Old People with No Manners?

It's crazy when you're a young person today and you come across a person quite older than yourself who's rude and lacks manners.  Well I'm here to tell you regardless of how crazy it may be, it happens.  Last Friday during happy hour, with a great group of friends, I came in contact with an older woman who was upset because her seats that she had been "holding" were taken when she arrived (no we hadn't taken her seats).  Anyhow, she preceded to come near two seats in which I was holding with my jacket for two friends who were less than five minutes away.  She began her rant by first telling me about her seats that were taken across the bar, and I should have to give mine up as well.  I looked over her shoulder and saw that her husband didn't look in the best of health so I offered one seat for her husband to have a seat.  That's when the b...., I mean rude woman decided to tell me that "You don't have a choice, I'm taking these seats" and moved my jacket!

That's where I almost lost it.... I regrouped and told the woman that she was rude, and that if she was going to act like that she could have the seats, but again told her that she was a rude person, and it wasn't necessary to make a big deal out of two seats at the bar.  She ignored me and sat down, and then leaned over, and told me that she was out with her husband for their last meal before she put him in a nursing home.  Now usually I would feel bad, however, I tried to tell her I understood that, but she went about the situation the wrong way from the beginning.  The old hag told me that I didn't understand and she knew I taught at a local high school? I've never taught high school, however, there is another black male teacher who teachers at a high school who frequents the bar (let the record stand he's 30 years my senior, and has dreads) I guess we all do look alike (I don't mean this, but proves people really do think this way).  Anyhow I told the no style having lady with her bedazzled jacket, that I didn't teach at the high school she was referring to, and honestly I was done having a conversation with her at that point.  The woman and her husband along with a friend sat there for five minutes, and then moved to a table, GO FIGURE!

This incident taught me that I've grown considerably.  The "Old" Brandon would have probably cursed the woman out, and told her to go to hell, however, I realize that people who have that type of attitude, and believe they can go through life railroading their way through events, strangers, and even friends have sad souls.  I want to believe that her un-classy demeanor stemmed from her husband's health rather than from the root of her personality.

In the end, I have to remember, Treat others in the way in which you wanted to be treated, even when they're being an ass.

Friendship and The J-O-B

Disclaimer:  Friends, please don't take any of my comments that you are about to read personally.  I have not mentioned anyone personally, so please don't take this as a personal note to you. However, if you start feeling guilty, well.... that's on you!
When trying to make a decision on what to write about, it kind of came to me through an experience I had this week, and having conversations with others regarding friendships.  Being a great friend is like being a teacher; some people have the ability to be a good friend and others simply lack the capacity.  Don't get me wrong, people who don't have the capacity to be a good friend don't do it on purpose, nor can they help their inability to grasp the concept of friendship. However, friendships with people like this are difficult and trying, and usually end up being very one-sided, trust me I know from lots of experience.

Friendships are unique relationships because you maintain a ton of them, and each one is so very different from the other.  The issue I'm having is that I believe I try to be the best friend possible to everyone that I consider a close friend, but at times I feel like a "Please Take One" basket and people come and empty the whole freaking basket in their purse or backpack, and keep going.  Now friends, I know I am not the perfect friend or person, but I do honestly try.  I realize I'm opinionated, talk too much, and sometimes I can be brutally honest (okay that's enough), but the most important thing is I realize my shortcomings, and try to work on keeping them in check, I do, honestly!

It's true what they say, great friendships are the ones that stand the test of time.  The friends that you can go months without talking to and when you do speak again, you can pick right up without missing a beat.  We all are busy people who lead hectic lives, and fall out of contact with one another from time to time.  I think the most important thing to remember is to not allow friendships to become unbalanced.  One friend shouldn't have the responsibility to call, to invite, to listen, to counsel, etc; while the other, takes, takes, and takes.  I believe that friends should share the responsibility of the friendship equally.  Friends should call one another, invite each other to hang out, or listen to each other's problems and concerns.  I'm sure it has been said before, but be the type of friend you need, and hopefully the same will be returned.

Before I step off my soap box, I want those of you who read this to understand this is just my ramblings and thoughts, but if it serves as a springboard to improve some friendships then great!  However, don't go over-analyzing yourself and your friendships.  Remember, I'm just me, even though a friend told me I missed my calling as a psychiatrist (thanks Jeff).

The Job
I had a blast being back with kids this week!  I got cursed out and hit, and I still love my job!  I know you think I may be crazy, but I think in order to be in the field of education you have to be a little off your rocker these days. 

Funny stories... too many kids must be watching Dr. Oz and the Doctor's these days.  A kid came into the office this week and said straight out, "I have liquid stool"... what happened to just saying my stomach hurts?  I had another student not understanding the importance of keeping his pants up, while also belting "Born to be Wild."  Again, it was a great week!

Happy New Year and OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network)

Before I start spilling out all my thoughts in this entry, I want to say Happy New Year's and I hope everyone had a safe and joyous evening last night. 

Today, I've been busy sleeping off a hangover, taking down my Christmas decorations, and becoming addicted to Oprah's new network!  Okay back one step, I want to discuss packing Christmas decorations away.  Why am  I terribly picky when it comes to putting my Christmas items away?  Wait I know...  because it's me, and I am picky as hell when it comes to organizing anything.  I tell myself I need to open my own organizing company, but maybe that will be my project for 2012... 

Next, OWN is awesome.  I don't care if I am a guy, and I know we aren't suppose to say we like Oprah, but the woman is truly amazing!  I get sad to think her show is going off the air, and I never got to go in person.  If anyone reads this you really should write into Oprah to tell her how much I'd love to meet her. (Seriously,PLEASE)   To think that today, an African American woman launched her own cable network is truly amazing and historic.  For those of you who are Oprah haters, you should honestly give the channel a preview, it's pretty good.  The network isn't just all Oprah, but instead several types of shows to grab the attention of the masses.

Well I am going to sign off, and relax and enjoy my last few days of vacation before I begin my new adventure Monday as an administrative intern.  I'm excited to be around kids again, and check back in because I'm sure I'll have great stories to share.

P.S.  A friend of mine wants to give me suggestions on things to write about on my Blog... What do you think?

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