Pet Peeves & General Gripes

We all have them...pet peeves. Things that for whatever reason, can be incredibly annoying. Occurrences that may not even be a big deal to others, but they seem to really get under your skin. Little habits that other people have that just make you want to SCREAM!

I don't think that I have a lot of pet peeves, but the ones that I do have can really get to me sometimes. For your entertainment, I'll list a few of mine.

Slow/ Bad drivers. I live in a highly congested, scenic packed area occupied by a large number of senior citizens. I like to call them the blue hairs. I get so annoyed with drivers that can't seem to go the speed limit. Now, I'm not talking just a few mph under the speed limit. I mean going 25mph in a 40mph zone. I know the palm trees are swaying and the water is glistening and the homes are amazing.... but pull over! Let people pass you. And I truly believe that after a certain age, say 75, you should have to take the driving test every year! It's not just the seniors that irritate me. It's just bad drivers in general. I think everyone should be required to attend the Brenda Van Deilen School of Driving.

Check Writers. You know who I mean. You're at the grocery store and you just want to check out, go home and get your dinner started so you can finally relax. You're in line and the person checking out is writing a check. And it is taking forever! I don't mind the fact that they are writing a check, but if they know they are going to write a check, can't they fill it out earlier? They could date it, fill in the Pay to the Order of line, sign it, and even put their entry in their ledger, all while the clerk is ringing them up. Or better yet, do it before they even get in line! Then when they know the amount, quickly write it in and get out of my way! I realize that this whole process probably only robs me of a few minutes of my time, but still, it annoys me.

Biting my tongue. I have always been a person who would rather keep things inside because I think it's easier than possibly causing ill feelings. Sometimes you have to keep your mouth shut because of business. It wouldn't do me a lot of good to tell a client that I think their flooring choice is hideous or that their bathroom is disgustingly dirty and they should have cleaned it before asking us to come over and work on their plumbing. We probably wouldn't get a lot of jobs if I did.

Sometimes you may find someone incredibly annoying, rude, and pretty much obnoxious. But you have to bite your tongue. It could be a friend of a friend, or your child's playmate, or maybe even a family member. You have to play the game and pretend that you like this person, just so you can keep the peace. I do my best to just be cordial. I guess that's the polite thing to do.

Toilet etiquette. I don't think I've ever noticed that my husband has left the toilet seat up. He's really good about that. But even if he did, that is not my complaint. He needs it up, I need it down, no big deal. My problem is with women.

I realize that public restrooms can be scary. None of us want to use them, but out of necessity, we must. Some girls cover the seat with toilet paper or the supplied seat cover. Some girls hover. I don't really care which method you use, but if you pee on the toilet seat, wipe it up! You turn around to flush, you can see it right there! Clean it up! That is probably at the top of my list! Women can be so sloppy in public bathrooms. It makes me worry about what's going on over in the men's.

Well, I feel better now. I'm ready to go out and face the world, and today when I'm annoyed, I think I'll just laugh instead. Except about the toilet thing. That is just NEVER funny.
Please share. What gets your blood boiling?

SIS Bren