Distractions

The number of distractions in life is absurd. I am bombarded by a lot of them by no choice of my own. However, I make the intentional choice, and go to varied amounts of effort, to add a lot of them to my life as well.

-When will the new season of my favorite show be on Netflix so I can binge watch all of it in a week?
-Of all the shows, why did they choose to bring back Full House and how can the new season of 24 not include Jack Bauer?
-How realistic can I make the Powerpuff version of me look like? (seriously though, you should try this if you haven't already)
-Should I spend less time watching TV, and more time reading books?
-If so, which book should I read?

-What are all of my social media friends up to?
-Do I really care what people I haven't seen in years are up to?
 Why did I just spend hours spectating on their lives instead of finding something to do in my own life?
-How many likes or hearts or whatever did my most recent post have?
-Why doesn't it have more?

-What ice cream flavor should I buy?
-What brand?
-What size?
-How can I ever eat healthier when Chocolate Brownie Thunder ice cream is so freaking delicious?

-Is that viral video a hoax?
-Is it some sort of advertisement that I am willing taking in that is going to alter my subconscious consumer tendencies?

-What crazy thing did that actor/politician/athlete do or say?
-Why do we care so much?

There are a lot of things I want to and should care about. I want to a better job of tuning out the noise, so I can focus in on what is truly important.

Any ideas on how? 

Sugar Coated

Perhaps to alleviate the sadness of one Craigslist purchase falling through due to the sketchiness of the seller, I met with a much less sketchy seller to look at a coat today. This seller was also not very friendly. Both sketchiness and unkindness are seller traits that tend to lead me to decide against making a purchase. I guess I don't like wondering if I should be fearful that my life is in danger or feeling like somebody is being a jerk when I am trying to decide if I want to buy something.

I don't expect much from email communications with strangers. I don't need emojis or similar fluff. That said, I expect a small amount of kindness, especially when you are trying to get me to buy something from you. I think it is reasonable to dialogue about the item and the price. When I agree to meet at a time and location you picked out, I sort of expect you to show up on time since I am going to all of the work to cater to your schedule and demands. Life happens, so I am understanding when you email that you are running late. However, there is a certain word that starts with an s and rhymes with calamari I expect to see in the email. Maybe I am old-fashioned, but it just seems appropriate when you are inconveniencing another person.

All of that said, I wanted the coat, so I did end up buying it. Now it is keeping me warm while I write this post. Let's remember it is not just coats that warm people up. Extend kindness to strangers. There is no reason to be cold towards others.We are all in this together.