A word that is used with much caution is the word "Stupid". The google search definition of stupid is, "a lack of common sense". We all experience a lack of common sense from time to time and I think we would be shocked at how frequently we use the word stupid to describe that situation. I have decided to write a post on fun-filled incidents that demonstrate nothing more than a lack of common sense.
 |
| A gift from someone that knows me well |
Several years ago, a very loving member of my family asked me "so when you turn 50 does it all just fall out of your brain?" I was in my 50s at the time, so I knew he was not speaking about me, he was just checking in general. He was trying to make sense of something, that he might of mistaken as something stupid or lacked common sense. There are those people out there that just don't do "stupid" and find it very frustrating. I have moved forward since that discussion, and I have created my very own quote. It goes like this "I know I am doing stupid things I just can't stop myself". Believe me, it is the perfect line to explain an unexplainable action.
Just over a year ago, I worked on a schedule that was hourly. I never missed a beat; I was laser focused and except for the rare occasion all went as smooth as silk. So, now months later, why do I have so many appointment screw ups. There is flat out forgetting, everyone does that. But then there is the arriving at the wrong time. The thing is I am brimming with confidence that I know the arrival time. So confident that I don't even have to check the calendar. Hence, I am usually on the correct date, but I may be arriving at the wrong time, which only works if you are early. Now, I am way more disciplined, and I check the calendar even though I already know. It is just working better for me.
Shopping for some reason has now become an experience. I tend to build a shopping list for days and then get everything on the list in one big shopping spree. At one time, going out to "get a few things" just happened without thought. Now it requires a great deal of preparation and subsequent follow through. I have done some analysis and broken down the steps because I believe this is how it works for retired people like me.
Step #1: develop a detailed list. In my current life, I would never leave home without a list, which is put into sections and stores that will get my list completed. It is always about having a completed list, no carry over. At one time it was in my head, but that ship has sailed and even 3 items are way too many, to wander around in my head. All my lists are written on paper, no phone lists for me. I have come to realize I am also a list hoarder. The reason I know that is from time to time I have to purge the lists from my purse. There are other places the lists may end up other than in the garbage which simply makes no sense.
Step #2: find the perfect parking spot. It is key that when parking it must be a spot that will be remembered. Maybe straight down from the door, or beside a post, or take a mental picture of the spot by the cart return, something significant. This is a necessary preparation because all too often when coming out of a store like Walmart, finding the vehicle is difficult to say the least. I am sure I am not alone in saying we have all wandered around the parking lot, thinking I am going to have to use my panic button to find my vehicle. I am also hopeful that many have thought like me and occasionally think that someone has stolen the vehicle. It is such a sense of relief when you actually spot the vehicle and it is like someone moved it, nothing is familiar.
Step #3: out with the list and beginning the shop. Not sure about everyone else but my list ends up in a multitude of spots during the shopping spree. It could be in my hand, my pocket, my cart or in my purse. Panic will set in when it is out of my site, but in the end I usually have it, since I have already mentioned I am a list hoarder. I sometimes cross things off my list, but not often enough, I think that would be a good practice. Something I have come to realize that is very important is once the shop is done, check your list. Reflection, or lack of, on the list making sure you have everything is where the frustration can begin. A quick glance is not adequate. Before going to the till, I have found the best approach is to read the list aloud and make sure it is in the cart. As I have already mentioned, I just hate carrying over an item onto a new list because I didn't check my cart is frustrating. Somehow completing a list provides a sense of accomplishment for me.
Step #4: checkout. Of course, the world has become all about self-checkout. I must admit I have become comfortable doing self-checkout. For the most part it goes smoothly, but there are always those days. I have noticed that as more stores put in checkout machines, they are like debit machines, all different. I think that people that work in self-checkouts are either a Jekyl or Hyde. I am sure it is frustrating for them when someone sets their bread down in front of the sensor and by the time, they realize it has recorded the one loaf of bread 5 times. That of course is just an example, no one would do that. Constantly correcting wee mistakes like that would certainly make the clerks day go faster. I have heard several exasperated sighs and then I have heard "it's okay". Seriously, I am not trying to make their lives miserable, I just need to use their self-checkouts because the line for the two tills they have open is very long.
What prompted this post was something that happened that is not a big deal but wouldn't have happened years ago. Years ago, I would have picked it up earlier than I did. I was making Harvard beets and when I put the 4 tablespoons of cornstarch in for the sauce, I thought to myself, wow that's a lot. The thought was in an out of my head at warp speed. You guessed it the sauce just kept getting more solid as it cooked, until it was the consistency of glue. Surprisingly, it wasn't until I poured the solid little sauce on my beets, that it occurred to me I had too much cornstarch. Bear in mind when I cook, I always, always check to make sure I have the proper ingredients and amounts. I'm not sure what happened to checking the recipe at the end this time, but there were clues, the biggest one being a glue-like sauce. This was not a new recipe, I've made this recipe before, even though the consistency didn't look familiar, I pushed on. Sure enough it was 4 teaspoons not 4 tablespoons of cornstarch. Cornstarch is flavorless, so it ended well. My point in this story, what the heck happens to a person when they know better, but they don't do better. I knew it was wrong, but it seemed I was unable to stop doing it, let's just say a lack of common sense.
It has been fun to reflect on what happens in shall I say "retirement". I love to hear stories from others, just like I have shared, it makes me feel normal. I do believe there is no such thing as stupid; absent-minded, distracted or didn't think that one through are better ways of explaining the situation. We all lack common sense from time to time and we might as well laugh at ourselves because it truly is funny. I am ending this post by letting Forrest Gump say it all, it made him famous.
Oh my goodness….this post just reassures me…we really are family! 😂😂 another good one, thanks.
ReplyDelete