Top Ten Things I Strongly Dislike

1. I strongly dislike that I have to make my top ten list about things that I hate be entitled "Top Ten Things that I Strongly Dislike" because my mother does not allow me to use the word hate. I strongly dislike that I can't use that word because there are some things that I truly hate in every meaning of the word like prejudices and unequal rights.

2. People who have to tell me how important they are or their job is. If you are that good, you won't have to tell me.

3. Dirtiness. I can't handle it. It sends me over the edge. Everything has a place and that place is put up. Please keep things tidy and clean. Nothing better than scrubbing something clean. Let's be real, if you wouldn't eat off if it, it is not clean enough.

4. Misbehaving children in public. People, I do not go to the mall, a restaurant, a store, or anywhere else in public to be interrupted or interfered with by your child acting a fool. At least make an attempt to keep them in check. Just like there is a place for everything, there is a time for everything and acting up in public is not it. Oh yes, and I do not think it is cute when your child peeks his head over my booth in a restaurant or constantly yells out while I am trying to eat dinner. If I wanted a kid at my table, I would have brought one.

5. Cell Phoning/Texting and shopping. Quit it already and get your buggy out of my way. Please at least step to the side. Some of us have things to actually do while we are shopping and I didn't slate my entire afternoon for a 2 item trip to Wal-Mart so be courteous and pull over and while I am at, lower your voice. Not to be rude or inconsiderate, but I don't care to hear your conversation. I will on occasion text and shop and this is something I am working on. I do use texting etiquette and pullover normally. Just know that we are working on this one together.

6. Lack of use of a blinker. I'm almost 100 percent positive that every car is equipped with a blinker. Use it. Do not let a turn jump up on you, and for goodness sakes, TURN. It doesn't take 3 minutes to pull your car into a driveway or whatnot. If you are unable to turn at a reasonable rate, then you have created a car that isn't fit for the road. Keep it in the yard.

7. Non-Southern Manners. There is NO such thing as manners outside of the South so please don't lie and say that your manners are appropriate, the fact is, you don't have any. Yes mam, no mam, yes sir and no sir are mandatory in the South. If you don't like it...move on back. I expect anyone younger than myself to reply that way. I respond to my elders that way and I will always do so. Eye rolling and teeth sucking is not appropriate and saying "huh" or "what" will simply not do. Mam or sir is the only response. Also, if I ask you a question then I expect a response, a simple head nod will not do. One last manner...please, thank you and excuse me are also musts. Please be reminded that living in the South is a choice and a move back home is always an option.

8. People who think they are the exception to the rule, matter of fact, people who think they are the exception to every rule. Rules are made to be broken, I hear ya, but expect the consequences. Rules are meant for everyone that are involved, you aren't special. Period. End of story. Don't expect everyone to change their plans or reactions because you feel as though you are "too good" are "above the rules." You aren't. Come back down to Earth with the rest of us, do what you are supposed to or pay the consequences. Everyone breaks rules, but don't expect a pity party or sympathy fest because you think you are exempt from following the norm/rules.

9. Laziness. Everyone has to work. Everyone has to clean their house. Everyone has to do their job. Everyone has to keep up their yard. Everyone has to do their finances. Everyone, do you notice the trend? I will not give you a high five for cleaning up your home or for doing your job...it is what you should do. Get off your tail, stop complaining and just do it. We all hate certain aspects of this from time to time, but for crying out loud get over yourself and get it done.

10. People who think that fashion items look good on them. Let's check ourselves...everything doesn't look good on everyone. Just because they make it or have it in your size doesn't mean you should wear it. Let's do a mirror check and do my classroom rule - ask 3 before me before some items are worn in public. All of us fight this battle, I mean heck...they even have "skinny" jeans in Lane Bryant yet I don't find it necessary to buy them.