Tuesday, December 07, 2010

I dropped a vacuum cleaner on my head and other reasons why I might be losing my mind

I was vacuuming the stairs this morning and the vacuum cleaner was sitting at the top of the stairs as I stretched the hose down to the last stair. And the vacuum cleaner fell. On my head. And it really hurt. A couple of tears came to my eyes, but then they turned to tears of laughter as I realized how ridiculous it was that I was crying because I dropped the vacuum cleaner on my head. And I started laughing hard- harder than I have in quite a while, even as I felt the growing welt on my head.

I was checking out at Wal-Mart yesterday and I was well aware that I had more than 20 items, but the only lanes open were the "20 items or less" lane and the "10 items or less" lane. I went for the 20. But, the lady at the till kept sighing and giving me dirty looks. I apologized, but pointed out there were no other lanes open. About half way through my order, a man got in line behind me with 1 item. I could tell the moment he walked up that he was mad. He actually told me that I was being very inconsiderate by checking out in the 20 items or less lane when I clearly had more than 20 items. I, again, apologized but informed him there were no other lanes open. But, of course, at that moment (or maybe a few moments before) a regular lane had opened and I just looked like an inconsiderate brat. I left Wal-Mart crying.

I realized that some people are completely unaware of the spirit of this season. Where's the love, people? Where's the patience and kindness and happiness that is supposed to encompass this beautiful time of year?

We need to laugh a little more. We need to enjoy life a little more. And then, today, if occurred to me, perhaps everyone should drop a vacuum cleaner on their head.