Tell me why it's NEVER just "Yes" or "No"...

Tell me why it is that when you ask someone a simple yes or no question, it can NEVER be that simple! Don't get me wrong. I'm guilty of this myself. I've just spent years practicing, teaching, and becoming aware of it so yes, in all fairness to the folks around me, it has become MUCH more obvious than it used to be.

Not sure what I'm talking about? Here's a prime example: You ask someone if they've seen the new "Step Up 2 The Streets" movie (I love hip-hop dance movies!). A simple "yes, I have" or "no, not yet" kinda question right? Wrong....

You get answers like, "I had thought about it and was going to....but Billy's teacher's sister's dog catcher had told her that it just wasn't that great of a movie. Besides, I've been working a lot of hours lately and haven't really had time to check out what's playing at the theatres. Maybe I'll get time once this project is finished that I'm working on. Oh, but then I'll still have my spouse's stuff to consider...."

What's WITH that type of answer? I mean, really! :) By the time they're done, I'm still deciphering if they HAVE or HAVEN'T seen it. And it sucks because now they've taken away half the conversation starters I had in mind. Like hey, how's work going? (I already know now...WAY too many hours & a major project)...How's your spouse? (I already know....lots of stuff going on)...Have you talked to Billy lately? (of course they have or they wouldn't have the movie review information)...

So is there a lesson here? Maybe. You could show some common courtesy and let your friends ASK before you share so they don't just stand around with their hands in their pockets not knowing what to say next. OR...and THIS one is MUCH more fun...you can start catching them at it when THEY do stuff like this and make fun! :)

Tell me why...

Tell me why people cross busy streets in the dark...

If it's dark outside, and there's very few street lights in the area, and you see a car coming at you...WHY would you start SLOWLY walking (at an angle, no less) across the street?

Do people believe they're invincible? Do they actually trust that people are even WATCHING for them? Do they believe they outweigh the cars and trucks on the road? Or maybe they just forget that there are loved ones at home waiting for them...who might miss them when they're gone.

Tell me why...

Tell me why no one is willing to tell parents that it's their fault their kids are fat?

I just don't get it! I'm researching information on Childhood Obesity with the goal of how to prevent it. There's TONS of information out there (no pun intended), and yet everyone tip toes around (or completely IGNORES) the fact that parents are to blame for the majority of obese children in America!

Like it or not (and yes, I AM a parent), it's NOT the media, McDonalds, fast food advertising, the school gym program, Television, video games, or a slow metabolism that's making your children fat. It's a parents inability to say "NO". That's right! You're the one who has control of the TV, the computer, what food comes into your home, whether your kids are active, and whether they eat at fast food restaurants. YOU, as a parent, are the one who sets the example! So take a look at yourself...are you setting the example that will keep your children healthy and fit?

Tell me why...

Tell me why people believe motorcycles can stop on a dime...

My son and I just got our motorcycle license about 5 weeks ago. We've been riding for roughly 7 months. It absolutely amazes me how many people will pull out in front of me when I'm riding in a 45mph speed zone, and they're only doing 10mph! I realize that not everyone has ridden a motorcycle, but I'm assuming that most have at least ridden a bicycle at some point in their lives. Two wheels equals LESS traction to stop with...whether it's a bicycle or a motorcycle, the same laws of physics apply! Cars with wide tires have more stopping traction that cars with stock (thinner) tires!

So why pull in front of a motorcycle that you're going slower than? Do people want to see what happens to a motorcyclist when they lay their bike down at 45mph?

Tell me why....

Tell me why people no longer say thank you...

I can't tell you how many times this week that either my son or myself have held open a door for someone, only to have them walk right through without so much as a glance our direction! Sometimes I just think that maybe it's not "in style" to say thanks anymore, but then I see that my son and his friends are still using basic courtesies, so it can't be totally "uncool".

It's not an age thing either. There are just as many middle-aged and older folks not saying thanks as there are the younger generation. Has it just become second nature to be rude to people? Are people just expecting that someone should be polite without expecting a thanks in return?

Tell me why....