Almost forgot

I don’t know how this happened, but we got in the car this morning with fifteen minutes to get to school.  It usually takes five.  We were so early, I thought about stopping at a gas station to get her a treat, but then that would put us at getting there as the bell rang, so I thought I would let her enjoy getting there early for a change.  The women who get the children out of the car in the mornings were surprised to see us there so early.  Mrs. Principal was not even at her post.  Mrs. Assistant Principal was happily standing at the front.  Darn!  I wanted to wave at her to let her see that I can get there on time.  I guess Mrs. Principal gets to do the fun job of shaming late parents. 

How Y’all Doin’?

Now before anyone thinks that all I do is stumble through life making mistake after mistake and raising my daughter by example of what NOT to do, I would like to say to I do some things right.  There are traits that I possess that I would like for my daughter to acquire which I perceive as your basic southern good manners. 

Always say please and thank you and sir and ma’am.  Always hold the door for the person coming behind you no matter who it is.  Always look behind you when you open a door to see if someone is coming behind you.  Always open the door for anyone who is coming at the same time as you.  Always make eye contact, smile, and greet anyone with whom you may come in close contact.  Whether you are walking in opposite directions in the hall at work, down the sidewalk, standing in line.  Ok, there are exceptions when there are a lot of people around.