The Eugene Syndrome

When Jim Carrey was just starting to become huge, he did an interview with the L.A.Times where he talked about "The Eugene Syndrome". Basically, Carrey explained that his parents gave him the middle name "Eugene" to keep him humble - that no matter how great things go, something stupid and/or embarrassing would happen to him and keep him humble... because of his middle name Eugene. He explained (and I remember each word to this day) - "You can never get too cool with a name like Eugene."

And wise philosopher Jim Carrey is correct. For when you are named Eugene, things will happen that will keep you humble. Case in point-

Last week, I was chatting with two other animation writer friends of mine. Since the three of us are between assignments (read : unemployed), instead of moping around, we picked a day that we'd go to the movies.

The day before we were going to go, the first friend got hired for a job, so he had to pass on the movies. Later on that day, my other friend got hired for a job, and he, too, had to pass on the movies. Later that day, I waited for my phone to ring but it never did.

So to recap, at this very moment, everyone is working but me. Now usually it only FEELS like that when you're between assignments (read : unemployed) - but in my case, I actually have proof to back up my claim.

By the way, I know that this is just a temporary dry spell. Before I know it, I'm going to be swamped busy again with writing work and I'm going to wish that I had enjoyed my free time instead of whining about not working. So thanks for indulging me.

And for the love of PETE, whatever you do, don't name your children Eugene.