Why do we let our fears rule?

Yesterday I was committed to go to a Beads of Courage event with a bunch of other bead makers from  a crossed  Michigan.  I had everything packed and ready to go when the old insecurities reared their ugly heads.  What if I don’t know anyone?  What if everyone is better than me?  What if I don’t find anyone to hang around with?  I swear at times like this, I feel like I’m back in elementary school.  I can actually make myself sick.  I build the stress and concerns up so much that I talk myself out of going.  I know I missed a wonderful opportunity to bond with other bead makers.  Although I did round-up 700 beads to donate, I just hurt myself by hiding out and not participating.  I was also supposed to go to a guild meeting today.  But, because I was embarrassed about not showing yesterday I didn’t go today. It’s like a snowball effect.

The only commitment that I actually kept last was taking Oscar for his first two evaluations with Therapy Dogs Inc.  We have one more eval on this coming Friday and then we will be certified for therapy dogs.  He really enjoys interacting with people, although he would be happier if I didn’t have to pick him up to see people in their beds.  He loves being cuddled, hates being picked up.

So I’m off to nap again.  When I can’t deal with life, I nap.  Hey, it works for me.

Ignorance of the law is no excuse.

Lately I’ve been heavily into the show “Parking Wars“.  Partly because some of it is filmed in Detroit, and you never know who you might see.  Mostly though it’s because of the people reactions to the tickets that are so much fun.  And I know if everyone was nice and said “thank you for the ticket, I was wrong”, there would be no premise for the show.  But some people are so adamant that the signs do not apply to them.  They are the special people who can tie up traffic for blocks while they run into a shop for a sammich.  Or park with their driver’s door to the curb, cause it’s easier for them.

Oh, and the people driving or walking by that have to shout comments at the guy just doing his job.  And telling him to get a job?  He’s already doing it you asshat.  I’m sure you like having people heckle you while you’re working.  You think your job sucks.  These people have to be polite while your dumb ass berates them for something you have no interest in.

I’m a firm believer that if you want to play the game, learn the rules.

People please.  If you don’t know the laws, or are traveling to another state, make yourself aware of the laws.  Michigan has a lovely little PDF file What Every Driver Must Know.  And if you are in doubt, here is a nice little practice test:  Road Sign Practice Test

Parking Violations
Communities may pass parking ordinances for local streets that are stricter than state law. Signs will be posted at the city limits.  The owner of a vehicle parked illegally is responsible for any parking tickets. If the vehicle is being leased, the person leasing it is responsible. The following is a partial list of “no parking laws.”

Never Park:

•  Where “no stopping,” “no standing,” “no parking,” and “no parking at any time” signs are posted.
•  Within 500 feet of a fire or a crash.
•  In a space reserved for the disabled, unless you are properly using a disability license plate or placard.
•  Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
•  Within 20 feet of a fire station driveway on the same side of the street or, when marked, within 75 feet of the driveway on the other side of the street.
•  Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing.
•  In front of any driveway, alley, theater, emergency exit, or fire escape.
•  Next to a road where you block the view of drivers turning at an intersection.
•  More than 12 inches from the curb or against the flow of traffic. This means the curb should never be more than 12 inches from your vehicle when parked.
•  Within 30 feet of a stop sign, traffic light, or flashing beacon, including a warning sign.
•  In a lane of a highway outside city or village limits if there is a highway shoulder.
•  On a bridge or overpass, under a bridge, or in a tunnel.
•  On a sidewalk or in front of a public or private driveway.
•  Within an intersection, cross walk, or designated bike lane.
•  Within 20 feet of a marked cross walk, or 15 feet of an intersection if there is no cross walk.
•  On the street-side of a legally parked vehicle (double parking).
•  In a manner that obstructs delivery of mail to a rural mailbox.
  So just remember if you drink, don’t drive.  If you must drive, don’t park like an ass.