Is judging something by its worst examples optimistic?

[cdave]

Thinking about it, the way I cook, and the way I read have a lot in common.

In SF I tend to read more Science Fiction than Fantasy. On the basis that while I love good fantasy or sci-fi, I really loath bad fantasy, but can (and often do) enjoy "bad" sci-fi. If the writing, or characterisation is atrocious, there's usually a decent idea, or at the very least some fun action. A fair chunk of my to be read pile (and a very large percentage when I really started buying stuff at uni), is stuff I'd never read a review of, and just bought based on a 20 second look at the cover.

Similarly with cooking, I'd rather by a bunch of interesting ingredients and wait for inspiration to strike when in the kitchen, than try an follow a recipe. While I do appreciate a really well cooked meal (and am capable of knocking together a respectable dish), I also enjoy a hastily thrown together mishmash. And frankly that's easier. Probably round 90% of them turn out to be okay, 5% great, and 5% not so much.

I'd like to think that makes me optimistic, as I'm seeking to maximise enjoyment, with minimal effort, but maybe it's pessimistic as I'm not putting in the effort to seek out the exceptional.

Comments

[hawkida.livejournal.com]

I think my ratio tends to be 92% okay, 5% great, 3% inedible.

I use recipes for inspiration, not for following. Unless it's to remind me of the ratios for pancakes or something. Lately, though, partly through time, partly through not having anyone to cook for, I just tend to eat things that I'd once have used as ingredients. Toast and a tin of tomatoes - healthy, easy, fast, for example.

I don't really read any more. I've been trying not to accept this for too long, but I can't remember the last novel I finished. That's a bit crap, really.

[cdave]

I can't believe you don't read on the train. Well I can. But I really would. That much sitting/standing still and quite would drive me round the bend.

[hawkida.livejournal.com]

I can't. Well, I can, but I feel crap afterwards if I do. I get groggy on trains and in cars, if I sleep I get off at the other end feeling as awake as before I got on. If I don't I suffer. For some reason this doesn't seem to be the case after I've been at the pub - whether I've drunk alcohol or not. Never quite figured that out.