Yes, Ebenezer, it's not Santa Claus - YET

It's just about that time of year. It's getting colder, snow's flying in Pittsburgh, some folk are being a little nicer to one another....so you gotta wonder why Mr. Scrooge is having a hissy?!?

He told me, "For gosh darn sakes! It's not even Thanksgiving yet and some people think it's funny to put up their Christmas stuff?? Humbug!" and stomped right off.

Sorry, Ebenezer, but the fact is, Christmas is right around the corner. In fact, after Thanksgiving Day there's only 28 days left until the big day. Lots of people like to see the lights up longer than the normally allotted time frame, but this year it seems like it will be here much sooner. So yes, all the neighbors are putting up their holiday best - just playing catch-up with the retail stores.

I asked him, "Mr. Scrooge, the retail shops have all had their Christmas decorations up since before the end of September. Why aren't you mad at them?"

Mr. Scrooge replied, "Humph! I don't go shopping in those stores! Humbug!"

Makes me wonder how he does go shopping.

Painfully, we all have to put up with the early decorations that seem to last forever. In the four months after August's end, we have to be subjected to jingle bells, wreaths, plastic Christmas trees, an overabundance of lights, and all that wrapping paper. It's enough to drive a person crazy! Especially when we still have to suffer through Halloween - all that candy and those goofy decorations - and Thanksgiving - trust me, I've seen enough turkey to last me well into next Thanksgiving!

Sometimes it does seem like the holidays drag on and on. One thing to remember is that they do end, thankfully, though not always painlessly. 'Tis the season to not be grumpy - just be thankful it's almost over.

Grafitti COULD be art!

I just don't understand. Some kids spend a lot of their time spray painting symbols, letters, etc. on public and private property, hoping to catch someone's attention or send out a secret message that could only be decoded after gym class. Some of these jobs are quite beautiful to gaze upon. It gives me pause to wonder a few things:

First, why couldn't they put that talent instead toward a mural, painting, drawing on anything else BUT private/public property? Is the thought of doing something legal that scary to them?

Second, WHERE are their PARENTS? Do they really have any clue as to what their child/children is/are up to?

Lastly, WHERE are the POLICE?? They're always laying in wait when I'm late and want to speed (just a little) to get there; how come they're never around when the tagging starts?

Thoughts to chew on...

No Noise Allowed, Please

I just read an article on my metropolitan city's web site that has me totally tweaked! A haunted house was shut down by 7pm tonight because the neighbors thought it was too noisy and complained. I had to read this short article twice to make sure I wasn't nodding off at my computer again. Let me say again: a haunted house was shut down for being too noisy.

I can-not believe it!

So, what's next? We're going to turn away babies from all restaurants because they're too noisy? How about these same neighbors and their graduation parties? We get to tell them "Oh, sorry, you can't have a graduation party because you're disturbing my peace and quiet?" Good grief, if you really need it THAT quiet, consider buying a pair of earplugs. If this person acts as a good neighbor throughout the rest of the year, and we do realize that Halloween is not a quiet day (or night), why not let him have a little fun and celebrate?! Is it really that hard for these people to return the good neighborly feelings he's generously bestowed upon them for all this time?

Maybe it's true – you can dot all the "i"s and cross all the "t"s and still not get anywhere. I'm not completely sure, maybe there IS a way I haven't thought of. I better ask my neighbors. :)

Smell you a mile away!

Imagine walking down the street with your four-year-old and you pass by an attractive young lady (perhaps younger than 40) dressed rather nicely. Just after you exchange small smiles and walk on by your four-year-old loudly announces, "Yuck! She smells!". Yes, to your chagrin she has heard you and isn't quite sure how to react, so she opts to continue walking. Sadly, and rather embarrasingly, this actually happened with me.

I do realize that as we grow older our sense of smell is probably #2 on the list of "things gone bye-bye", but since when has it been permissible for anyone to absolutely take a bath in their favorite scent?!? I'm not talking about senior citizens - I'm talking successful young ladies (at least, they appear to be younger than I) whose smell arrives a whole lot sooner than they do. My mother used to tell me, "a little goes a long way"; in fact, Mary Kay consultants teach just that about their makeup line. So tell me why I have to endure about 4-5 different colognes, spritzes, perfumes, and eau-de-toilettes in a stairway, elevator, doorway - even the streets aren't safe! I couldn't begin to imagine trying to conduct a job interview with someone so in love with their "signature scent".

Ladies, some people are genuinely allergic to such strong smells (my newest friend, Cheryl, is one such person); my seven-year-old and 17-year-old actually gag on perfume that smells too strong. Did you actually forget to use deoderant that day, or did you really want people to negatively remember your presence? If someone vaguely smells your fragrance and is intrigued, they will ask you about it, guaranteed. But, if someone can smell your fragrance before you have the chance to walk into a room, don't blame them for their eyes suddenly welling up with tears; chances are, it's not because you had such a good visit last time and just seeing you again makes them want to cry. Onions produce similar effects, but that doesn't mean I want to smell like one. It's really not that attractive.

Lightly, please, on the scents. A little really does go a long way.

XY spell check!

I'm new to the blogging arena, but I guess I can be called an old fart when it comes to reading someone's writing. Everyone's proud of what they write about and want it to be enjoyed, for the most part (unless you're doing what I am, just sounding off). What I really don't like is reading someone's post, or e-mail, and having to dissect the "bad grammar-zero punctuation-talk like you IM or text-the heck with spell check" lingo. Ladies and gentlemen, please! We are all adults, and we should remember that the next generation is reading what we write. It's a shame that in all this rush-rush and hulabaloo that we can't take ten seconds to click the spell check button! I know you took the time to really think about what you wanted to say before sending it, and I want to read your thoughts without having to circle everything in red ink.

Intros!

Hello! I've created this blog as a means of "sounding off" on things that bug me. We all need some place to just scream and rant, and this blog is for that. Please, no profanity on this blog! While you are reading, if anything bugs you (other than my blog, since you know the full intent is to whine), please feel free to post, and I'll open the cheese to go with that whine!