The Fox and Other States of Mind

Sometimes, when the stress of papers and exams and work and impending graduation gets you down, the only thing left to turn to is absurdist humor. Looking for the meaning of life? The direction of your future? Take a break — Ylvis has other questions to ponder.

Let’s start with a classic.

Like my post last week, this week’s was originally planned to go in a very different direction. But then a certain meeting happened and different things shifted into focus.

There is “one sound that no one knows…” that of the “angel in disguise” with fur “red, so beautiful.” Ylvis searches for his “guardian angel hiding in the woods,” and at the end of the video we get a glimpse of the elusive fox, an “ancient mystery.” But the fox disappears, leaving listeners with only a few seconds of “a-bubu-duh-bubu-dwee-dum.” The sound remains a mystery to Ylvis, who has been unable to complete his search for knowledge.

Sometimes, you feel the need for a weekend getaway, away from the office and from work, immersing yourself in nature so that you can recharge and come back refreshed. Camping out in a cabin that has *most* of the amenities? Incomparable.

On the topic of last Monday’s plan for this post, Ylvis’ dad is in the wall and I’m sure he regrets not calling him sooner.

Have you found yourself embracing new aesthetics as you get older? Perhaps you’re still mistaken for a high schooler. Or maybe you’ve struggled to find nice furniture for your new place. Do you need new chairs?

But maybe your newly outfitted cabin, complete with “antique” chairs and all, gives you too much of an opportunity to sit alone, dwelling and ruminating. There are other issues in the world! No, let’s turn off the news for a quick second — sometimes you need a momentary break from that bombardment, too. Megalithic boulders, however? A truly pressing consideration of topology.

Some people have a wife who “applauds [them] in the kitchen,” and maybe you, too, have found someone you’re compatible with! In which case, congratulations — the rest of us will alternatively scorn and admire you (don’t worry, the scorn is just jealously. We’re happy for you, promise.) But can you say that you’re as good together as this couple?

Actually, never mind that, only a couple years later, Ylvis is back to searching for love. Again, asking the real questions here. This may or may not be a symbol for your life. It may be better to focus on grad school and look at the symbolism of other things (i.e. your readings).

This is a no. What is “Asian technique”? Stay in school.

If nothing else, now might be a good time to pick up a new hobby. Strictly for entertainment purposes, tying knots and knowing twostep (or whatever those dance moves are) can be an interesting way to displace your stress. And if you decide to change career paths, this could very well come in useful:

Ylvis again is plagued by one problem, but this time he successfully solves it and is able to overcome the knot-tying obstacle. An evolution from his other ponderings, he perseveres and at last elucidates the technique from that YouTube video. Take inspiration from his persistence.

But if all else fails, you might want to look at moving to Massachusetts to begin anew.

We’re gonna interpret this not as homophobia but as gradually enthusiastic acceptance of personal epiphanies.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the metaphorical bus rides of our lives. And only occasionally, the literal ones.

— Lora