March 13, 2008 by Keli.

Yesterday, this stupidity specialist found herself in a foul temper. Blame it on a series of small, but unfortunate events. My sweet listening skills, which I have finely tuned, in order to more carefully observe, record, research and analyze the ludicrous and annoying antics of stupers (short for inexcusably stupid persons) got me into trouble.

The final such event sent me over the edge. Roving stupidity grabbed me by the scruff of the neck and demanded my attention, as I innocently walked out to my mailbox.

Spying a ready-made audience, a neighbor stopped by in his car to chat and rapidly proceeded to unload enough personal rubbish to qualify my front yard as a landfill large enough to accommodate four states. I was bombarded by his parents’ health issues, his very own derogatory remarks and truckloads of downright sniveling. This aimless, rambling stupidity drained all semblance of patience out of me within an incredibly short time span.

I not only became increasingly impatient as this neighbor spoke, but angered by the sheer volume of his complaints and irrelevant personal opinions. My dear readers may have learned by now, that patience is an antidote to stupidity as well as to anger, irritation and a minor bout with walking pneumonia. But I momentarily forgot this.

We are all searching for peace of mind. We try to buy this elusive commodity through multitasking, streamlining, scheduling, and purchasing products to rev up our lives, as well as going out of our way to avoid idiots. Often this search does the opposite. It deflates our ability to handle situations that require cool thinking and self-control.

Once in a while (a great while, mind you), when I crave attention, I bemoan living an interrupted life. For instance, when I’m writing an article, the phone rings, the religious proselytizers perch on my doorstep for the winter, a neighbor decides to test his new chainsaw right outside my window, and images left over from encounters with stupers return to pester me. I finally put off working until I can find a more suitable time.

My point? Our patience is perpetually tested. If we’re going to experience the seemingly elusive peace of mind, patience is a necessity. It’s a vital component to living a sane, stuper-free life.

By patience, I don’t mean putting up with infuriating things or annoying persons, but rather controlling our irritation, rage or other unpleasant emotion. If we can hone patience, stuper situations would occur less frequently and without annoyance.

With patience, comes clarity of thought; with clarity of thought, comes self-control; with self-control, we function more effectively. With all these things, comes peace of mind.

Treat stupidity as scenery along the road of life, not always pleasing to the senses, and sometimes downright stinky, not unlike a mile high manure pile, but still entertaining.

Patience serves as a protection against wrongs as clothes do against cold. ~ Leonardo da Vinci

Think first, last and always.

Keli

Keli@Counterfeithumans.com

Posted in My very own stupidity, Neighborly Stupidity, Plain Old Fashioned Stupidity | 7 Comments »

March 13, 2008 by Keli.

When I first joined the Blogosphere, some eight months ago, one of my first, very supportive blogging friends was the talented Dawn from Twisted Sister. Her compliments and words of support meant a lot. Today she has honored me by bestowing, The One in a Million Friend Award which I very much appreciate. It’s a lovely feeling to know that someone out there thought of you in such a nice way.

Thank you, Dawn!
Keli

Keli@Counterfeithumans.com

Posted in Miscellaneous | No Comments »