Pet Peeves Tuesday

I try not to let too many things bug me otherwise I turn into a frustrated, annoyed person. However, I thought I would list some of the things that continue to bug me.

In writing
• That.
In most sentences, you do not need to use the word that. It’s a redundant word. Read your sentences and take out the word that as often as possible.
• Brand new
This one really annoys me. It’s not a brand new car. It’s just a new car.
• Very
He was angry. End of story.


Driving
• People who do not signal or who put their signal light on as they are in the process of turning.
• People who jump the lanes so they can sneak into several cars ahead. I realize they are in fact saving themselves some time, but it’s rude and it pisses me off.
• Tailgaters have always annoyed me. Now they also scare me. If I have to stop suddenly, I will likely be successful but they won’t.

Behaviour
• Negativity. It drags you down.
• Backstabbers. Don’t be nice to my face and then be awful behind my back.
• Tattle-tellers. If you have a problem with me, let me know and I will try to be accommodating. Don’t talk to others without talking to me first. Remember what you tell you kids: if you are only telling to get me in trouble, don’t bother.
• Respect. Try it.

On a different note, yesterday I saw a mom fox and her two babies. They were so cute. Hence, the picture.

Just Show A Little Respect

I appreciate the fact ‘times are a’changin’.’

However, I also think respect and courtesy shouldn’t disappear or hide when you are among friends.

We have a basketball net at the end of our driveway. The neighbourhood kids use the basketball net. (I think the kids should ask if it’s OK to use it rather than just start playing, but apparently I am alone in this view).

So this weekend, the baby and I are playing in his new favourite toy – my car – when I hear a basketball being dribbled down the street. I watch as a neighbourhood teen and his friend start shooting hoops. I also watch as they move the net to a position more to their liking.

As the baby and I exit the car, I see one of the boys hanging off the net. Now the basketball net is one of those portable ones. It isn’t meant to withstand danglers, particularly tall and skinny ones or short and fat ones.

I say hello to the boys at the end of my driveway and ask them to be careful with the net, which they confirm they will be.

As the baby and I head off to the park, I see the ball heading toward the cars and I also see one of the boys pick up this long pole from our property and lower the net.
When we come back, the boys are gone.

Yesterday, my husband noticed the backboard, made out of plastic, is broken, a giant chunk of it lying on the net’s base.

I am annoyed.

If you using something that is not yours, treat it – and the owners – better than you would treat your own things.

I understand the initial reaction when something unpleasant happens is to run away. We all have that feeling. However, one hopes the better part of you steps forward, admits you have done wrong and offers to replace the thing you have broken.

This, of course, didn’t happen.

As I didn’t see the event happen, I can’t accuse the neighbour of breaking the net. However, I think we can go to his house and ask if he knows anything about it. If he says no, we will have to leave it at that. If he says yes, we can talk about respect.

Times are different. Respect, courtesy and doing the right thing should be one of those things that never go out of style.

Show of Respect

Our neighbours R&BJ are members of a hunt camp that is approaching 100 years old.

BJ was telling us there is a picture hanging on the wall of the bunker of some of the original members on the train on the way to the hunt camp. The members were dressed in suits and fedoras.

I like the fact that people used to dress up to go away; to visit neighbours; to attend the theatre; and otherwise make an appearance.

While I like the fact that I don’t have to be so formal when visiting a friend’s house (see Diana visiting Anne’s house in Anne of Green Gables), the idea of dressing up to attend the theatre or to visit someone special is nice. It shows respect. Perhaps it's time to bring back dressing up.