Road Rage in Pleasantville

We live in Pleasantville – not literally, but that’s what it’s like. Beautiful scenery (lakes, mountains, parks etc.), excellent schools, very little crime, people have nice houses, drive nice cars and generally people are extremely polite. It’s Pleasantville - I’m not proud of it, but that’s what it is.

So you can imagine my surprise when I saw two women in SUV’s fighting to get into the Starbucks drive thru this morning. Here’s a photo that I took:

The car on the left was clearly there first, but the woman on the right didn’t give a s**t and continued to barge her way into the entrance of the drive thru (whilst yapping on her mobile phone). Both the cars tried to force their way in…it was kind of like a drive-thru version of that “chicken” game! The woman on the left was fuming and got out of her car. I don’t blame her for being mad – she was there first and told the other woman that (as well as a few “other” things).

The other woman’s response? She drove her over the curb and into the landscaping, hit her car against the Starbucks sign and got in front of the other car. I guess she must have needed her coffee fix real bad this morning.

Also, now I know why so many people have SUV’s here.

Our Baby’s First Credit Card

I’m used to receiving letters from credit card companies all the time telling me that I qualify for their credit card. I keep a small number of credit cards, so usually these go straight in the trash. Now I know that retail stores tend to give a store card to just about anyone “with a pulse”, but I always thought that credit card companies had a higher standard…until today.

A few months back I registered Dany for an American Aadvantage card. We were taking a flight and had purchased a seat for him, so we thought that he may as well start collecting air-miles early! Well today, Dany received a letter from Citibank & American Airlines telling him that had “been selected by Citi” for a “Gold/AAdvantage World MasterCard” (with no preset limit)!!

Come on people…WAKE UP!!! The kid is just 5 months old!! 

Charles Schultz Philosophy

Myriam sent me this email the other day:

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the “Peanuts” comic strip. You don’t have to actually answer the questions. Just read the e-mail straight through and you’ll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last six Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

“Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It’s already tomorrow in Australia.” (Charles Schultz)