Out and About – Week of April 22nd

Rudeness is alive and well. When venturing Out and About, I witness it on a daily basis. I’m not talking about someone interrupting me when I’m speaking with another person, or cutting in front of me in a checkout line, I’m referring to those individuals who ask questions of someone, when the answer is none of their business. They speak without thinking. Here are some questions that should not be asked of even a close friend:

Why aren’t you married yet?
When are you going to have a baby?
When are you going to have another baby?
Why are you separated or divorced?
Why did you leave your job?
Why don’t you go out more?
Try to show a bit more respect. Unless a person decides to share their life with you, it’s none of your business.

When was the last time you paid something forward? I’ve done it a time or two. It’s usually at a restaurant, when I’ve noticed someone sitting alone. The person is usually elderly, and eating out is a treat for them. I’ve had someone pay for my lunch several times. I’m sure it was because I was wearing something that left no doubt that I was a veteran. If you’ve never paid it forward, you have no idea the feeling you get by doing this random act of kindness. Try it and you’ll see.

I do my best to stay clear of any political or religious conversations, but I’ve discovered two sentences that make sense to me. Here they are:

What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving.
The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.
Sorry for the delay in getting this out, but there is a blood drive going on today in White Pigeon. Hopefully, you’ve seen this in time to go and do your part by giving blood. The venue is St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 16603 US-12, in White Pigeon. The American Red Cross cordially invites you to join them from noon until 5:45 PM.

As promised, here are my final “Rules of Life” to share with your children or grandchildren:

Ask your mom to play. She won’t let you win.
Give credit when it is due. Take blame when it is due.
Stand up to bullies and protect those being bullied.
Write down your dreams.
Be confident and humble at the same time.
The healthiest relationships are those where you’re a team: where you respect, protect, and stand up for each other.
See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman