I recently realized something about myself. I should have realized this little tidbit a long time ago. I mean, there were all kinds of signals. I’m quite sure that anyone who knows me probably would be shocked to find out that I am just now figuring this issue out. Here it is…I am COMPLETELY unaware of my surroundings.
Well, there you go.
I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve been sitting next to Jer, snuggled into the passenger seat, on our way to some destination and I don’t remember getting from PointA to Point B. And why is that? Because I am sitting in that seat blissfully unaware of anything around me. We pass sheep, hay fields, sheep in hay fields (or so I’m told)and I don’t notice any of it. And if we happen to visit that destination again? I have no clue how to get there. Ever. People look at me like, “Don’t you remember? We just went there last week!” Remember being there? Yes. Remember how to get there? Um, no.
I also have a problem remembering people I’ve met. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in a grocery store and some woman comes up to me smiling and waving. She starts in, “Oh, my God. I haven’t seen you in forever! How have you been? How are the kids? Avery is in, what, first grade now, right? God, she is getting so big. And, Jack. Now, Jack just had a birthday, right? October 12th, I think. God, it was so nice to see you!” And I stand there, most assuredly with a dumb look plastered on my face, trying to figure out how in the heck this stranger knows so much about me. And more often than not I leave the interaction having absolutely no idea who that person is and then quickly forget the whole situation until the next time I see the chick at the grocery store and relive the humiliation. It’s horrible.
Okay, so there are those people who are completely aware of what’s going on around them, know all the details of everyone they meet and you can count on them to give you accurate directions to that outlet mall you visited three years ago. (Not me.)
And we’ve already established thatthere are those people who have absolutely no awareness of anything going on around them, don’t remember anyone they meet and couldn’t find their way out of a paper bag. (Yep, unfortunately that’s me.)
I’m all about self-acceptance and decided I would come to terms with my total ignorance. That is, until tonightwhen I was introduced to a very unfortunate website…www.peopleofwalmart.com. Have you seen this atrocity of mankind? It is basically a website devoted to displaying captured photos of stereotypical yet textbookWalmart shoppers…in all manners of dress. And they are bad. Really bad. Like, other-wordly bad. And seeing these unaware shoppers prominently displayed for all the web-world to see got methinking about those “Obesity in America” specials showcasing the entireoverweight spectrum. You’ve seen it. Poor unsuspecting citizens stuffing McDonald’s fries into their mouths as they sashay down the city block with a news camera pointed right at their bulging guts.
You guys…these people HAVE to fall into the “completely unaware” category. Although I’ve never (okay, one time on a late night trip for Tylenol) worn my pajamas to Walmart and usually ALWAYS wear a braI now live in paralyzing fear that my picture will show up on that website, or even worse, my butt will be showcased in some TV special. All because I do not pay attention.
Rest assured, I am going to work on this issue. I will only wear my most stylish clothing to Walmart and from now on I will be looking around for hidden news cameras when I’m out and about. Hopefully, with my new weigh-in partner, I will soon no longer be a candidate for those specials so this will all be a moot point. But until then…my radar is engaged.
Love to all, Mindy
I cringe at the Walmart pictures. I have to wonder what some of these people think when they out in public dressed as they are, or if they are even thinking. Nice blog, btw. Came across you at Heather’s place. 🙂
Thanks! I’ve seen some pretty crazily dressed people myself at Walmart…definitely could have placed Top 10 at peopleofwalmart.com. I once saw a *very* old lady wearing a bikini top, dolphin shorts, hat with a little veil and converse. Changed my life. =)
BTW…Thanks for the visit and comment!
Mindy
I am totally the same way about not being aware of my surroundings. It’s sad, really. But I don’t shop at WalMart so I’m good there.
Well, I rarely shop at Walmart but I just know that I’ll be caught in some vulnerable position someday and someone will take a picture of it… =)
BTW..Thanks for visiting my blog and for the comment!
Mindy
Mindy I doubt you would ever be featured on the “people of wal mart” site. I too, am often unaware. I once walked out of the hosptial E.R and responded “hey” to someone that spoke to me. There was suddenly a scuffle behind me. The cops grabbed the guy right before he reached me. I never noticed he was handcuffed and bleeding, I just said “hey”.
Bunnies are very tempting. I would advise you doing extensive research before adopting one though. The House Rabbit Society is a great place to start!
You almost started a hospital riot by saying “hey!” That’s hilarious! Well, it wouldn’t have been if the handcuffed prisoner had reached you but… =)
Yeah, we would definitely do A LOT of research if we were ever to take that step and adopt a bunny. My nephew has one who has become a member of their family but I wouldn’t want to subject a poor, innocent bunny to my family just yet. =) Thanks for the info, though!
Mindy
I have no sense of direction. At all. I can go to a place 4-5 times before I remember how to get there. So I feel your pain.
And now I am never going to Wal-Mart again.
Well, if I was able to educate even just ‘one’ person as to this travesty occuring at Walmarts nationwide than I have done my job. =)
Mindy
Hahaha. Oh my! I have seen the walmart photos and they crack me up! Seriously, do these folks not own mirrors??!
Sorry…I’m in the “aware” catagory. I’m that chick that even if I can’t remember your name will remember tidbits of things about you so it seems like I really know you!
And having a teenage daughter cured me of leaving the house not “put together”. She’s a fashionista so too many times I heard “you’re not wearing that, are you?!” Even though she moved out, I can’t seem to go back to my old, comfortable mode of dress. *sigh*
♥Spot
Well, you with all your “awareness” are safe! I rarely go out of the house not put together (I always have lipstick on…heck I practically sleep in lipstick) but I just know the one time I do…click will go the camera phone and I show up on that danged website. And my brother who checks it regularly, will be the one who breaks it to me (giddily, I imagine.)
P.S. I’m going to try and be that person who remembers everyone. Nice talking with you…um…um…blogger friend. =)
Mindy
>> I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve been sitting next to Jer, snuggled into the passenger seat, on our way to some destination and I don’t remember getting from Point A to Point B.
Umm, is it because you’re getting in some additional training? (#10 on the list at http://www.thesuburbanlife.com/2009/10/26/over-the-top-or-under-the-bottom-whatever/)
Real nice, Paul. This is a family blog. =)
Mindy
Okay, So if I ever do make it to the walmart pics (which knowing my luck, I will) I want to send out my apology in advance.
My excuses will be…My bra is so tattered, it just looks like I don’t have one on.
I just had to have this milk and bread before my clothes were done drying.
My makeup is so old it won’t come out of the tube anymore.
Okay Mindy, this cracked me up. I’m going to have my camera ready at all times. Watch out people! They are paying BIG BUCKS for people of Wal-Mart photos! *lol*
Be “ware”. Be very a”ware”.
bhahahaha! the people of walmart is like my FAVorite! its so bad its good!
i doubt you will end up on there. unless u walk around in a g-string and too low pants with no bra and missing a few teeth. 🙂
I too am one of those oblivious people! I am terrible with names ( i do remember faces just now WHERE or HOW i know these people) i don’t pay attention to whats going on around me and am pretty much “blissfully unaware” 90% of the time.
and i’m okay with that. If i were superaware I might be even more of a basket case than I am now!