Master Gardeners Lack Social Skills

Oh Gosh. I am not a new person as promised in the last episode. I did NOT get plants OR seeds (although I DID get a plastic tray for the windowsill to put plants in). I went to the Farmer's Market and asked the "Master Gardeners" free gardening advice booth-dwellers about herb gardening and such indoors. They looked at me in a WHOLLY indifferent way that seemed to say, "YOU are not a plant. I do not know how to communicate with you."

I pushed the issue a little (because their sign said they were there to help solve gardening problems and answer questions. Maybe they didn't know what their sign said.)  So I asked, "What do you think about some herbs -- like basil, thyme, chives?" and they said, "Well, I guess you could do that." As if to say, "That is something I am not interested in, so I cannot pull up enough imagination, knowledge, empathy, or WORDS to make up a useful reply." Eventually I toddled off and they did not seem to notice (because I was not a plant).

So then I felt discouraged because although I think gardening might make me into a different person, I might become one of THOSE people, and that is not a thing to be desired.

I was also going to look into getting art supplies, but I just didn't and I can't remember why now -- it's probably because I don't go more than walking distance from my house on weekends, and also because I ran out of money.

So I am still me, and not a gardener or working artist. But I feel pretty happy about being able to talk to people and to appreciate art. I am also still thinking about getting some supplies. But the Master Gardener folks pretty much turned me against trying to grow herbs forever.

My apartment is all topsy-turvy because Nelson came home from college with all her gear from her dorm. I need to clean out my closet and make some more room. Maybe this week I will become someone who cleans. That would also be novel and unlike myself. There are endless possibilities I tell ya.

Rude waiter, planting and painting

We went to lunch for Mark's 50th birthday -- about 15 of us. We had made a reservation, but our waiter acted like we were an affront to his existence. He dashed and panted and scowled and made rude comments: "I suppose you all want separate checks." (all Eeyoreish). It took more than an hour to get food, and by then (since it was a work day) we mostly had to get back to the office. So we asked for boxes (before we started eating, some of us). Angry waiter: "Oh, sure, I'll just stop everything and go get you a box!" WOW.

I didn't even get my salad before I had to leave, then he tried to make Julie pay for it. She got all bossy on him -- apparently -- and he backed down. 

I guess I see the hardships in his life -- having to do separate checks for a large group -- sure -- no fun. But he IS a waiter and part of the contract he makes with us is to be kind of pleasant, right?

I tried to work up some sympathy, empathy, pity -- but he made it hard.

Now I am having a four-day weekend and I am going to look around for something to do other than my usual: Coffee, paper, books, one or two small household tasks --

I think I should do something uncharacteristic. I might plant something or go get some art supplies. I have been thinking about both of those things for a while.

My apartment is so light, and there's the unused sun room that might be good for an art studio. The dining room window would be fine for an indoor herb garden, maybe? I don't know enough about growing anything to even say that, but I am thinking about learning.

Yeah -- Maybe both! Growing things and painting things! I will be a different person at the end of the weekend!