Saturday, December 11, 2010

I use too many infinitives but I don't actually care cause it really was the most perfect thing that has ever happened.


My English teacher (the one I used to hate, but now we're randomly best friends) told me I used too many infinitives: "This is my most favorite poem ever!" "It was the best thing that has ever happened to me!" "Today is the worst day of my entire life!" "I love this day more than I love any other day that has ever, ever occurred!!" And he's right. But let me clarify, when I say that last night was the most perfect thing that has ever happened to me, I honestly mean:

last night was the most perfect thing that has ever happened to me.

(a) I finished The Princess Bride, (b) I had a violin recital and I played rather well, (c) my high school basketball team actually won - not to mention they're rated number 3 in the state - which is exciting because my high school sucks at everything except marching band and it doesn't matter how great your marching band is, everyone still pretty much hates marching band, (d) there was a dance afterwards, which is way better than a basketball game, and I love anywhere with loud music, minimal lighting, and lots of people, (e) Perfect Boy Whom I Love happened to make an appearance at said dance.

Let's dwell on (e), shall we? His friend claims that he has never, in 17 years, busted a move. I would have to believe that. He's just that way. So after about an hour of his awkward standing there (far enough away from front/center to not get caught and suffocated, but not too far away from front/center so that he looked desperate) with his arms crossed while everything happened around him, a slow song started and I walked up. "You are the most awkward person I have ever met in my entire life." (Again, unnecessary use of infinitives.) And he mumbled something awkward in response. "Do you even know how to dance?" I asked. (More awkward mumbling. To be honest it probably wasn't even too mumbly, the music was just terribly loud, but he didn't seem to tap into that.) Long story short, we danced. And I taught him to waltz. And he is a terrible, terrible dancer and kept stepping on my feet and being terrible at dancing, but it was the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me. (Truthful use of infinitives - not counting the things like being born and having a nice family and stuff.)

And I am happy. I have changed so much. I know I keep saying that, but it's just so true. A year ago, I wouldn't have even befriended him, because I was for sure too cool for people who were openly intelligent (a.k.a. Nerds) and I certainly wouldn't have spent the entire dance talking about books and admitting to dancing in the grocery store. And I wouldn't have fallen in love with him in the first place. But I have embraced my ridiculous awkwardness and I feel more beautiful than I have felt in a very long time.

Don't admit to being a stalker.
All my love, Addy

Post script: I saw Kaitlyn this morning and Avery yesterday afternoon. It was more than lovely. And, Katie, would you please call me? I know you're home and I know you're reading this and I miss you terribly a lot.

4 comments:

Avery Jalaine Taylor said...

This is the best thing I've ever heard in all my days. Basically, I'm thrilled for you, and I oddly wish I could've been there to see you two dancing. My favorite was this: "'You are the most awkward person in my entire life.' And he mumbled something awkward in response." I love love love you for being terrific enough to go and say it, and I love Cache for being awkward and likeable at the same time. I'll come to your wedding or something.


We are the best of friends.
I like your infinitives.

Love, Avery

Chloe said...

Oh Addy! What a delightful story. AND...I'm pretty sure it escaped my memory that you played the violin. How did I forget that?

Whitney Ann said...

Yay Addy!!! :) I'm proud of you for that move woman!

Anonymous said...

F.Y.I. , Addy,marching band is soooooo cool! how dare you say no one cares about it!? The Nerve! I take that VERY offensively. if you ever saw field show, and saw the AF marching band perform, you would instantly fall in love, as you did with that guy at the dance!