Pet Peeve

I can't stand it - and sometimes it really bugs me. Today is one of those days.

Could someone please tell me WHY the directional on a vehicle is hardly ever used? It's NOT an OPTIONAL feature of a vehicle.

I'm not saying people should use their directional signal if they're the only people on the road for miles, turning into their driveway at 2 a.m. I'm not advocating a "blinker-happy" society. Perhaps a happy medium.

Everyone does it at one time or another - c'mon, yes you do. It might be you, the soccer Moms, executives, college students (or teenage drivers) and your neighbors just to name a few. This particular peeve knows no boundaries, race, religion or ethnicity. I admit I don't always use my directional signal - but if there's no one behind me, no one in front of me, or even sideways (highway) to me...it might be okay once in a while.

But honestly...is it SO much effort to use the directional signal in 2 lanes of traffic (or more) to let the people behind you know where the hell you're going?

I'm not stalking you - I would just prefer to NOT rear-end you. Now by that statement you might be thinking - well she's following too closely - sometimes I admit that may be the case and my own fault. HOWEVER, in most situations I happen to be behind you at the intersection along with 10 other vehicles who would like to go straight while you are waiting to turn left. But we don't know you are trying to turn left - perhaps the vehicle stalled, you've had a seizure, or you're letting someone cute cross the street. Whatever the reason may be - if you had your directional signal on - there wouldn't be any question as to why you aren't moving.

I used to think driving was a privilege, but from what I see on a daily basis, I'm not so sure anymore.

Please, please...try to use both hands while driving, remember the rules of the road. Oh yeah and those rules don't include talking on your cell phone with one hand, smoking with the other, and drinking your coffee. I know and understand the concept of multi-tasking in our modern society, but couldn't you slow down long enough to be slightly courteous to those around you?

Just try it for tomorrow, we can take it one day at a time.
Thanks.

Revenge shall be sweet...

Ah, you may be thinking, I am a woman scorned and plotting my revenge against the evil-doer called "man". Well not this time. Read on, my friends.

I am fortunate to work about 15 minutes from home. This is a blessing and a curse. It means I sleep 15 minutes later than I should and might be a little tardy to the office. It also means I can never get home in 15 minutes. Except for lunch. Sometimes I come home for lunch, for tasty leftovers, something in the freezer to zap or I may stop and pick up something - but either way I come home. Once in a while - it's a day or two before payday and the occasional extra expense (or gas for the car at these prices) just may send me over the edge. Today, was simply to get away from the office and my co-workers. I had leftover pizza, not exciting by any means, but it takes away the hunger pains...(and alleviates the annoyance that a particular co-worker inflicts simply by speaking.)

So I take the leftover pizza from the fridge and place two pieces on a paper plate and pop them into the microwave. I figure one minute at 80% power won't burn the roof of my mouth if I let it sit for a few seconds. I pour a glass of Diet Coke and flip thru the mail whilst waiting.

POOF!!

What? Whaddaya mean "POOF"?? The Micro stops in its tracks, no final beeping to signal hot leftover pizza is ready for consumption. First thought - oh great the power went out. Nope, the clock to the left is still on and not blinking. Second thought - blew a fuse. Ok so I trot down the hall (well not really trot, but I have a long hallway) to check the breaker. Nope - nothing wrong with the breaker either. Back down the hall. Hmmm, third thought - maybe it's the outlet itself. So I plug in the toaster and throw a piece of bread in it. Nope - toast comes out like it always does.

Finally, it occurs to me - Micro has met with an untimely demise. So young and in its prime - it can't be...

I eat the cold pizza while pondering this dilemma. Perhaps it was tired, or maybe it doesn't like pizza and refuses to have anything to do with it.

On top of Micro, I keep my mugs. If I store them in the cupboard I'll never use them. This way they are always at the ready for a cup of hot chocolate. I have to move the mugs to further inspect Micro. So I move them to the table.

I pick up and move Micro to the next available outlet - the living room. I plug it in - but alas - nothing, no lights. I have to face reality. I also have to get back to work. So I load Micro into the car for a trip. I face the Micro door towards the back seat. I don't want it to know where I'm going. It's not going to a farm to live out its final days.

After work, I went to Costco, that's where I originally bought Micro. I don't have my receipt as Micro is approximately 4 years old. My previous Micro was about 15 and just got slower, but no POOF. The customer service people at Costco are very helpful and courteous, but cannot find record of ever selling this particular brand of Micro. Uh-oh - now I have to think - where was I working at the time? Am I sure I bought it there? How much had I paid? So I think and think and recount as much of my past as is necessary for this situation. Did you know they can track all of your purchases by your Membership card? I did not know this, but today was happy that service was available. It took some time but Mr. Dan - Costco Customer Service - was able to give me a credit for Micro.

I walked away and didn't shed a tear. I don't think Micro saw me leave. I went and got a new cart and found New Micros. I only had two choices, but saw one comparable to what I had. I loaded white Micro 2 in the cart and moved on with my life.

The reason I titled this blog Revenge... - well my previous one was about my modern tech/appliance neglect. I think all the tech stuff and the appliances have been talking when I'm not around and perhaps Micro decided to take one for the team to teach me a lesson. If the hairdryer stages a mutiny over the next few days...I may have to call for reinforcements.