Monday, November 5, 2012
IT'S REAL PERSONAL NOW
Over the years all of us have seen devastation and turmoil all over the world..even in our own country..Being from the East Coast of the United States we haven't really seen too much devastation..I heard in 1955 and 1965 there were catastrophic Hurricanes the completely battered most of the East coast..I was 2 in 1955 and 12 in 1965 and I dont remember either one..But this one ...this Hurricane Sandy I remember quite well and spose I always will..I have to start out saying how lucky my family and I were during this event....lights never went out..the tree in the front yard of my home as well as the ones in front and behind my daughters home still stand..But a few of my friends as well as the streets across from me lost power...my friends lost it for 6 days..lost all the food in their refrigerator...their car got flooded....across the street from me their power was out for 3 days..I felt so bad and sort of guilty....But it's personal to me ...the Jersey Shore was where my fanily and I used to go every year for two weeks when I was growing up...My parents rented a little apartment type with a kitchen and all right off of the Beach...Long Beach Island..we spent the two weeks along the 18 mile strip of Sea Isle City, Barnegat Light , Long Beach Island, ..we climbed the lighthouse at Barnegat Light several times..we went to carnivals ...I fell asleep on the beach and got sun poison on the back of my legs..so bad that my parents had to hold me over the toilet...I couldnt sit.....Its all gone now..compliments of Hurricane Sandy....I saw the devastation that Hurricane Katrina left in Louisiana and I cried ..It was unbelievable...like ..a war zone..so sad...I felt helpless..as I do now..but watching it on tv now its personal...I knew these places...personally..I've gone to Atlantic City and Wildwood and Egg Harbour and Ocean City with my children..Our footprints are all over New Jersey..When I was 15 I went to Staten Island with a boyfriend and his parents to meet his grandmom...Staten Island is virtually gone...So now I cry for me, for my kids and my grandkids..I cry for the Mayors and the Governors of these states..they have a hell of a job ahead of them and they are taking it personally too...The roller coaster from Atlantic city is in the ocean..The ferris wheel still stands...I know one day we will again vacation in New Jersey...I would bet my bottom dollar on it..I will also bet it won't be the same...
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Just an Ordinary beautiful September morn..
Its been 11 years since the tragedy struck in New York...I don't even have to spell it out.most reading this will know what I'm talking about..I remember coming home home from the night shift from the US postal service..I did my usual..stripped off my clothes. went to the bathroom and got myself a cup of tea..ready to relax and watch the Today morning show with Matt Lauer and Katie Couric..I wasn't sitting for one minute before they were in panic over the first plane hitting one of the towers..we were all shocked..living it together by way of media..then minutes later I remember hearing them saying a second plane had hit..total shock and disbelief ..but almost immediately I remember someone saying "this is no accident".. and the rest as they say is history..I was glued to the tv for the rest of the day ..actually for weeks..I had to know more.. I had to see what was going on..I needed to feel like I was helping just by listening to survivors and families that lost loved ones..seeing pictures being posted,watching video taken of this horrific day in American history..in world history..doesn't really seem like 11 years..I suppose we all remember it like it was not so long ago..I can't even imagine how the families feel every day ..let alone on this anniversary every year..God Bless America..the people who lost their lives, their families and loved ones they left behind ..God Bless us all...
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Enjoy Life while You can....my story of now..
It's been months since I've blogged about anything...recently my puter has been down..A lot of people reading this may already know what I have been going through the last few months..At the end of April I had to be rushed to the hospital because of shortness of breath...it had been going on for a few days but I kept taking cold meds thinking thats what it was...not sure why I thought that..since I am overweight and on high blood pressure meds...which by the way I hadn't been taking for a few months because my doctor wanted me to come in for a re-evaluation after being on the same meds for 10 years...I didn't want to go to the doctors so I stupidly just stopped with the meds...cause they all needed to be refilled and the doctor had to either call it in or write me a new prescription...
I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure...had a severe leaky valve and an uneven heat beat...I stayed in the hospital for 6 days and was sent home with 6 different medications to take...was told I needed open heart surgery..which entails about a 5 hour operation...on a heart and lung machine...a 12 inch incision on my chest...imagine laying in bed each night anticipating this...and to know your children are out in the waiting room waiting for some word on the progress of the surgery...just heartbreaking and I cried a lot...
After being sent home ...things changed for sure...I no longer craved chocolate like I was so addicted too..I was eating a full cake in a day by myself occassionally...every day I needed 3 3 Musketeers...now I no longer even want them...my diet has way less salt and I dont really even miss it..there are so many other seasonings you can use to make up for the lack of salt...and you just get used to it...I am eating way less only because I want less...don't for some reason have the same appetite...today is November 16, 2011..and since May I have lost 56 pounds....it wasn't even hard to do...and thats without hardly any exercise...because of the degenerative arthritis in my knees I am limited to what I can do as far as exercise is concerned...I do what I can do ....I make myself do exercise and try to get up and clean...I still get out of breath ..even just walking to the bathroom which is about 10 steps away...I get dizzy a lot and have to take lots of naps bacause of the meds....On August 11 I had an appointment with the best cardiologist ever...DR. Thomas Diaz and he did an electrocardiogram on me and came in the room afterwards with the biggest smile on his face and sat down...crossed his legs and said.." I didn't do anything...but you are a miracle...""you no longer need open heart surgery...." the leak is so small now..." Of course being the crier that I am ...I cried...I was shocked at first but cry came to me...My youngest daughter and her 2 children Dallas and Dellaney were with me this day .. they were waiting in Dr. Diaz's office for me ...I went in and told them the good news and told Dallas and Dellaney that this was because of them....and Dallas raised his right arm and said "YES"...they had the biggest smiles on their faces...it was just a great day....
I continue to lose weight and take my meds...I have a LAB TECH come out to my home once a month to take blood because I am on Coumadin and it has to be monitored...I am on the smallest amount one can take..I take 1 1/2 mg one day then 1 mg the next and so on....that seems to be the formula that works to keep my blood in check...I hope one day I can get off of some of these meds....
I am still cautious and I know that just like the leak minimized...it could maximize again...I'm trying to do things I havent done in a long time...this weekend I hope to be going to watch my granddaughter Dellaney walk in a Thanksgiving parade with her ballet class...she is 6 years old and this will be her second time walking in this parade in Mayfair in Philadelphia...its spose to be a nice day...not too cold...no rain....so hopefully that all turns out..
We will be gathering at my youngest daughters home this Thanksgiving ...so all seven of the grands can visit one another....and I miss my oldest daughter and her kids...been awhile since I've seen them....the last few years we were all just ataying at our own homes for Thanksgiving ...but this year we want to get together..and we will for Christmas like we always do....can't wait...have a new lease on life now and just want to be around family and enjoy them while I Can... ON DEC 19,2011 WE FOUND OUT THAT MY MOTHER HAD PASSED AWAY..AFTER COUNTLESS BLOGS OF HER ..SHE IS NOW GONE AND THINGS CANNOT BE CHANGED..WE BURIED HER CHRISTMAS EVE OF 2011.THE STORY OF HER DEATH IS A LONG GRUESOME ONE WHICH WILL BE TOLD AT ANOTHER TIME..WE HAD CHRISTMAS AT MY YOUNGEST DAUGHTERS HOME... today is Monday September 24, 2012 and I would like to update this story.. As of this date I have lost 90 pounds and am doing better..In january of this year(2012) I was deathly sick ..I slept for 3 days straight and didnt eat a thing..when I got up to go to the bathroom I was dizzy and needed help.My daughter (I was staying with her at this time) kept telling me to let her take me to the hospital..I kept saying "No, I will be okay">.then she called my oldest daughter and she called my primary doctor..they said to get me right to the hospital because of my heart history they didn't even want me to get a cold..so I struggled to walk 10 steps to the car ...In the Er..I was given countless tests and they found out that first of all I had pneumonia and my hemoglobin was at a 4 ..normal is 11...I had lost all that blood without even knowing it..I also have 2 ulcers they probably from taking coumadin and aspirin.I was close to death...so I was of course admitted and they started transfusing blood..I stayed a week ....as of this date I am doing better ..go to the doctors regularly, espeically the cardiologist and have tests done to keep me healthy..I eat more fruits and vegetables..I gained a few pounds back but am working on losing them and more..I want to live to be at least 90,,,I have 7 grandchildren and I want to be around to see what they do..I was blessed (and she thought the same way) to have my grandmother in my life until I was 50 and she was 90...she would still be here had she not fallen getting up off of the toilet in her retirement home ..she passed away 13 days later..one week to the day of her 90th birthday...I am thankful for each day ..I thank God every night and all through the day..and when I wake in the morning the first thing I say is THANK YOU...I try to spend as much time with family as I can....
I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure...had a severe leaky valve and an uneven heat beat...I stayed in the hospital for 6 days and was sent home with 6 different medications to take...was told I needed open heart surgery..which entails about a 5 hour operation...on a heart and lung machine...a 12 inch incision on my chest...imagine laying in bed each night anticipating this...and to know your children are out in the waiting room waiting for some word on the progress of the surgery...just heartbreaking and I cried a lot...
After being sent home ...things changed for sure...I no longer craved chocolate like I was so addicted too..I was eating a full cake in a day by myself occassionally...every day I needed 3 3 Musketeers...now I no longer even want them...my diet has way less salt and I dont really even miss it..there are so many other seasonings you can use to make up for the lack of salt...and you just get used to it...I am eating way less only because I want less...don't for some reason have the same appetite...today is November 16, 2011..and since May I have lost 56 pounds....it wasn't even hard to do...and thats without hardly any exercise...because of the degenerative arthritis in my knees I am limited to what I can do as far as exercise is concerned...I do what I can do ....I make myself do exercise and try to get up and clean...I still get out of breath ..even just walking to the bathroom which is about 10 steps away...I get dizzy a lot and have to take lots of naps bacause of the meds....On August 11 I had an appointment with the best cardiologist ever...DR. Thomas Diaz and he did an electrocardiogram on me and came in the room afterwards with the biggest smile on his face and sat down...crossed his legs and said.." I didn't do anything...but you are a miracle...""you no longer need open heart surgery...." the leak is so small now..." Of course being the crier that I am ...I cried...I was shocked at first but cry came to me...My youngest daughter and her 2 children Dallas and Dellaney were with me this day .. they were waiting in Dr. Diaz's office for me ...I went in and told them the good news and told Dallas and Dellaney that this was because of them....and Dallas raised his right arm and said "YES"...they had the biggest smiles on their faces...it was just a great day....
I continue to lose weight and take my meds...I have a LAB TECH come out to my home once a month to take blood because I am on Coumadin and it has to be monitored...I am on the smallest amount one can take..I take 1 1/2 mg one day then 1 mg the next and so on....that seems to be the formula that works to keep my blood in check...I hope one day I can get off of some of these meds....
I am still cautious and I know that just like the leak minimized...it could maximize again...I'm trying to do things I havent done in a long time...this weekend I hope to be going to watch my granddaughter Dellaney walk in a Thanksgiving parade with her ballet class...she is 6 years old and this will be her second time walking in this parade in Mayfair in Philadelphia...its spose to be a nice day...not too cold...no rain....so hopefully that all turns out..
We will be gathering at my youngest daughters home this Thanksgiving ...so all seven of the grands can visit one another....and I miss my oldest daughter and her kids...been awhile since I've seen them....the last few years we were all just ataying at our own homes for Thanksgiving ...but this year we want to get together..and we will for Christmas like we always do....can't wait...have a new lease on life now and just want to be around family and enjoy them while I Can... ON DEC 19,2011 WE FOUND OUT THAT MY MOTHER HAD PASSED AWAY..AFTER COUNTLESS BLOGS OF HER ..SHE IS NOW GONE AND THINGS CANNOT BE CHANGED..WE BURIED HER CHRISTMAS EVE OF 2011.THE STORY OF HER DEATH IS A LONG GRUESOME ONE WHICH WILL BE TOLD AT ANOTHER TIME..WE HAD CHRISTMAS AT MY YOUNGEST DAUGHTERS HOME... today is Monday September 24, 2012 and I would like to update this story.. As of this date I have lost 90 pounds and am doing better..In january of this year(2012) I was deathly sick ..I slept for 3 days straight and didnt eat a thing..when I got up to go to the bathroom I was dizzy and needed help.My daughter (I was staying with her at this time) kept telling me to let her take me to the hospital..I kept saying "No, I will be okay">.then she called my oldest daughter and she called my primary doctor..they said to get me right to the hospital because of my heart history they didn't even want me to get a cold..so I struggled to walk 10 steps to the car ...In the Er..I was given countless tests and they found out that first of all I had pneumonia and my hemoglobin was at a 4 ..normal is 11...I had lost all that blood without even knowing it..I also have 2 ulcers they probably from taking coumadin and aspirin.I was close to death...so I was of course admitted and they started transfusing blood..I stayed a week ....as of this date I am doing better ..go to the doctors regularly, espeically the cardiologist and have tests done to keep me healthy..I eat more fruits and vegetables..I gained a few pounds back but am working on losing them and more..I want to live to be at least 90,,,I have 7 grandchildren and I want to be around to see what they do..I was blessed (and she thought the same way) to have my grandmother in my life until I was 50 and she was 90...she would still be here had she not fallen getting up off of the toilet in her retirement home ..she passed away 13 days later..one week to the day of her 90th birthday...I am thankful for each day ..I thank God every night and all through the day..and when I wake in the morning the first thing I say is THANK YOU...I try to spend as much time with family as I can....
Thursday, April 21, 2011
How much does a miracle cost???
When ya think you have a full plate...read this...so inspirational....
Enjoy….
.
A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet. She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes.
Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall’s Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.
She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise.
Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good.
Finally, she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it! ‘And what do you want?’ the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice.
I’m talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven’t seen in ages,’ he said without waiting for a reply to his question.
‘Well, I want to talk to you about my brother,’ Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone.
’He’s really, really sick…and I want to buy a miracle.’
‘I beg your pardon?’ said the pharmacist.
‘His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So, how much does a miracle cost?’
‘We don’t sell miracles here, little girl. I’m sorry but I can’t help you,’ the pharmacist said, softening a little.
‘Listen, I have the money to pay for it! If it isn’t enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs.’
The pharmacist’s brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, ‘What kind of a miracle does your brother need?’
‘I don’t know,’ Tess replied with her eyes welling up. ‘I just know he’s really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can’t pay for it, so I want to use my money.’
‘How much do you have?’ asked the man from Chicago. ‘One dollar and eleven cents,’ Tess answered barely audibly. ‘And it’s all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to.’
‘Well, what a coincidence,’ smiled the man. ‘A dollar and eleven cents—-the exact price of a miracle for little brothers.’
He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said ‘Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let’s see if I have the miracle you need.’
That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neurosurgery.
The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn’t long until Andrew was home again and doing well. Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place.
‘That surgery,’ her Mom whispered. ‘was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?’
Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost…one dollar and eleven cents….plus the faith of a little child.
In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need. A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law.
Enjoy….
.
A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet. She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes.
Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall’s Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.
She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise.
Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good.
Finally, she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it! ‘And what do you want?’ the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice.
I’m talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven’t seen in ages,’ he said without waiting for a reply to his question.
‘Well, I want to talk to you about my brother,’ Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone.
’He’s really, really sick…and I want to buy a miracle.’
‘I beg your pardon?’ said the pharmacist.
‘His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So, how much does a miracle cost?’
‘We don’t sell miracles here, little girl. I’m sorry but I can’t help you,’ the pharmacist said, softening a little.
‘Listen, I have the money to pay for it! If it isn’t enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs.’
The pharmacist’s brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, ‘What kind of a miracle does your brother need?’
‘I don’t know,’ Tess replied with her eyes welling up. ‘I just know he’s really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can’t pay for it, so I want to use my money.’
‘How much do you have?’ asked the man from Chicago. ‘One dollar and eleven cents,’ Tess answered barely audibly. ‘And it’s all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to.’
‘Well, what a coincidence,’ smiled the man. ‘A dollar and eleven cents—-the exact price of a miracle for little brothers.’
He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said ‘Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let’s see if I have the miracle you need.’
That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neurosurgery.
The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn’t long until Andrew was home again and doing well. Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place.
‘That surgery,’ her Mom whispered. ‘was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?’
Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost…one dollar and eleven cents….plus the faith of a little child.
In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need. A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Sept 11th (NY) Jan 11th (Haiti) and March 11th (Japan).... Weird. Luke 21:10-11Then Jesus said to his disciples : "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes', famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. 'Jesus says for behold I come quickly,' So ask yourself, are you ready?
MOMMOM
this was my post to the WOE nightly thread on Bonanza.. the question or theme for the evening was If you could turn back time ..what would you change or do different...
Hi Deb…I have to think about this..at first when I read the topic the first thing that came to my mind was that I could turn back time to where my grandmother fell in the bathroom…I wish I could turn back the time and not let that happen..that fall ultimately took her life 13 days later…exactly one week after her 90th birthday..I had spoken to her on the phone before the accident and we talked about her getting ready to turn 90 and that I had just turned 50…she was ever so grateful to have lived to see her oldest grandchild be 50..she said a lot of grandmothers dont get that..but she said she wanted to stick around awhile to see what happens..she was not ready to go…then the fall
my grandmother was my superstar…she loved me like no one else on earth…I miss her terribly..its been 8 years…she was so healthy..went to the doctors once a year for a physical..whatever the doctor told her to do…she did…she always like a little scoop of Breyers Vanilla ice cream after dinner..but her cholesterol was up and the doctor told her to cut back and she did…she was so disciplined..I have none of that..her daughter is my mother and my mother and I have always had a strained relationship…I havent seen my mother since my grandmothers funeral 8 years ago…didnt mean to be a bummer here..and its not meant to be…just brought back some great memories.
The update on this story is that my mother has since passed away..we never did get to have that lunch I thought we should have had in our older years..my mother just wanted to be left alone..and without going into detail (that will be another story later when I get the courage to write it) she ultimately died alone..its a sad story and will take everything in me to write it..but I will one day write it.. but for now I go on with my life and be the best mother and grandmother that I can be ..leaving a legacy of love in spite of my relationship with my mother..I had my grandmother and my father ..I was my fathers princess..and he encouraged me in everything I did..I lost him when he was just 60 years old..the age I will be in 6 weeks..way too soon and I miss them both immensely..but am comforted in knowing they are both watching over me and my family..and that one day I will see them again..how happy that will be..I hope its not for at least another 40 years..
Hi Deb…I have to think about this..at first when I read the topic the first thing that came to my mind was that I could turn back time to where my grandmother fell in the bathroom…I wish I could turn back the time and not let that happen..that fall ultimately took her life 13 days later…exactly one week after her 90th birthday..I had spoken to her on the phone before the accident and we talked about her getting ready to turn 90 and that I had just turned 50…she was ever so grateful to have lived to see her oldest grandchild be 50..she said a lot of grandmothers dont get that..but she said she wanted to stick around awhile to see what happens..she was not ready to go…then the fall
my grandmother was my superstar…she loved me like no one else on earth…I miss her terribly..its been 8 years…she was so healthy..went to the doctors once a year for a physical..whatever the doctor told her to do…she did…she always like a little scoop of Breyers Vanilla ice cream after dinner..but her cholesterol was up and the doctor told her to cut back and she did…she was so disciplined..I have none of that..her daughter is my mother and my mother and I have always had a strained relationship…I havent seen my mother since my grandmothers funeral 8 years ago…didnt mean to be a bummer here..and its not meant to be…just brought back some great memories.
The update on this story is that my mother has since passed away..we never did get to have that lunch I thought we should have had in our older years..my mother just wanted to be left alone..and without going into detail (that will be another story later when I get the courage to write it) she ultimately died alone..its a sad story and will take everything in me to write it..but I will one day write it.. but for now I go on with my life and be the best mother and grandmother that I can be ..leaving a legacy of love in spite of my relationship with my mother..I had my grandmother and my father ..I was my fathers princess..and he encouraged me in everything I did..I lost him when he was just 60 years old..the age I will be in 6 weeks..way too soon and I miss them both immensely..but am comforted in knowing they are both watching over me and my family..and that one day I will see them again..how happy that will be..I hope its not for at least another 40 years..
PET PEEVES (not written by me)
What is a pet peeve? A peeve is usually a feeling of resentment, or maybe even a grievance. Pet peeves, then, are annoyances that never fail to put you in that mood of resentment. They also tend to be a matter of opinion, and are linked to your personality.
Pet peeves can raise your blood pressure faster than salty potato chips. What can you do?
Whatever!”
This is an especially strong pet peeve when coming from anyone younger than you are. Wouldn’t it be nice to counteract all of the rudeness in the world with the perfect comeback? Cheer up; “whatever” is a fad word and sure to become “so yesterday” any day now. We can only hope.
The attitude behind it is the problem. Brush it off if you think it was used as the young person’s attempt to be funny or hip, and back off if it was his way of saying, “You have pushed me too far.” In more disrespectful situations, you might try feigning deafness or act clueless to deflate the punchline effect. “Whatever, what? What does that mean?”
Talking Through the Movie
What can be worse than watching a movie with someone who insists on talking about it as you watch, and sometimes revealing what is about to come next? This is bad enough if it is someone sitting behind you in the movie theatre; it is even worse if it is your own friend or partner.
The answer: ear plugs. Smile and nod pleasantly, and giggle at the appropriate moments.
4. Gum Smacking
You could make up your own Dr. House-ism: “Wow, you look amazingly like the Jersey cow my parents bought me that I never wanted.” Well, perhaps sarcasm is not the polite response. Instead of screaming maniacally with insanity, picture the person as a Jersey cow. (Maniacal laughter is slightly more satisfying.)
5. Food Taken Off Your Plate
After wolfing down his food in three seconds, your partner then goes for yours. Apart from stabbing his fingers with your fork, you might suggest that you will happily share if he will ask first.
6. Lousy Drivers
Other drivers on the road can definitely be a pet peeve for many, especially those who are in a big hurry, honk at you as soon as the light turns green, ride your bumper in a 35 mph zone, or dart in front of you without signaling.
If you don’t need to drive, then ride the bus. If you do need to drive, go out of your way to avoid a busy highway. Country roads can be particularly peaceful, unless you get stuck behind one of those barn-size tractors going five miles an hour.
7. Waiters with Bad Timing
Effusive waiters are a little easier to take than those who abandon you completely. It is easier to understand why they park themselves casually in a seat and start chatting. You know they are working really hard to get that substantial tip.
Some people actually like that kind of thing – how is he to know you have about five miles of personal space floating around you? There is no excuse for the negligent waiter. Flag down the busboy and give the tip to him after he hustles up some help.
8. Know-It-Alls
What is worse than people who say “I know” after you explain something. Especially when you know there is no way they can really know. OK, maybe they did know, but it was rude of them not to pretend they didn’t so you could tell your little anecdote or share your fact. (Now who is the know-it-all?) People who stick their nose into your business, however, are a peevishly different matter.
Miss Manners (aka etiquette guru Judith Martin) recommends looking shocked and repeating “Excuse me?” until they leave you alone.
9. Toothpaste Globs
You thought the toilet paper and toilet seat would be here, but this is decidedly more irritating. When this happens, assign the sink-cleaning chore to the guiltiest parties.
10. Untrained Baggers
This is a common pet peeve unless you do not have issues with mashed bread, cold and warm items sacked together, and cleaning products thrown in with any type of food – well, who doesn’t have a problem with that? The baggers, evidently, must have been trained for speed rather than categorization.
Place the items on the conveyor belt as you would like them to be packed together. Stand next to the bagger and give polite direction, or take your own cloth bags; then you will likely be left to happily bag your own.
11. “Made in China”
This has nothing to do with Chinese culture or actual people, but with economics. When the almighty dollar is more important than the economic future of our nation … Well that is another topic. Buy American, if you can find it. And if you cannot, ask to speak to the store manager or owner and request more American-made products.
12. Faulty Fast-Food Communication Systems.
When some devices are on their last leg, hearing and being heard is of such a poor quality that it would be funny if it was not so irksome.
Upon reaching the drive-through window of a McDonalds in Harrisonville, Missouri, after a particularly taxing order, we asked the elderly lady if her job was difficult. She nodded and said, “I have been a bus driver and took care of two sets of twins.
This job is the most stressful thing I have ever done.” But by the time we passed to the next window, she was smiling. It helps to show sympathy and understanding to service personnel.
13. Discontinued Products
It is a major pet peeve to find the perfect shade of lipstick, flavor of toothpaste, shampoo product – and then it is discontinued. Two words: Stock up.
14. People Touching Your Food or Drink
It can irk you when you notice someone touch the rim of your glass when handing it to you. Or how about a server who touches your food as she sets it down? Have you ever seen people lean over your plate or drink as they talk?
OCD sufferers will sympathize. Germs and bodily fluids are to be feared above all! (Can we have a show of hands for all those who call themselves Adrian Monk?) There is no reason to become hyper in your response; a simple and polite request should do it. Preaching about germs might help, too. It will not change all of the care-free people around you, but you will gain a reputation and people will begin to respect your territory.
Whether you are a janitor, professor, editor or dentist, you have your own set of pet peeves. Your pet peeve likely leaves you feeling peevish because you are helpless to do anything about it, or the objects of your pet peeves refuse to change their behavior. Likely you have come up with your own coping skills, but if the objects of your pet peeves still drive you up the wall, try laughter.
Are You A Stress Case?
Jobs, bosses, colleagues, family, money, and time...stress creeps into life from all angles. Do you ever wonder if you are a stress case? Do you know the symptoms of stress? Take this stress quiz to discover how you might react to various stress-related scenarios and learn ways to reduce stress.
If you don’t need to drive, then ride the bus. If you do need to drive, go out of your way to avoid a busy highway. Country roads can be particularly peaceful, unless you get stuck behind one of those barn-size tractors going five miles an hour.
7. Waiters with Bad Timing
Effusive waiters are a little easier to take than those who abandon you completely. It is easier to understand why they park themselves casually in a seat and start chatting. You know they are working really hard to get that substantial tip.
Some people actually like that kind of thing – how is he to know you have about five miles of personal space floating around you? There is no excuse for the negligent waiter. Flag down the busboy and give the tip to him after he hustles up some help.
8. Know-It-Alls
What is worse than people who say “I know” after you explain something. Especially when you know there is no way they can really know. OK, maybe they did know, but it was rude of them not to pretend they didn’t so you could tell your little anecdote or share your fact. (Now who is the know-it-all?) People who stick their nose into your business, however, are a peevishly different matter.
Miss Manners (aka etiquette guru Judith Martin) recommends looking shocked and repeating “Excuse me?” until they leave you alone.
9. Toothpaste Globs
You thought the toilet paper and toilet seat would be here, but this is decidedly more irritating. When this happens, assign the sink-cleaning chore to the guiltiest parties.
10. Untrained Baggers
This is a common pet peeve unless you do not have issues with mashed bread, cold and warm items sacked together, and cleaning products thrown in with any type of food – well, who doesn’t have a problem with that? The baggers, evidently, must have been trained for speed rather than categorization.
Place the items on the conveyor belt as you would like them to be packed together. Stand next to the bagger and give polite direction, or take your own cloth bags; then you will likely be left to happily bag your own.
11. “Made in China”
This has nothing to do with Chinese culture or actual people, but with economics. When the almighty dollar is more important than the economic future of our nation … Well that is another topic. Buy American, if you can find it. And if you cannot, ask to speak to the store manager or owner and request more American-made products.
12. Faulty Fast-Food Communication Systems.
When some devices are on their last leg, hearing and being heard is of such a poor quality that it would be funny if it was not so irksome.
Upon reaching the drive-through window of a McDonalds in Harrisonville, Missouri, after a particularly taxing order, we asked the elderly lady if her job was difficult. She nodded and said, “I have been a bus driver and took care of two sets of twins.
This job is the most stressful thing I have ever done.” But by the time we passed to the next window, she was smiling. It helps to show sympathy and understanding to service personnel.
13. Discontinued Products
It is a major pet peeve to find the perfect shade of lipstick, flavor of toothpaste, shampoo product – and then it is discontinued. Two words: Stock up.
14. People Touching Your Food or Drink
It can irk you when you notice someone touch the rim of your glass when handing it to you. Or how about a server who touches your food as she sets it down? Have you ever seen people lean over your plate or drink as they talk?
OCD sufferers will sympathize. Germs and bodily fluids are to be feared above all! (Can we have a show of hands for all those who call themselves Adrian Monk?) There is no reason to become hyper in your response; a simple and polite request should do it. Preaching about germs might help, too. It will not change all of the care-free people around you, but you will gain a reputation and people will begin to respect your territory.
Whether you are a janitor, professor, editor or dentist, you have your own set of pet peeves. Your pet peeve likely leaves you feeling peevish because you are helpless to do anything about it, or the objects of your pet peeves refuse to change their behavior. Likely you have come up with your own coping skills, but if the objects of your pet peeves still drive you up the wall, try laughter.
Are You A Stress Case?
Jobs, bosses, colleagues, family, money, and time...stress creeps into life from all angles. Do you ever wonder if you are a stress case? Do you know the symptoms of stress? Take this stress quiz to discover how you might react to various stress-related scenarios and learn ways to reduce stress.
If you don’t need to drive, then ride the bus. If you do need to drive, go out of your way to avoid a busy highway. Country roads can be particularly peaceful, unless you get stuck behind one of those barn-size tractors going five miles an hour.
7. Waiters with Bad Timing
Effusive waiters are a little easier to take than those who abandon you completely. It is easier to understand why they park themselves casually in a seat and start chatting. You know they are working really hard to get that substantial tip.
Some people actually like that kind of thing – how is he to know you have about five miles of personal space floating around you? There is no excuse for the negligent waiter. Flag down the busboy and give the tip to him after he hustles up some help.
8. Know-It-Alls
What is worse than people who say “I know” after you explain something. Especially when you know there is no way they can really know. OK, maybe they did know, but it was rude of them not to pretend they didn’t so you could tell your little anecdote or share your fact. (Now who is the know-it-all?) People who stick their nose into your business, however, are a peevishly different matter.
Miss Manners (aka etiquette guru Judith Martin) recommends looking shocked and repeating “Excuse me?” until they leave you alone.
9. Toothpaste Globs
You thought the toilet paper and toilet seat would be here, but this is decidedly more irritating. When this happens, assign the sink-cleaning chore to the guiltiest parties.
10. Untrained Baggers
This is a common pet peeve unless you do not have issues with mashed bread, cold and warm items sacked together, and cleaning products thrown in with any type of food – well, who doesn’t have a problem with that? The baggers, evidently, must have been trained for speed rather than categorization.
Place the items on the conveyor belt as you would like them to be packed together. Stand next to the bagger and give polite direction, or take your own cloth bags; then you will likely be left to happily bag your own.
11. “Made in China”
This has nothing to do with Chinese culture or actual people, but with economics. When the almighty dollar is more important than the economic future of our nation … Well that is another topic. Buy American, if you can find it. And if you cannot, ask to speak to the store manager or owner and request more American-made products.
12. Faulty Fast-Food Communication Systems.
When some devices are on their last leg, hearing and being heard is of such a poor quality that it would be funny if it was not so irksome.
Upon reaching the drive-through window of a McDonalds in Harrisonville, Missouri, after a particularly taxing order, we asked the elderly lady if her job was difficult. She nodded and said, “I have been a bus driver and took care of two sets of twins.
This job is the most stressful thing I have ever done.” But by the time we passed to the next window, she was smiling. It helps to show sympathy and understanding to service personnel.
13. Discontinued Products
It is a major pet peeve to find the perfect shade of lipstick, flavor of toothpaste, shampoo product – and then it is discontinued. Two words: Stock up.
14. People Touching Your Food or Drink
It can irk you when you notice someone touch the rim of your glass when handing it to you. Or how about a server who touches your food as she sets it down? Have you ever seen people lean over your plate or drink as they talk?
OCD sufferers will sympathize. Germs and bodily fluids are to be feared above all! (Can we have a show of hands for all those who call themselves Adrian Monk?) There is no reason to become hyper in your response; a simple and polite request should do it. Preaching about germs might help, too. It will not change all of the care-free people around you, but you will gain a reputation and people will begin to respect your territory.
Whether you are a janitor, professor, editor or dentist, you have your own set of pet peeves. Your pet peeve likely leaves you feeling peevish because you are helpless to do anything about it, or the objects of your pet peeves refuse to change their behavior. Likely you have come up with your own coping skills, but if the objects of your pet peeves still drive you up the wall, try laughter.
Are You A Stress Case?
Jobs, bosses, colleagues, family, money, and time...stress creeps into life from all angles. Do you ever wonder if you are a stress case? Do you know the symptoms of stress? Take this stress quiz to discover how you might react to various stress-related scenarios and learn ways to reduce stress.
Pet peeves can raise your blood pressure faster than salty potato chips. What can you do?
Whatever!”
This is an especially strong pet peeve when coming from anyone younger than you are. Wouldn’t it be nice to counteract all of the rudeness in the world with the perfect comeback? Cheer up; “whatever” is a fad word and sure to become “so yesterday” any day now. We can only hope.
The attitude behind it is the problem. Brush it off if you think it was used as the young person’s attempt to be funny or hip, and back off if it was his way of saying, “You have pushed me too far.” In more disrespectful situations, you might try feigning deafness or act clueless to deflate the punchline effect. “Whatever, what? What does that mean?”
Talking Through the Movie
What can be worse than watching a movie with someone who insists on talking about it as you watch, and sometimes revealing what is about to come next? This is bad enough if it is someone sitting behind you in the movie theatre; it is even worse if it is your own friend or partner.
The answer: ear plugs. Smile and nod pleasantly, and giggle at the appropriate moments.
4. Gum Smacking
You could make up your own Dr. House-ism: “Wow, you look amazingly like the Jersey cow my parents bought me that I never wanted.” Well, perhaps sarcasm is not the polite response. Instead of screaming maniacally with insanity, picture the person as a Jersey cow. (Maniacal laughter is slightly more satisfying.)
5. Food Taken Off Your Plate
After wolfing down his food in three seconds, your partner then goes for yours. Apart from stabbing his fingers with your fork, you might suggest that you will happily share if he will ask first.
6. Lousy Drivers
Other drivers on the road can definitely be a pet peeve for many, especially those who are in a big hurry, honk at you as soon as the light turns green, ride your bumper in a 35 mph zone, or dart in front of you without signaling.
If you don’t need to drive, then ride the bus. If you do need to drive, go out of your way to avoid a busy highway. Country roads can be particularly peaceful, unless you get stuck behind one of those barn-size tractors going five miles an hour.
7. Waiters with Bad Timing
Effusive waiters are a little easier to take than those who abandon you completely. It is easier to understand why they park themselves casually in a seat and start chatting. You know they are working really hard to get that substantial tip.
Some people actually like that kind of thing – how is he to know you have about five miles of personal space floating around you? There is no excuse for the negligent waiter. Flag down the busboy and give the tip to him after he hustles up some help.
8. Know-It-Alls
What is worse than people who say “I know” after you explain something. Especially when you know there is no way they can really know. OK, maybe they did know, but it was rude of them not to pretend they didn’t so you could tell your little anecdote or share your fact. (Now who is the know-it-all?) People who stick their nose into your business, however, are a peevishly different matter.
Miss Manners (aka etiquette guru Judith Martin) recommends looking shocked and repeating “Excuse me?” until they leave you alone.
9. Toothpaste Globs
You thought the toilet paper and toilet seat would be here, but this is decidedly more irritating. When this happens, assign the sink-cleaning chore to the guiltiest parties.
10. Untrained Baggers
This is a common pet peeve unless you do not have issues with mashed bread, cold and warm items sacked together, and cleaning products thrown in with any type of food – well, who doesn’t have a problem with that? The baggers, evidently, must have been trained for speed rather than categorization.
Place the items on the conveyor belt as you would like them to be packed together. Stand next to the bagger and give polite direction, or take your own cloth bags; then you will likely be left to happily bag your own.
11. “Made in China”
This has nothing to do with Chinese culture or actual people, but with economics. When the almighty dollar is more important than the economic future of our nation … Well that is another topic. Buy American, if you can find it. And if you cannot, ask to speak to the store manager or owner and request more American-made products.
12. Faulty Fast-Food Communication Systems.
When some devices are on their last leg, hearing and being heard is of such a poor quality that it would be funny if it was not so irksome.
Upon reaching the drive-through window of a McDonalds in Harrisonville, Missouri, after a particularly taxing order, we asked the elderly lady if her job was difficult. She nodded and said, “I have been a bus driver and took care of two sets of twins.
This job is the most stressful thing I have ever done.” But by the time we passed to the next window, she was smiling. It helps to show sympathy and understanding to service personnel.
13. Discontinued Products
It is a major pet peeve to find the perfect shade of lipstick, flavor of toothpaste, shampoo product – and then it is discontinued. Two words: Stock up.
14. People Touching Your Food or Drink
It can irk you when you notice someone touch the rim of your glass when handing it to you. Or how about a server who touches your food as she sets it down? Have you ever seen people lean over your plate or drink as they talk?
OCD sufferers will sympathize. Germs and bodily fluids are to be feared above all! (Can we have a show of hands for all those who call themselves Adrian Monk?) There is no reason to become hyper in your response; a simple and polite request should do it. Preaching about germs might help, too. It will not change all of the care-free people around you, but you will gain a reputation and people will begin to respect your territory.
Whether you are a janitor, professor, editor or dentist, you have your own set of pet peeves. Your pet peeve likely leaves you feeling peevish because you are helpless to do anything about it, or the objects of your pet peeves refuse to change their behavior. Likely you have come up with your own coping skills, but if the objects of your pet peeves still drive you up the wall, try laughter.
Are You A Stress Case?
Jobs, bosses, colleagues, family, money, and time...stress creeps into life from all angles. Do you ever wonder if you are a stress case? Do you know the symptoms of stress? Take this stress quiz to discover how you might react to various stress-related scenarios and learn ways to reduce stress.
If you don’t need to drive, then ride the bus. If you do need to drive, go out of your way to avoid a busy highway. Country roads can be particularly peaceful, unless you get stuck behind one of those barn-size tractors going five miles an hour.
7. Waiters with Bad Timing
Effusive waiters are a little easier to take than those who abandon you completely. It is easier to understand why they park themselves casually in a seat and start chatting. You know they are working really hard to get that substantial tip.
Some people actually like that kind of thing – how is he to know you have about five miles of personal space floating around you? There is no excuse for the negligent waiter. Flag down the busboy and give the tip to him after he hustles up some help.
8. Know-It-Alls
What is worse than people who say “I know” after you explain something. Especially when you know there is no way they can really know. OK, maybe they did know, but it was rude of them not to pretend they didn’t so you could tell your little anecdote or share your fact. (Now who is the know-it-all?) People who stick their nose into your business, however, are a peevishly different matter.
Miss Manners (aka etiquette guru Judith Martin) recommends looking shocked and repeating “Excuse me?” until they leave you alone.
9. Toothpaste Globs
You thought the toilet paper and toilet seat would be here, but this is decidedly more irritating. When this happens, assign the sink-cleaning chore to the guiltiest parties.
10. Untrained Baggers
This is a common pet peeve unless you do not have issues with mashed bread, cold and warm items sacked together, and cleaning products thrown in with any type of food – well, who doesn’t have a problem with that? The baggers, evidently, must have been trained for speed rather than categorization.
Place the items on the conveyor belt as you would like them to be packed together. Stand next to the bagger and give polite direction, or take your own cloth bags; then you will likely be left to happily bag your own.
11. “Made in China”
This has nothing to do with Chinese culture or actual people, but with economics. When the almighty dollar is more important than the economic future of our nation … Well that is another topic. Buy American, if you can find it. And if you cannot, ask to speak to the store manager or owner and request more American-made products.
12. Faulty Fast-Food Communication Systems.
When some devices are on their last leg, hearing and being heard is of such a poor quality that it would be funny if it was not so irksome.
Upon reaching the drive-through window of a McDonalds in Harrisonville, Missouri, after a particularly taxing order, we asked the elderly lady if her job was difficult. She nodded and said, “I have been a bus driver and took care of two sets of twins.
This job is the most stressful thing I have ever done.” But by the time we passed to the next window, she was smiling. It helps to show sympathy and understanding to service personnel.
13. Discontinued Products
It is a major pet peeve to find the perfect shade of lipstick, flavor of toothpaste, shampoo product – and then it is discontinued. Two words: Stock up.
14. People Touching Your Food or Drink
It can irk you when you notice someone touch the rim of your glass when handing it to you. Or how about a server who touches your food as she sets it down? Have you ever seen people lean over your plate or drink as they talk?
OCD sufferers will sympathize. Germs and bodily fluids are to be feared above all! (Can we have a show of hands for all those who call themselves Adrian Monk?) There is no reason to become hyper in your response; a simple and polite request should do it. Preaching about germs might help, too. It will not change all of the care-free people around you, but you will gain a reputation and people will begin to respect your territory.
Whether you are a janitor, professor, editor or dentist, you have your own set of pet peeves. Your pet peeve likely leaves you feeling peevish because you are helpless to do anything about it, or the objects of your pet peeves refuse to change their behavior. Likely you have come up with your own coping skills, but if the objects of your pet peeves still drive you up the wall, try laughter.
Are You A Stress Case?
Jobs, bosses, colleagues, family, money, and time...stress creeps into life from all angles. Do you ever wonder if you are a stress case? Do you know the symptoms of stress? Take this stress quiz to discover how you might react to various stress-related scenarios and learn ways to reduce stress.
If you don’t need to drive, then ride the bus. If you do need to drive, go out of your way to avoid a busy highway. Country roads can be particularly peaceful, unless you get stuck behind one of those barn-size tractors going five miles an hour.
7. Waiters with Bad Timing
Effusive waiters are a little easier to take than those who abandon you completely. It is easier to understand why they park themselves casually in a seat and start chatting. You know they are working really hard to get that substantial tip.
Some people actually like that kind of thing – how is he to know you have about five miles of personal space floating around you? There is no excuse for the negligent waiter. Flag down the busboy and give the tip to him after he hustles up some help.
8. Know-It-Alls
What is worse than people who say “I know” after you explain something. Especially when you know there is no way they can really know. OK, maybe they did know, but it was rude of them not to pretend they didn’t so you could tell your little anecdote or share your fact. (Now who is the know-it-all?) People who stick their nose into your business, however, are a peevishly different matter.
Miss Manners (aka etiquette guru Judith Martin) recommends looking shocked and repeating “Excuse me?” until they leave you alone.
9. Toothpaste Globs
You thought the toilet paper and toilet seat would be here, but this is decidedly more irritating. When this happens, assign the sink-cleaning chore to the guiltiest parties.
10. Untrained Baggers
This is a common pet peeve unless you do not have issues with mashed bread, cold and warm items sacked together, and cleaning products thrown in with any type of food – well, who doesn’t have a problem with that? The baggers, evidently, must have been trained for speed rather than categorization.
Place the items on the conveyor belt as you would like them to be packed together. Stand next to the bagger and give polite direction, or take your own cloth bags; then you will likely be left to happily bag your own.
11. “Made in China”
This has nothing to do with Chinese culture or actual people, but with economics. When the almighty dollar is more important than the economic future of our nation … Well that is another topic. Buy American, if you can find it. And if you cannot, ask to speak to the store manager or owner and request more American-made products.
12. Faulty Fast-Food Communication Systems.
When some devices are on their last leg, hearing and being heard is of such a poor quality that it would be funny if it was not so irksome.
Upon reaching the drive-through window of a McDonalds in Harrisonville, Missouri, after a particularly taxing order, we asked the elderly lady if her job was difficult. She nodded and said, “I have been a bus driver and took care of two sets of twins.
This job is the most stressful thing I have ever done.” But by the time we passed to the next window, she was smiling. It helps to show sympathy and understanding to service personnel.
13. Discontinued Products
It is a major pet peeve to find the perfect shade of lipstick, flavor of toothpaste, shampoo product – and then it is discontinued. Two words: Stock up.
14. People Touching Your Food or Drink
It can irk you when you notice someone touch the rim of your glass when handing it to you. Or how about a server who touches your food as she sets it down? Have you ever seen people lean over your plate or drink as they talk?
OCD sufferers will sympathize. Germs and bodily fluids are to be feared above all! (Can we have a show of hands for all those who call themselves Adrian Monk?) There is no reason to become hyper in your response; a simple and polite request should do it. Preaching about germs might help, too. It will not change all of the care-free people around you, but you will gain a reputation and people will begin to respect your territory.
Whether you are a janitor, professor, editor or dentist, you have your own set of pet peeves. Your pet peeve likely leaves you feeling peevish because you are helpless to do anything about it, or the objects of your pet peeves refuse to change their behavior. Likely you have come up with your own coping skills, but if the objects of your pet peeves still drive you up the wall, try laughter.
Are You A Stress Case?
Jobs, bosses, colleagues, family, money, and time...stress creeps into life from all angles. Do you ever wonder if you are a stress case? Do you know the symptoms of stress? Take this stress quiz to discover how you might react to various stress-related scenarios and learn ways to reduce stress.
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