Email...It's a Like / Hate Thing

Wow, twenty days since a posting. Hmm. I'm not much of a blogger. I guess I'm really only a "poser blogger." I can live with that.

O.K., I've never been a real fan of technology; at least the kind that is less utilitarian and more for sheer convenience. Recently, I purchased a cell phone and then only reluctantly. I find them annoying and the people who use them incessantly even more annoying. You know the ones. The inattentive driver who, on a good day without distraction and clear weather still manages to be an a**hole of the roadways, now becomes a monumental hazard while trying to juggle their cell phone conversation, cup of coffee and smoke at the same time.
Then there's the woman who is supposed to be enjoying a dinner out with her mom who she hasn't seen for months. The restaurant is busy. Customers chat over sumptuous fare and wine. Then...Ms. Inconsiderate's cell phone rings, LOUDLY and with an obnoxious tune. She answers but not quickly. All patrons around her are alerted. She's flippant and shows no expression of what a nuisance she is. She ignores her mother and unwittingly (and without concern for others) invites all patrons in the restaurant into her conversation. It goes something like this: "No. That's not right. Billy has Soccer and Jamie gets dropped off first. Yes. His cleats are in the closet...I think. I don't know. There are hot dogs in fridge. Have those." This but an excerpt.
In instances like this, I just want to stand up and scream: "SHUT UP you inconsiderate wench! No one here wants to hear about your pathetic life of hot dog dinners and soccer schedules. Take your F**ing converstation outside!"

Then there's email. I like it. But it breeds laziness and isolation. Case in point: My "neighbor" at work. Yeah, he's just on the other side of the cube wall from me. I hear his telephone conversations. He probably hears mine. We go to lunch occassionally and out for a coffee too. Currently, we're working a project together. He wants to discuss a small point of our project. Does he stand up and say; "Hey man, can I run this by you?" No. Of course not. Instead he sends me an email inviting me to a meeting. Dang people around here like to meet. The culture here is to meet about meetings. "Email me to set up a meeting." Anyway, he knows I'm here. He can hear me breathing and snacking and whatever else. For crying out loud, dammit,
just talk to me man! No. Can't be done. Instead we have to play email tag. He sends one. I reply. He replies to my reply. I reply to his.
But alas, ultimately, I refused his invite to have a meeting...via email.

Blah...

Nothing to be annoyed with. That in itself is annoying. I had something...yesterday...I think. I can't remember. It's gray, cloudy and dreary outside. Winter has been too long. Where is the spring sun and warm breeze? I do have plants beginning to bud and bloom. Daffodils are blossoming yellow and I saw a tulip popping up yesterday.

I've read other peoples posts. Anxious moods are afoot. Cabin fever, I agree. I want to get out and ride my motorcycle in some warm 70 degree weather, but none yet. I am annoyed that I can't find a new helmet. So many styles and brands but none sing to me. The one that does is like $500! Crazy!!! It's made by Roof and the style is Boxer. Google it and check it out. Peace out, ya'll.

Missing the Point...!

Let's move onto Uncommon Common #2: Common Courtesy. Again, like common sense, common courtesy is NOT! This topic covers almost all areas of life from driving to interpersonal communication and so on. How about this one: I'm driving in a 50mph zone at approx. 55mph. (Yes, I like to drive fast & reckless with a total abandon for the posted speed limit). Up ahead a road merges with mine. At the intersection, the merging traffic has a stop sign. Additionally, there is a car in front of me traveling at the approx. same speed and no traffic behind me. I am following the recommended two second rule. At the intersection rolls a Lexus SUV up to the stop sign. He inches forward. Immediately I get the sense this guy just might try to gun it and pull out in front of me. I flash my lights to say, "Don't do it." But what does he do...hesitates momentarily then darts out right between my car and the one I was following. I threshold brake, downshift and steer right just in case. Simultaneously, I flash him with my lights again. (Don't ya hate when people do that)?! But it gets better. We travel 1/4 mile up the road where he turns into the grocery store parking lot. WTF?! He couldn't have waited three seconds for me to clear the intersection back yonder? Remember, there was no one behind me. Oh, but it doesn't end here. Nay, nay. As he makes his right turn, I pass him on the left. I look over and he flips me off. OH HECK NO! He did not just do that? Yes he did. The guy cuts me off and then flips me off. How rude.

Then, there are my inconsiderate children. They must think I'm their butler. Why is it they can empty a box of cookies or something but can't throw the box away? I've found empty milk cartons in the fridge; just found a extra large box that once contained Snack Pack pudding cups in it but is now empty in the cupboard. How long has that been like that? Oh well, that's just kids I guess.

What about all that other inconsiderate stuff out there...failure to use turn signals, not covering mouth while sneezing or coughing, and the list goes on.



See, common courtesy is NOT common.