Where did my discipline go?
When I was in my 30s, I used to work out 5x a week (alternating between cardio and machines). Now I am filled with self loathing because I can barely squeeze 10,000 steps a day. (And my size 12 shape is an unfortunate reflection of this.)
When I was in my 30s, I volunteered at two animals shelters (onsite in one, doing the newsletter for another). Since the Kerry campaign ended, all my contributions to the common good are by check.
When I was in my 30s, I could limit myself to one caffeinated beverage a day, regardless of the day's stress level or workload. Now there's a Red Bull or Classic Coke in my hand at all times.
I tell myself that I'm not as hard on myself as I once was. I remind myself that as I got older and my paychecks increased, so did my responsibilities, so I can't be expected to live at Bally's anymore. And in my head I hear Jeff Goldblum from The Big Chill:
"Don't knock rationalization. Where would we be without it? I don't know anyone who'd get through the day without two or three juicy rationalizations. They're more important than sex. Have you ever gone a week without a rationalization?"
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Hardware Stores: The Land that Time Forgot
I know nothing about home improvement. I am the least handy person on the face of the planet. I am fine with this. But every once in a while, even I must go to the hardware store. And it always fills me with dread.
We have two hardware stores here in town. They both smell the same (that identical dark, musty, "you're in a hardware store" scent). Neither one is well lit. They both have a very eclectic mix of products (smoke detectors, Crayola crayons, vacuum cleaner bags, bike locks, etc.). Neither seems to have been touched by time -- I expect to see Andy and Barney wandering the aisles along with me.
And I hate asking for help in both stores.
In the first store, I'm "Little Lady." The store manager smiles too wide, talks a little too loud, and pretty much treats me as though I'm brave but benighted. Poor thing, all alone, no man to help her navigate the world of hardware.
In the second one, I'm invisible. I don't know enough, and I'm not going to spend enough, to bother with. The store clerk wordlessly pressed the replacement toilet flapper in my hand and then returned to his conversation with a coworker.
So what's worse -- to be condescended to, or ignored? And is this unique to hardware stores? Are there other establishments which seem determined to make their customers feel not worthy?
We have two hardware stores here in town. They both smell the same (that identical dark, musty, "you're in a hardware store" scent). Neither one is well lit. They both have a very eclectic mix of products (smoke detectors, Crayola crayons, vacuum cleaner bags, bike locks, etc.). Neither seems to have been touched by time -- I expect to see Andy and Barney wandering the aisles along with me.
And I hate asking for help in both stores.
In the first store, I'm "Little Lady." The store manager smiles too wide, talks a little too loud, and pretty much treats me as though I'm brave but benighted. Poor thing, all alone, no man to help her navigate the world of hardware.
In the second one, I'm invisible. I don't know enough, and I'm not going to spend enough, to bother with. The store clerk wordlessly pressed the replacement toilet flapper in my hand and then returned to his conversation with a coworker.
So what's worse -- to be condescended to, or ignored? And is this unique to hardware stores? Are there other establishments which seem determined to make their customers feel not worthy?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)