Work days around holidays are always slow, so naturally when I was forwarded this last week I had to read on. From Best of Craigslist: http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/sfo/672031640.html
Nemesis required. 6-month project with possibilty to extend
I've been trying to think of ways to spice up my life. I'm 35 years old, happily married with two kids and I have a good job in insurance. But somethings missing. I feel like I'm old before my time. I need to inject some excitement into my daily routine through my arm before its too late. I need a challenge, something to get the adrenaline pumping again. An addiction would be nice, but, in short, I need a nemesis. I'm willing to pay $350 up front for you services as an arch enemy over the next six months. Nothing crazy. Steal my parking space, knock my coffee over, trip me when Im running to catch the BART and occasionaly whisper in my ear, "Ahha, we meet again". That kind of thing. Just keep me on my toes. Complacency will be the death of me. You need to have an evil streak and be blessed with innate guile and cunning. You should also be adept at inconsicuous pursuit. Evil laugh preferred. Send me a photo and a brief explanation why you would be a good nemesis.
British accent preferred.
- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
- Compensation: $350 up front
The idea of a nemesis, particularly an arch-nemesis amuses me. My first thought when reading the above ad is to convince the poster to give me the $350, and then piss him off by not doing anything. I guess that qualifies as being an asshole more than being a nemesis though...
The ad did make me think though...
What are qualities you would seek in a nemesis?
Well, I immediately think of a girl I know whom I can't stand, and I have no good reason for disliking her. Of course, that infuriates me even more because then I actually feel bad for not liking her. So my arch nemesis would be a mix of her, and someone who is slightly better at everything I thought I was good at and have crossed a few more things off their life to-do list than me. While he/she would end up being good motivation to improve myself, I would hate him/her for being what I thought were things that defined me, as well as being forced to have to interact with him/her in a gracious manner.
Thoughts?