It's Not Your World

-
When Jake was young, his standard line to bitch and moan about an injustice was to remind the offending party - "It's Not Your World."

I thought of that today when I stopped to get a newspaper. It was early in the morning, of course, and I opened my car door, but then remembered that I had the exact change in my ashtray. I reached back across and grabbed the quarters - it took me all of five seconds. I got out of the car just in time to get an annoyed glance from a woman driver who - with a full parking lot all around - was trying to park right next to me.

"Thanks for closing your door," she said, smartly.

"Good morning to you," I answered. I made like she wasn't even in the least bit annoyed with me. "Looks like it'll be sunny all day."

I even held the door for her and she thanked me. What I really wanted to tell her is - "It's Not Your World."

Because I held the door for her- I had to wait for a good seven minutes as she cashed in lottery tickets and bought new tickets for the upcoming drawings. She glanced and saw that I just had a paper, but she must have thought that it was her world because she made me wait.

Finally she completed her lengthy transaction, moved just about an inch so that I could pay for my paper as she scratched a ticket. I finished my transaction, and turned. Evidently, she was looking for another ticket because she just mindlessly turned right into me. I nearly dropped my paper and she nearly lost her balance. It was her turn that caused the collision, but she huffed and puffed and gave it to me - "You going to be in the way all day?" she asked snidely.

I couldn't help it. "It's Not Your World," I said.

"What?" she asked.

"Enjoy the sunshine," I said.

I held the door for her on the way out. She jumped in her car and raced away - God, I hope she won the lottery.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My Buddy, Dave

-
Way back in 1997, I started working with a steel erection company out of Syracuse. I was coming straight from a long stint with a steel erector here in Buffalo so I knew my stuff when it came to steel erection safety rules. On day one, I met with the safety director and he was just getting started as a safety guy, but man, he certainly cared about the guys he worked with. Dave was a good man from the start. He’d say things like: “You’re so full of beans.” Just a down to earth, hardworking guy who became a fast friend. We drove all around New York State setting up jobs. I always let Dave drive so that I could rest. One fine day, way up North of Syracuse, we passed a state trooper.  I glanced at the speedometer. “You’re screwed,” I said, and seconds later, the lights came on. Dave was beside himself.  The cop stopped by the window, grabbed the license and registration and headed back to his vehicle. “Here’s the thing,” I said. “You’re pissed, but you’re such a good guy that I be...
Read more

Mom & Ollie

-
Image
 Ollie Stadium is a mess. The heavy rains rendered the backyard a mud pit and even though we threw in the side yard, the Big O was looking for more, and we were both covered in mud. I had to take some steam out of him somehow so I suggested we go visit Grandma. Ollie hates the car, but he laid quietly as we made the trip. We even brought the football because there is plenty of room to play at Grandma’s. Mom opened the door and started laughing. I thought about the love she had for every single dog we ever had. Oliver was quick to give my Mom a kiss, and then he stood beside her. The love between Mom and Dogs is a mutual bond. Through the years, Mom would make breakfast for the dogs.  Fried eggs, toast, bacon… She would wrap Christmas gifts for them. “To Jeter, Love Santa,” she would write on the cards. They played with the big chicken that made a lot of noise. Mom tossed the football and Ollie brought it back to her. As the visit drew to a close I headed for the door.  “C...
Read more

Eyes on the Horizon

-
Image
My sister’s book is out there! Go get it!! It makes me so proud to see the book on Amazon, knowing that it’s very, very great! It’s been a long, long time since we were out in California, brainstorming my stories long before they were published. Carrie Lynn was writing, writing and writing some more through the years and I kept telling her… …”Go for it!” Well, she did!  To amazing results. Of course I was able to read the book as it was being put together, but I ordered a copy from Amazon yesterday and can’t wait to read it again. The shoe is on the other foot now as I have been sitting on a lot of my writing lately. I plan on getting it out there before the end of 2024, but for now: Carrie takes center stage! And it’s so great… …go get a copy!
Read more