"Good Mothers"

Yes, it's been a long time since I've posted....But it definitely wasn't for lack of head shaking moments.

Today at work, I was helping a few customers when in walks a women and her young child. I would guess he was between 5 and 7 years old. Anyway, in his grubby little hand is a melting ice cream cone. It is all over his face, and hands. I do my standard greeting of 'hello' and then I added to him, "be very careful with that, okay?" He nodded and said he would...no problem. I turned to get him a paper towel.

Well apparently I was totally out of line.  His "GOOD MOTHER" threw a fit. According to her, she will never shop here again. (oh well) And she is his mother and it is her job to watch him. And she didn't appreciate a "salesperson" saying anything to her son.

Needless to say, I was dumbfounded as were the six customers in the store. They couldn't believe that she actually thought it was acceptable for her to even have food in a store, let alone her reaction. I think we are the only store on the street that doesn't have a sign that prohibits food and drink. Do I need to post one, just for people like her who apparently have no common sense?

Okay, so my other customers validated me, but why am I still fixated on it? What I really wanted to do was let into her, and tell her that she isn't doing her son any favors by teaching him that it is okay to bully people and disrespect them and their property. But I didn't, I held my tongue.

Is it wrong to speak up?

PS: I imagine she is the same mother that allows her kid to kick the back of the seat continuously for an entire flight while she takes a nap. Or the mother that lets her kids run around in restaurants while she talks with her friends. This is the same mother that runs out of a store when her child breaks something instead of paying for the item.

"R E S P E C T Find Out What It Means To Me"

 I was out in Washington DC last week and got a little sightseeing in.

Learned some history, some government stuff, and even how to get around on the metro. Mostly I learned that (a very large number but not all) Americans are pretty rude and disrespectful. So much in fact that there are signs posted all over the place telling people how to not be rude and disrespectful.  But as "entitled Americans" that must be meant for someone else...after all, we are a free country and can do whatever we want!

Anyway, here are a just few simple etiquette tips:

1. Don't let your children or school groups run and scream through museums.
2. Adults also, tone it down.
3. When someone is looking at something, don't step right in front of them to block their view...wait your turn.
4. Don't take too long viewing something so others get their chance.
5. This may be old fashioned, but if you are young and able-bodied and an elderly or otherwise less able-bodied person gets on a crowded metro..be a gentle(person) and give them your seat. You will be them someday...sooner that you think.
6. When visiting a cemetery: Do NOT walk on the graves, sit on the headstones, talk loudly, or make derogatory and judgemental comments about the deceased. 
7. This one is easy....just show a little respect...