My writing has been sporadic lately. I have a little time today, so let's talk about three things!
1. My staycation. Lizzie is visiting this week. We are both working; the only thing is that she works half days, and I work full-time. On Monday, I worked all day from home. Tuesday was a holiday. I worked half days on Wednesday and Thursday, and we are both taking tomorrow off. I am happy to have Lizzie here to hang out with, even if it's not the grooviest vacation she has ever had. The fun thing for me, in addition to Lizzie being here, of course, is that we are going places that are new to me in my own town. She and I both made lists of places we thought would be nice to check out, mostly restaurants. On Sunday, we went to Hog Wallow Pub. They have a great outdoor patio and we had what I'm sure is the best table in the place. It was in a secluded little spot above the waterfall, all nice and shady.
The food was fine, the beer was good. The location and the music was great. Other new-to-me places we have gone are The Honeysuckle Coffee Co, Delice, and Beard Papa's.
2. It's nice to say "hello." When I was researching information about Paris, one thing I read over and over was that when you go into a shop, it is impolite not to greet the shopkeeper. Say "bonjour," and it goes a long way toward having a friendly exchange. Mama, Lizzie, and I all made sure to greet people when we encountered the hotel staff, or a person in a shop, or a server. It is friendly and easy.
When I got home, I started noticing that lots of times, people don't greet each other. I go into a certain coffee place regularly, and I often go unacknowledged when I walk in the shop. It's true that I usually use the mobile app, so my order is ready when I get there, but still. I now try to make it a point to pause and wish them a good morning and thank them for my food.
At the office, the people in my department all greet each other, but there are people from the other side of the building that don't say hi. There have been times I have been in the breakroom, a common area, and a person, usually a man, will come in the room to get coffee and not say a word. I no longer accept that behavior. I say good morning to him, and wait for him respond. One time, a fellow just kind of grunted at me. I laughed. I mean what the hell? I've worked with you for 20 years! It's okay to say hello. Just do it.
3. Don't give me a weak hug or handshake. I am not a hug-gy person. It's not as prevalent anymore that people give each other random hugs, especially at work. I did hug someone at work today, though, and that hug is what brought on this thought. I hugged a friend who I haven't seen for awhile. She left the company, and has come back as a consultant for a couple of weeks. She asked if I would hug her, because she knows I'm not really into it. I was so glad to see her, I didn't even hesitate. I jumped up and wrapped her in a hug, which she reciprocated. There's the thing of it. When I give or get a hug, I want a real hug. Don't pull me in for the side hug crap. Don't just lean in with your shoulder and give me a pat-pat on the back. I want to know that you mean it! My sister, my mom, my son, and my cousin Sonia are world-class huggers.
Same goes for a handshake. I abhor a weak, clammy finger grab. If you're going to shake my hand, put 'er there and give it a firm, but not aggressive, squeeze. I have interviewed people for jobs at my work before, and I confess that the handshake is something I relied on when making hiring decisions. I'm sure we could delve into the psychology of why a handshake is important to me, but we won't do that now. Just shake my hand or hug me like you mean it, okay?
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