Odd Yet Intriguing
Have you ever been asked such an odd question that it just stuck with you until you figured it out? I have, and it really made me think.
Recently, I was in the drive-through at one of the Starbucks in Winnipeg, and the barista asked me a question that left me thinking. If I could choose any movie that depicted my life, what would it be?
It kind of took me by shock. This person has served me before, and every time, he’s been super friendly. He always had something fun to say or ask. But I have never been asked a question like that… I loved it! What a way to engage your clients!
Well, that day, I didn’t have an answer for him, but I tell you, I’ve sure thought about it… A lot!
Keith, here is my answer.
I would choose the movie “Empire Records.”
For those of you who’ve never seen the movie, it is basically a random workday for a bunch of music store employees in the mid-’90s
There is the “good girl”, the “promiscuous girl”, the “misunderstood girl”, the “rebel boy”, the artist, the “wannabe punk stoner”, his buddy “the other guy”, the “rock star”, the former teen, now adult manager, the former “superstar” signing autographs, his assistant, and finally, the kid that just wants to work at a record store.
Each of these characters is very different, but in the end, they are there for each other and end up saving their common interest. “Damn the man, save the Empire!”
In a lot of ways, I personally feel like that group of people. Ultimately, I didn’t quite know who to be. I wanted to be popular like my older brothers, but I was too afraid of getting into trouble and didn’t quite fit in. I wanted to be a good girl and smart, so I could earn approval from the adults in my life, but I lacked the commitment to study. I wanted to be one of the cool people, but I just ended up being awkward anytime I tried. I wanted the boys to like me, but all that got me was a bad reputation. And, funny enough, I really wanted to work at our local record store, but I was too afraid to apply.
Well, I may not have become one of the most popular girls in school, far from it actually, but I did end up with a broad circle of friends. I got the opportunity to spend time with people who were vastly different from each other. Some of whom I wouldn’t have the chance to, had I been in a cliquey group, including my soulmate.
Having these people in my life, I learned that it doesn’t matter how popular or smart you are. If you’re misunderstood, a trouble maker, a stoner, a rock star, an assistant, or just some random person. You are essential in your own way; you matter. And maybe if we just stop and listen, I mean really listen to one another. We may find that we have more common interests than initially thought.
I am Millixi, and this is me.
