Pet Peeves

In my advanced age, I have developed an aversion to certain things. If you are guilty of any of these, I am not trying to offend anyone or point fingers. I'm just saying what irks me, in no particular order. I am no Miss Manners, and no better than anyone else, and have never claimed to be!

1. The expression LOL; so many people use it all the time, and it really bugs me. It does take a lot to make me laugh, and I don't appreciate low-brow humor. But seriously, are you really laughing out loud?

2. People who pop and smack their gum. I'm glad you are enjoying it, but I don't need to hear it. My mother was very strict about that growing up, and the irritation has definitely rubbed off on me. The teacher in me wants to approach people and order them to spit out their gum.

3. People who talk loudly on their cell phones in public places. I know you're important, but hang up and be present where you are! I am not the hugest fan of the telephone, and get really anxious when I am ready to end a call, or when someone calls for no reason. I just don't like talking on the phone that much. I must have done too much of it as a teenager. When I go somewhere, I make sure I get off the phone before going inside a public place.

4. Cutesy or incorrect spelling of words. I'm the obnoxious nerd who used to proofread the notes my friends sent me in seventh and eighth grade (Hi Kristen!), and send them back to them. There is no excuse for bad spelling, especially with spell check on the computer. Kountry Kitchen really does NOT look better, and does not entice me to frequent your establishment!

5. People who don't use the signal lights on their cars. Is it me, or do more and more cars seem to come without signal lights? We have a plethora of four-way stop signs here in suburbia, and so few people seem to use their signal lights that it's like playing Russian Roulette any time you stop at one.

6. People who don't RSVP for an event, even if it is clearly marked on the invitation. How hard is it to send an e-mail (my phone aversion) to let the hostess know how many people to plan for? With all of the party places and the limit of the number of guests, it is essential to know how many people are going to attend, since I am sure most people over-invite.

7. The last one, and my biggest pet peeve: women who pee all over toilet seats in public restrooms and don't wipe off the seat. This is happening more and more to me, because I guess more people are afraid to sit on the seat and touch someone else's germs. Because of this, more women aren't emptying their bladders fully, and are getting more bladder infections. Whether you choose to sit or squat, be nice and wipe the seat when you are done!

OK, now that everyone I know has decided not to ever invite me over again, I'm off to finish my research paper. Class was canceled tonight because my teacher is sick, and our test has been put off until Monday. Yay, more time to procrastinate! The research paper is still due Wednesday, and since Darren is now working from home tomorrow (the threat of that storm in the Gulf), I have to give up the cushy chair in front of the desktop computer. I still have my laptop, but it's more comfy to sit here and work. Oh, well...