Ramblings from the Byrd Nest for March 28, 2011

I had a very frustrating day recently when I left my house. It's like the universe had taken a sudden tilt, and sometimes I felt like I was sitting too close to the edge.

But first a little driving tip. For those who missed this part of the manual, there is a small lever to the left of the steering column in most cars. When pushed forward, this wonderful little lever changes the car's headlights from dim to bright, and it seems most people learned that from some manual. But unknown to many, this lever also moves up and down which, in turn, causes a light to blink on the back and front of the car indicating that the driver is planning to make a right or left turn. Now, I ask you, how amazing is technology? Imagine being able to tell the driver behind what you plan to do before you actually do it. I suggest everyone try it from time to time and surprise someone.

What is it with stores putting so many items on the check-out counter that you can't even put your stuff up there? I went in one last week, and the poor cashier had to move those impulse buys out of the way for me to put my important necessities up there. Who buys that junk anyway? I mean, is there really a market for a flashlight that looks like a pumpkin or something? If you're just got to put something up there, make it a loaf of bread.

And speaking of stores, you're in the store loading your basket, and you head to the cashier. You patiently wait on the lady in front of you who is purchasing some groceries, including two very expensive and exquisite steaks, which you drool over and fantasize about how nice that must be. When the cashier tallies her bill up, she starts digging in her purse although she's holding the money in her hand. What seems like an eternity, she starts counting out $.29 to the cashier instead of just handing her the other dollar she was holding. You're thinking, lady, I'd have given you the $.29 just to get you out of the way. The only thing worse would have been if she had suddenly remembered she had a $.10 coupon off on that butter.

My ole buddy, Y!C Chad Herman. has been conducting a short survey of the differences and similarities of the human species around the world. He contacted me the other day and asked if I'd answer about six short questions, which I did, but of course, with long answers. Anyone interested can read it here. Chad would also like to invite those interested in participating in his survey to contact him. It's interesting, and I think some might be surprised by reading some of the answers.

Thanks for reading, and just remember to hang on to something when that universe starts tilting again.