February 22: Slumdog Millionaire edition

I'm recovering from a cold, so I tried to take it easy today; I didn't torment myself for missing church, I tried to sleep in and I avoided anything greasy or heavy at brunch.  My day wasn't really going to start until 7:45 pm or so, which is when I was going to try out some "sounds-too-good-to-be-true" live-blogging software for the Oscars (starting with the all-important red carpet, which I'd normally live-blog here, on my Diary). 

Immediately after the Oscars, I was supposed to participate in a live, call-in webcast thing hosted by Sree-chetta for SAJA.  That would run from 11:30 - 1:30 am.  With few breaks possible, it felt like a long night for someone who was wheezing from any exertion whatsoever.

So I tried to set up and test stuff as early as possible, to save time.

I walked away from my computer from 7:15 to 7:45, for a cat nap.

Then, I sipped hot water for a few hours, while moderating the rollicking, free-for-all party which was SM's live-blogging. The blech-inducing hot water was non-negotiable; I had to do whatever I could to prevent myself from sounding like a frog, you see.  Or hear, rather.  Whatever.

The Academy Awards kept going, and the web-radio-call was pushed back.  Next thing I know, Slumdog wins the big one, I'm frantically trying to sign off the online party I hosted for SM and I'm digging about for my cell phone.  It's already 11:45. 

I get on the call at midnight, after three fruitless attempts.  I followed ALL instructions!  I swear!  On Chanel!  I am perfectly capable of following &^%$#$% instructions. ;)

I proceed to participate enthusiastically, if not somewhat violently, in the discussion.  At various points in time, I want to smack myself for having been so nervous about the whole thing.  Once I'm in the moment, it all flows.  Why do I always forget that? 

Next thing I know, I'm taking the OPPOSITE side about Slumdog (i.e. arguing about pretentious shit like privilege, the "gaze", exploitation, stereotyping etc...usually I'm all, "it's a nice movie!"); I get very protective of you readers, and if I've been invited to provide SM's view of things, then damn it, everyone is going to GET our view of things.  All of it. I don't like when people dismiss or invalidate you.  Not on my watch, buddy.

I'm one of the last men standing, and it's 2:20 am.  I'm starving.  I've been stifling tummy growls for the last three hours-- but who had time to eat?  I nuke leftover pasta, hork it down with all the grace of a buzzard, read through some of your email/twitter feedback, stare at NyQuil, wish I didn't have to take it, take it, shower...and now it's 4:15 am.  What a night.  And I still forced myself to update my diary, because I've missed it, and you, and for too long, I've let the perfect be the enemy of the good.  More tomorrow, one hopes.

Comments

[Esa]

You were great! The discussion was sometimes annoying. But you really stuck to your guns in bringing all sides to the issues. You brought up so many issues that no one else did- like how "Salaam Bombay" faced similar reactions but was really a film that changed things. I liked your recs of "Amal" and "Little Zizou" as films to watch out for when the get distribution, too. You go girl.