Hey, what are you up to?
Not much, been busy writing, working on the film, trying to make a living, blogging, the usual.
What’s blogging?
It’s this journal-like thing. You write something about something and then you put it on the Internet.
The Internet? I think I’ve heard of that. It’s a military tool, isn’t it?
It’s changed a little bit since 1981, I guess. So what are you up to?
I’m at the University of Rochester and I’m avoiding studying. I’m watching too much TV. I’m hanging out in the lounge too much. I’m probably drinking too much, too, but I really hate it here and I have to cope some how. So I get the writing, because I’ve just kind of discovered I like doing that myself even though I don’t think I have anything to write about, but you’re making a film? That’s a surprise.
Yeah, sometime in the late 80s I started writing screenplays, and this led me down the filmmaking road. It’s been quite a journey.
What’s it about?
It’s called A Life’s Work and it’s about four people who are engaged with projects they won’t complete in their lifetimes.
Cool. Are there any explosions in it?
No.
Decapitations?
No.
Hmmm.
You’ll understand later.
Well, what do you do for fun?
I have great friends and I hang out with them a lot —
Me too!
— play guitar —
Me too!
Ride my bike.
Bike? Really?
Yeah, it’s a lot of fun. So, can I ask you an annoying question?
Go for it!
What do you want to do with your life?
Oh man! That is an annoying question. Who are you, my parents?
No, I’m you 30 years from now. So?
I don’t know, man, I don’t even have a major. Can I ask you an annoying question?
Sure, that’s only fair.
You’re old, do you have any advice for a young punk.
Dude —
Dude?
Nevermind. I’m not old. Here’s my advice — actually, you know what, I don’t have any. Just do what you’re doing. It’ll all work out. You’ll find you have very few regrets.
That’s kind of weak. Don’t you have a stock tip or something?
Okay, here’s my advice: respect your elders, despite what you think, you’ll be one one day.
[I stole this idea from the brilliant songwriter Jens Lekman. I don’t know whom he stole it from.]