people watching

Marge And In Charge

*some names have been changed to protect the guilty* Let’s just get this out of the way. Marge is not a nice person. I’m sure she has her reasons, but I’m no longer content with her “moody” label—as that would indicate fluctuations. Almost every year, we head up to the Pacific Northwest to spend a […]

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The Thoughtful Olympics

I love thoughtful people. To me, it’s one of the best qualities a person can have, so it’s not surprising that most of my favorite people are very considerate. My idea of thoughtfulness goes well beyond the usual stuff. It’s a given that you should consistently do the remedial stuff: pick up after yourself, say […]

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Clouding The Issue With Logic

Do you have a problem solver in your life? No, I’m not talking about someone who tackles the logistics of a trip or troubleshoots a circuitry problem with your garage door opener. I’m talking about the person who—when you say, “Brr, I’m cold!”—suggests you put a jacket on. You do, don’t you? So do I. […]

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I’m Judging You

I’m judging you and really do feel a little bad about it. I think we’ve all read articles, blog posts, status updates and tweets with commentary on the misuse of words like “your” and “you’re.” Some people say it’s their #1 pet peeve. My feelings are a bit different. I’ll paint you a picture: When […]

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Uniting In Fury

Things That Make Us Madder Than They Should: Hangers Misbehaving Disobedient hangers are instigators. You know when you’re swiping through shirts and an unchosen one slips off the hanger and falls to the ground? I always blame the hanger and become frustrated with its lack of commitment. I assume it hasn’t embraced its job or […]

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The Disappearance of Discretion

I value discretion. But it seems as if this era of over-sharing and perpetual TMI has caused those around me to lose their privacy compass. I’m not paid to be the Decorum Police—just happily volunteering my time as a public service. It all started several years ago when I worked in an “open cube” environment, […]

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Sweet Nothings

I was just trucking along, enjoying a nice day at work when it happened. A few co-workers passed me in the hall and excitedly announced there was dessert in the conference room, as they opened up their circle to usher me in. “Oh, thanks so much—but I’m good.” “What? Oh come on! A little sugar […]

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Game Day

I love sports. I’ve been involved in them since I was very little—played for fun, played on scholarship in college, coached for fun, coached in college as a profession. And I’m excited to watch the Superbowl Sunday—despite My Cowboys falling short this year. But I’m here to talk about a different sport. Costco. What’s that […]

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Radar Guns Are Nosy

What does it take to get out of a ticket? A little sobbing? A little stretching of the truth? Both? *sniff, sniff* Hello, Officer. Sir, I’m so sorry. I’m late to one of the biggest presentations of my career, and … *bigger sniffs* this day has just … *hardcore, snotty sniffs* it’s just been one […]

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Guilty As Charged

It should come as a surprise to no one that I’d like to do a little time. I’m not talking about Rikers Island or anything. A medium-security outfit is more my speed. I’d say minimum–for the simple fact that the other felons and I could watch Golden Girls in the evening–but I’m not overly interested […]

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