Have you ever noticed....

   There are a number of things going on in the world that we probably never notice or just take them for granted as the way we live our lives today. This is not a judgment, only an observation. But it does and maybe should cause a renewed awareness in certain human behaviors, although I believe many of the larger companies have already done their studies and are well aware of 'how' people behave and live and do things to supports these behaviors.

   Have you ever noticed the number of people who light up a cigarette within just a few seconds of exiting a store, especially a grocery store. They barely get outside and already have taken a couple of “good deep drags” often followed by a cough or two ('good' is not used in a positive context here). And after loading the groceries into the car, they drop the half smoked cigarette on the ground. Some will stamp it out while others just let it burn. What an expensive waste of money, but I am sure the cigarette companies don't mind and I am also convinced the person who drops the cigarette has never smoked in the car  before!?!?

   Similarly, there are many who will “light up” just before going into the store, take a puff or two and dispose of the cigarette in one of those oddly shaped plastic “butt holders” often place near the entrance. Have you noticed the color of the plastic disposal containers? They are usually either gray or a 'pinkish' color. No message here, just an observation on my part.

   Moving on, there is no question in my mind the cell phone has changed the world, changed human behavior and will continue to do so as the technology continues to grow and expand. ( I am waiting for the day the cell phone will be able to do a 'full body transport' from one location to another. Don't laugh! )

   As I took the dog out this morning, shortly before 7:00AM, three cars passed, each with the driver talking on their cell phone. What ever happened to the concept of “hands free”? All managed to wave as they passed by. “Good morning all!” Let's see,,,one hand holding the phone, one hand waving to me and …..who's got the wheel?

   I will admit that my cell phone etiquette could use a 'make-over', but to watch others can be almost comical, especially the teenagers.

   In a recent trip to a clothing store I noticed a young girl was sending a friend pictures of the jeans she was purchasing. The jeans, 5 pairs of them, were all lined up in a row. I am assuming it was a friend. Come to think of it, it may have been her mother although, I doubt it! The person on the other end of the connection must have given approval as the girl raced off to pay the cashier and check out.

   There is a warning about..”casting the first stone” and I admit that I have not always demonstrated to best cell phone behavior, When was the last time you were in sitting in a restaurant with others close by. I am referring to a real restaurant, not the fast food type. There are so many different and unique ring tones and email and text alerts that it can often get pretty noisy. But, I'll admit it. I have check my phone on occasion, but I had good reason. Let's see! What excuse can I use this time?

   I do like having the ability to take a quick picture with the phone though, and I am learning that I can take the picture and send it to my computer at home. Beats taking the film out of the camera and waiting for days to get the pictures back only to discover they are all fuzzy or out of focus.

   By the way, unless you are someone famous, please don't ask me to be in a 'selfie'. I don't do 'selfies'!, although I might consider one with the Boston Red Sox.

   Have you noticed the people who walk by the candy display in the store, tear open a package of candy, take several pieces and put the bag back on the shelf. I am not talking about children here, I am referring to the number of adults, popping one or two into the mouth and then a couple more in a pocket or purse. If I were the store owner, I might consider moving the candy display closer to the door and checkout,

   It's late in the evening, just after dusk. Small towns in Maine tend to have just one or two traffic lights, if any at all.. As you approach the light, it changes from green, to yellow and red. You quickly look around. No other cars in the area. Do I stop or... if it's safe... should I keep going?
   No one but me will ever notice.      :)