Story 102 Pet Peeves

         

          Pet peeves.  We've all got them, or at least many of us do.  For example, when did it get so popular to use "Happy" for any day of the week? like "Happy Wednesday."  I get "Happy Birthday," or maybe even "Happy Friday" those makes sense to me on some level, but when did the days gain so much importance? I really don't want to be seen as negative, because that's not how I roll. However, I think "Happy Weekdays" should be minimized. Does anyone think similar? Or do you have a case of "The Mondays?"

    Also on my mind is when people text when you are trying to have a conversation.  They are constantly looking down at their phones and then look up and remark, "What did you say? " It's time that we make human conversation a priority.  My niece told me that when she was at camp a while back, and was required to take a two month break from  her phone,  she felt that not using her phone to be very destressing not distressing.  

     It's not a bad idea to unplug once in a while, and take a technology break.  (I say as I type at 4 a.m.) In fact, many people experience anxiety, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, attention issues, memory problems, and even sleep disturbances due to their electronic devices. Is this really an improvement in our lives?  We're losing out on the human connection, and quality sleep.  The blue light from these devices can wreak havoc on our bodies.

    I also know that woman tend to be better than men in multi tasking, but talking or texting and driving is extremely dangerous too no matter what your gender. There is research that the more activities we do as we drive, the probability of getting into a car crash increases.  The campaign in New York, "That text can wait." is right. 


 The funny thing is that we are using our phones in strange places/times too, which is taking away from those experiences or makes them more complicated. I've seen/heard people using them in in the toilet, while using a urinal, riding a bike, riding a horse, and even at job interviews. Enough already.   Would anyone stop having sex if the phone rang? It better not be a different booty call.


  Red light cameras irk me too.  Local government may claim they are only around to help with safety, but the reality is they are big money makers.  In the area of several million dollars.  I know on Long Island, there is one stretch of road where there are cameras every 1/4 mile.  It's almost impossible  to avoid getting caught.   Even if you are trying to drive safely.

     It also bothers me also when people don't respect our environment.  I saw a guy put a cigarette out on a tree, or when people throw garbage out the windows of their cars (biodegradable not included)  How about the people who are some adamant that global warming is a myth.  The problem is that what if they're wrong, and we could have done something about it, but we were too late.   In China their pollution levels are so high people can't breathe at times.  Let's remember back to England during the Industrial revolution when "London fog" was really factory emissions.  It's not just polar bears we need to worry about.  In some time in the future we may reach "The Wheat Point." (Where food can no longer grow) and truly be out of luck.

     Another thing that bothers me is when parents let their young children ride bicycles or rollerblade without helmets or wrist guards.  I want to tell them that they are only one traumatic brain injury away from a huge problem.   Laws are one thing, but enforcement and people following them are separate things.

Life Lesson 102:  Watch what you say, watch what you do, viva su vida (Life your life) but remember we all live here too.