Quirky

I have some odd quirks.  I cannot brush my teeth with my eyes open. I try to force myself to keep my eyes open sometimes, but it just doesn't work. If you want to scare me, catch me brushing my teeth because I am entirely in my own world in that moment. I also squeeze the toothpaste from the middle. Every single time. I have to sleep on my left side and I have to face the wall. There is no neogotiation. I almost never wear shorts. I think they are extremely uncomfortable. Every time I wear them I feel regret.  I  always feel like I should hug everyone when I take my leave, even if I've just met you. I try to reign that it in. But I'm a hugger so you will probably get one anyway.  If I walk away without one, I feel a little empty inside.

I was thinking today about differences and similarities.  Quirks and the like.  The people that you live with, the people that you associate with, they have to adjust to your "routines" and you adjust to theirs. Sometimes behaviors can be really irritating.  Like when I squeeze the toothpaste from the middle. Each person gets their own tube = problem solved.  It isn't always that easy to solve world peace. It isn't always easy to find compromise and avenues to deal with other people.

I've recently had a little conflict that knocked the wind out of my sails. It was fairly disappointing and I'm frankly not quite over it. In fact, I'm so not over it that I'm dreading the week ahead. I'd just like to take vacation rather than go out into the world.  But I'm readjusting my expectatations, understanding that key differences call for understanding and patience.  I'm taking a few breaths. Waiting a few beats. Basically doing anything to delay falling asleep because then Monday will be here.

Then I just have to chuckle. Because you, Angela, are such an idiot that you can't manage to keep your eyes open and move a toothbrush simultaneously.  Seriously. 

It's not that serious. Right?  Sunday nights are a good time to plan to let it go and embrace a new week. Make some changes. Back off a little. Put a little of the Erin Brokovich to rest. Take a minute to find joy in differences.

It's a new week - let's do it right.