Monday, September 7, 2009

Sex & The City (Without the City...and well...Without the Sex)



I fell victim to the HBO craze several seasons in and immediately became hooked. I own the entire series on DVD...which I've viewed time and time again. And I always get sucked right back in whenever I stumble upon an airing of the syndicated showings. I even saw the movie on opening night. Yes, it is raw and irreverent. And I must admit I cringe ever so slightly when I think of how much I adore this show. Always good for laughs, and equally good for making me blush, I find myself wanting to be like these women...living life on the edge,secure in the strength of the friendships they share, living, loving and learning along the way. And who wouldn't want the wardrobes, the purses and the shoes...oh, the wonderful, insanely expensive, to die for shoes!!!

A few nights ago, I lay in bed watching a few episodes and I began thinking about how much I enjoy the show and I began to ponder why. First thing that came to mind is my LOVE for NY City. Something about this place resonates to the depths of my soul. Each time I visit, I feel I'm visiting a long lost friend. A friend who intrigues me, whose personality is loud and exciting, someone eager to share all she has to offer. Walking on the streets of the city gives me a rush of adrenaline and an urgency to explore. I feel as if I've stepped into another world, a place that has a life of its own. A place different from any other where no excuses are made. While it is too late in life to pursue this dream, I've always secretly wanted to experience a few years as a city girl. While watching this show, for 30 glorious minutes, I can live that dream vicariously through Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda.

I also realized one other reason for being a passionate fan of the show. I see a bit of myself in each of the characters. I possess Miranda's Type A personality and her drive and ambition. Charlotte's love for what marriage and family represents is a love I share. I also share her naive tendencies and more conservative ways and her never ending hope for a fairy tale ending. Samantha...at first glance, I would be afraid to say we share anything! LOL! But she is passionate about all she does be it love or friendship. Never one to be swayed by others, she speaks her mind and has a strong voice. Passionate is the one word used to describe me time and time again. And I often see the vulnerabilities lying beneath her strong exterior...those things which make her fierce and a force to be reckoned with. Using that strength to hide her fears and propel herself forward.

Finally, I am probably most like Carrie. Always searching in love and life. Often thinking she's found the answer only to learn she was mistaken. Enduring heartbreak and yet being open to love yet again. I suppose the fact that she is a writer who questions the truth of relationships is also something I connect with. And in the end, she gets her man...which gives me hope that I too may one day have mine.

So tell me, do you ever see yourself in TV/movie characters? Although they are fictional, they are designed to be relate-able. Just wondering if I'm the only one to find myself in such make believe.

24 comments:

  1. Hey Lisa,
    What an awesome post- I always compare myself to the Desperate Housewives and like you I am a little like each of them- naive and clumsy like Susan, a perfectionist like Bree, a shopaholic & materialistic girl like Gabby, trendy & bad girlish like Edie, and the typical stay at home mom Lynette! So NO you are not the only one in make believe land girl! xOxO deb

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  2. Oh My Goodness..I think that happens to all of us at some point in time. Near the ending years of high school this show came on called One Tree Hill, and I still watch it to this day. It's amazing how I relate to the Peyton on there being a small town girl and I see how she's grown throughout the years of the show and find that her character and me are a lot alike:) It's good for a little make-believe from time to time!! Love, Jess

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  3. Hi, my name is Julie and I am a Sex In The City virgin!!!!! LOL!!! Do U still love me??? :):):):):):):)

    Actually....MY all time FAVE movie ever is Hope Floats....for a gazillion REASONS...
    1) Sandra Bullock....'nuff said!
    2) Harry Connick Jr....'nuff said DOUBLE
    3) The man that plays her Father...looks just like my beloved Grandpa...amen!
    4) Garth Brooks on the soundtrack!
    5) Country setting....*sigh*
    6) My all time FAVE quote ever ever ever is in that movie!
    7) I can relate to this MOVIE because....like Sandra's character....I have been cheated on by husbands more times than I'd like to count!!!! LOL!!!!

    hehehehehehe Sex In The City virgin signing off now!!! Love U! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

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  4. I so relate to your post - I think I have been all four of the SITC women at different times in my life, but I am more like some of Jane Austen's heroines than I would like to admit. My all time favorite movie to watch when I am alone is Persuasion - I realize that I used to be like Anne, so quiet and acquiescing on the surface but so turbulent and passionate underneath. As I have gotten older and had some experiences that changed how I think about life, I now feel freer to pursue my personal goals and live my life the way that works for me no matter what others may think.
    How are you doing with your headaches and neck problem?

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  5. Hi Lisa,

    I would say my best movie is Thomas Crown Affair. I don't remember her name, but she is very attractive. Anyways, the part where she dances with him and she is wearing a black see thrue dress and she is very provocative. Well, I can be provocative too and I love to play around and be a bit of a tees when I feel that the other one likes to play along too. I've been with my bf for 23 yrs now and I still play along. It's fun and it puts a bite of "piquant" in the relationship. I hope you feel better. Keep in touch!

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  6. Hey long lost friend! How are you? I have NEVER watched a single episode of Sex and the City. Can you believe that? I am sure I would like it, but I just never got into it. I am jealous of your adventures to NYC. I have always wanted to go there. Maybe one day I will make it there. My husband has no interest in going there at all. I think we always see ourselves in shows that we really get into. I can't think of a show right now that I see myself as, but I am sure there have been many! Hope life is treating you well! Talk to ya soon...hugs:)

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  7. Oh.... that show is definitely one of my all-time fav tv shows. I was really sad when it ended! I always related more to Carrie, myself, but I think it may have had something to do with the shoes, clothes, handbags... :-)

    Feeling better yet? :-)

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  8. SITC was my favorite show ever, I even made my husband get HBO : ) and I still watch it when it comes on late at night since I have insomnia, thank God for that show because infomercials suck!!!
    If I had to be one of the girls, I would be Miranda, I guess maybe because I was never good at relationships nor did I ever want to get married, that was until I met my soulmate but I always treasured my friendships with my girlfriends.
    I hope you have a wonderful week!

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  9. I feel it more in books than movies. Never got hooked on SITC, but I did see they are making a 2nd movie. I saw the first. I feel it summed up the entire run of the show in its time frame!

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  10. Lisa how are you? I have never seen an episode of Sex in the City. I'm not sure why really. I guess I just never had the time to watch it. No I love One tree Hill.

    So I have to wonder if you are thinking of becoming an GA girl yourself? j/k GA is fun, and my home state but its not my favorite place to live.

    PS noticed you wrote 2006 on your letting go LO, instead of 86, dont know if someone let you know or if you noticed already

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  11. What an interesting post. I love SITC, but it always left me feeling kind of sad. Episodes of friends did the same for me, though I find it hilarious. However, after watching I was always left with a feeling of "now why can't I have friends like that?" I was so jealous of seeing those girlfriends sharing just about anything, I always felt I was hugely missing out. A few years back, I met my 2 best friends, and I now know I was right, I was missing out. We all need girlfriends, and I'm fortunate to have found 2!

    When it comes to identifying with character, I don't think I've ever done that. I do have a lot in common with Chandler from friends ... don't you dare laugh!!!!! I have a enormous soft spot for that character, in many ways so insecure but with an enormous sense of wonderful sarcastic humour to hide that fact. For the same reason I love the character of Dr. House so much, not that I think he is insecure, but I keep watching, savouring all of his rude remarks and eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of his softer side...

    Like I said, a fun post to think about!
    Love xxx Peggy

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  12. Oh Lisa, I am a huge SATC fan as well!
    I even have the trivia game and my sister and I play it when she's in town ;)

    I would say I am a cross breed of Carrie and Charlotte. However, I can be bold and outspoken like Samantha sometimes!

    I saw the movie on opening night and can't wait for #2!

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  13. Oh Lisa I am behind in my bloggy reading. So sorry to hear you are not having a very good couple of weeks. Please know that I am thinking of you and sending lots of (((HUGS))) Hope you are feeling better REALLY soon!

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  14. I Love your post!! I am a big SITC fan and can't get enough as well! I love all the girls.I see sooo many of my girfiends in their characters....just a small town version!
    hugs
    Brenda

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  15. Very cute post.. SITC makes me laugh.
    I hear songs that the person sounds like they wrote my life/ me...

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  16. I have never watched SITC. I haven't really thought about who I am like, but I have thought about who I am not like...Cesar Milan...I am not a Dog Whisperer. More like a Dog Shouter, Yeller, Curser, and a Dog Floor Mat. But I do watch Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Feiri, he goes to different towns, tries the food, has fun. I would love that job, except I could do with out the obvious weight gain.

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  17. Ya know I never really thought about it much. I do love SITC alot and have watched probably all the episodes over and over, wishing I could be a little like all of them! Saw the movie with a good friend, and that is what you should do, see it with a good friend or 2! Then saw it again on dvd with my bff the night before I got married! Not a good suggestion, considering what MOST of the movie was about, hehe. I guess Carrie is the one I would be most like, independent, but always wanting that man in her life for romance and love and whatever else.... Great post girl, gets ya thinking!!

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  18. hey lovely!

    hope you are feeling better!!

    as for SEX IN THE CITY... i was so sad when the show ended... and yes, i saw the movie... did you know there's a second movie coming out?! are you gonna go see it?!

    i think i'm a combo of all of the girls. but like you, i think i'm mostly like carrie. :)

    if we ever get our lil scrap retreat together, we are totally going to have to make it a tv night too where we can pop in the dvds and watch them while we scrap. what do ya say?! ;)

    hugs,
    sarah.

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  19. Hi Sweets!

    You are so good at the interesting posts! I seem to be getting into the one liners in my blog lately...such a bad blogger I am. Anyway, I can not get enough of the movie Sweet Home Alabama. I just want to be her! I love Reese Witherspoon and Josh Lucas in #1 on my "list". Ha ha! I guess I relate to that whatever it takes kind of girl that Melanie is. I took off after my dreams right after high school too. Although I did not succeed in the career arena quite like she did. I also relate to the pull she feels toward home yet how happy she is where she is.

    Thanks for askin!

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  20. You actually have TIME to watch TV??? I'm so jealous!!! If the TV is on @ my house, then it's probably sports related...we just don't have time anymore! I used to be hooked on a few shows (years ago) but now I have no idea when anything is on...or what everyone is talking about regarding so & so on such & such a show...LOL! Hope you are having a GREAT week!

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  21. Hi Lisa,

    Havn't heard from you in a while. Jumped across to see what you are up too. i love your blog, so many interesting things to read and llok at.......

    I would love for you to become a follower of my other two new challenge sites (just to keep in the loop with the updates!!) If you know of any scrappers that may be interested could you please promote my new blogs to them.

    I would love to get a piece of your art work to showcase.... so,

    If you're bored .....lol...... and looking for a challenge with a twist, why dont you try one of my challenges at either ARTastic = http://artasticchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
    or
    From Screen 2 Scrap = http://screen2scrap.blogspot.com/
    I would love to see you participate and have a go!!

    Cheers
    Shazza

    Keep in touch and International scrappers welcome :)

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  22. I've never seen Sex in the City. I won't watch it when it's on the odd chanel on cable because I wasnt to see it from the beginning but it never seems to get on the top of my Netflix list. Oh well!

    My favorite characters in movies are always the ones that get the fairy tale ending. Serendipity is my favorite movie (and word by the way). I like the movies where every thing ends up the way it should be!

    I'm having a giveaway on my blog. Go check it out!


    Blessings,
    Christine

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  23. Yeah, I have to say that I like the show a bit, even though I hate to admit it. Some episodes are way too vulgar for me, but the ones that aren't so bad are funny and insightful I think. Great thoughts.

    I agree w/ the previous commenter that I like the characters w/ the happy endings. I'm a sucker for romantic comedies for that very reason.

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  24. Lisa, you are so not alone! I'm a Sex & the City fan myself, have a tight friendship with three friends (making us four), and always wondering how what I'm watching and soaking in relates to me. I wonder what I would do in the situation a writer came up with, whether I would do what the characters do (often not, for numerous reasons) or how other people in my life would react. I love romantic comedies, drama, action, sci-fi, mystery, and even doomsday stories. Good thing I like so many different genres....there's usually one available for whatever mood!

    How's your neck? I hope its improving. Glad you got to take some time to just enjoy a good show/movie!! :>

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