George Washington – Happy Birthday to Mr. Etiquette
George Washington would be 278 years old tomorrow. As a grown man, he gave this country much, but as a 14 year old boy, he produced 110 etiquette rules, then called “courtesy books.” His 110 rules were published as “George Washington’s Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior In Company and Conversation.” Here are are few of his interesting and applicable rules of etiquette-
Rule #76 While you are talking, point not with your finger at him of whom you discourse nor approach too near him to whom you talk, especially to his face.
Rule #82 Undertake not what you cannot perform, but be careful to keep your promise.
Rule # 6 Sleep not when others speak, sit not when others stand, speak not when you should hold your peace, walk not when others stop.
It amazes me that a young man, schooled at home by his father and elder brother had the knowledge and wisdom to create these suggestions for behavior.
I will leave you with my favorite rule which is the bedrock of all manners. Rule # 1 Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present.
Best regards,Hilarie
Cell Phones – Cheese Nips and Etiquette On Four Wheels
When Dr. Noel Williams told me about the Fat Flush Diet he said by Day 4 or 5 you will want to kill someone. Instead I wanted to break in to Homeland and eat all of the Cheese Nip crackers in stock. This is Day 5, No Cell Zone. I felt that same feeling today. Luckily, I stayed in the office, even for lunch, so my first driving experience was Broadway Extension north 4:45 p.m.
I never go home on Broadway, but I have known forever that the lane runs out at 36th Street and they even give you a big warning a mile ahead at 23rd Street. I am so confused how drivers who go this same way home every night forget about the lane ending and drive past all of the cars lined up in the lane that continues north. Passing all of us “preparers” only to get 30 cars ahead of us and wind their way “cutting” in front of us nice guys. Guess what? We all know you weren’t “surprised when the lane ended” or “just didn’t see the huge yellow lane ends sign until 36th Street.”
I think I used to overlook all these uncivil people because I was too busy talking on the phone plus I couldn’t yell into my phone mate’s ear. Today, talking on the phone might be a better idea than feeling incensed, pulling over for a box of Cheese Nips and then speeding to Yoga class to relax. BUT, I signed the agreement, and I do what I say I’ll do. Maybe if I go to BC Clark’s and buy that purple ring on the southbound billboard, the glare of the stone will distract me while driving north on Broadway at 23rd.
Best regards,Hilarie
Cell Phones – Best Of Blogs, Newsok.com
Thanks to The Oklahoman for printing this as Best of Blogs today!
Day 4 NO CELL ZONE
I wish a diet worked this quickly! Honestly, this is like stopping a habit by changing your routine. This morning, I felt much less stressed and strong, but by 10:30 a.m., I heard, “your mailbox is almost full!” I took a deep breath and easily returned the calls, again, in a nice parking place in front of a customer’s office.
Today, I was able to notice the cars entering Broadway Extension and I merged for them! How civil and how many times did I not notice before? Speaking of Broadway–the BC Clark sign- PURPLE RING again. In fact, I saw it twice today! I should talk about Valentine’s Day etiquette soon.
One thing I haven’t disclosed, I have two phones. A Blackberry and an iPhone. One business, one personal. Today, while driving, I decided I would ponder which one I liked best. The keys work faster on the Blackberry when I text, they are sleek and push easily, but the apps are so much more fun! And the iPod is so nice when going up the elevator of the Empire State Building. Right now, the jury is still out.
I heard two Lady GaGa songs- Speechless and Brown Eyes. Satellite Radio is wonderful, I was paying for it and not using it because I was talking in the car. Maybe I’ll know who the Kings of Leon are tomorrow!
I turned south on Western off Wilshire and noticed a man in a parka, waiting for the bus. He was visibly cold, I was struck by the fact I was too busy talking to ever notice him. It made me sad, but thankful for my warm car, my great job and slowing down to “feel” – whether it was bad or good.
My family has a history of hitting things when being in reverse – Big Revelation – in the parking garage today, no phone in my ear, I can back up and see where I am going before I hear BOOM!
To Ann Dagg, Investment Advisor to the Stars- thank you for telling me you had already started this same quest because you were scattered too. Keep writing in and let’s save our money for those rings! I loved the information about what the purple stone means. Note: I like the brown one too!
Tonight my college daughter called to tell me she has been reading this blog, and was surely worried I would embarrass her. But tonight, she asked me to talk about her more….so Jordan, sign the NO CELL ZONE pledge, you have every reason to do it. Love, Mom
Best regards,Hilarie
Cell Phones – Day 2 and 3 No Phone Zone
Day 2 – Luckily I stayed home most of the day, but made a quick run to my parents’ house just blocks away. On the way home the phone rang in my purse. I instantly started to grab it, but quickly dropped it realizing I had forgotten my commitment. Not such a difficult day because I was not in my element.
Day 3 – Imagine what you’d see if you weren’t on the phone while driving. The BC Clark’s sign with a great purple ring I need for Valentine’s Day. I have never noticed so many people NOT talking on their phones! One man was actually eating an apple while driving. Leaving downtown I had 3 calls within 3 minutes. I felt my heart pounding, it must be important because they all came together…an emergency? I made myself continue to drive until I reached the Friday newspaper. No emergencies, none of the calls were the same people. I spent a lot of time with my car running in a parking space while I read emails and returned calls, but I survived. I realized too how nice it is to call people on a land line, no one is “cell yelling” or no dumped calls. I am liking this “slow down for civility”, at least for today. Thank you Cliff, for the challenge.
Best regards,Hilarie
