where the eagles fly . . . . .

      Reply
  4. Dianna

    Love love love it all! Keep writing no matter negative, positive, whatever! Opinions keep us all thinking whether we agree or disagree. We wouldn’t be our own people if we didn’t form opinions. Who the hell wants to be like everyone else!? My fav post is a toss up between ….. All of them!

    Reply
  5. nrhatch

    Being Freshly Pressed is a rush, and an unexpected pleasure, but it does feel a bit like having strangers parade through your living room, even if you’re half-dressed and not ready for prime time company.

    Blogging is a communication platform. It’s a community that comes and goes, with both ebb and flow. Because others are reading, I do my best to mean what I say and say what I mean. I post only when I have something to say, not just because I want to say something.

    I keep thinking that the well will run dry eventually . . . and it has slowed to a trickle on occasion . . . but then it replenishes itself once more.

    Party on, dude!

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Thanks Katie! I really appreciate that. It was pretty damn cool. I’m going to get some dinner, and I’ll be all over that post of yours.

      P.S. Don’t grit your teeth.

      Reply
  7. singlemom'sblatherbubbleblog

    Hello Adam! First off, the party description made me jealous and nostalgic. Ahhh those were the days! The rest of your post was spot on. We blog to be understood in the manner that only writing can bring about. We blog in hopes of making somebody smile too! I’m not putting a link to one of my posts because I never read my own stuff. LOL I guess I get embarrassed.
    As usual, your post today is GREAT!!!

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Thanks Lo — I really appreciate that. Sorry to put you in a funk. At least your liver’s healed up nicely though, right?

      Drop a link anyways. You don’t have to read it. I promise.

      Reply
  8. Kathryn McCullough

    As someone who’s been Freshly Pressed several times, I know what you mean, dude. I mean, it gets nutty, doesn’t it? Love your post-freshly-pressed disorder!

    I suppose I gotta leave two links. The first is about receiving word that I’m gonna get my dad’s FBI file, so I can take my mafia memoir a step further. The second is my current post–about the Christmas ornaments I’m selling–cause, you know, I want to sell them. Forgive my over-indulgence, Adam. And thanks so much!

    http://reinventingtheeventhorizon.wordpress.com/2012/11/26/my-fathers-fbi-file-another-installment-of-kids-make-the-best-bookies-a-mafia-memoir/

    http://reinventingtheeventhorizon.wordpress.com/2012/12/03/ornaments-for-holiday-ecology-my-newest-and-grooviest-creations-yet/

    Hugs,
    Kathy

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Thanks Kathy, I appreciate you droppin’ some links. It’s hard to find stuff on here since everyone has five thousand posts — all of them hidden somewhere on their page. Their all different. And confusing. I’m really excited to read that memoir. Have you been working on it at all? I think that was the first thing I read of yours.

      P.S. I’m gonna buy one of your ornaments for you for Christmas. oops.

      Reply
  9. SocietyRed

    Adam,
    I just really love the way you write! This is a great post pressed post summary. You speak much truth in ways people understand. I could never get enough of your work. It’s like listening to Zep while kicking it with some steaks on the grill and good friends.
    My best post? I think it was my first post, 15 months ago, when I was busting open starting a blog and trying to get it right. I rewrote it and posted it today as part of the daily prompt… http://johnsblogs.com/2012/12/03/vanilla-ice-cream-revisited/
    Keep up the great work my friend!
    Red

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Thanks Red!! I’ll try my best to keep it non-boring. I’m really glad that it all resonates with you, and I’m diggin’ on that analogy. I’m wishin’ it was July right now.
      That’s the part that I enjoy most — knowing that someone is on the other end listening. I’m makin’ my way through these posts as I write. I’m diggin’ this so far. It’s a lot easier than looking for it!

      –Keep up the great work as well. I always enjoy reading your stuff!

      Reply
    • Adam S

      Thanks Fatty! I really appreciate that. I’m a weaver of *fuck’s*, so I’m sure I won’t run out of any creative uses for it. I just watched “It’s Bad for Ya” the other day. God I miss him. I think he was funnier when he turned into an old, crotchety fart.

      “I’d like to start of by saying Fuck Lance Armstrong! I’m tired of that asshole! I’m tired of his balls, and his bike, and his yellow shirt, and that stupid empty grin…and FUCK TIGER WOODS TOO!” <—Classic! [I laugh every single time]

      Reply
  12. lillianccc

    I think a lot of us start out thinking we’re just writing for ourselves (or at least that’s what we tell each other anyway) but you’re right, it’s a lot bigger than that. As people, everyone likes to share and interact with others and this is just another way of doing exactly that.
    I also completely understand the FP deal. I was lucky enough to have hit the jackpot once with this post (http://wp.me/p1Dr4V-8u) and then I was like, oh god now people are going to have expectations! They’ll think I’m some enlightened, super-blogger now! But eventually I calmed down, I made some new friends, and writing life went on. I don’t know if that’s necessarily my favorite post so here’s another offering: http://wp.me/p1Dr4V-mm. I tend to be very sporadic content-wise and occasionally format-wise. Thanks for the offer to shamelessly plug my stuff! :)

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Lilian, I’m all about shameless plugs haha.

      I don’t work well under pressure. That’s what I don’t like about it. Like I said, and you said, it’s a double edged sword. I’m happy to know that new people are gonna be around, but it gets in my head. I can’t do anything if I’m constantly thinking about other shit. I enjoy writing a lot. The rest of it is kind of a distraction, you know?

      I’m gonna check out your links. I know I still have one favorited. I started reading it and got side-tracked — imagine that! Me get side-tracked? They should have named me ADDam.

      Reply
    • Adam S

      Make sure your fridge is stocked with Buds after you get “the email.”
      I’m down with ‘fuck’. I’m petitioning to have it added to Merriam Webster’s. It’s a crucial part of my life and job. Why can’t we just acknowledge it already?

      Reply
  14. littlemisswordy

    “Writing is important to me because it’s the only way I know how to communicate something without stumbling. I could never voice any of this without writing it first. It would come out wrong and the message would be lost.” – This is so me!

    “I look at it like fighting for the arm rest on a plane. It’s my space too!” – This is so me too!

    Congratulations on being pressed! Insert virtual fist pump here. :-)

    Reply
  15. Masala Chica

    I am glad I read that post that day. Like I said – what you said about the two types of bloggers has stuck with me and I am trying to make sure my posts are not art, but allow people the ability to create conversation and discussion.

    As for people leaving mean comments? Listen, if you have a party, you know there is always going to be that random guy who will puke on you new sofa or clog the toilet. Liken them to that. Every party has a few of them.

    I think this is a good one on me.
    http://masalachica.com/finding-myself-on-the-map/
    Kiran

    Reply
    • Adam S

      I’m really glad you popped back in! Thanks for reading it. It was a fun couple of days. Lots of interesting people showed up.
      I completely agree with you about the crashers. It was actually overwhelmingly positive, but the negative stuff always has a way of getting stuck in my craw. I shouldn’t let it get to me, but it does. I’m human. And I’m not a guru either. I think that’s were the abrasiveness comes from. When you put an idea out there and speak confidently about it, some people take it out of context, like it’s a rule or something.

      I will say this though: I’m flattered, but don’t stop creating art. Make your art interactive — for your benefit. A few people went moping away from it ready to give up. That wasn’t the intention. It’s an idea to help people create more interaction with their work, regardless of what that work is.

      I’m gonna check out your link!

      Reply
  17. jennsmidlifecrisis

    Congrats on being Freshly Pressed! So glad to see it didn’t go to your head! But it is an accomplishment and it couldn’t have come to a better writer! Cheers! (as for posting a link, I couldn’t choose – they’re SO all over the place: faith, food, fitness, family, foolishness…mostly foolishness)! lol

    Reply
  20. alienredqueen

    “It’s not just about me, it’s about taking advantage of the opportunity that this platform gives us all”
    That sounds nice all…except it’s wrong. It’s my blog…It’s ALL about me. :D

    Reply
  22. sagedoyle

    Great post, nicely written, finely expressed. And I still think you sound like my good friend, especially after this, I think you’re him in disguise. As far as a link goes, my best post? hmmm, you want to pick one? No clue lol

    Reply
  23. Kozo

    everydaygurus
    I think you need to add STBB (shit the blogging bed) to your dictionary for when we post something that doesn’t get FP’d, liked, commented, or read.
    Obviously, this post did NOT STBB. Great idea for the comments and links. I look forward to more fun.

    Reply
  25. Pingback: Hypothetically Speaking… « MY RIGHT TO BITCH
  26. The Laughing Duck

    Honestly, I’m really surprised that you said you take criticism hard…Personally, I adore the sarcasm and humor and though you’d probably intimidate the hell out of me in real life I’m glad I got to trample all over your living room floor and stomp on your knickknacks.

    Keep it up , Sarah (:

    Reply
    • Adam S

      Sarah, I’m flattered to the max. I really take that to heart. You can trash my knickknacks anytime you’d like to!

      I’ll keep crankin’ em out as long as people are reading. When people stop reading, I’ll get a *day job* again.

      Reply
  27. csspecialist11

    Great post. I was really glad you were on freshly press bc that is how I found your blog and I get a kick out of your post. Well you asked for our best post and being that I only currently have three post I don’t actually know yet. So I rather you pick for yourself.

    C S Specialist.

    ps. please continue to bitch often :D

    Reply
  28. Temporary Road Paving

    Hey Adam,
    Just read your Editor’s choice blog but couldn’t stop there. I think your entirely right about this platform and how it can help us communicate meaningful messages. (And not so meaningful, ofcourse).
    I wanted to share with you a post I wrote about spending some time in slums in Africa, and the distress caused when nobody else considers your cause so meaningful.

    Reply
  31. Cafe

    I just wanted to say that … I have nothing to say lol. Sorry, I’m so tired out of my mind but I usually try to leave a comment on a post that I read, especially so the person knows I really read it. And since you asked so nicely to leave a comment, I felt compelled to. Sooo …. I guess that was better than nothing and I promise I’ll do better next time ;)

    Reply
  32. C. R.

    HA! I got so lost in the comments I almost forgot what page I was on!
    Adam this is a fantastic post. Not only did you do it with the MRTB humor/sarcasm I have come to love, but you did it with sincerity to the cause of why we are all here. Had you not been pressed I’d not have had the opportunity to be IMpressed. Thank God, Allah, Beetlejuice and hurray!
    I had to really think about what link to leave behind. It could be my last impression with the world ending and all :p Shit! decisions, decisions….My Blog is pretty robust and has so much of me on every page (they called me Sybil in a former life – j/k btw)…well helly here goes…it’s fitting for the current times and it’s interactive….nearly every word/phrase is a song title so without further ado I introduce A Letter in Song Titles http://cherispeak.wordpress.com/2012/06/09/a-letter-in-song-titles/

    Reply
  33. C. R.

    Oh I forgot to mention I love Carlin and got the title of this post right away…unfortunately I am a lil peaved with the man…he never did tell us where the fuckin’ tubes were before he left us behind! Where’s the tubes? roflmao

    Reply
  34. tfaswift

    Well you said I should start bitching, so … dude, WHY do you have the voting thing with the stars at the top of your post? You’ve got 95 comments and 2 votes!! LMAO. And you should change your comment settings so that the newest ones show up at the top. There you go. That’s my bitching done. Found you via C.R.’s blog and came here because she’s awesome. And so am I. Can’t leave a link to one of my posts because they’re all too damn awesome. Over and out.

    Reply
    • Adam S

      C.R. is a cool chick. I’m gonna check your stuff out after the holidays. I’m in over my head right now, and desperately in need of a large, cold, high-octane, forty ounce glass of malt liquor.

      P.S. I’m sorry that my rating thingy offended you.

      Reply

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