Life Stinks

Last week we bought a new sectional.  We were thrilled to find what we were looking for in our price range in town.  Thrilled…until we unpacked it and the off-gassing began.

This wouldn’t be such a problem if we could have our windows open 24/7, but we all know what kind of spring we’ve been having this year.  So I cracked the windows as much as I dared to offer some fresh air to counter the smell of chemicals.

When I asked the clerk how long it took their merchandise to stop off-gassing, he looked bewildered and suggested I spray it with a “freshening” product.  Sure, just what I need – to add more chemicals to the mix.

I once thought my acute sense of smell was a blessing to help offset my hearing loss.  Now, I’m not so sure.  I can’t stand the smell of so many things!

Like smoke.  No more campfires for me.  And here I was waiting for my baby to get a little older so we could really start camping.  It’s disappointing.

On the other hand, I’m surprised at how many people can’t smell things I can smell strongly.  We live in a world where tons of products which are not healthy to breathe are used regularly:  cleaning chemicals, fuel, pesticides, cigarettes, air fresheners, candles…

Even if you can’t smell it, you might want to think twice before you light up or spray.  Harmful chemicals and carcinogenic pollutants – many, ironically, in the name of beauty, cleanliness, or “health” – permeate our air unchecked.  And it stinks.

Too Busy For Excuses

The words “too busy” are a pet peeve of mine.  I try not to say them (although they may slip out occasionally) and I cringe when others use them.

I don’t mind the word “busy” on its own, or even “very busy”, “crazy busy” or a multitude of other words to describe “busy”.  But adding the word “too” makes all the difference.

“Too” is absolute.  No room to squeeze anything else in there – which wouldn’t be a problem if that’s what we really meant.  But “too busy” became annoying when it became an excuse – when we should be saying:  “I don’t want to”, “It’s not something I care about”, “I’d rather watch TV”, or “I didn’t have time because I procrastinated.”

We all have the same number of hours, days, and weeks.  It’s up to us how we use that time.  There are some people who are extremely busy on a regular basis and we all have days when we’re maxed out.  I get that.  I think everyone gets that.  So why not be honest about it?

Some look at “too busy” as the polite way of saying “no”.  However, for someone like me who thrives on heart-to-heart communication and meaningful relationships, “too busy” means “I don’t trust you enough to tell you what I really think or feel.”

Instead of saying, “I’m too busy” I’d like to hear: “I can’t sanely fit anything else in this week.”  Or “That’s not on my priority list right now.”  It would be refreshing to hear truth, not excuse.