I HAVE NO WORDS (June 10)

 

ONLY WORDS Placeholder words. I have been noticing the variety of them. You know the acknowledgement one gives when the speaker is confirming or looking for feedback. To pick on millennials, they seem to prefer got'cha or fine-fine; boomers are ok with ok and the eye doctor's tech prefers "perfect" every time I noted the correct letter or pretty much anything I said. I felt like a little kid bubbling over with confirmation every time I said anything. Apparently, it was not an actual conversation, and I am not special. It's like we have to fill every empty conversational space with something. Then I really love the "thank you" no "thank YOU", well then "thank you". You're welcome works or just a pleasant head nod to end the endless litany of euphemisms. Taken to the extreme, I envision a war for the last word or, to be named most polite person on the planet, descending into fist fights and choke holds until someone cries. Fun times. Retirees have time on their hands for observations and are eager to talk.

In retrospect my, what I thought was polite, eye contact and silence seem to make people nervous. Not technically my intent, however, sometimes there is just nothing to excuse or add to statements and actions that are either self-evident or beyond belief. It also acts as a deterrent to mere bluster when a "player" has nothing to back up their claim besides their "opinion". Though in these days of silent but deadly I do understand the need for us to be a bit more verbal to diffuse possible misunderstandings. On the other hand sometimes, we get so busy talking we don't realize the lack of reaction could be dangerous. Nobody is shy anymore; they could actually be plotting something evil....

Not having any more to say was another reason I was rather quiet (I know hard to believe). When I was collecting on the paper route as a teenager I would be asked to come back later, run to the bank for them and literally screamed at-anything to avoid paying. As I had no other arrows in my quiver, I would just stand there silently until they miraculously came up with the money. Also worked with higher-ups who did not like the message I was delivering or Union folks who did not believe me. Again, standing patiently with no expression until they wound themselves down was usually effective. Hate to gender slash, but it was usually men who would pitch a fit including foot stamping. My not backing away also appeared powerful as personal space is a real thing. Moving into mine won't make me back up. My mindset was merely to accomplish whatever needed to be done. I hate unfinished tasks and indecision makes me nuts. I get an idea and I move-drives the OH crazy.

MINI RANT Speaking of blaming, got to love when your significant other throws you under the bus instead of taking responsibility, a learned trait from the current world where -it's not my fault; it's a conspiracy; I never did what I just showed you I did. I'm talking to you Justices Thomas and Alito. If it was a liberal Justice, they would have been hung in effigy (or literally) by now. Though it is possible Alito did not understand the significance of the flags they were flying...And why is a person who thinks Jewish space lasers start forest fires and shouldn't we feel the earth move if we're traveling at 1,000 miles an hour questioning a scientific scholar who has dedicated his life to this country? Trying to explain how science works to the uneducated reminds me of how hard it is to explain industrial hygiene hazards to folks. 

For example. Construction workers performing demolition. So much fun and chaos crashing and banging, ripping and tearing. But all those chemical and biological agents we release when material integrity is breached do damage. Dust, asbestos, lead, aggregate, ceramics, metals, etc. The health hazard of demo is at least as serious as burying someone in the debris and possibly worse as you can at least see the material that will crush you. Always told workers, as professionals you wear the safety gear just like suiting up to play football. Then we all had a good laugh. You suppose the linebackers complain about the weight and discomfort of the gear they have to wear? Probably. I'm not naive. 

On the other hand, proud of the way our country honored the men and women of WWII at Normandy last week. Like the Grand Canyon there is no way to describe the feeling you get when you view the cliffs and the multitude of crosses standing among the beautiful green fields lovingly cared for by the French people.  Peace out....💚...💙💛

Constant activity at the hummer bar today,