Monday, 03 January 2005 | Jump

I can't seem to remember that I'm supposed to be celebrating a particular holiday until I hear someone else wish me a happy one. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's: I traveled, ate traditional food, exchanged gifts, and drank champagne at midnight, but each holiday felt like it could be any other day. I feel a little bit like I have the perspective of an alien, and I have to keep reminding myself that today is when Earthlings celebrate _____, and therefore, I'm supposed to _____.

I don't necessarily dislike holidays; I just no longer have an awareness for them. I'm pretty sure if I weren't repeatedly reminded of their arrival, they'd pass by me unnoticed. I think that might mean that I live too much in the present, or that I lack a healthy level of anticipation.

But, on a related note: As of tonight, I am now the embarrassed (but very happy) owner of the first season of 21 Jump Street on DVD. (The guy behind the counter laughed at me when I quietly asked if his store carried it. I half-pretended it was for someone else, but he knew.) When watching the pilot episode, I was most struck by how unbelievably bad the opening and closing credits are. How did I miss that before? It makes me lose a little respect for my 13-year-old brain. Also: my 13-year-old brain can't believe that it had to wait 17 years for this compilation to finally be released. What took so long, Stephen J. Cannell?