Skip to main content

Observations


I was pumping gas one day across from an older gentleman when a jacked-up, loud-mufflered, big black truck pulled into the station and stopped abruptly nearby with a large, burly, bearded, agitated dude leaning out the window. “Hey old man!”, he yelled at the guy across the pump from me. “You the guy that just ran that stop sign back there?”.

I, being deathly afraid of confrontations, was ready to flee so as not to witness the potential smack down and/or homicide of an old man by a large redneck. But, also, being an avid noticer of things and people, and also stuck mid-gasoline-pump myself, I froze in place, steeled myself, and peeked around the pump to see the show.

Old Guy, with barely a glance at Agitated Guy, very slowly and deliberately continued his process of pumping gas: squinted at the pump screen, pushed a button, inserted the hose, and then simply said quietly and maybe a bit sadly, “Yeeaaaah, that sounds like me.”

Agitated guy was still hopped up and tried to continue, “Yeah it does, you (something-something)”. I don’t know what exactly he said, but the wind went out of his sails so quick, it was amazing to watch. Old Guy just wouldn’t engage. And Agitated Guy ended up driving away, shaking his head and mumbling to himself.   

What do you make of this situation? My reaction included relief, first of all. But then I went into de-briefing (AKA over-analyzing) mode. Did Old Guy defuse the situation intentionally? Was he like a retired Psychologist or Social Worker or Zen Master? Was he just tired? Perhaps he truly didn’t give a shit what Agitated Guy thought of his driving skills? Was there actual sadness in his reply, or did I imagine it there? Was he lamenting his age and the fact that maybe he shouldn’t be driving anymore? These are the kinds of scenarios I try to figure out when I’m people watching. A whole movie reel of characters’ potential intentions and perspectives plays in my head, as I try to figure out their motivations and why things went the way they did. Bottom line in this situation: by not engaging, Old Guy shut it down. Quite admirable.

Morals of the Story:

People can be crazy. Do not engage the crazy.

Know Thyself. (“Yeah, that sounds like me.”)

Stop at stop signs. 


 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

Broccoli Land Speed Record

I'm behind in posting my seed starting progress.  On Wed, March 16th, about 8 weeks till last predicted frost, I started my pepper seeds.  I planted two cells of Jalapeno, two of green bell peppers and 5 of the colorful Carnival Mix bells.  I always plant 2-3 seeds per cell and then thin to the strongest survivor.  So they are all up and happy now: I was planning to start my tomato and broccoli seeds a week ago on Tues, March 29th (6 weeks till last frost) but didn't get around to it until Friday, April 1st.  Close enough.  Mother Nature's behind this spring too if you ask me.  It snowed last week, for pete's sake! Last night, I went down to water and check on things, and the Romanesco Broccoli seeds are already up!  That's got to be a broccoli land speed record, right?  Three days?  The package says they emerge in 10-21 days so I am feeling pretty dang good about my wicked horticultural skillz.  He...
Post a Comment
Read more

Try it

While many folks have started New Year’s Resolutions for 2022, I have been looking for My Word. Admittedly, I could use improvements along the lines of traditional resolutions like getting more exercise, eating less sweets, or managing money well, but I also know myself enough to know I don’t and won’t abide by these just because we hang a new tally sheet on the wall indicating the reset of the annual cycle. What I love about a new year is the excuse for a pause. A practically mandated time set aside for nostalgic self-reflection! This looking back, along with the hopeful feeling of potential for what is to come is an enjoyable tradition for me (I’m blessedly past the stage of loud, boozy, people-y New Year’s Eve parties).  Yes, instead of traditional resolutions, I’ve adopted a more recent trend of choosing a word to focus on for the upcoming year. I find self-improvement goals for a new season easier to remember if I settle on a word or phrase that is lately on my hea...
Post a Comment
Read more

New Logo, plus T SHIRTS!

We survived 2020. Time for a refresh in 2021. Here's the Wild Violets Landscape Design original logo: Then, I nixed the bee (bees were all the rage, neonicitinoid controversy and all that, and bees are still super awesome, but I thought it was a little too cute )... And now, (drum roll) introducing a grown up, more natural, less cartoony version: I like it. That is all. Also, to go along with the Stay Wild revolution noted in a previous post, we now have t shirts for sale. I loooove them. (heart emoticon, etc. etc.). Hope you will too: https://www.orderteamgear.com/company-stores/wild-violets-landscape-design/
Post a Comment
Read more