Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Searching For The Box


I have often been applauded for my ability to think outside of the box. I don't necessarily think it's such a grand feat. I'm rather disturbed by the way my brain operates. You see, if I actually knew where the damn box was, then I'd be more comfortable with the way I come up with solutions. I could be considered more of a rebel.
The "box" is defined as what is obvious. I imagine this box filled with all the obvious answers, the ones I never thought of. I hate this hidden box.
I will never forget the first time this circuitous way of thinking took the stage. It surely made a grand entrance as I played first base on my 8th grade softball team. The batter hit a ground ball directly to me as I stood slightly off the base. Instead of grounding the ball and touching the base, I got on the base and dove on the ball. I'm embarrassed still now. I can still hear my coach saying, "well that's one way to do it".
Yea...let's hear it for thinking outside of the box!
I tend to make the easiest directions more difficult. It's been this way for as long as I can remember .
We had hearing tests in the 1st grade. The nurse conducting the test told me to raise my right or left hand depending which ear I heard the little beep. Simple enough, right? I raised the opposite hand and came very close to wearing hearing aids.
There's been numerous examples throughout the years. Although, I am having trouble thinking of them. All I can recall is the stupefied look on peoples's faces as they shake their head and say, "well, that's one way of doing it".
I've learned to steer clear of those types of people. They act so superior because they know the location of the box. Heck some, simply live there.
I have recently found a group of women that think similarly as me.
It's funny being surrounded by a group of us outside of the box thinkers. I like to imagine being a boxed thinker and what they might think listening to us.
Now that's really thinking outside of the box!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Rummage Sale


I came across an on-line rummage sale where locals can post photos of their wares.
I like to look at it not only for good deals, but mostly for amusement.
With a background as a visual merchandiser, it's difficult not to be critical of some of the photos.
Don't people realize the importance of a good photo when they are trying to make a sale?
The word, 'rummage' is more commonly used as a verb; a haphazard search. This makes sense when it's used as an adjective to describe this type of sale. It's haphazard, alright. I know it's not Sotheby's, but come on people.
I ask you,"How tempted are you to buy this mirror?"
I saw an ad for a set of chester drawers for 30 dollars. There was no photo, which only made me curious. Apparently 30 dollars was a steal, because they sold right away, sight unseen. They must have thought it was a "blessing in the skies". So I guess, a good photo is not always necessary. Perhaps, it was the seller's kitchy way of talking that sealed the deal.
Today I am hoping that someone buys that eslectic stove.
Again there is no photo.
I tell you these people are so clever.