We've all heard "Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You", "What Goes Around Comes Around" and all the others you understand what I am saying here. It doesn't cost a cent to be pleasant even if you don't feel that way, but I guarantee it will make you feel better.
In the news lately we've witnessed a man lying on the street dying as people walked by. A young girl being beaten up while people witnessed and no one stepped in. In this day and age, a term that has been around as long as I have, people are reluctant to be a hero for fear of their own safety. However, most of us have a cell phone and can easily call 911. I wonder how many Facebook posts or Tweets were made to inform friends of what they were seeing. Thank God for "Heroes".
But, this is a story about being nice.....and let you question how nice you are.
1. You had to call the cable, insurance, etc. companies and after, first having to decide between Spanish or English when you finally get the call to go through. You have to go through at least five prompts until you get a live person on the line.....You...
a. Are outraged and express your displeasure to the one who answers when they were just doing their job.
b. Make sure the person knows that your time is valuable and you have all the numbers needed to complete your request.
c. You can endure this disruption to your day and make sure the person you spoke to has a better day.
2. Door opening. I was never a fan of the guy always opening a car door for me. Everyone should be able to open a car door. Talking about going into businesses or restaurants and the doors there......If a stranger is six feet behind you or less, do you......
a. Hurry to get further ahead of them, because you know deep down that it is the right thing to do, but you are not going to do it.
b. Don't even think about it, let them get in on their own.
c. Will stand and let an entire family walk in before you.
3. You wait a long time to check out at Wal-Mart or anywhere else. The person in front of you's card has been declined and they pull out others to find one that won't be.
a. You think what a low life....if you can't afford it you don't buy it.
b. You let the cashier know of your displeasure and make fun of that person.
c. Be patient, turn your head, this person is embarassed enough.
4. While at said store an item you have chosen doesn't have a barcode....you
a. Tell the cashier to forget about this purchase, you don't have time to wait.
b. Be patient as they do a price check.
c. Feel bad because you should have checked for a barcode when you picked it up.
5. An elderly person or someone from out of state creates a major traffic disruption......You
a. Gig them and blow your horn....SR citizens shouldn't be allowed to drive and don't come into our state unless you know the roads.
b. Be patient and back off as to not put yourself in danger.
c. Feel sorry for them as you know they are lost.
6. Someone on a cell phone, texting, reading the paper or putting on makeup creates a major traffic disruption.....You...
a. Gig them and blow the horn, you are mad and they screwed up.
b. Give them a glaring look as you pass them because they screwed up.
c. Give them a break and just go on.
7. You purchase an appliance or furniture and when delivered it is all wrong...You...
a. Go ballistic, scream at the delivery driver and tell them to just forget the order.
b. Tell them to take it back and calmly call your salesperson to inform them of the mistake.
c. Say what the heck, this may be meant to be and just keep it.
8. It is pouring rain or freezing cold and you've spotted an upfront parking spot for the business you are about to enter, your turn signal is on as you wait to pull in and someone suddenly pulls in to take the spot.....You.....
a. Gig them or better yet get out of the car to confront this person.
b. Silently call this person some really bad names.
c. Think, I needed the walk anyway.
9. You have a delivery or a service scheduled and they call to confirm this with a 2 to 4 hour time frame.....You........
a. Give them hell, you have a job and your time is important.
b. Call back and try to get a pinpointed time and explain why.
c. Welcome the opportunity to sit and read a book.
10. Your phone is ringing off the hook because of telemarkters. You.....
a. Play with them, telling that the person they are calling is dead.
b. Thank God you have caller ID.
c. Listen to their pitches and polietly decline.
Scoring mostly a's may indicate you have some anger management issues, mostly b's you stand up for yourself respectfully, mostly c's mean you can be a little too nice and tend to be stepped on.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Random Political Thoughts
I am afraid that 100 years from now history will dictate that Obama's presidency was all about race.
I hope that Sarah Palin will not be on "Dancing with the Stars". Read "Going Rouge" and this woman has a lot of talent.......about as much as our current President.
I need an Elder Statesman who shares my beliefs. At 55 the choices become limited. America needs another man who is wise, interesting and charming. Hope there are those out there aspiring to become another Reagan.
I am tired of the current administration blaming GW, he too, has the talent of Obama and Palin. Nine months into his Presidency there was an attack on the US, that hadn't happened in fifty years and before Hawaii was a State. Big problem......A few years later one of the biggest natural disasters in the continental US. GW got Katrina.
Kudos to Bill and Hillary. I certainly don't share their beliefs or actions. But, certainly respect the mark they have made on history. In 1998 Bill gave adolescent
children a better sex education than could have ever gotten at home or in school.
This is America, I should not have to choose between English and Spanish options when I bank or do just about anything. I would never move to Paris or Mexico and expect them to accept me when I couldn't speak the language. Nor would I expect them to support me.
I hope that one day soon people will quit dissing our current wars. There are men and women overseas who want nothing more than to do what is best for our country.
I hope that one day soon if you choose to start a business, do your research, work hard you will succeed.
I hope that one day soon people learn to live within their means and not expect anything to be given to them.
I hope that one day soon that the rich don't get richer by doing unethical things.
I hope that one day soon America again becomes "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave".
I hope that Sarah Palin will not be on "Dancing with the Stars". Read "Going Rouge" and this woman has a lot of talent.......about as much as our current President.
I need an Elder Statesman who shares my beliefs. At 55 the choices become limited. America needs another man who is wise, interesting and charming. Hope there are those out there aspiring to become another Reagan.
I am tired of the current administration blaming GW, he too, has the talent of Obama and Palin. Nine months into his Presidency there was an attack on the US, that hadn't happened in fifty years and before Hawaii was a State. Big problem......A few years later one of the biggest natural disasters in the continental US. GW got Katrina.
Kudos to Bill and Hillary. I certainly don't share their beliefs or actions. But, certainly respect the mark they have made on history. In 1998 Bill gave adolescent
children a better sex education than could have ever gotten at home or in school.
This is America, I should not have to choose between English and Spanish options when I bank or do just about anything. I would never move to Paris or Mexico and expect them to accept me when I couldn't speak the language. Nor would I expect them to support me.
I hope that one day soon people will quit dissing our current wars. There are men and women overseas who want nothing more than to do what is best for our country.
I hope that one day soon if you choose to start a business, do your research, work hard you will succeed.
I hope that one day soon people learn to live within their means and not expect anything to be given to them.
I hope that one day soon that the rich don't get richer by doing unethical things.
I hope that one day soon America again becomes "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave".
Friday, April 16, 2010
You Might be Anal If.......
1. You clean up your Facebook wall daily by removing things you liked, groups you joined and friend request responses only to show what you have posted.
2. You clean up your Email daily as to keep your inbox at 0%.
3. Your snail mail is sorted daily and things not needed are immediately thrown away.
4. Your newspaper from yesterday has already been recycled.
5. There are no magazines in your house over a month old.
6. Your shoes are in plastic shoe boxes with a picture of the contents taped to the end.
7. You have a Dynamo Label Maker and you use it frequently.
8. You have a laminating machine and regularly laminate important papers.
9. Every paper clip in your home is in the spot designated for paper clips.
10. Same goes for your spare change.
11. There is never a chance that you will be caught without toilet paper, paper towels or Diet Coke.
12. You fill up your gas tank before it gets to half empty.
13. You abide by the rule if you haven't worn it in six months, get rid of it.
14. Finding an important document poses no problem.
15. You never forget to pay a bill on time.
16. The garbage goes out on said day.
17. You never lose your keys.
18. You remember every birthday, appointment or RSVP and respond ahead of time.
19. Every photograph in your home is accounted for and scaled down to save space.
20. You have never been late for anything.
If you indentify with 15 to 20 of these, you are extremely anal.......10 to 15, not anal but really on the ball............5 to 10, you get a C.........0 to 5....you need to step it up a bit.
2. You clean up your Email daily as to keep your inbox at 0%.
3. Your snail mail is sorted daily and things not needed are immediately thrown away.
4. Your newspaper from yesterday has already been recycled.
5. There are no magazines in your house over a month old.
6. Your shoes are in plastic shoe boxes with a picture of the contents taped to the end.
7. You have a Dynamo Label Maker and you use it frequently.
8. You have a laminating machine and regularly laminate important papers.
9. Every paper clip in your home is in the spot designated for paper clips.
10. Same goes for your spare change.
11. There is never a chance that you will be caught without toilet paper, paper towels or Diet Coke.
12. You fill up your gas tank before it gets to half empty.
13. You abide by the rule if you haven't worn it in six months, get rid of it.
14. Finding an important document poses no problem.
15. You never forget to pay a bill on time.
16. The garbage goes out on said day.
17. You never lose your keys.
18. You remember every birthday, appointment or RSVP and respond ahead of time.
19. Every photograph in your home is accounted for and scaled down to save space.
20. You have never been late for anything.
If you indentify with 15 to 20 of these, you are extremely anal.......10 to 15, not anal but really on the ball............5 to 10, you get a C.........0 to 5....you need to step it up a bit.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Dressing Up
For a 55 year old I feel and look well. Such a blessing. However, I so need to clean up my dressing habits. Oh, sure I clean up well when I go out, to work, weddings, parties, funerals, et al. But my dress code has some serious issues when it comes to at home.....I am finding myself venturing to Wal-Mart or Lowes in five year old sweat pants, athletic shoes and T-Shirts because that is what I wear around the house.
I love the makeover shows where they take a frumpy woman and make her beautiful. Fact is all women are beautiful and when the makeovers come out they have haircuts that will demand constant attention, make-up that will take 30 minutes to put on, clothes that they will never wear or be comfortable in.
I marvel at the women who are put together all the time. I think the last generation of women who went to the beauty salon every week is about to die out. They have been replaced by women as young 15 who have surgeries to enhance their looks. I'm such an advocate of not having unnecessary surgeries but the "Lifestyle Lift" is beginning to intrigue me.
I am not my best when my shoes are pincing my feet or my waistband cuts my middle. I need to find the perfect clothes for stay at home wear, that provides great comfort, looks good enough for a trip to the grocery store and repels cooking, cleaning and gardening stains. I think my New Year's Resolution each year is to look better at home.
In retrospect, a woman can dress up to be beautiful but a real woman doesn't need to dress up.
I love the makeover shows where they take a frumpy woman and make her beautiful. Fact is all women are beautiful and when the makeovers come out they have haircuts that will demand constant attention, make-up that will take 30 minutes to put on, clothes that they will never wear or be comfortable in.
I marvel at the women who are put together all the time. I think the last generation of women who went to the beauty salon every week is about to die out. They have been replaced by women as young 15 who have surgeries to enhance their looks. I'm such an advocate of not having unnecessary surgeries but the "Lifestyle Lift" is beginning to intrigue me.
I am not my best when my shoes are pincing my feet or my waistband cuts my middle. I need to find the perfect clothes for stay at home wear, that provides great comfort, looks good enough for a trip to the grocery store and repels cooking, cleaning and gardening stains. I think my New Year's Resolution each year is to look better at home.
In retrospect, a woman can dress up to be beautiful but a real woman doesn't need to dress up.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
The Masters 2010
I have been exposed to golf most of my life. My most special men, my husband, son, father and brother love the game as do so many of my friends both male and female. I've tried it a couple of times and deduced that I have no talent for it and may be a little too ADD to chase a little ball around for five hours. I do, however, understand what all the fuss about and will sit down to watch it on TV.
I must admit my passion has intensified since Tiger came on the scene and my guys have been Phil fans for as many years. I've touched on before my extreme disappointment with Tiger and we all know why and my pride in Phil for holding his head high through difficult personal times.
Today I had the fabulous opportunity to attend the opening round of the 2010 Masters which will always be remembered as the one where Tiger came back. At this writing it is not known if he will pull off the grand prize. Of course, this is the heavily guarded, well mannered event of all time so there were no anti-Tiger jabs from the crowd. A plane with a banner that read "Tiger Practices Bootyism" flew over head.
This story is about the beauty of Augusta National. I am very disappointed that we were there and do not have a picture as proof. But, I do understand. So while it is all still fresh in my mind here are the wonderful things about this incredible event.
Augusta National Golf course is surrounded by businesses such as a CVS or a Fresh Market. You walk through the heavily guarded gates and are greeted by people who are entertaining and truly love their jobs. On the way there are hundreds trying to sell you something to commemorate your day. Once you finally enter it is like going into Shangra la. The course and surroundings are like the landscape architect's quest for a perfect resume.
When you attend any sporting event you expect to pay $4 for a bottle of water or a Diet Coke. You try to eat before going in as to not break the bank and actually buy food. Our lunch bill was $12 which included three sandwiches, (choices of tuna, egg salad, ham and cheese on rye and others made by local church groups), 2 bags of chips and 2 16 oz soft drinks. We could have gotten fruit, candy and ice cream at rock bottom prices. Bottles of water were a dollar.
Souvenirs were another matter as we spent $200 in this spot on $29 t-shirts, etc. How could you go to the Master's and not buy a souvenir? You have no pictures as cameras and cell phones are not allowed and you need something to show you were there. T-Shirts and golf hats go for $25+, beautiful neck Tye's were $69. Every thing there was high quality and expensive. Wanted the brass Christmas ornament of the clubhouse but it was $46. In retrospect, wish I had bought it.
I went into the bathrooms which were as clean as the ones I have at home. There might have been a slight wait but there was a woman there to guide you to the next available stall. Toilet paper, soap and paper towels, not a problem. The walls were made of stone tile. Porta Potties outside the gates accommodated two people, with TP and a sink to wash up. Again, with someone there to direct you to the next spot.
The beer flowed freely from about 9:30 am on. I never saw anyone drunk or unruly. Nor did I see sagging pants, tattoos, or extreme cleavage. The dress code is preppy, comfortable. And when is the last time you were anywhere for six hours that you didn't see someone use a cell phone?
I am honored that I was able to attended such a dignified event. Long live The Masters.
I must admit my passion has intensified since Tiger came on the scene and my guys have been Phil fans for as many years. I've touched on before my extreme disappointment with Tiger and we all know why and my pride in Phil for holding his head high through difficult personal times.
Today I had the fabulous opportunity to attend the opening round of the 2010 Masters which will always be remembered as the one where Tiger came back. At this writing it is not known if he will pull off the grand prize. Of course, this is the heavily guarded, well mannered event of all time so there were no anti-Tiger jabs from the crowd. A plane with a banner that read "Tiger Practices Bootyism" flew over head.
This story is about the beauty of Augusta National. I am very disappointed that we were there and do not have a picture as proof. But, I do understand. So while it is all still fresh in my mind here are the wonderful things about this incredible event.
Augusta National Golf course is surrounded by businesses such as a CVS or a Fresh Market. You walk through the heavily guarded gates and are greeted by people who are entertaining and truly love their jobs. On the way there are hundreds trying to sell you something to commemorate your day. Once you finally enter it is like going into Shangra la. The course and surroundings are like the landscape architect's quest for a perfect resume.
When you attend any sporting event you expect to pay $4 for a bottle of water or a Diet Coke. You try to eat before going in as to not break the bank and actually buy food. Our lunch bill was $12 which included three sandwiches, (choices of tuna, egg salad, ham and cheese on rye and others made by local church groups), 2 bags of chips and 2 16 oz soft drinks. We could have gotten fruit, candy and ice cream at rock bottom prices. Bottles of water were a dollar.
Souvenirs were another matter as we spent $200 in this spot on $29 t-shirts, etc. How could you go to the Master's and not buy a souvenir? You have no pictures as cameras and cell phones are not allowed and you need something to show you were there. T-Shirts and golf hats go for $25+, beautiful neck Tye's were $69. Every thing there was high quality and expensive. Wanted the brass Christmas ornament of the clubhouse but it was $46. In retrospect, wish I had bought it.
I went into the bathrooms which were as clean as the ones I have at home. There might have been a slight wait but there was a woman there to guide you to the next available stall. Toilet paper, soap and paper towels, not a problem. The walls were made of stone tile. Porta Potties outside the gates accommodated two people, with TP and a sink to wash up. Again, with someone there to direct you to the next spot.
The beer flowed freely from about 9:30 am on. I never saw anyone drunk or unruly. Nor did I see sagging pants, tattoos, or extreme cleavage. The dress code is preppy, comfortable. And when is the last time you were anywhere for six hours that you didn't see someone use a cell phone?
I am honored that I was able to attended such a dignified event. Long live The Masters.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Facebook Etiquette for Dummies
For people who do or don't have a lot of human contact during the day what a better way to spend an evening than with a dose of Facebook. You can connect with your family, friends and professional contacts and you do not have to make hors d'oeuvres, plan a meal and with a click you can make them all go away. No mess to clean up, no money spent and you've just spent some quality time with those you love and respect. Plus, as long as you have a killer profile pic, you can wear sweat pants, a t-shirt, and no makeup while entertaining on Facebook.
I marvel that people have over a thousand friends and wonder if they actually had a conversation with all of them but, hey, less than a year ago I thought Facebook was something my my kids did. Now I have rebuilt relationships with people as far back as elementary school, keep in mind that was the 60's, long lost family, not to mention professional networking.
Control freak that I am, if there was a quiz about "What Friends Character are You"? I would be Monica without a doubt. She never even had Facebook. So to honor her we will tell you of our biggest FB fauz pas:
GAMES.....Know you love them and we respect that you have a new crop on Farmville. We can hide Farmville and the other stuff if we choose not to participate. You are not hiding the person, just the games they play. If your Farmville friends have little else to say, it is their loss. Do not insult them by joining groups such as "I don't care about your Farmville", etc.
YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO BE A FRIEND......Try to read and view all your friends posts, they were important enough for them to post. Clicking on LIKE will let them know that you care. Writing a comment, even better.
TOO MUCH INFORMATION.....What you had for dinner, how much your job sucks or anything else that is a complaint can bring your friends down. Of course our thoughts and prayers are always with you when a tornado rips through your home, you are injured or are losing/lost a loved one.
TOO MANY PICTURES....We all delight in sharing your special days and look forward to seeing what you have done. If you post an album of 50 pictures of said day will bore everyone. Pick the best to get the point of your great day across.
BE INTERESTING.....Chances are a quiz, quote or video you choose to post will strike a cord with many of your friends and will get responses you love to have. Find ways to engage your friends and get them thinking.
DON'T IGNORE FRIEND REQUESTS....Someone thought enough of you to want to friend you on Facebook. Look at the person and their info. If for the life of you you don't remember this person, look at their friends and info to figure out why they thought you were special. If you can't figure it out, decline immediately as not to embarrass said person.
LEARN TO SPELL AND USE PROPER GRAMMAR.....I know this is the age of texting, everything we have ever learned has gone down the drain. I am talking to Baby Boomers here and we should know better. Typos are excused as the occasional misspelling of a word. We have spell check!
LEARN TO SEND PERSONAL MESSAGES.....No one needs to know if friend #1 is having dinner with friend #2 or their plans for the next day. Keep your personal conversations personal.
Facebook was created by and originally catered to twenty somethings, the Baby Boomers got wind of it and the results have been amazing.
I marvel that people have over a thousand friends and wonder if they actually had a conversation with all of them but, hey, less than a year ago I thought Facebook was something my my kids did. Now I have rebuilt relationships with people as far back as elementary school, keep in mind that was the 60's, long lost family, not to mention professional networking.
Control freak that I am, if there was a quiz about "What Friends Character are You"? I would be Monica without a doubt. She never even had Facebook. So to honor her we will tell you of our biggest FB fauz pas:
GAMES.....Know you love them and we respect that you have a new crop on Farmville. We can hide Farmville and the other stuff if we choose not to participate. You are not hiding the person, just the games they play. If your Farmville friends have little else to say, it is their loss. Do not insult them by joining groups such as "I don't care about your Farmville", etc.
YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO BE A FRIEND......Try to read and view all your friends posts, they were important enough for them to post. Clicking on LIKE will let them know that you care. Writing a comment, even better.
TOO MUCH INFORMATION.....What you had for dinner, how much your job sucks or anything else that is a complaint can bring your friends down. Of course our thoughts and prayers are always with you when a tornado rips through your home, you are injured or are losing/lost a loved one.
TOO MANY PICTURES....We all delight in sharing your special days and look forward to seeing what you have done. If you post an album of 50 pictures of said day will bore everyone. Pick the best to get the point of your great day across.
BE INTERESTING.....Chances are a quiz, quote or video you choose to post will strike a cord with many of your friends and will get responses you love to have. Find ways to engage your friends and get them thinking.
DON'T IGNORE FRIEND REQUESTS....Someone thought enough of you to want to friend you on Facebook. Look at the person and their info. If for the life of you you don't remember this person, look at their friends and info to figure out why they thought you were special. If you can't figure it out, decline immediately as not to embarrass said person.
LEARN TO SPELL AND USE PROPER GRAMMAR.....I know this is the age of texting, everything we have ever learned has gone down the drain. I am talking to Baby Boomers here and we should know better. Typos are excused as the occasional misspelling of a word. We have spell check!
LEARN TO SEND PERSONAL MESSAGES.....No one needs to know if friend #1 is having dinner with friend #2 or their plans for the next day. Keep your personal conversations personal.
Facebook was created by and originally catered to twenty somethings, the Baby Boomers got wind of it and the results have been amazing.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Spring Cleaning!
We've gone through one of the most brutal winters that anyone young or old can remember. It started snowing in December and January hosted day after day of below average temperatures and one snow after the next. We all longed for Spring. All rejoicing in even the smallest sign of getting us out of this misery. A house fly, a bulb peeking out of the ground......anything.
Our end of March was one of massive rains and destructive tornadoes ripped through our town. As I did laundry today, and I am not one to let it pile up, it consisted of sweat shirts, heavy socks, tank tops and shorts. We really deserve a Spring.
We haven't had the time to rotate our clothes or get a tan. Summer is here. Really don't want to turn on the AC until 5/15 to ease all the astronomical heating costs of the winter. Please God give us a few weeks of Spring.
Our end of March was one of massive rains and destructive tornadoes ripped through our town. As I did laundry today, and I am not one to let it pile up, it consisted of sweat shirts, heavy socks, tank tops and shorts. We really deserve a Spring.
We haven't had the time to rotate our clothes or get a tan. Summer is here. Really don't want to turn on the AC until 5/15 to ease all the astronomical heating costs of the winter. Please God give us a few weeks of Spring.
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