Posted By janice on December 18, 2009

Yes, it’s the end of the first decade of the 21st Century, and what a ride it has been! We’ve had some great achievements — iPods and iPhones, the first African-American president, the amazing Lost, and Jason Stathom’s yummy abs in The Transporter movies.

If I ruled the world, there are things I want to see the backside of in the new decade. Here they are in no particular order and have absolutely nothing to do with organizing. Let the eye-rolling begin.

1. Faux Celebrities. Enough of people who are famous for being famous or trying to be famous. I won’t name them here because they don’t need me to. You know who they are. I prefer people who have substance, skills, and something worthwhile to offer the world. The one good thing about empty husks is that they blow away in a strong wind, never to be seen again. Here’s to hoping!

2.  The Phrase “The New Normal.” We use to call it “change.” The phrase has been overused since 9/11 in describing our new way of life after any type of tragedy, incident, or other life-altering event. It became seriously overused to describe the recession aftermath.

3. Banks Behaving Badly. I’ll agree with Suze Orman on this one when she spoke at the Texas Women’s Conference in November. She said banks do not respect us and are raising their interest rates, fees, and charges all they can before more strigent regulations kick in early 2010. She encouraged all of us at the conference to join credit unions instead since they’re only allowed to raise credit card interest rates to 18%. The bad behavior of some national banks have led to some of my friends and I to think about our grandparents who kept money in coffee cans buried in the backyard. Suddenly, it seems like a pretty good idea.

4. Celebs and Politicians Behaving Badly. Lindsey, Brittany, John Edwards, Mel, Tiger, Mark Sanford….. The list goes on and on. Once someone believes they’re untouchable, the rug is pulled out from under them. A politican rails against gay rights, and he’s arrested for picking up a male undercover officer. Oops. The squeaky clean, married athlete actually has a score of girlfriends. The child star turned adult parties so much that she passes out in public. My favorite is when they ask for privacy but then go on a media tour. Go away and get some rest, rehab and much needed therapy. Then come back when you grow up. We always like a comeback story. For reference, see Robert Downey Jr.

5. Stupid Violence and Fighting. When my siblings and I use to fight over something, Mom would take it away from us, saying “if you can’t play nice, no one gets it.” To quote beauty pageant winners, world peace and respect for all men, women, and children would be a nice change. No one should suffer because of their race, beliefs, religion, gender, political ties, health insurance, and all the other things that make us the unique, messy individuals we are. 

6. Reality Dating Shows. Well, they haven’t worked out very well for the couples, but I guess they’re good for ratings and those craving trash TV. I’ll admit that I watched a couple of them over the years until they got too painful to watch. I cringed when drunken girls cried about how they loved a guy they knew for five minutes.  Dating is hard enough in real life, but to have it on TV complete with a fully stocked bar, a stripper pole, and a D-List celebrity is hard to take.

7. Taking Off My Shoes at the Airport. I hate taking off my shoes at security. You have to put more thought into shoe and sock choice for the airport. I’d rather make choices based on fashion rather on my ability to slip them off and on without falling over on my face in the security line. I’ll admit I’m that shallow.

8. The Faux War on Christmas. I get tired of hearing about the war on Christmas when there’s no war. I have friends and colleagues who celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Kwanza, and absolutely nothing.  I respect them to respect their beliefs and traditions, and I have no problem saying Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas,  or a hearty “Yo, dude”  whatever the case may be.  

9. Movies Commercials That Show Too Much. Granted, it does save me money. I don’t have to see some movies because I’ve seen the best parts in the commercials or previews.  And why oh why do they have to replay those ads over and over and over again? I was ready for the freaking Twilight movie to open because the commercials were everywhere, and I thought I was safe watching HGTV. And don’t get me started on the ads in the corner of the TV screens. Ick.

10. People Talking on Cell Phones in the Bathroom. C’mon, it’s bad enough people talk way too loud on the cellies in elevators or walk around talking to themselves with the Bluetooths on, but the bathroom? Really? Everyone should have time to do what they need to do in the bathroom without talking on the phone. The people you’re talking to don’t really want to hear your end of the “conversation.” The rest of us in the bathroom don’t want to hear your conversation either. We definitely wouldn’t ask to borrow your phone.

So there’s my list. What’s yours?

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