It's called common courtesy for a reason.

Okay, maybe this is just the way I was brought up. Maybe I'm weird. Truthfully, either one is completely plausible. But, people who disregard common courtesy "rules" drive me up the wall. If I am walking behind you as you enter a building, hold the damn door. How hard is that? I mean, you don't have to stand outside the door and hold it for me like I'm something special but, you could just keep pushing the door as you walk through it. I promise more people appreciate it than those who don't. However, on that note, if someone holds the door for you, say "thank you", or even a mere "thanks", or give a head nod. Do something.

Next, do NOT cut in line. Is this not a lesson taught in kindergarten? Trust me, I hate waiting too. It's annoying. it sucks. And the longer it takes the more it sucks. I know. Get over it! the more people that cut in line the longer it takes for the line to shrink. Just wait your turn. And if you do cut in line and someone calls you out for it, own up to it. People who have been staring at the same backs for an hour know what the backs they have been staring at look like. They'll notice. Don't try to say you were there the whole time. Cutting in line makes you look childish. Cutting in line and then denying it makes you look like a jerk.

And finally (for tonight anyway), if walking with a group of friends down a sidewalk and you see someone walking the opposite direction, please make a path for them. Actually, this applies anywhere, not just sidewalks but the mall or anywhere with limited space to walk. If your group if taking up the entire space make room for people to get through when they need to. I understand the inclination to want to stay with your friends to continue conversation, I do. It's rude though to both those coming the opposite direction as well as people behind you who would like to walk faster than your group is moving. You can still have a conversation while walking in a line. Or walk in your group but make an effort to be polite to those around you. People who don't have created people like me who refuse to walk on the grass. If you're in a group walking towards me and you don't move, we get to do the awkward "which way are you going?" dance. I won't move.

Note: I hope no one is offended by my use of the word "you". I'm not saying I'm not guilty of some of the things I post about. We all have days where our main focus isn't being polite or a courteous driver. I know. And this "you" is no directed at anyone specifically, except maybe the people I have encountered throughout the day who have made me want to post about these things. Anyway, thanks for reading!

D.A.D Days

This will probably be my longest rant. In fact, it will probably require two or even three posts. Bad driving is my number one pet peeve. I'm nice and quiet and polite until you put me behind the wheel of a car and stick some idiot on the road with me; then, all bets are off.

Let me start off by saying, I am not a perfect driver. No one is. We all make those little stupid mistakes when we're in a hurry or not paying enough attention that make the people around us shake their fists in rage. It just seems to me that their are some people that make those "little stupid mistakes" every single time they're behind the wheel.

It also seems that me and my mother encounter these drivers more than anyone else on the planet. We even coined the term "D.A.D Day" to alert one another when the idiots are out in full force. D.A.D stands for Dumb @$$ Driver. So, no offense to any fathers out there, this term applies to all genders, races, religions, and bumper sticker preferences equally. If you drive like an idiot expect too get called out on it.

Turn Signals: Probably my biggest D.A.D pet peeve is people not using their turn signals. If you are going to switch lanes in front of me, it'd probably be a good idea to let me know first. I speed a bit and if I have just decided to speed up and you swerve in front of me without a turn signal, you could get hit. I mean maybe your fenders aren't that important to you but, I'm a little attached to mine. And if you're at a four way stop with no turn signal on and you still turn left, you deserve to get hit. Other drivers can't read your mind! Give us a little hint as to what the hell you're about to do.
I also hate it when people don't use a turn signal to turn into a driveway or parking lot. Again, nobody else can read your mind. If you all of a sudden stop to turn into somewhere you're going to get rear ended. I mean I'm sure it's really hard to remember to flick that little lever in one direction or the other but, please try. I hate having to slam on my brakes to avoid hitting someone.

The "Fast" Lane: Okay, this one is mainly attributed to my speeding addiction. But, regardless, if you are in the fast lane, you had better be going relatively fast. Doing 55 in the fast lane on a 65 MPH highway is not acceptable. And if I end up behind you, you will hear about how much I hate you. Now, I completely understand if you are trying to pass someone and you are using the fast lane to get around them. That's fine. but, then get back over!

Large Vehicles: I have no problem with the giant diesel pick-up trucks with smoke stacks and whatever else. I also have no problem with cars as wide as boats or RVs or any vehicle for that matter. However, if you don't know how to drive the car, then don't drive it. If you don't know how much space your car takes up then you shouldn't be behind the wheel. maybe this is a little nit picky but, seriously know where your car starts and stops. This way you only take up one parking space, and you can avoid hitting poles. And on that note: if you can't figure out how much car you have or you insist on parking in two or even four spots at once, park in the BACK of the parking lot. Anything else is just plain inconsiderate.