Let It Shine

As Cleveland weather continues to fluctuate in these brutal winter seasons, I have noticed the gradual change to warmer weather creates a gradual change in my attitude. I grew up in Los Angeles, California and met each day with sunshine and warmth. Upon moving to Chagrin Falls, my usual daily temperatures dropped dramatically. As a result of this change, I find myself with a less positive attitude in the winter months. I feel as though the weather greatly influences a persons' emotions. Roaming outside with sprouting flowers and no snow brings me hope for warmer weather and a time when I will branch out of my depressed winter mentality. Cleveland's horrible weather has prohibited me from leaving my house. The numerous activities I engage in during the summer become only memories as I stare at my wall trying to reinvent an activty equivilent to the adventures outdoors. At work, the customers are much more approachable and friendly as spring comes and the hope for laying out on a warm summer day becomes more realistic. However, why can just a slight change in temperature affect an individuals whole lifestyle? Some reasons for this effect could come from a change of apparel. In the summer, one has many more clothing options without having to coordinate a coat with an outfit. Also, the morning sun and evening sunset allows for a longer day and a brighter greeting every morning when the last thing we want to do is go to school. The sunshine gives me a brighter outlook on the day ahead and reminds me of the summer soon to come.

The Little Things

These past couple weeks, I have had many little moments that have surprisingly affected me in negative ways. One that is predominant in my mind occurred yesterday night. Allison and I arrived at lifetime fitness to find chaos in the parking lot. We knew that at this rush hour time slot, it would take ages to find a parking spot. Finally, after ten minutes, Allison and I scope out a car slowly making its way out of the parking space. Eager to claim the spot, Allison turns on her blinker and we patiently wait to pull into the space. Finally, the car pulls away and we continue to pull forward. Out of nowhere, an adult in a bulky SUV swings in front of our car and takes the spot. The woman didn't even seem phased by her rude action. I cannot even explain the frustration and shock Allison and I faced at this moment. We clearly were waiting for the spot and a grown women felt the need to take what was blatantly not hers. I know this little rant sounds completely foolish, but I have found little acts such as this one always seem to linger in ones' mind for the longest time. On numerous occassions, customers at Chagrin Pet and Garden will feel as though they can treat us with no respect. They will make rude comments, tap their foot from their impatience, or talk on the phone while we attempt to figure out what they want to purchase. I fear that I hold my expectations of the goodness of others way too high. How much should we expect from others? I feel as though I want to recieve the respect that I give to others. Unfortunately, many individuals to not understand the concept of this golden rule. In reality, individuals can act as kind or cruel as they want to be. I can only hope others will recognize when their selfishness has gone way too far.