Stick a pin on me

Don't under estimate a properly placed accessory. I was walking my dog Baxter and seemed to catch the eye of every person walking by, enjoyed a couple of conversations w/ a few of them.  Had I been a solo dude minding my own business I would have never had these encounters. I'm thinking there is something to this.

Without Canine? Try these ideas:

• tie a balloon to your wrist
• carry a bouquet of flowers
• set your ring-tone to a Sade tune

all could be considered olive branches or gestures of openness to your fellow man, folks may think you a bit off your rocker but the second glance they give you may become a conversation worth a lifetime of perspective.

I was reminded recently the importance of embracing those around us, even when it can be difficult and uncomfortable. To ask questions and give each other a chance to respond.

5 days a week I share a train ride amongst hundreds of other people going in the same direction, all with goals, ambitions and mixed up insecurities.  As I was reflecting on the ten year anniversary of 911, I remembered how for that moment, we all were on the same page, grieving and supporting one another.  It is a good feeling to know your community has your back when a crisis hits.  I want that feeling to continue, I want to make myself accessible and available moving forward into the next 10 years.

Maybe I should get one of those blinking buttons that reads:

'available to talk, let's share ideas & fun'

I'd make sure it had a picture of a flower or a bird on it, just to show I was a peaceful sort, I wouldn't want anyone to think I was a FreakAnature.   

Honk a Horn, Smack a Smurf

I'm not a Honker, in fact if you removed my car horn while I was sleeping I probably wouldn't notice for at least 6 months.

I prefer the passive aggressive approach of yelling 'asshole' to my fellow drivers with my windows rolled up.

A neighbor of mine drives a mini van, not sure why, he's 80 years old and the only kid he seems to have is 55 who also owns a mini van of the same color.

I saw these 2 gentleman the other day with their heads underneath the hood talking back and forth saying things like

Old Man:

You got to override it w/ G3

Old Man Son:

G3 is the air conditioner, leave that alone

My curiosity was cured when the son informed me that their horn had been going off randomly while they would drive, he said they were getting weird looks.

I got a first hand demonstration of this as these two troubleshooted their problem by taking spins around the block. The wail of an uncontrolled horn in the neighborhood filled the air as they circled the block........I couldn't stop laughing, I thought it was hilarious.

I don't know about you, but the sound of a car horn immediately triggers a WTF response from me!

I would rather be pelted w/ water balloons than to be honked at, its not like a tap of the shoulder or a polite, excuse me. The sound of a horn pretty much says

Yo, douchebag. Your ability to suck is amazing!

I get the whole horn concept, I totally get it. Its a safety device that we should all be equipped with, but I think the tone should be tinkered with a bit; with all the technology these days you'd think someone like Bill Gates or Steve Jobs could invent a honk w/ a lit'l less bite.

"kind, sir, please step aside"

OR

"ooohhh, hooo, hoo....you are charming, but please forgive, I must ask you to move"

I'm not wearing underpants!

Just Say Yes!

Aaron and I have neighbors who are trained improv actors.

A happily married 30 something couple with an adorable little girl. We share a back patio w them, terrific people, went as far as to purchase patio furniture that complimented our wrought iron bistro set, keeping the whole look cohesive. They were give the key to our gay lit'l hearts right then & there.

We live in a 9 unit building, during the winter months Aaron and I barely ever see our neighbors, all tucked away nicely in our individual units wrapped up and bundled in wool. When summer months arrive we all come out to play on our back patios, we grill, drink beer and chat it up. It are these moments where we get to learn more about one another.

On one evening aaron and I learned about our neighbors improv background. Improv acting involves getting in front of an audience and just "winging it", you rely on instinct and quick wit, to me this sounds amazingly frightening. To jump on a stage completely bare, no script, with the expectation of humor and razor wit, pulls sweat to my brow in an instant. To hear this couple talk about their craft always holds my attention, I find it fascinating.



I've learned that the # 1 rule in Improv Acting is to always say Yes! If you are working w another actor and they start massaging you with pine cones, then gosh darn it, you love that pine fresh scent. If they suddenly become a Dominatrix swinging an imaginary whip & chain,  then prepare to Man Up and welcome the sex beating you are about to endure.

I like the Never say No always Yes method, I think life could use a bit more of this mentality,

Hey Randy, I've got this buddy w/ a 1992 Camaro that needs some work, will you help me fix it and make it rumble again?

Why, Yes! 


Hey Trudy, this nacho plate was delicious, thank you, however milk products make my stomach turn into knots, can you run to the store and get me some Lactose pills.

Why, Yes!

Rebeka, does this tube top make me look fat?

Why, Yes!

I'm not say we all should turn into Yes men, but I think we could all use a lesson of living in the affirmative a little bit more. Too many NO knee jerk reactions out there. 

Flip the grin & reverse it, Negative Nellies to Positive Pollies Yo!