Holiday thought: a simple way to spread cheer and make being out at stores, etc. easier
Now, in general, I try to do this year-round, simply because I believe in spreading positive energy, as there can never be enough of that out there in the world. At this time of year it's an even better thing to do, no matter how frazzled you may be feeling, no matter how many people you hear griping or snapping as the hours tick down on the great holiday gift-finding clock. First, refuse to let the moods of others influence you. Second... be nice to anyone helping you, especially those working at the cash registers. If you think your head hurts after your brief jaunt through the store (say, malls, department stores, or particularly, Wal-Mart), imagine them. They've probably been snapped at, greeted with frowns, and generally treated with varying degrees of unhappy or rude behaviour by a good number of people since mid-afternoon. This goes double for Saturdays and Sundays.
You would be amazed at what simply saying hello in a friendly tone, offering a smile, and a sincere "How are you?" does on crazy days like these. It becomes reciprocal. A smile (and often, a look of relief) from the person you are interacting with, who is helping you, and pleasant conversation as they ring through your purchases and you pay. It is a mutually positive thing. Maybe it's because I remember being on the other end of it, in high school when I worked in retail at a very popular department store for holiday shopping, but it's really such an easy thing to do. Not only that, it's a brief connection with a fellow member of humankind, that doesn't involve using a computer. And that, these days, is becoming increasingly rare, when it comes to contact with those not in your immediate circle of family, friends and co-workers. ;)
The holidays are supposed to be a time of love, cheer, peace on Earth and goodwill toward others. It starts with personal acts of patience and positivity, and this is definitely a way to lighten the mood when surrounded by a semi-crazed atmosphere that may sometimes feel anything but happy and holiday like.
Real blogs in '07, but for now, it's all a blur ;)
Somewhere in here I will work on a real blog... well, maybe next week. I did start one today, but then had to go running around to a few different places, so that got nixed for the time being. Welcome to the cah-ray-zeeee Christmas season. I hope poor Pico isn't feeling neglected -- it's been a flurry of holiday get-togethers, and Christmas shopping and decorating, and getting things mailed, etc. It won't slow down until after Christmas Day, I know!
I just added some pictures from the night of Juke, from earlier this month, to the gallery in the "More 2006 photos" album. ("Juke" being Juke Kartel, fronted by Toby Rand.) I love Australians. Love, love Australians. I'm a little busy tonight, but hopefully tomorrow will add some performance pics from the show and after party. Have I mentioned that I love Australians? Just checking. Y'all rock, and have been the perfect antidote to the ever-emerging North American "don't hug me or I'll sue you" attitude as exemplified in the MSNBC article I posted a link to the other day. Don't ever change, I need to know that there is a refuge! :)
Love to all, and I hope the holidays are treating everyone beautifully. XO.
Things that make you go... well, a lot more than "hmmm?"
I think it's time to experience life on another continent for awhile... apparently there's a new program in place, beginning in kindergarten, to turn North Americans into emotionless, impersonal droids. It's not video games or violence on TV that's the problem, m'dears...
I think the moment I read that was the moment I realized just how many stages past ridiculous things have started to get. Luckily, I am one of the fortunate ones who can remember the '80s, probably the last decade before things started getting so completely wacky like that.
... Well, I meant to be joking when I said I was taking the entire month of December off. I haven't fled the country or anything like that (yet). It's just been really busy. December, and, well, you know how it goes!
