Fickle Friday #5

Today is September 2, 2011 — or 9-2-11. I have a tendancy to notice simple patterns and like 9-2-11 because 9+2=11. Strange, but true!

Do you believe it is September? Wheat harvest is going on and summer is near the end. The weather did a little change and yesterday there was even fog when driving to work. Lows were down in the 40s F. and highs were only in the 70s F.  But I think Mother Nature was just teasing, because next week it will be in the 90s again.

Monday is Labor Day in the USA. That means no work! But it is also the day I have to drive Daughter back to college. I checked the weather forecast and it is supposed to be in the 90s F. ARG!!  Daughter can’t get the key to her room until noon and she has a 4:00 meeting. So we have less than 4 hours to  get checked in, move everything from the car to her room, and then grab her stuff that we put in storage. That might take 2 trips.

The worst part will be the heat. And then I have to drive home (about 3 hours) in Labor Day late afternoon traffic. That is making me anxious already. I will have to remember to take my Glee CDs to keep me engaged in sing-along during the boring drive home.

The Packing Process

Once I return home, it will be deja vu in her room.  In July, I had it all spotless. I’m hoping it will be mostly cleaned up when we pack up. She’s been sorting through her things and has actually packed some of her stuff already.  The cats are quite enjoying everything though; there are lots of nooks and crannies, bags, and suitcases to investigate.

After daughter is back at school, I will hopefully get back into finishing the house cleaning chores. And just when I get that done, it will be time to back up and store the patio furniture.

OMG – I’m watching Man, Woman, Wild on the Discovery Channel. It’s a show about a survival expert and his wife who simulate survival situations. Right now they are in a small boat adrift in the Bermuda Triangle. They have been there for 3 days, with minimal water and only a tiny fish or two they caught. And let’s not forget there are sharks bumping against their boat. Mike (the hubby) is suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration. So he tells Ruth (his wife) to give him an enema to hydrate him. Now that’s love!  And successful love, because he got better and they were rescued.

I’m thinking that I will stay out of the Bermuda Triangle. And if I get too hot on Monday while moving Daughter into her college room, I hope no one sneaks up on me and gives me an enema.

Here Come Da Judge!

I am fairly opinionated. And sometimes I am judgemental. But is there a difference and what is that?

• Judgemental is defined as an attitude in which judgments about other people’s conduct are made.
• Opinionated is defined as obstinate or conceited with regard to the merit of one’s own opinions.

Yup, I am judgemental and I rationalize it in any way that makes sense to me at the time.  And opinionated — oh yeah!  Here again, I rationalize this because I have thought long and hard about my opinions and believe they are the best for me. True, I sometimes think they may be better for others too. But more often, it’s all about me. Guess that’s where the conceited part comes in. Sometimes I think they are meshed together when words come out of my mouth. I’m trying to figure out how to be a better person, especially in this aspect.

“Be curious, not judgmental.” – Walt Whitman

I have a low ability to understand why people do some of the things they do. Thus I often ask questions, which are usually delivered with little tact. It’s not that I mean to be tactless, I am so curious or astounded at others’ actions that I blurt out questions or comments.

For example, I came across an odd situation and person A stated they knew what the problem was. I responded with “how do you know that?” Unfortunately my comment was perceived as some sort of accusation. What I wanted to know was how person A came by that information.  What did they read or learn that allowed them to have that knowledge? Was it something I also could learn? I wanted to understand their reasoning so if I came across a similar situation, I might also be able to know what the problem is.

If you lay down with dogs, you get up with fleas.

Is that a judgemental statement? Somewhat. Does it imply that “bad” behavior is contagious? Sort of. I think it points more to mans’ attempt to belong or embed themselves as part of a group.

For example, if you hang out with druggies, there is a higher chance you too may become involved with drugs. Judgemental or an opinion?  Realistic? Probably a little of all.

I find that I often put my foot in my mouth with judgemental statements. Generic statements without knowing the facts are a problem. For example, in a conversation with a friend, I made a generic statement that people who have affairs with married people lose a little of my respect for them.

Now that is judgemental! I’m basing an overall opinion of the person based on a single aspect of their life. And without even knowing the facts or even if the situation is true. And without taking into account all the good things I know about that person.

“I am grateful that I am not as judgmental as all those censorious, self-righteous people around me.” – anonymous

So a personal goal of mine is to work on not being that anonymouse (pun intended) person I quoted above. It’s gonna be hard, because I’m sure you’ll agree I’m perfect nearly perfect.  OK OK – I’m in great need of an overhaul!!!  Sheesh – I’m even judgemental on myself.

My Top 5 Pet Peeves

Pet peeves–those little things that drive you nuts, and the more they occur, the nuttier you get. Here are my top five pet peeves; hope I don’t rant too much!

1.  Buyers waiting until a cash register total is completely done before they even start to get out a check book, debit card, or credit card. Good heavens–do they think that maybe they won’t have to pay for their items just this once? Maybe they are the 10,000th person to make a purchase today and it is free. Yup, I have nothing better to do while I (and everyone else in line) wait (not patiently) while digging in a purse or wallet. I must admit that I have only experienced women doing this. Pay attention people! You’re not the only one here!

2.  Cars tail-gating you. Especially when you are going the speed limit. And then they pass you , just barely making it, thus putting everyone in a precarious position. Best part is when you catch up to them at the stop light. So they have endangered my life through their rush rush, for no reason at all except to be ahead of you for a minute.

3.  People who are late try me nuts. Sometimes there are extenuating circumstances for tardiness, but when it is all the time, I cannot abide by it. Sometimes it is a power issues (I am more important than you, so you have to wait for my heavenly presence). Sometimes it is just inconsiderate action and not even thinking about others.

4.  Gum smacking makes me want to punch someone in the stomach so the smacker would spit out the gum in one nasty exhale. My daughter is a gum smacker and I am getting tense just thinking about it.

5.  Irresponsible pet owners. I am crushed when I see an animal at the side of the road because a car has hit them. Keep your pets in an enclosed area to keep them safe! And if you have a dog that barks all the time, please do something about it before your neighbors get so frustrated that they call the pound and file a complaint. If you can hear them bark, then so can your neighbors!!!

What are your pet peeves? I want to know so I don’t do them; hate to knowingly do something that would tick you off!