Tough Acts to Follow…and Things I Don’t Get
Jul 30th 2010
Julia LondonJulia London
What a great week of blogging! Our guest bloggers have been so thoughtful and interesting and I am having follow-up anxiety. It’s like American Idol–I feel like my name is Pat Lester and I am following Adam Lambert. Great job all the way around!
This has been an odd week for me. Jack London is really, honestly, leaving to go to law school, realizing a dream he’s had for twenty five years, and it’s just now starting to hit me. Many of my friends are in Orlando, and so is my publisher. It’s been really, really quiet around here and I have discovered how much time I actually have to work when I am not distracted with men or emails. It’s amazing!
Nevertheless, I have been missing the conference. Here is something I don’t get: Not one of my fellow goddesses has emailed me with gossip. Not. One. You’d think they might have heard something worth dropping a line, but nooooo. All I get is silence. I’ll remember this, my pretties!
My list of things I don’t get is growing. Maybe I notice more, maybe I’m just getting crotchety, but I’m starting to wonder about a whole host of things. For example, I don’t get why Whoopi Goldberg wears clothes that look like big potato sacks or serapes on The View. I don’t actually watch The View, because I am writing (really!), but I have watched it twice this week. Yesterday, they had the President of the United States on the show–I know!–and she wore this big black sheet looking thing. What is that all about? 
I don’t get this older guy in my hood who wear short shorts. Shorter than the shorts here. He has gray hair, a long thick pony tail, and a never-ending supply of Tshirts with logos, and those shorty-shorts. They are always denim, and they end about where his leg meets his torso. Why? He walks every evening when I am walking Moose, and I giggle every time.
I don’t get people who text and drive. I know there are probably some on this very blog who do it, but if you do, I’d bet you know you are playing with fire. And people who text and drive are endangering me, too. I don’t get it. 
I don’t get my brother-in-law. When we have a family dinner, he will come late, head right for the food without saying much to anyone, and dig in. He was raised in the same family with people who have very fine manners, so I don’t get how he missed the wait-until-you-are-invited-to-dine rule.
I don’t get people who don’t pick up after their dogs! Every day I am dodging some other dog’s leavings. Hey, I don’t like it either, but I do it so you don’t have to dodge my dog’s mess.
I don’t get people who run at 5 in the afternoon, at the hottest time of day. What is the attraction? Heat stroke, that’s what!
What things do you not get? And did you get a copy of ONE SEASON OF SUNSHINE? Because I am giving away one copy today to a commenter drawn at random!
75 Comments »
Freshechelle on 30 Jul 2010 at 4:39 am #
Really? It’s Whoopi’s bad fashion choices you don’t get? Not her lack of eyebrows?
I don’t get why people think there’s an “h” in words that start with “str”. Look it up people, the word ain’t “shtreet”.
I don’t get why boarding a plane takes people longer than getting a mortgage. It’s a bus with wings. Get a move on folks.
I don’t get why mass transit commuters with cell phones. The bus/plane/train load of passengers aren’t your bffs. We don’t need to hear about how drunk you got and what you think may have ensued. It’s OK to have secrets.
I don’t get why people wear hideous, unflattering outfits that we have to look at. Do they buy their mirrors from a fun house?
Freshechelle on 30 Jul 2010 at 4:48 am #
And yes, I’m reading my copy of One Season.
KellyProellocks on 30 Jul 2010 at 4:56 am #
Oh pick me Julia! Pick me! What I don’t get is the doof doof music that young people have pouring out of their cars. Seriously it will damage your hearing and you will have problems later in life guys. I also don’t get the AMI ads about erectile disfunction. Seriously it is inappropriate to be showing stuff like that when kids could be home from school. Dudes isn’t there enough sexualisation of kids in today’s media?
Sue on 30 Jul 2010 at 5:11 am #
I don’t get people who text AND eat while driving. I knew a person who did that and laughed when we told him he could be killed doing that. I don’t get Whoopi’s clothes either, Julia. I think the only time I’ve ever seen her decently dressed was when she was on Star Trek:TNG. I don’t get people who let their dogs and/or cats run loose in neighborhoods. Do they want their pets to be run over? I love my dog too much to let her run outside her fenced area in the back yard. And Kelly, I totally agree about the ED ads!! And the ones for tampons. My DH and I just look at each other and shake our heads. I haven’t read One Season of Sunshine. I’ll just wait to see if I’m the lucky one today!
Lisa Hill on 30 Jul 2010 at 5:22 am #
Julia I am reading One Season of Sunshine, right now!!!! I’m at the beginning, and I am so into it. I love the description of the house and the nanny’s quarters, makes me want to be a nanny.
There are many things I don’t get, but I will have to post more later.
Archer on 30 Jul 2010 at 5:22 am #
There was a guy in my gym who did the short shorts thing… yuck!
I don’t get women who wear makeup and khaki shorts to the gym.
I don’t get why women who can’t walk in heels insist on wearing them. At least learn before you go out in public.
I don’t get people who leave one side of their earphones in while talking to somebody.
I don’t get people who don’t flush the toilet or wash their hands. Hand sanitizer is not a soap and water substitute!
I gotta admit I do the comfortable clothes thing. Right now I am totally into the long skater boy shorts.
One Season isn’t out here yet and isn’t available in the ebook format I read (ms reader)
Zita on 30 Jul 2010 at 5:29 am #
I do have a copy of One Season of Sunshine, so don’t put me in the drawing =).
I don’t get when people use made-up words. Like irregardless or orientated. Or ambliance. Do you know how many adults say ambliance instead of ambulance? It was cute when you were three, but at 43 it’s no longer cute!!!
I’m with you and Sue about the text and drive thing. And the text and eat and drive thing. And the text and eat and drink coffee and smoke while holding a conversation and changing CDs on their car stereos thing. It’s as if driving is the lowest item on their priority list while they are driving. :shakes head:
KellyProellocks on 30 Jul 2010 at 5:30 am #
Oh also why is it that the countries that engage in selling women to the sex trade aren’t being seriously sanctioned by the UN? It is such a huge crime against of humanity, in fact any country that engages in the rape and torture of people who then are shunned for something that isn’t their fault need to be thrown into prison for the rest of their miserable lives. I was watching Oprah when she brought this topic up the other day and I was shocked to the core.
LoriHandeland on 30 Jul 2010 at 5:47 am #
I don’t get why I can’t think of any gossip to tell Julia. The only thing I’ve heard is mucho speculation on how much Janet Evanovich REALLY got on her new contract. But no one knows for sure . . .
Freshechelle on 30 Jul 2010 at 6:09 am #
Julia, shorty shorts guy – I’m picturing the sheriff on Reno 911.
Kathy on 30 Jul 2010 at 6:19 am #
I have One Season of Sunshine! you already know how I feel about it as a birth mom.
it was so wonderful!
I sort of get Whoppi’s clothing preference but not on a talk show! at home woman!
I don’t get why woman my size dress like they are in girlicious and are a size 10. ew.
I dress appropriately thank you very much.
it’s illegal here to use a handheld device and drive, thank goodness!
Laurie G on 30 Jul 2010 at 6:32 am #
I don’t get:
1) fashions that have the guys pants hanging off his butt around his knees! I really don’t need to see your boxers or your butt crack! PLEASE!
2) Customer service people who ignore you either talking to another worker or on the phone with a friend
3) a rude customer that demands unreasonable return service and won’t take no for an answer, causes a scene and delays everybody else
4) people who drive way below the speed limit on a two lane road with lots of traffic so you can’t get by
5) people who weave in and out of traffic cutting you off even though you are trying to pass but keeping a bit of distance between you and the car ahead of you
6)people who swear every other word
7) drunks
9) too tight clothes on anybody
10)obnoxious fans- any sport
11) unsportsman like conduct- any sport
12) parents who don’t know what their kids are uo to and don’t care
13) random killings and violence
kris on 30 Jul 2010 at 6:32 am #
I am utterly fascinated by the “things about people that I simply don’t get”. But what I do have is my copy of One Season of Sunshine. At least there is one thing right in the world.
Pesky on 30 Jul 2010 at 6:38 am #
I don’t get why people don’t just bow down to my superior intelligence and do what I tell them they should do in the first place. If I were the almighty I’d take away that free will thing, it’s so putting a harsh on my morning mellow.
I don’t get why the little handle used for informing the rest of the world what direction you are planning on turning in is sooooo hard for people to comprehend the use of.
What is so interesting on the back end of my bumper that some people have to get really, really close to see it.
I don’t get people that can’t pull their heads outta their “ahem” and take a look around and realize what a beautiful, amazing world we live in. You can’t be miserable ALL the time. Happiness only happens when you ALLOW yourself to be happy.
cail on 30 Jul 2010 at 6:41 am #
Fresh, that was my first thought too! <3 Reno 911
Kathy, it's illegal here too, doesn't stop people from doing it. Scares me to death me when I'm in a car with someone who is doing it. I usually ask them to wait, or offer to do it for them.
I don't get visitors need to insult people who are working at a museum. We have people who try to make us look bad on a regular basis. It doesn't make you look cool in front of your family- makes you look like an a$$.
I don't get how people wear so little clothing in public. I saw a girl the other day who was pretty tall, (well, taller than me) and curvy like i am. She had on a dress that was strapless and barely covered the parts that are illegal to show in public, and same went with the bottom. While it was cute, it was build for someone half her size. Yikes! Any child near her could have seen up the bottom, and I definitely got an eyeful of the top.
I also don't get how I can't spend less that $60 when I go to target. Its usually much more than that, too.
Karen Hawkins on 30 Jul 2010 at 6:49 am #
Hot Cop and I adore Reno 911, too. It’s AWESOME.
Julia, there’s an email on the way.
Sorry it’s late!
As for the things I don’t understand, I don’t understand people who yell when they’re on their cell phone. We can all already hear you, so stop the shouting.
Also, I don’t get the tattoo craze. While some of them are gorgeous works of art, I’ll never own a picture that I won’t eventually want to move or change. Plus the whole “Eventually, as you age, your tattoo will elongate and lose its shape” seems like a warning.
Kathy on 30 Jul 2010 at 7:06 am #
Karen, one of my friends has a tattoo that has stretched with her 2 pregnandies. not very pretty.
I also don’t get why they say it’s to “express their individuality” when really they are copying a tattoo the’ve seen somewhere else. same goes for weird peircings. if everyone is doing it, it aint individual is it?
Virginia C on 30 Jul 2010 at 7:26 am #
I don’t understand why diabolic food manufacturers are allowed to package foods like cereal and potato chips into supersonically sealed bags which, when you finally are able to rip them open, explode and propel your food into varied seen, and unseen, places in the room.
I understand the irony, but not the cruel cluelessness, of white people who bake themselves in tanning beds until they resemble loaves of whole wheat bread, only to look down on noncaucasions who have naturally tan complexions.
I will never understand why anyone thinks they look better with Botox. I recently watched a TV movie with a very popular and handsome leading man. He had been the star of his own long-running show, and had always had an expressive face. Egad! Now that he is in his forties, he apparently saw the need to be Botoxed. Such a shame, because only the outer corners of his eyebrows will raise, and that gives him a very strange, disconcerting facial expression.
I’ll never spend five bucks on a cup of coffee!
SuzyQ on 30 Jul 2010 at 7:39 am #
I don’t get people who talk on their cell phone in the bathroom stall. Yuck! That is just so not sanitary! And it happens in my office all the time.
I don’t get when people text the person right next to them. I mean hello? Open your mouth and have a conversation!
I don’t get people who get on a major highway doing 35-40 mph. And why am I always stuck behind these people?
I don’t get it when one goddess gets a gossip email from another goddess and doesn’t share (wink wink)
Angela on 30 Jul 2010 at 7:56 am #
I agree with all of the above. I just don’t get why people today have no commen sense whatsoever.
Why don’t people actually read instead of texting or listening to loud music and talking on cell phone all at the same time. Yes, I have seen this on the bus. I was never like this as a young person. I have been enjoying the guest goddesses this week. I don’t have your book because I am unemployed and can’t afford it so a copy from you would be great. Just this morning I donated 4 bags of old books and cd’s to our local library for their next book sale. I don’t get any money for it but I have made room for more books. Hint, Hint.
Angie on 30 Jul 2010 at 8:16 am #
I do not have One Season of Sunshine yet but would love to get my hands on a copy!
There are a lot of things listed already that puzzle me, but here are my top five:
1) I don’t get people who text entire conversations rather than dialing and having an actual conversation.
2) I don’t get why some many young men think that wearing your pants hanging around your thighs so that you have to walk bowlegged and hold up your pants is THE thing to do. I am sorry, it is stupid and disgusting. Several young men in our apartment complex know by now that if they see me, they better hitch their britches up or be subjected to a tirade about being disrespectful to themselves and me.
3) I don’t get why people weave in and out of traffic in order to be the first one to stop at a traffic light. That is the reason, right? I don’t see any other result of all the lane jumping.
4) I don’t get people who are “HUGE fans” of “Alice in Wonderland” or “Sherlock Holmes” yet are not aware these are BOOKS. Makes me want to weep.
5) I don’t get people who think it’s okay to turn their car stereos up so loud that my teeth vibrate.
Karin on 30 Jul 2010 at 8:17 am #
I don’t get how in this day and age people don’t realize it is very rude and annoying to talk loudly on a cell phone in an enclosed public place (bus, elevator, store, etc).
I don’t get why people don’t clean up after themselves. This applies to bathroom etiquette (toilet seats) and people who litter. Animals clean up after themselves better!
I don’t get why companies encase their products in sealed, unbreakable plastic. Trying to crack into one of those things with scissors is frustrating and dangerous!
I don’t get why people drive slow in the left lane on the highway. It is a PASSING lane. If you are not passing the cars to your right, join them in that lane and get out of the way of those who you are backing up behind you. PLEASE.
I don’t get overly judgemental, self-rigtheous people who their way is the only way. If someone isn’t breaking the law or hurting you, leave them alone. We aren’t carbon copies of each other – thank goodness. No need to hate, just mind your own beeswax.
Julia London on 30 Jul 2010 at 8:27 am #
Fresh, I agree on boarding. It drives me insane. If you can’t lift the suitcase, if you can;t get it in the overhead bin, CHECK IT.
Kelly, hahahaa….I agree about the ED, and may I just say here and now I don’t get the double bathtubs on the mountaintop.
Archer — the gym, I know! What is up with that? If I wore makeup, it would melt onto the ellipitical or treadmill.
Julia London on 30 Jul 2010 at 8:28 am #
Zita I also don’t get people who think texting is the most important thing they should be doing at ANY point.
Lori — see what some good whining will do?
Fresh — THE RENO COP EXACTLY. I am not kidding!!
Kathy — xoxoxo
Thank you!
Julia London on 30 Jul 2010 at 8:30 am #
Laurie, your list is hard to top. I am going to borrow some from you and add it to mine.
Kris — YES! All is right with the world
Pesky, God, you make me laugh.
Cail — I have seen that girl in Texas. Add a little sweat and chafing, and…well, I will leave you with that mental image, LOL
Julia London on 30 Jul 2010 at 8:33 am #
K-Ha, you are my new best friend. Thank you!
Virginia, oh! oh! oh! The bags of chip and the plastic encased batteries, ipods, toys — you name it — that require the jaws of life to open. I do not get that!
Angie, I recently re-read Alice in Wonderland. I had forgotten what a wonderfully funny book it is. Love it!
Julia London on 30 Jul 2010 at 8:34 am #
SuzyQ, that really grosses me out. Ick.
Angela, your name is definitely in the hat!
Karin, we had the same thought about that plastic business. I really truly do not understand why that is necessary.
Nicole Jordan on 30 Jul 2010 at 8:42 am #
Fun blog, Julia! I can’t give you any gossip because I don’t know any.
Except what is reported in the news. J-Lo going to American Idol? Janet E getting tens of millions of dollars for a new Steph Plum 4 book contract?
I suppose I “get” those, but it sure would be nice to have a fraction of their success rub off on the rest of us commoners, lol.
Margaret on 30 Jul 2010 at 8:45 am #
Goodness! You all have already expressed all the good “don’t gets”.
I don’t get the pants at half-mast either. Nor do I get the white t-shirts that are so big they hang to the wearer’s knees. My daughter calls them dresses for the ignorant. Where do they get those huge, long shirts anyway?
I don’t get the body mutilation phenomenon either. Half my older set of grandchildren have tattoos. 5 of the 6 also have piercings. Which they love to show me. The tongue ones totally gross me out. The navel ones just make me hurt vicariously.
I don’t get why people use the F and S words in almost every sentence. Makes me think they don’t have the intelligence and/or imagination to invent fun cuss words instead. Just lingual laziness, I guess.
I don’t get why some drivers don’t turn their headlights on at twilight. Just because they can see me with mine own, doesn’t mean I can see them with theirs off. I almost hit 2 of the fools last evening. Plus a bicycle rider with no reflectors. Sheesh!
Caroline on 30 Jul 2010 at 8:53 am #
I don’t get why boys wear their pants so low they can’t walk properly, and use a belt to keep their pants tight around their upper thighs! Seriously? Why do you feel the need to be so uncomfortable and restricted? Does it irk you when toddlers can walk faster than you?
I don’t get women who carry thousands of small bags about instead of just using one larger one. We are not pack mules ladies, we can co-ordinate with larger bags and not look like a trust fund tragedy carrying a monster Louis Vuitton, Starbucks, and a teacup poodle dog.
I don’t get restaurants who feel the need to serve portions gynormous enough to feed a family of four to one person. I also don’t get waiters who get upset when you ask to split an entrée with your dining partner. Really, you don’t want to waste food or eat 1200 calories in one meal? What’s wrong with you?
I don’t get the need for six layers of inpenetrable, razor-sharp plastic bubble packaging on electronics that you can never get open without resorting to scissor yoga and bandaids.
Michelle B on 30 Jul 2010 at 8:55 am #
Julia, your book must be flying off the shelf because I’ve been to two book stores this week and it is sold out.
I don’t get the folks in Alabama who drive 20 mph the minute it starts raining. I get slowing down, but come on. I truly think they have in-bred this thinking with their rules of no driving in driver’s ed if raining and no license testing if raining or wet streets. I get liability, but I fear they are making a whole generation think that they can’t drive in rain.
belinda gresham on 30 Jul 2010 at 8:55 am #
i live in a mobile home park, most ppl here are decent but we do have few that have no more sense than nematodes. i dont get it when when ppl get a pitbull knowing they are not allowed here, or why they let it and their other 4 dogs and 4 cats crap all over there house and then make lame excuses for it. Well, thats my beef today!!! love you julie!!!!!
LSUReader on 30 Jul 2010 at 9:08 am #
I don’t get folks who…
leave a public restroom without washing their hands. (Yuch.)
live to work (instead of work to live.)
don’t read for pleasure.
get pets, but don’t take care of them.
don’t like football (American football!)
don’t like the taste of chocolate.
Thanks for a fun column, Julia.
Lani S on 30 Jul 2010 at 9:14 am #
Oh I hope you pick me!
I don’t get 3D movies. Why do I want to pay more money to get dizzy and have a headache for 3 hours when I could pay less and actually enjoy the movie?
Belinda – as a owner of a Pitt mix, I don’t get when complexes disallow breeds just because they are what I call “breedist.” That being said, I also don’t get people who are bad dog owners and let these stigma’s about breeds manifest.
I don’t get people who pick up their small dogs and cross the street when I walk by with my well behaved 40 lb dog on a leash. Do they think I am going to allow my dog to go attack theirs? Or is it that their little bitey dog can’t be controlled enough to walk calmly past mine?
Kim on 30 Jul 2010 at 9:14 am #
I don’t get why Danielle is so evil and Bravo keeps her on the show. And seriously, where is all the conference gossip? No one is tossing me any either.
Lisa Hutson on 30 Jul 2010 at 9:17 am #
I am constantly saying ” I just dont get it!” And I can see from this blog, I am not alone! LOL
I dont get the pants down low stuff. And if these boys knew where and why that fashion statement started, they would not be so eager to wear it!
I dont get why teenagers think its cool to look like a ”gangster” or a ”trampy slut”. Really! Why are moms letting their daughters out of the house looking like that!? Or buying them those clothes??
I dont get the HUGE portions at restaurants and them not letting you share.
I dont get drivers who think that everyone in front of them is ”in my way!” They are trying to get to their destinations too!! Even if they dont drive like you think they should. Just slow down! Life is short!
I dont get the ”original” tattoos either!! Like someone said earlier, if everyone is doing it, its not very original. It is just sooo common now. EVERYONE has them! Look around you in the grocery store. And believe me, as much you dont think so, your body will not always be slim and firm!! It just wont!
I could go on for days! LOL But really, I am a very happy person!! haha
thea on 30 Jul 2010 at 9:21 am #
yesterday, the postperson left my gate unlatched and my pups went free doggin. but a kind neighbor rounded them up and called me (they hadn’t left the cul-de-sac) and i walked over to get them. She was so kind! But as I was thanking her, she reached into her pocket and started checking her iphone. I mean, our entire meeting was prob less than 2 minutes, but she had to check her iphone??? I don’t get that!
I also don’t get women who run off with other women’s husbands. insist he divorce. insist they get married. then they take a look at his bank book after he pays off the first wife. then divorces the guy quick and moves on to her next victim. Then he comes crawlin back to the first wife who now finds it;s harder to shake him off than bubblegum stuck on the sole her sneaker. I don’t get the woman or the ex-husband…except as a good plot in a novel!
Charlenemhj on 30 Jul 2010 at 9:23 am #
I don’t get people who talk on their cells while at a register paying for purchases.
I don’t get people who have ‘pets’ who keep them caged up outside with only an occasional outing. Then they can’t understand why they act so wild. Duh!!!
I don’t get the whole plastic surgery/botox thing. I realized long ago when I would get highlights that what I did was noticed by my daughter. She was 3 years old and asked didn’t I like our hair color (ours is the same). I told her I loved it and have never colored my hair since. I make the most of what I have been given and as long as I am happy and my husband is appreciative, who else matters. My attitude towards my self image will shape my daughters attitude towards hers.
Finally, even worse than short shorts are the little bitty bathing suits for men. I once went to the beach with a friend who wanted advice on a big decision. Every time I tried to look at her I couldn’t help but see the guy just past her, sitting spread eagle wearing a flourescent yellow (think yellow highlighter) ‘nut hugger’ bathing suit that didn’t quite conceal everything. We got up and moved. So wrong.
Julia London on 30 Jul 2010 at 9:26 am #
Nicole, I “get” those only in a very abstract way, lol!
Margaret, you and my mom. She is a very lovely woman, but she told me she hates bicyclists and if they don’t get off her roads, she might hit one. Intentionally. Bold talk, I say, but you never know.
Caroline, yes! That business of overfeeding us is annoying to me. But not so much to Jack London. He feels cheated if he doesn’t get a heaping plate of food he can’t finish.
Lisa Hill on 30 Jul 2010 at 9:35 am #
I don’t get people who are not “fast” at “fast food” restaurants. Puleez, it shouldn’t take 15 minutes to get a Happy Meal.
I don’t get people who remain stubborn even if making a change will drastically improve their life.
I don’t get people who like to complain and judge others. No one knows what someone else may be going through. Wouldn’t a better idea be to build others up?
I don’t get car rental agencies who take reservations then do not have the car when you get there. (I know Seinfeld addressed this issue!)
Don’t put my name in the hat for your book, as I already have it and am greatly enjoying it!
Julia London on 30 Jul 2010 at 9:41 am #
Belinda, dog poop in the house? That’s like the lab I saw the other day who was quite at home on top of a very nice dining room table.
LSU, the pet thing is very troublesome…almost as troublesome as people who don’t love football (Hook ‘em Horns!!)
Lani, I saw Alice in 3D and it gave me a headache, but no one else.
Quilt Lady on 30 Jul 2010 at 9:45 am #
I don’t get people who put make-up on everyday no matter what they are doing. I going to go out and mow the lawn but wait I have to put my make-up on first.
Must wash and fix my hair before going out to pull weeds out of the garden, don’t get it.
Texting while driving is the worse thing any one could do, I don’t get it.
Sewicked on 30 Jul 2010 at 9:45 am #
There’s a very sad news story in my hometown about a girl who was texting w/ her fiance; he sent the message that maybe she should stop texting him because it was dangerous. It’s unknown if she ever saw it. She was in a fatal car accident at about the same time.
Things that I don’t get: the public recycle bin is within eyesight of you, less than 20′ away. Why did you throw your bottle/can/newspaper into the trash?
People, at least 3 cars back, who honk at the person who might, conceivably, be turning right at a red light. Honking isn’t going to magically create a gap in the oncoming traffic.
I’m ditto on the pants around the thighs/knees. Memphis Beat (tv show) had a great example where a thief, going commando, put his hands up and his pants went down. Worst case of ‘what were you thinking’ was the guy wearing coveralls; with the sleeves at his hips. He walked like a penguin, since the crotch was at his knees.
Ditto on the music ‘over sharers.’ Gosh, it’s so generous of you to share your stereo with us, but I’d like to keep my fillings.
Unless you have a sixpack with the accompanying build, don’t wear a speedo. For the love of all that is holy, just don’t!
Julia London on 30 Jul 2010 at 9:46 am #
Michelle, Hooray! I love to hear that’s it sold out…but then get anxiety that its not instantly restocked.
Kim I don’t get her at all! I think she’s really certifiable and shouldn’t get national exposure!
Lisa, this is definitely the place to come and unload. Personally, I have nothing against tattos, but would never get one because of my fear of what people have said here (I mean, I would never get one, but if I did, I would fear the stretchy saggy thing).
Thea, I don’t get that either. I have an iPhone, but I can actually talk to you without checking. However, I have a couple of friends who can’t.
Julia London on 30 Jul 2010 at 9:50 am #
Charlene, my eyes, my eyes! hahahaa!
Lisa H, thanks, I am really glad you are enjoying it.
Quilt Lady, my husband showers before he runs. I don’t get that. I tell him every time he does it, I don’t get that. And then he comes back and showers again. And he is not a shower freak.
Sewicked, yeah, I am really annoyed by people who don’t use recycling when it’s right there. And I really don’t get people who won’t walk the extra ten feet to put their grocery cart in the corral!
B on 30 Jul 2010 at 10:26 am #
I don’t get why we receive an email telling us we’ve just unsubscribed from some email chain letter thingie. What part about NO MORE EMAILS don’t they get??? It always drives me insane.
I don’t get why people who work for you think it’s okay to do things the way they think should be done, not the way you want. (currently pissed at the maid)
I don’t get we actually have to wake up and do something when we could be perfectly well sleeping for the rest of our lives (that’s end of vacation depression speaking)
I don’t get why people keep honking when stuck in traffic. I mean, really???
I don’t get why some countries still have such little respect for women.
I’m sorry about no gossip
Julia London on 30 Jul 2010 at 10:44 am #
B. I will add to that — I don’t get why, if you buy something from someone, they think its okay to start emailng you every day with their deals.
Suzanne Enoch on 30 Jul 2010 at 11:50 am #
Julia, I will tell you something about the conference – going outside the hotel right now is like TAKING A STROLL ON THE SURFACE OF THE SUN. The hot, HUMID sun. The one with the fire and lava and stuff. Yes, just like that.
Julia London on 30 Jul 2010 at 11:51 am #
Now see? I didn’t need to go to Orlando for that. Thanks for the reminder that things could be worse, Suzanne, lol!
Karin on 30 Jul 2010 at 12:20 pm #
I just have to add this because as I type this I am eating Cracker Jacks.
I don’t get why the Cracker Jack’s bag claims there is a prize inside. Now, when I was a kid…you actually got a little something in the box. It was part of the fun of getting a box of Cracker Jack. Even it was a rub-on tattoo. Nowadays it is some useless piece of paper that either makes a face when folded a certain way or becomes a pencil topper…utter trash and definitely no prize. Why bother. It is a scam. It sullies my childhood memories. Still tastes good though.
Karin on 30 Jul 2010 at 12:20 pm #
I just have to add this because as I type this I am eating Cracker Jacks.
I don’t get why the Cracker Jack’s bag claims there is a prize inside. Now, when I was a kid…you actually got a little something in the box. It was part of the fun of getting a box of Cracker Jack. Even if it was a rub-on tattoo. Nowadays it is some useless piece of paper that either makes a face when folded a certain way or becomes a pencil topper…utter trash and definitely no prize. Why bother. It is a scam. It sullies my childhood memories. Still tastes good though.
Karin on 30 Jul 2010 at 12:21 pm #
Sorry – it posted twice. Weird.
Janae on 30 Jul 2010 at 12:38 pm #
I don’t get why any clothing company would manufacture beige unlined swim trunks. The’re transparent when wet, and I’m glad that I only saw 70+ yo butt.
I don’t get why a woman using a walker with a bike helmet, doesn’t think she needs to be in a wheelchair. Not only would she be safer, she wouldn’t look so stupid.
I don’t get why anyone would think that it’s ok to partially block someone’s driveway, when they’d freak if someone did it to their driveway.
I don’t get parents who tell their kids to not talk to strangers. Who are their kids going to talk to if they get lost?! Teach them to trust their instincts, and to find someone who doesn’t set off their ’spidey senses.’
I don’t get why older women ever think it’s a good idea to dress like a teenager. It just makes you even older.
I don’t get women who think diamonds are a girl’s best friend. They don’t make you look younger. Sunscreen is this girl’s best friend. As a result I don’t look my age. Not to mention diamonds lose 60% of their value once you walk out of the jewelers.
I don’t get skinny jeans or ‘jeggings.’ They aren’t flattering on most anyone. And skinny jeans on men are even more troublesome.
Ann in IL on 30 Jul 2010 at 12:39 pm #
I dont get speeding. ESPECIALLY on bridges. Um Hello !! there is water beneath you. Slow down. Or speeding in the rain. Drivers Training (oh sooo many years ago) taught me that you reduce speed in rain/snow/wet conditions.
I don’t get calling work at 10:10 to say you wont be in at 10 because you have been up all night with the flu. We could have replaced you if you had called earlier. You KNEW you weren’t coming in. Show a little respect for your co-workers.
I don’t get posting intimate details of your life on Face Book or other social networking sites. Is NOTHING private.???
I dont get bullying.
Julia London on 30 Jul 2010 at 12:44 pm #
karin…mmmm…..crackerjacks!
Janae, seriously? Beige, unlined swim trunks? hahahaaa!
Ann, I don’t get being late to everything. I am a punctual person. I like to be on time. I am annoyed when people are not on time or don’t show up. But then again, I am annoyed a lot.
elsiehogarth on 30 Jul 2010 at 12:54 pm #
Julia, I have read my One Season of Sunshine and yesterday received, via our B&N-manager, a bookmark and a signed book plate.
There’s a lot of things that I don’t get like: People not having morals? All that’s on TV druing the summer are reality shows? I don’t get people who text, read the paper, put on make-up and fix their hair while driving to work? I don’t get women dressing like teens or 20 somethings-everything tight…just look in the mirror it’s not for you. I also don’t get the multi layer look. I don’t get why women are wearing boots in the summer with their shorts. What the hell it’s over 100 degrees.
cories on 30 Jul 2010 at 1:36 pm #
I, too, am against texting while driving which is not a good idea no matter how coordinated a driver is.
Also, I’m amazed with the bad behavior of some kids nowadays. I feel for the parents but it is their problem (not that I say anything). No, I’m not a parent but I’m referring to behavior that I would not have tolerated in any of my younger siblings or cousins while growing up (and I was taking care of younger kids since I was 6). Of course, I realize that, as an older sibling/cousin, I could get away with certain threats toward the kids that I wouldn’t be able to as an adult. Too bad.
And baggy, droopy pants? Ick. One of my friends saw a young man dressed in that manner try to run but kept tripping on the hem of his pants. She tried really hard not to laugh. For me, I like the rear view on a guy and those pants just don’t do it for me. Actually, I also preferred the tighter shorts NBA players used to wear. *sigh*
LindaB on 30 Jul 2010 at 2:10 pm #
Boy, a lot of good ones were listed.
I definitely don’t get why folks talking on cell phones in store lines or at registers think everyone should wait for them–OR–when they talk even louder as if to include everyone in their business. Hello?
I don’t get the mother in the library who was yelling at her young son to speak more quietly while they were in the library–when she was about as twice as loud as he was! The good news here is that I didn’t turn around and hit her with a book to illustrate the taboo of hitting, thereby illustrating the flaw in her teaching method.
I don’t get parents who use stores, especially grocery stores, as places to take children for running exercise and vocal competitions.
I also don’t get the mandatory race to the red-light olympic event, the let’s-see-how-close-I-can-ride-to-your-car-bumper challenge, or the ever popular blocking-someone-else’s-parked-car-with-yours-so-you-can-see-how-many-apoplexies-you-can-cause as an indicator of overall cluelessness.
Laminitagirl on 30 Jul 2010 at 2:26 pm #
I don’t get why managers of restaurants don’t enforce a dress code for the mail wait staff/bussers concerning their pants about to fall any second to the ground! Some of these guys walk with their legs spread apart to keep them from falling. That in itself is free entertainment, but if I wanted to see someone’s a**, I’d be looking at my husband’s – in the privacy of our home, of course! Don’t the managers think they have the right to demand their staff be properly dressed for their shift(s)? It wasn’t like that when I worked. Maybe I’m too picky….NOT! Do you think so?
Janae on 30 Jul 2010 at 2:50 pm #
SERIOUSLY Julia!!
Tina on 30 Jul 2010 at 2:56 pm #
I do not understand why my family does not share family information with me.
A cousin came to visit and asked my mom how I was doing. It did not occur to mom to call me. I found out a week later that she had visited.
This past Wednesday, my nephew was in a car accident. I found out this morning at 2am on his Facebook page.
Since 99 I’ve lived 2 miles from my parents and 2 1/2 miles from my brother, why do the relatives that live out of state know family information before I do?
Sheridan on 30 Jul 2010 at 3:01 pm #
Greetings from Chicago! I love this city..
I don’t get people who text or talk on a cell during a movie.. you just paid (in LA) around $14 each to see a movie.. I’d pay attention to what was going on rather then sit there and text.
I also don’t get people that sign up for an intermediate or an advanced class of something who have obviously never done whatever it is before… good lord… if you are taking intermediate photoshop and you can’t figure out how to open a file? get out. now. You are wasting my time and the instructor’s time with your inane questions. so there.
I have not picked up Sunshine yet.. I am woefully behind on my TBR pile and am grounded from book buying… now, were I to get one as a prize.. totally different story and does not disobey the grounded rules.
Julia London on 30 Jul 2010 at 3:33 pm #
Okay, today I have learned that cell phones in general: texting and talking in places you shouldn’t are our number one common enemy, followed closely by baggy pants. I think third is rude drivers.
KellyProellocks on 30 Jul 2010 at 3:41 pm #
Julia, I can understand the needing to be on time thing but for me I need to be at least 30 mins to 1 hour early otherwise I have a panic attack. Also why is it that I can’t sleep past 8am any more? Darn it I want a sleep in!!! My ex is a shocker for being late anywhere and it drove me nuts! It’s bad enough that I am already phobic about being late but I don’t need the guy that I am dating to make it worse. Sheesh!
LauraR on 30 Jul 2010 at 4:03 pm #
I don’t need a copy of OSOS – already read it and loved it.
I don’t get drivers who refuse to move to the center turn lane to make a left turn and who end up blocking traffic behind.
I don’t get clothing styles that make young women dress and look like prostitutes. Ghetto chic? oxymoron.
I don’t get why Barnes & Noble will sell me a discount card to use in their stores & online and then not give me the discount on ebooks. Who could have predicted that I could get a paperback cheaper than an electronic copy?
evlqn on 30 Jul 2010 at 4:06 pm #
You all have gotten, my Don’t Get’s; sad, truly sad. I don’t get the pants around the butt cheeks, the last time most of those butts were cute was 15-20 years ago, and your mom should have the blackmail pictures to prove it. I don’t get the music they play at the pain level, don’t any of these performing actually speak English??
And the need to use the f-bomb as a noun, pronoun, verb, and adjective and just all around place holder in the conversation, what is with that???
I don’t get the schools not teaching anymore, they leave that to the parents to do with the printouts they send home. People, my kids are in their last years of middle school, shouldn’t the third grade printouts have stopped by now?? Average salary here is $48,000. a year, I want more than the teachers clocking in at 8 in the morning and out at 2 in the afternoon, and we are about to go to four day weeks.
Ellen on 30 Jul 2010 at 4:53 pm #
I don’t get it either LOL especially the texting and driving what are they thinking!!
I also don’t get how they expected me to meet everyone at the signing in 2 hours Not happening!
Oh at the party everyone wore tierra’s and I forgot to take mine off when I was walking to my car, so couldn’t figure out why everyone was looking at me funny until I got to my car and realized! OMG! I laughed all the way home.
Great Blog you fit right in
Ellen
Ann in IL on 30 Jul 2010 at 6:45 pm #
I thought of another one. Why isn’t legible penmanship required for graduation? I know everyone types term papers and reports but at some point in their life a legible signature will be expected. Not a pre-K scribble.
We recently hired a high school grad who did not know how to address an envelope. He said it was never taught to him so he doesn’t know how to do it. Has he never received mail?
You can learn a lot just by paying attention to the world around you.
evlqn on 30 Jul 2010 at 7:33 pm #
Ann, when I worked in a bookstore our computers went down and so we had to do the sales and such the old fashioned way, by hand with a calculator. Not a single one of our high school and college employees knew how to use the percentage keys or anything beyond simple addition. For inventory purposes we had to not only have the prices of the books but the ISBN also, we had to teach the kids how to use the subtotal function, that’s what we used to key in the ISBN with. Just for giggles I had my g-sons use the calculator and they don’t know either.
I really don’t understand how we can let our kids be under educated today. We ran into a friend who had taken her children to Japan on a foreign exchange program this summer and she was saying how much more intensive the schooling is in Japan than it is here. Her children go to the Japanese immersion school so they learn the same way as in Japan.
mary beth on 30 Jul 2010 at 8:06 pm #
I don’t get hostesses at restaurants who instead of greeting you, continue texting their friends then look up in annoyance that you would dare interfere with their conversation.
I don’t get the appeal of Dr Pepper and peanuts.
I don’t get why people with more than 20 items get in the 20 items or less aisle at WalMart.
I don’t get why e-books can’t be read on all e-book readers with one standard format.
Charlenemhj on 30 Jul 2010 at 8:28 pm #
evlqn,
I am a teacher and I agree that kids aren’t learning the way they should. Please don’t blame the teachers, they are not at fault. Teachers are working more than school hours, the amount of paperwork that is required to provide the accountability is enormous. I have been teaching for 12 years and I make $35,000, so you can see I am not in it for the money, especially after I have to find my own health insurance. I began teaching because I was an ADD child who struggled in school and wanted to be there for kids like me. Schools are basically teaching kids to memorize – thinking on their own is to broad for the precise lesson plans required. Just a few months ago, when in a curriculum meeting, some teachers disagreed with what was being mandated and were told if they didn’t think they could teach the requirements in the way that they were being told then it would be easy to find others who would. Our jobs are on the line. I am a mom too and want a better education for my kids. Complain to your local representatives. I don’t get how the standards are created and decided. Regular teachers are not on this panel.
Charlenemhj on 30 Jul 2010 at 8:31 pm #
is too broad – I know someone will pick up on the error – remember I am a mom too and don’t have much uninterrupted time so mistakes happen.
evlqn on 30 Jul 2010 at 9:03 pm #
I should have said some teachers are not doing their jobs, because I know that a lot of you are. I am friends with several who do a great job. One of our teachers got a national award this year for her teaching skills, and she is not in it for the money. Unfortunately I also know other teachers I would plant for fertilizer, then they would be good for something.
It is very frustrating to the parents who end up teaching our kids when they get home, because they were given handouts instead of class room teaching. I do know that a lot of it is politics within the state and district levels. We are getting more active with the PTO this year even though we don’t have a lot of free time, but our g-sons are worth the effort. We have already started meeting among some of the parents, gearing up for the new year. One bright spot on our horizon is a new Vice-principal, she used to be a teacher in our school and the kids adore her, she plays a mean game of B-ball too. The old V-P is going on to plague another school district. Now if we could only get our original Principal back we would be happy campers.
Julia London on 31 Jul 2010 at 10:31 am #
We are pretty united on the what we don’t gets. I don’t get why America isn’t reading the goddess blogs, LOL
Kim’s going to post our winner later!!
Julia London on 31 Jul 2010 at 4:22 pm #
Congratulations Quilt Lady! You win the autographed copy!