Three strikes you're OUT!!!

I believe in giving everyone more than one chance. However, there comes a time that you just have to say "That's it!" Today was just that moment. Let me preface with a little history.....

I used to get my oil changed at Walmart. I quickly found that regardless of what time I entered the service center, I spent no less than an hour there for a simple oil change. This is why I now take my car a mile down the road where I pull into the bay and ten minutes later, I pull out with a smile on my face. Time wasn't the only factor in changing my lube habits. There was the little incident of someone not tightening the nut in the oil pan leading me to believe I had a leak, because my driveway was artfully decorated with oil spots.

STRIKE ONE!

Then there was the day I drove in with a burnt out turn signal bulb. A simple and inexpensive procedure right? I was pleased.....until I found they'd replaced a yellow turn signal bulb with a WHITE one.

STRIKE TWO!

Today was the topper. I had a battery issue. There I sat in the restaurant parking lot with a battery that could not be revivied. A ring-a-ding later, the tow truck driver was on his way. He took one look at the battery and said "Uh ma'am....it's smoking for some reason and if we try to jump it, your car will more than likely catch on fire. Ummmm...that didn't bode well. So my friends and I followed Tow Truck Jim to (you guessed it) the Walmart service center.

I went to the counter and told the female associate that I needed to purchase a new battey and have it installed. She quickly informed me it would take about 2 1/2 hours because they were so busy. Okay, I could deal with that. My friends had some shopping to do and I decided that I could pick up a few items (including some cheesey novel) and kill some time. So after piddling a bit, I checked out and settled down on the service department bench and started reading. Eventually my cohorts appeared. Two hours had passed, so my friend went to the service desk to inquire how much longer I would have to wait. The manager informed her it would be another 2-2 1/2 hours. That is where I witnessed my friend losing her mind as well as witnessing a male manager that wanted to be anywhere but standing in front of her.

SO....

I called another friend and said "Bubba, bring your tools. You're going to have to put in my battery" and proceeded to the parking lot.

Now folks....I understand busy. I have no problem waiting my turn. I'm no better than anyone else. However, when I have already waited 2 hours, and I can see 3 mechanics standing around in the bay area shooting the breeze...I get a little testy.

STRIKE THREE! You are SO OUT!!!

I long for the days when you could pull in at the "filling station" and a qualified mechanic would pop the hood, fix the problem, take your money, and send you on your way. Maybe when I grow up, I will open a buisness that does just that.

In the words of Rascal Flatts....."I miss Mayberry."

ARE YOU KIDDING ME???

Last night I heard the craziest thing. It was a news report stating that some school had "outlawed" playing tag. It was dangerous! Kids could get hurt and then there would be the possibility of lawsuits.

Huh???

I have fond memories of playing tag in my youth. Running and giggling and dodging and yes, falling, only to get back up and do it all over again. Got a scraped knee? Rub a little dirt in it and the bleeding will stop. The thought of a lawsuit never entered the minds of parents. Kids were just doing what kids do....enjoying life.

Why would anyone want to put a stop to that? Look deeper at tag...it's EXERCISE. A release of pent up energy. Cutting that out is doing damage to the youth of America. No tag kiddos....but you are free to sit and play video games for hours. Let's do more to contribute to childhood obesity.

It's a sad world indeed when we start taking away simple pleasures.....

The simple things....

On my drive in this morning I noticed the full moon still visible in a blue, blue sky. I'm drawn to the moon, especially when it's full. Something primal deep within me connects to that sphere in the sky.

As I continued my journey, I noticed a red tailed hawk perched in a tree. Magnificent! I was thinking "Oh Lord if I could just have sight as keen as that winged creature. The ability to see that which was vital to my existance, rather than to be distracted with things that really don't matter.

I soon hit I-65 which is trying regardless of the time you hit it. You must pay attention and concentrate or you could be the very one Richard Thomas is reporting about on his flight report. As I passed one of the fields, I noticed something running up the hill towards the trees. Running not at a fast pace...more as a jog. An enjoyment of movement. It was a coyote. Not a care in the world...just enjoying simply "being." How wonderful that feeling would be. Dump that stress and just enjoy life.

Yep, I had a rather insightful drive in this morning. On the days where I want to fuss about the drive, I quickly remember the things that are often revealed to me during that time and I shut my pie hole :)