We should all observe the 10 foot rule

Maybe I'm too trusting an individual. Or perhaps, I am too optimistic.

I start this with a slip. It happened late yesterday afternoon when I was taking trash to the curb for pickup. I slipped and fell. No problem except for the fact that I had my knee replaced almost six years ago. when I got to work this morning my leg was stiff, so I had to call the doctor's office for advice, and of course the I was told to come in. The good thing about this was that my work day ended at noon. At least I didn't have to put up with rush hour traffic coming from Cleveland this afternoon.

I got to the doctor's office fine. Weight is up, blood pressure was up, I thought I was in trouble for that. That wasn't even mentioned. What the doc was concerned with was the play in my man made knee. I was referred to the Crystal Clinic(original total knee was done by Dr. Gradisar, now retired) I was also sent for x-rays, and went to Kaiser, my heath care provider.

I proceeded to go to Fairlawn. Problem was, Fairlawn radiology was closed for remodeling, so it was off to Chapel Hill. At the Kaiser facility, I got my knee x-rayed. I got to my car with x-rays and then discovered I had a slip for hip and femur x-rays also. Back to radiology. While I was waiting I started sneezing. This lady next to the window said in a low voice "bless you". Before I could say thank you I sneezed three more times in a row. Then I said "thank you". this young lady with a small child replied "I should have said bless you" I told her that the other lady already did, but I couldn't say thank you for the sneezing fit I was having.

We proceeded having a decent conversation regarding how people are always in waiting rooms afraid to say anything to anybody else. I told her that life should have a "ten foot rule".

I explained that when I worked at K-Mart, they had a ten foot rule, which meant that whenever anyone came within ten feet of you, you should greet them with a smile and a "welcome". She agreed, but told me that since she owned a business and was a mother she was sometimes too worn out to greet people. I told her since she owned a business, that was all the more reason to observe a ten foot rule.

We should all observe a ten foot rule. Most people who read this blog and comment give me the impression that they are people persons. I enjoy getting a smile from those who seem happy to see me. I also enjoy being able to give someone a smile or maybe a laugh.

People seem to be in their own bubbles at times, connected to their cell phones and iPods. The only time someone will speak to others is when they want something.

I see time and time again that those who get the most out of life are the givers. Lets start by giving out smiles. That's something you don't run out of.

Oh, and please pray that nothing is wrong with my knee.