We are all wrapping up another year – in spirit, projects and with presents. Whatever you celebrate, or don’t, I sincerely believe that this is a time to pause, smile, set aside any differences we might have and just enjoy what we can.
As I mentioned earlier, this time of year meant family get-togethers, but, as a kid, Santa was my man. And my task master -- Clean your room, keep the barn swept, check the horse’s hay and water twice a day! Cause if I didn’t, somehow, he knew. And I wasn’t risking being on the naughty list.
Fast-forward to today. Now it seems now that I just end up on naughty list. It is not a conscious effort, mind you. It just sort of happens, ya know? However, there are some things that I would never do, but should put others at the top of the Naughty List, such as:
Naughty: Not holding the door for the person behind you.
Nice: I don’t care if they are younger than you. Be an example of courtesy.
Naughty: Talking on the phone while driving.
Nice: For heaven’s sake, holding the phone in the air with the speaker on does NOT count as “hands free.” If you don’t have blue tooth, either wait, or pull over and park somewhere to chat.
Naughty: Using Laundry Scent Boosters to “enhance” the smell of your clothes.
Nice: PLEASE STOP. Lightly soap smell is fine, or even no smell. You don’t need a choking sphere of gaggy fragrance around you wherever you go. A nice perfume is fine. Just a little.
Naughty: Companies who make Laundry Boosters.
Nice: Just don’t buy that stuff.
Naughty: Cars that back up into parking spaces.
Nice: PLEASE STOP. OK, I see you CAN back up into a parking spot now (thanks to the ubiquitous “back up cameras”), but 1) I have to wait for you, and 2) more importantly, there are no “back up lights” to warn me that you are pulling OUT of the parking spot -- so you don’t run me over!
Naughty: Crossing the street (or walking around generally) while talking on your cell phone.
Nice: Keeping your phone in your purse or pocket while walking, and making sure someone who is driving “hands free” on their speaker phone doesn’t run you over. [By this time, it is implied that running over people is definitely naughty. Period.]
Naughty: Doing ALL your shopping on line.
Nice: Get out of the house. You need the change of scenery and to interact with real live people out there. Plus, as an added bonus, it lets you meet your neighbors, provides jobs, and supports your local economy. Win-win!
Naughty: Being judgy.
Nice: Oops… OK, now I see that, Santa.
But before I go, I would like to give a nod to the wonderful life of Penny Marshall, who passed away yesterday. Her earthquake scene as Laverne and Shirley, which I have shared before, is just a classic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7oWUAZzQPg Goodbye, Penny. You have inspired people in many ways, and, especially, you made us laugh.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday and take some time to stop and smell the pine trees.
Until next year, your preparedness pal,
Sue
