By Joyce Godwin
Herald Democrat
I received an e-mail recently titled “Life’s Handbook for 2009” and several points expressed in the writings touched me. You might say I learned something from it, or was reminded of things.
In fact, last week was pretty informative for me on several levels.
You know all those stories you hear about someone being victimized because an unscrupulous person got hold of their bank or credit-card account information? Well, I learned those stories are not just happening to “other” people. To my surprise, I now know it can happen to me.
The e-mail I mentioned instructed that I should not compare my life to that of others. “You have no idea what their journey is all about.” Is that something like don’t jump from the pan into the fire?
Also, “Don’t take yourself so seriously; no one else does,” and “don’t waste your precious energy on gossip. Dream more while you are awake, and envy is a waste of time.” All GREAT advice to include in a handbook about life.
I also learned last week (or it was my decision) that our City Editor, Gary Carter, is never again allowed to take a vacation. Unfortunately for me, I don’t have the power to enforce that one.
The last and maybe the most important thing I learned last week, at least for the immediate future, is those treadmills driven by electricity keep moving even when you stop walking.
My daughter burst into laughter at the mental picture that lesson presented her. Actually, I prefaced it with “You’ll never guess what happened to me,” and she guessed it. I think she knows me better than I thought. And, what my husband said first is, I hope no one there knew your last name.
No one did, at least I’m pretty sure of that. Although, one really nice and considerate man removed his ear plugs and asked me if I was okay. I was, but my humiliation level was over the top.
One of my Facebook friends said she has had a similar experience and then I didn’t feel so stupid. But, in all fairness, let me say I got distracted when I saw Pudge wearing a Ranger uniform again. Sweet!
My daughter’s still laughing... and so am I.
