Walkways

I really cannot fathom what must be going through someone's mind (if present) when they decide to not utilize a walkway as it was designed.  This applies to any walkway be it sidewalk, grocery store aisle, airport terminal concourse, path in a park, in short, any place that has been indicated by popular vote of the people using it as a place to get from one place to another.  With this generally accepted convention in place, people will still find it perfectly fine to stop in the middle and do any or all of the following:

1. look around in confusion
2. look for something in a purse or bag
3. interact with their mobile device
4. have a conversation with someone in their party
5. do anything but move

Time to take a reality break here (you'll see me do this from time to time on this site) and talk about what I consider to be the No Big Deal (NBD) exception.  The NBD exception here would be places like a crowded bar, during a fireworks display or a fair of some kind - you get the gist.  These places - although I still don't appreciate the stand still - do not warrant my angst.  Also, I won't sit here and say that I have never done this while not having a clue where I am going, my gripe is that it seems to occur to me where ever I go and every 10 feet or so.

Often, when I am riled up enough for it, I will walk by this person or group of people (my particular favorite variety of this event) and issue a ConsiderateGone Lesson in the form of saying, at a perfectly audible level, "that is not the best place in the world to do that".  This typically goes unnoticed - due mainly I think to the fact that anyone who would hit the breaks in the middle of the walkway would not understand the words or even be able to identify with the sounds hitting their ears since they of course think they are the only people on the planet.

Glossary

Throughout my posts I will be using some verbiage that belongs only here and so I will explain them on this post and update as it grows.

ConsiderateGone Lesson: This is something that I do (much to the chagrin of my wife) to let people know that they are doing something wrong or inconsiderate.  It is often done without their noticing - for various reasons - and typically does not result in a correction of the behavior.  Why do it at all you ask?  It just makes me feel like I am bettering society...I know, I know my wife thinks it's stupid too.

No Big Deal (NBD): Often used with Exception is my chance to explain that I know of certain circumstances where the behavior I am on about is well, no big deal.  An example of this would be not using your blinker when turning into your driveway with no one within 5 miles of you...no big deal.  You see?

Introduction

By way of introduction, I should explain myself.  I used to be a "friend to all" kind of guy, making friends with many people and most of the time in short order.  I had once even been told that my ability to relate to others and make a connection was something to be envied.  I find myself the opposite these days.  Unsure if it was a sign of the times or of my age, I decided to write this blog.  I also wanted to do this in an attempt to clear my head so that I can be a better husband and father as at times my grumpiness is a bit much to stomach.

During my rants I will attempt to be funny but unfortunately most of the things I will be writing about don't amuse me in the slightest.  Two caveats before I begin; I do not purport that all of the things I talk about apply to all of the people, nor do I make any attempt to be politically correct.  So if that is okay read on.  Be sure to read the glossary post as it contains some crucial definitions of some of the stupidity (on my part) you'll be seeing here.