I guess in the age of technology and time being spread so thin, this has become a pet peeve that seems to have gone way beyond it for me.
I can remember getting invited to parties when I was growing up and at the end of each invite the letters RSVP with usually a specific date to let the invitee know if you were or were not planning to attend. The funny thing about this is I always got so excited to be invited to parties but I never attended many parties due to usually getting to excited and getting sick so I could attend.
I find it funny now how most people seem to neglect these four letters at the end of invites today. I don't exactly know the reason why. Some of the reasons I have got in the past are mere excuses. "Oh, I forgot", "well you know I would be there anyway", or my favorite "I was wondering about that, what does RSVP mean"..I find not RSVPing very rude. When someone invites you to a function they need to make plans. Just because you have been invited you can't assume that you will come.
I find it interesting that etiquette has gone out the window with the lack of verbal communications these day. We e-mail, we text message, no verbal communications with your inter circle seems to be non-important these days.
I have come to the point that I wouldn't feel bad if I sent out invites and if I didn't getting a verbal response, I would enjoy people showing up for a function to be surprised if without telling anyone I decided to cancel the event because gee I didn't feel like put forth the effort to do it after all.
Does it sound like I am upset, well yes I am. No matter what we do, people don't respond to anything these days. They only thing they seem to respond too is if you get upset and rant and rave. Guess that's what I am doing, it probably doesn't do me any good but I've layed it out and threw my feelings on the world-wide web. I would be glad to say it in person, if you respond to my invite.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
The Best Years of Our Lives
Last night while channel surfing later than usual, I came upon one of my favorite movies of the 40's. The Best Years of Our Lives was an Academy Award winning mega hit of its time. One of the first such movie to award I believe Best Supporting Actor statute to an unknown non-actor. Homer Parrish played by Harold Russell was a true veteran of World War II who had lost both arms in the war. In later years he actually had to auction his award off for financial reasons.
The story is timeless in that it reflects on the lives of three men coming back from the war to a much different small town. Frederic March, Dana Andrews and Harold Russell did a wonderful job in portraying what it was and still is like to return home after years in a war.
Several of the parts in the movie made me think it doesn't matter when it is be it any war things never change. Talk about how it would be harder on people's jobs because the soldier's were returning-some incomes had been higher paying than they would when they got back, the GI Bill for veterans returning home for housing loans, and people returning to jobs they once did and it just wasn't the same. How attitudes changed on why we fought in the war.
The title of the movie comes out at one point when Virgina Mayo who plays Dana Andrews war bride who married the uniform and not the man who came home so candidly puts it "Why I gave up the Best Years of My Life" while you were gone. Somehow I am sure than as in now, movie goers didn't agree with her statement but it goes to show things really don't change.
Harold Russell battled with whether he should marry his high school sweetheart, Wilma who felt arms didn't make a man, it's what is inside and working together to figure out how to continue was all that mattered, that still holds true for a lot of people even today who see loved ones return minus limbs and a load of psychological issues.
That old movie really isn't that old in my eyes. It still holds a lot of truth today. I am sure the next time its on a classic channel I'll make sure I watch it again..
The story is timeless in that it reflects on the lives of three men coming back from the war to a much different small town. Frederic March, Dana Andrews and Harold Russell did a wonderful job in portraying what it was and still is like to return home after years in a war.
Several of the parts in the movie made me think it doesn't matter when it is be it any war things never change. Talk about how it would be harder on people's jobs because the soldier's were returning-some incomes had been higher paying than they would when they got back, the GI Bill for veterans returning home for housing loans, and people returning to jobs they once did and it just wasn't the same. How attitudes changed on why we fought in the war.
The title of the movie comes out at one point when Virgina Mayo who plays Dana Andrews war bride who married the uniform and not the man who came home so candidly puts it "Why I gave up the Best Years of My Life" while you were gone. Somehow I am sure than as in now, movie goers didn't agree with her statement but it goes to show things really don't change.
Harold Russell battled with whether he should marry his high school sweetheart, Wilma who felt arms didn't make a man, it's what is inside and working together to figure out how to continue was all that mattered, that still holds true for a lot of people even today who see loved ones return minus limbs and a load of psychological issues.
That old movie really isn't that old in my eyes. It still holds a lot of truth today. I am sure the next time its on a classic channel I'll make sure I watch it again..
Monday, October 11, 2010
Bullying Has Reached A Whole New Dimension
Sad to say its not hard to have an opinion about what has been not only plastered on the news and just about everywhere about what the degree of bullying has taken recently.
First, it is never acceptable to do any type of bullying. I am sure everyone at one time or another has experienced some form of bullying. My experience was mostly in grammar school and pretty much tapered off as I got older. I was teased for my last name (Boothe) with "You know your great-great grandpa killed President Lincoln". Or the other major one was "Do you live in a telephone booth?" I was also teased for having to wear shoes other than what everyone else wore because I had bad feet. I was picked on for being little, wearing home-made clothes, etc. Sometimes it would bother me more than other times but it never got to the point that I wanted to die.
One of the usual comments my parents would make was "Just ignore it". Today's kids don't seem to be able to ignore it. Why? It could be a number of reasons, poor self-esteem, peers not taking it seriously, it seems to be a number of reasons.
I think a lot of times the bullier has poor self-esteem and thinks negatively of themselves and to help them feel better they chose to put other's down. I have never understood how poking fun at others could make you feel better but some individuals choices are a little one sided at times.
With Facebook those who lived through bullying have a chance to see what some of those who bullied us have become in society. Some are still the same, some have went down the wrong paths in life but one thing I think I can be sure of, taking a life is not the answer. Also it seems when they do this they are letting the bullier win the situation. It's a losing situation really for both sides. Most times the bullier never cares or thinks what they are doing is wrong.
It used to be a part of growing up but it has just taken a horrible and sad turn for today's society. Face to face confrontation has been replaced by Facebook news feeds. It has become easier to just plaster lies and half-truths on the Internet where everyone can be a part of the upturn of this situation.
It has been said that it's the parents/teachers faults. In part this might be true but has anyone ever considered that those who were bully's continue to be so even as adults? Some never grow up or out of being mean. No one is perfect but it is something to consider.
Think before you speak--There is several quotes that come to mind but I have put my own spin on one "A leopard doesn't change his spots--only if he takes a brush and does it himself".
We can all change if we try and/or want too...
First, it is never acceptable to do any type of bullying. I am sure everyone at one time or another has experienced some form of bullying. My experience was mostly in grammar school and pretty much tapered off as I got older. I was teased for my last name (Boothe) with "You know your great-great grandpa killed President Lincoln". Or the other major one was "Do you live in a telephone booth?" I was also teased for having to wear shoes other than what everyone else wore because I had bad feet. I was picked on for being little, wearing home-made clothes, etc. Sometimes it would bother me more than other times but it never got to the point that I wanted to die.
One of the usual comments my parents would make was "Just ignore it". Today's kids don't seem to be able to ignore it. Why? It could be a number of reasons, poor self-esteem, peers not taking it seriously, it seems to be a number of reasons.
I think a lot of times the bullier has poor self-esteem and thinks negatively of themselves and to help them feel better they chose to put other's down. I have never understood how poking fun at others could make you feel better but some individuals choices are a little one sided at times.
With Facebook those who lived through bullying have a chance to see what some of those who bullied us have become in society. Some are still the same, some have went down the wrong paths in life but one thing I think I can be sure of, taking a life is not the answer. Also it seems when they do this they are letting the bullier win the situation. It's a losing situation really for both sides. Most times the bullier never cares or thinks what they are doing is wrong.
It used to be a part of growing up but it has just taken a horrible and sad turn for today's society. Face to face confrontation has been replaced by Facebook news feeds. It has become easier to just plaster lies and half-truths on the Internet where everyone can be a part of the upturn of this situation.
It has been said that it's the parents/teachers faults. In part this might be true but has anyone ever considered that those who were bully's continue to be so even as adults? Some never grow up or out of being mean. No one is perfect but it is something to consider.
Think before you speak--There is several quotes that come to mind but I have put my own spin on one "A leopard doesn't change his spots--only if he takes a brush and does it himself".
We can all change if we try and/or want too...
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Not A Day Goes By-Giving Thanks
This week has been filled with a lot and its only Tuesday. Yesterday was one of those days when you just wish you could get back into bed and start the day all over. But the one thing that seemed to make me think as it usually does how wonderful life really is was this week was my week to deliver for Meals on Wheels. It had been a while since my last week of volunteering to deliver and I was wondering how much my route had changed.
Yes, there were some that either no longer needed delivery due to various things, but its always nice to see some of the usual faces too.
It doesn't seem, my how time flies that I have been volunteering for the Meals on Wheels organization for almost five years. Although now I am not only on the board of directors in my community and also deliver, it is not the first introduction to the organization. Many years ago my grandmother benefited greatly. So I was excited to be able to giving back and I continue to do so.
Today was one of those days that things just seemed to overwhelm me at once. While driving to deliver 1 of the 9 meals I do in town, a song I hadn't heard came on the radio. "Not a Day Goes By" by Lonestar. The original group is no longer together but the song still moves me each time I hear it. Just some of the song
Not a day goes by
That I don't think of you
After all this time
You're still with me its true
Somehow you remain
Locked down deep inside
A lot of the song relates to a couple, but for some reason this song lyrics hit me as I was driving and thinking not only about my grandma but also about how you think about people who come in and out of your life.
Most people never like to admit to anyone that they may need assistance in some way. A lot is due to pride or not wanting to be a bother to others. I admit I am that also someone who does like to always ask for help. But I guess most of that thinking is because of being raised to be independent.
It's good to know that there are many, many organizations who are their to provide a little help when needed and even in these tough economic times their are a lot of people including myself who will give a little of their time to help. I give thanks that I am able to do so and will continue to support whenever and however I can, in the memory of those who have done the same.
Yes, there were some that either no longer needed delivery due to various things, but its always nice to see some of the usual faces too.
It doesn't seem, my how time flies that I have been volunteering for the Meals on Wheels organization for almost five years. Although now I am not only on the board of directors in my community and also deliver, it is not the first introduction to the organization. Many years ago my grandmother benefited greatly. So I was excited to be able to giving back and I continue to do so.
Today was one of those days that things just seemed to overwhelm me at once. While driving to deliver 1 of the 9 meals I do in town, a song I hadn't heard came on the radio. "Not a Day Goes By" by Lonestar. The original group is no longer together but the song still moves me each time I hear it. Just some of the song
Not a day goes by
That I don't think of you
After all this time
You're still with me its true
Somehow you remain
Locked down deep inside
A lot of the song relates to a couple, but for some reason this song lyrics hit me as I was driving and thinking not only about my grandma but also about how you think about people who come in and out of your life.
Most people never like to admit to anyone that they may need assistance in some way. A lot is due to pride or not wanting to be a bother to others. I admit I am that also someone who does like to always ask for help. But I guess most of that thinking is because of being raised to be independent.
It's good to know that there are many, many organizations who are their to provide a little help when needed and even in these tough economic times their are a lot of people including myself who will give a little of their time to help. I give thanks that I am able to do so and will continue to support whenever and however I can, in the memory of those who have done the same.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Stepping Back in Time
One year ago when I went on a visit to California I stopped by one of the skating rinks I spent many hours at during my childhood. I had heard it had been closed for awhile due to new ownership and renovations taking place. The building I knew was older, the windows were tapped with black plastic someday to reveal a new dynamic rink. This picture shows how it was that day I stopped by to see my old homestead of sorts.
This past month I again thought I would stop by and see if any progress had been made and to my surprise the sign read OPEN in big black letters on the marquee. A few cars in the parking lot so I thought what the heck I'll stop in and see what it looked like.
I have to say when I pulled in the parking lot I stopped for a brief moment and sat behind the wheel of the car. I rush went over me. One because it had been at least 25 years since I had stepped foot in this particular rink. Alot of great memories but also alot of sad one's too. When I stepped through the door I briefly told the young man in the office that I used to skate at the rink as a kid and I just wanted to see all the new work they had done. "No problem, Mame go ahead". That in itself was strange to me because the last time I had set foot on the ice there I was in my early 20's. As I canvased the new renovations. That rink smell was still there. That large patch of white had a couple single skaters and a couple coaches but other than that it was just as I had remembered. Now equipped with surveillance cameras at 6 different sights (that seems to be the think in most areas of California sadly) most things in the inside were still the same.
Although all new coaches pictures graced the wall, I didn't strangely recognize several from my days of gracing the ice. The only major difference was that the old fire pit that proudly stood in the middle of the off ice area was now just black rubber. A little sad as I spent many a time sitting there warming my hands and other wet spots on the body from falling down on the ice.
Many hours of my early lifetime was spent at this establishment. That brief few minutes standing there at taking a 360 degree look around was a little daunting for me but I am extremely happy that it did get purchased by someone who loved it for what it was a special place for many people who have come through those doors. Either for recreational or professional hopes of becoming another Dorothy Hamill, Kristi Yamaguchi or whoever the current queen of ice might be.
It provided a wonderful haven for me, I met some wonderful people and had some of the best times of my life in that place.
This past month I again thought I would stop by and see if any progress had been made and to my surprise the sign read OPEN in big black letters on the marquee. A few cars in the parking lot so I thought what the heck I'll stop in and see what it looked like.
I have to say when I pulled in the parking lot I stopped for a brief moment and sat behind the wheel of the car. I rush went over me. One because it had been at least 25 years since I had stepped foot in this particular rink. Alot of great memories but also alot of sad one's too. When I stepped through the door I briefly told the young man in the office that I used to skate at the rink as a kid and I just wanted to see all the new work they had done. "No problem, Mame go ahead". That in itself was strange to me because the last time I had set foot on the ice there I was in my early 20's. As I canvased the new renovations. That rink smell was still there. That large patch of white had a couple single skaters and a couple coaches but other than that it was just as I had remembered. Now equipped with surveillance cameras at 6 different sights (that seems to be the think in most areas of California sadly) most things in the inside were still the same.
Although all new coaches pictures graced the wall, I didn't strangely recognize several from my days of gracing the ice. The only major difference was that the old fire pit that proudly stood in the middle of the off ice area was now just black rubber. A little sad as I spent many a time sitting there warming my hands and other wet spots on the body from falling down on the ice.
Many hours of my early lifetime was spent at this establishment. That brief few minutes standing there at taking a 360 degree look around was a little daunting for me but I am extremely happy that it did get purchased by someone who loved it for what it was a special place for many people who have come through those doors. Either for recreational or professional hopes of becoming another Dorothy Hamill, Kristi Yamaguchi or whoever the current queen of ice might be.
It provided a wonderful haven for me, I met some wonderful people and had some of the best times of my life in that place.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Life is Like a Jigsaw Puzzle
Several weekends ago I had taken a trip out of Dodge to attend a Leadership Conference for our Business Women's Group. It usually consists of various speakers and words of wisdom to hopeful change your thinking about things to enhance your life.
With my A type personality it usually is very difficult for me to admit my shortcomings although I seem to be doing better as I get older (I hope).
One interesting exercise in personal growth included a jigsaw puzzle. One of the first questions that the speaker asked was whether we had ever done a jigsaw puzzle without looking at the picture first. Such a wonderful question, and it actually got me thinking. No never in my life had I done that. It reminded me a little about a game I played called Concentration. You turned all the pieces over with pictures not showing and proceeded to turn two at a time to match as sets. The object was to see how fast you could match all of them up.
Part of the object to me of putting together a puzzle has always been to get an idea of what the picture is and to start with the outer part of the puzzle and work you way to the middle, thus finishing the puzzle.
To me doing a puzzle without looking at the picture is like putting something together without looking at the directions. But in life you don't always have directions. Sometimes you have to make up your own directions or just experience the situation first hand in your own way. Sometimes it is not always the best way but for each individual it can be the right way.
After doing many puzzles as a kid if the picture was one I really liked or if it was a really difficult one I would usually buy puzzle glue and forever seal its fate and use it as a picture. Now that I look back at that it probably wasn't the best thing to do except that it was forever locked into place and hung on the wall to enjoy.
After the completion of the exercise many of us at our table considered trying to do a puzzle next time without looking at the picture. I believe I would try a small puzzle rather than a 1,000 piece one just to be on the safe side in hopes of completing it easily. As in life sometimes we want to take the easy way instead I guess.
We also got to choice two pieces of the puzzle at our table, picture down, that had a little saying on the other side. How fitting the two I choice were:
"Be grateful for pieces of life's puzzles that fit" and "Expect there to be missing pieces and learn to live with them". Two very fitting quotes that really do describe something that needed to be a reminder to be.
With my A type personality it usually is very difficult for me to admit my shortcomings although I seem to be doing better as I get older (I hope).
One interesting exercise in personal growth included a jigsaw puzzle. One of the first questions that the speaker asked was whether we had ever done a jigsaw puzzle without looking at the picture first. Such a wonderful question, and it actually got me thinking. No never in my life had I done that. It reminded me a little about a game I played called Concentration. You turned all the pieces over with pictures not showing and proceeded to turn two at a time to match as sets. The object was to see how fast you could match all of them up.
Part of the object to me of putting together a puzzle has always been to get an idea of what the picture is and to start with the outer part of the puzzle and work you way to the middle, thus finishing the puzzle.
To me doing a puzzle without looking at the picture is like putting something together without looking at the directions. But in life you don't always have directions. Sometimes you have to make up your own directions or just experience the situation first hand in your own way. Sometimes it is not always the best way but for each individual it can be the right way.
After doing many puzzles as a kid if the picture was one I really liked or if it was a really difficult one I would usually buy puzzle glue and forever seal its fate and use it as a picture. Now that I look back at that it probably wasn't the best thing to do except that it was forever locked into place and hung on the wall to enjoy.
After the completion of the exercise many of us at our table considered trying to do a puzzle next time without looking at the picture. I believe I would try a small puzzle rather than a 1,000 piece one just to be on the safe side in hopes of completing it easily. As in life sometimes we want to take the easy way instead I guess.
We also got to choice two pieces of the puzzle at our table, picture down, that had a little saying on the other side. How fitting the two I choice were:
"Be grateful for pieces of life's puzzles that fit" and "Expect there to be missing pieces and learn to live with them". Two very fitting quotes that really do describe something that needed to be a reminder to be.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Doors that the Internet Opens
Since returning from my trip to CA last week I had to stop and think that no matter how far away you may be from other parts of the country the Internet keeps us connected to anywhere we want to go around the country and also around the world.
As much as people complain and I know I do my share, the Internet has provided so many opportunities to everyone. Some people rely completely on the Internet to do everything in their daily life. I admit I have not completely turned my life over to it (contrary to what some of my family thinks) but it is truly wonderful how we are able to keep in touch with others or do business over the world-wide web.
I recently went into a shop with some friends and the first thing the proprietor asked was "Where did I live?" after telling them they stated "Oh, I am sure they must have a store close by". Rather than correct them I thought I will just check on the Internet. Of course the closest store is more than three hours away but after checking on-line I found it was easier just to make purchases there than the long drive.
When I stop and think how much on-line shopping you can do it blows my mind. I have bought a wide variety of items and it is like Christmas when the UPS or Federal Express man comes, package in hand.
Some are not happy to step out of their personal comfort zone, but hey if you can't find it locally go on-line its a big world out their and it's your opportunity to see everything, from the comfort of your computer screen..
Here are just a few places that might be of interest:
www.lush.com
www.jenisicecreams.com
www.picklesandthings.com
www.reluctantgourmet.com
As much as people complain and I know I do my share, the Internet has provided so many opportunities to everyone. Some people rely completely on the Internet to do everything in their daily life. I admit I have not completely turned my life over to it (contrary to what some of my family thinks) but it is truly wonderful how we are able to keep in touch with others or do business over the world-wide web.
I recently went into a shop with some friends and the first thing the proprietor asked was "Where did I live?" after telling them they stated "Oh, I am sure they must have a store close by". Rather than correct them I thought I will just check on the Internet. Of course the closest store is more than three hours away but after checking on-line I found it was easier just to make purchases there than the long drive.
When I stop and think how much on-line shopping you can do it blows my mind. I have bought a wide variety of items and it is like Christmas when the UPS or Federal Express man comes, package in hand.
Some are not happy to step out of their personal comfort zone, but hey if you can't find it locally go on-line its a big world out their and it's your opportunity to see everything, from the comfort of your computer screen..
Here are just a few places that might be of interest:
www.lush.com
www.jenisicecreams.com
www.picklesandthings.com
www.reluctantgourmet.com
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