More pet peeves…
This week?
#1. Lack of communications.
PBJ lately has been complaining that even though she is part of the Young Women’s presidency at church, nobody tells her what’s going on. Seems like she is the last to be called when it comes to outings or events, or organizing things. Don’t think it’s personal, just extreme sloppiness. This isn’t the first time we’ve had these kind of problems. I remember a few years ago when our kids seemed to get screwed on a regular basis by not being informed of church youth events, or cancellations. It got to the point that I had to go in front of the adult leadership and virtually pitch a fit rolling around on the floor. I think what got them was when I told them that I might as well send my kids to the Baptist church around the corner for their youth activities, for they seem to invite them and keep them informed better. (No, that wasn’t a dig at Baptists, I just wanted to get a point across to the leaders that if they were interested in member retention, they were doing a crappy job at it). Anyway, my rant seemed to get through to our LDS leadership, for things improved after that. Hope I don’t have to go do it again. I do make it a point with any church calling I’m a part of to see to it that those under my charge are always well informed and they return the courtesy likewise. At least my Scouts have taken that to heart, they are real good at letting me know when they won’t be able to show for meetings.
#2. Damn cellphones!
The other night my Scoutmaster (Airboss) couldn’t seem to get away from his cellphone. It rang no less than four times during our meeting and he couldn’t ignore it once. At one point Maverick, who we were reviewing first aid with, asked if he could swipe it and throw it out the window next week. It was all I could do to not tell him, “Go ahead”.
I’m not a phone person. Truthfully, I hate talking on it unless it’s family, close friends, or absolutely necessary business. And if I’m in the middle of something I’ll usually let it go to voice mail. And I NEVER answer it when I’m in a meeting of any sorts, whether it be at work or with the Scouts. Most people, wife included, know that I’ll get back to them when it’s a more appropriate time. And if I’m dealing with someone, or a group of multiple someones, then their time is what’s important. And the phone can go on mute and wait.
Next week I may take Maverick’s idea and swipe his phone myself.
Promise me though that you will ALWAYS answer your wifes call or at the very least have an emergency code prearranged with her. I still feel traumatised thinking about the hour I spent trying to call my husband when his father was dying (an unexpected heart attack) because he wouldn’ take my calls during a client meeting (after the third ring he turned the phone off).
Now we have an agreement – I’ll only ever call once in an hour and he’ll always call me if he gets a text stating 911.
Not to fear, Flikka. I do make an exception for my wife, because she feels the same way as I do about cellphone etiquette and she normally won’t call when she knows I’m busy unless it’s urgent. Which is why I’ll always at least check the number. If the phone rings three times during a meeting and it’s her I know that she isn’t calling me over something trivial. Or she’ll text me (and we aren’t texters – only if urgent).
We do texts if its urgent . . . otherwise, I don’t pick up when I am busy.