There aren’t a lot of things in this world that frustrate me. Well, if I’m being honest I do get frustrated with people that don’t see the world like I see it. I am irritated when I witness parents treating their children badly and it really upsets me when I hear people discounting someone’s pain.

However, I don’t get frustrated in traffic and I don’t mind waiting in line.

But there is something that has come to my attention lately that really irritates me. Why can’t the people shopping at Walmart enter through the door labeled “enter” and exit out the door labeled “exit?”

It doesn’t matter what part of town I shop in or what part of the country…Walmart shoppers do not pay attention to the enter/exit signs.

Today I almost blocked a lady that was exiting through the enter door. Not only did she use the wrong door…she stopped in the middle of the doorway to find something in her purse. I wanted to stand in front of her cart and force her to back up. My passive aggressive side glanced up at the “Enter” sign several times. I assumed she would notice my eyes focused on the sign and realize the error of her ways. I was wrong.

Since this has become a bit of an obsession with me I started looking at the entrances of other grocery stores in an attempt to figure out why I don’t get frustrated when entering their establishments. It appears most stores don’t try to corral their customers into a designated door. Several stores I’ve observed simply allow people to decide for themselves which door to use.

So the solution appears quite simple. Instead of expecting customers to read the signs and follow directions Walmart simply needs to remove the signs. By removing the signs they remove the possibility of people using the wrong door…because there is no longer a right or wrong door. Removing the signs will also save me from trying to force my will on others. I will no longer feel the need to stop people and explain why it is to everyone’s advantage that they read the directions above each door and comply.

Think I should send my suggestion to Walmart?

Tina and I sat down tonight and started a “family calendar.”

On a slow and boring month, we are constantly on the go. Imagine how challenging the holiday season is. At this moment we have actually managed to keep Thanksgiving weekend (4 day weekend) free from plans. I’m really hoping we are able to keep it that way.

Organization is something that doesn’t come naturally to either of us. So sitting down with a calendar is sort of a big deal for us. We both tend to be spontaneous and we both go a little overboard when it comes to activities.

People frequently tell us they are amazed at how busy we seem to stay. Due to that comment I’ve put a lot of thought into our constant movement. I have come to realize I am unwilling to miss out on opportunities. Whether it is a friend’s party, a trip out of town or a chance to eat at a new restaurant….I’m there.

My Dad died young (age 53). His death was sudden and unexpected. One of the things I remember him talking about during the last few years of his life was how much he was looking forward to retirement. He didn’t make it to retirement. I realized at that time that I couldn’t wait for life to happen later. I chose to live my disorganized and haphazard life with a smile on my face and joy in my heart. I haven’t worked very hard to save for a future…instead I’ve chosen to live in the moment. Its true I may regret that choice one day…then again….maybe I won’t!