Back to the Basics

Indulge me.  I want you to close your eyes for a moment and think back to when you were a little kid. Imagine you wanted something: candy, soda-pop, ice cream, a pony, a trip to the zoo... You get the picture. Okay, now imagine further.  How did you ask for whatever it was that you wanted?  I would venture to guess that if you grunted out one-word nouns and ape-like demands, you probably didn't get very far with your request.

I can only speak from my own personal experience of course, but I can assure you that my parents certainly did not raise me to just spurt out orders like a miniature drill sergeant to whomever I pleased. No sir. 

It is absolutely astonishing how many people bark out orders, rather than simply asking politely.  Now I know that I usually promote a sense of unity in my everyday existence; a positive, optimistic and hopeful perspective to be sure.  But there are just some days... it's really difficult to keep it going. 

I have preached numerous times about the importance of hospitality, of good service, of gratitude and I truly believe in all of that.  But after a few dozen times of having people spew out one word commands to me all night, I can't help but want to level the playing field a bit here. It is degrading to be spoken to like a little house dog: sit, stay, speak, roll over, refill, refill, refill, Bud Light, water, napkin, cup of ice, etc.

If I were to command anything from my parents in a one-word short order, they would have promptly instructed a more civilized approach to getting my needs met.  You know,  back to the basics: a simple may I please, and thank you so much.  

Simple etiquette is a scarcity these days.  I have witnessed the shortage first-hand and sadly, it is not solely a deficit in our younger generations.  The unfortunate reality is that so many adults are setting a poor example for their children by failing to incorporate a basic "please" and "thank you" in their everyday lives.  It's very sad to me, but it is also infuriating.  I don't believe anyone enjoys being spoken to that way. 

Although I do not have to go quite as far out of my way to be as friendly and polite as I tend to be, it is just how I choose to represent myself.  The basics are very important to me.  They are what separate us from the animals, the cave-men, the ignorant, the oppressive, and so on.  Courtesy, humility and appreciation are not lost on me.  

These simple exchanges are really quite basic, but have the most wonderful effects.  The truth is, I am affected deeply by the interactions I have with my fellow man.  Furthermore, I am keenly aware of how much I affect your overall experiences too.  

It's a bit of a long-shot; I know I may not change the world today by promoting the most basic plight of civilized human interaction, but with a hope, a prayer and a smile, I just might help change our tomorrow.

Today:  

Flaming Gorilla Cocktail

1 part high proof Rum

1 part Peppermint Schnapps

1 part Coffee Liqueur (Tia Maria or Kahlua)

Layer and build and light on fire for 15 seconds in a shot glass. And have a nice day... 

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