Should I be a tree?

I have a job that takes me into the public daily and "allows" me to be around all types of people. I've had the following subject on my mind for a few weeks but decided I should keep my huge mouth shut until things died down.

One of the people I'm "allowed" to deal with is in Auburn and prides himself on being, "the biggest asshole in Auburn." His words not mine. I really find a great deal of humor in him. Last week, he asked if I knew the man who poisoned the tree at Toomer's Corner. I told him no, and he proceeded to tell me that the man was "one of my people." I told him I didn't know the man and that he wasn't "my people." He told me yes he is because he's an Alabama fan. This was a new realization to me. Am I responsible for the behavior of all Alabama fans? No.

This week, the same person accused me of paying this man to poison the tree. I laughed and told him I had better things to do with my money. I know what this person is about and that he was trying to get the best of me. He didn't.

However, he is not the only Auburnite who isn't thinking rationally about this. I understand it was an old tree, and it's a tradition to roll it. I'm sorry and hopefully it'll be okay. But stop and think about the hell this tree has been through. Drunken people have pissed on it, and I won't even get into other things that might happened on and/or around this tree. I also think it's been insulted by all the toilet paper it has endured.

I mean what does this tell the tree about it's worth? ... Oh, that's right, it's not a person so it doesn't have feelings ... unless it's poisoned. Joking Auburnites, I hope you get to keep up your tradition. I get a big kick out of seeing the toilet paper flowing in the wind as I drive by. And I do realize that all Auburn fans are not like this person I'm "allowed" to deal with.

What I'm trying to say is you can't judge all Alabama fans by one man who obviously has problems. Do you Auburnites want me to judge you by the proclaimed asshold in Auburn? I think not.

(segway) This brings me back to my job and the people I'm "allowed" to be around. Today, I was in a store in Montgomery, and a lady who came in became very irate with the manager. All I could think was I hope she doesn't have a gun because I really don't want to die counting candy bars, chips and cookies for credits. I think I'd rather be a tree ... Barbara Walters, come on down.

Political Aspirations?

Once upon a time, there was a little girl who dreamed of becoming the mayor of a small town ... scratch that.

The real story is once upon a time, Joe and Betty Pierce had a daughter who was a dreamer and idealist. Then she grew up and came to realize the world is just that, the world and people are who they are. I can't change people's thought processes, but I can still stand up for what's right and/or wrong.

A few days ago, I posted that I was contemplating moving to Wetumpka and running for mayor. Truth is I love that town and could see myself living there, but I would move there just to run for mayor. That would be stupid, and while I may not be the brightest bulb in the box, I try not to make too many stupid decisions.

While the political situation in this city distrubs me, it's not the only political administration that is dysfunctional. It's a shame because the people who live in these cities deserve better.

And speaking of politics, the people most definitely DO have a right to know. Public office was founded on this principal. I get so tired of hearing candidates state how they will serve the people and keep them informed. For some reason after they are elected, this theory often goes out the window, and all of a sudden the public, "shouldn't know everyting." As a reporter I heard that often and it sickens me.

Politicians read your consitution and amendments. Do you know or understand them? Do you realize that servig the people is more than getting paid and that you are there to serve the people?

Those serving on city, county, state or United States administrations, listen up, the people DO have a right to know. That is what serving in this country is supposed to be about. So those of you considering running for office please remember the real purpose of political office ... the people.

Friend, love or not

Friend or not; lover or not. This question pops up way too often in life. Now that Valentine's Day is over, and the rose-colored glasses are off, let's be honest. If you have to question it, it probably isn't there. This applies to our love lives and frienships.

Since Friday, I've talked to two female friends who just can't figure out if their boyfriends love them. One, her boyfriend did the "fall off the face of the earth" thing. You know he was there, very prominent in her life for months and all of a sudden he was gone. After several weeks of being invisibile, on Friday he called. Did she want to go out for Valentine's Day. Sad thing is she was actually considering it.

For all men and women who are reading this, don't use people and don't be rude and inconsiderate. If you want to end the relationship, be honest and end it. If you need time away, say it. Just don't leave people hanging.

And those on the receiving end, if they are honest appreciate it. It may not be the end result you want, but it's better to know now, whether it's a friend or lover.

Everyone, we only have one life to live. Appreciate your friends and lovers. Be nice.

Inspirational People

Throughout life we meet many people who inspire us in different ways. About 13 years ago, I met a young woman named Daria, who worked at the same publishing company.

Daria was a constant inspiration to me because of her positive, upbeat attitude and her constant smile. She often spent breaks in my office chatting. Although she may not have known it, when I was having a stressful day her smile often made me feel better. Everyone loved Daria because of her attitidue and personality.

Many years later, Daria is still the same. She popped up again in my life on Facebook and her posts and thoughts always brighten my day. Daria lost her mother to cancer, and last year ran in a marathon that benefits the American Cancern Society. She far exceeded her goal, which isn't surpirsing to those of us who know her. This year, she's participating again because it means so much to her to help others and honor her mother.

Daria inspires me to remember others, to strive to bring causes to the attention to others and to be a better person. She has grown into a wonderful woman, who is a great mother, friend and wife. She will soon be counseling young people, and I think the world will be better for it.

I have posted the link to her donation page. We all have things that are important to us, and this may not be yours. If not, please keep Daria in your thoughts as she prepares for this day. I know it will be a huge success for her because of her attitude. Her mother will definitely be honored by the kind of person she has become.

Friendships

The Super Bowl is tomorrow, and as I've done for the past two years, I have spent the week thinking about friendships. I tend to review past and current friendships and what different people have meant to me. Friendships also vary in the different stages of our lives.

One thing I have learned throughout life is that some friends are in our lives for a brief period. They may be our very best friend, but for someone reason they move out of our lives, leaving us to wonder why. I believe God puts these people in our lives for a reason. Maybe it's to help teach us something or maybe they have a special gift we need during that time. We learn from them.

There are lifelong friends, most since childhood or high school. You may not talk to these friends constantly but they're there to bond us to good times when we were young and before life got complicated. Some of these friends may be more constant, some one who has been right by our side throughout life. They know all our secrets and are part of some of our most important memories, while we were young and thought we were invinceable.

When we become adults, I think all friendships become even more important. They make us feel alive and important, give us a reason to keep going. Our true friends care and are there in bad or good times. These are friends we bond with for some reason and life just wouldn't be the same without them there.

My friend, Bob fell in this last category. He was my husband's best friend since high school, and when we married nine years ago, Bob came along. At first, I didn't understand him. "How can anyone smile all the time and talk as much as he does?" I constantly asked myself. But as the years progressed, we watched many football games together and our lives intermingled. I discovered that since he'd been friends with my husband for so many years that he could help me understand him when I was totally at a loss.

Bob died during the Super Bowl three years ago. My husband had moved to West Virginia and I was working out of Tuscaloosa. Bob was alone and I've questioned myself a lot whether or not I should have come home to watch the Super Bowl with him. Maybe I could have prevented this, I wondered.

I didn't realize until he died how important he had become to me. I still miss him terribly and the Super Bowl will never be the same. But I do know he would find it humorous that we have to remember him during one of the biggest party days of the year. He also would want me to not mourn him but remember him and the good times.

One thing I learned from Bob was to enjoy life more and to remember my friends, whether they're having good or bad days. I miss his calls during the day to encourage me but have developed a new friend who has helped fill that void. She is a constant encouragement to me and I value this friendship very much.

Last week, a friend of mine in Wisconsin lost a close friend suddenly and is mourning. I feel for her because I've been there. So sweet Daria, remember the good times, cherish the memories and fulfill your life. Your friend would want this for you. The void will never be filled but the pain will get better with time.

And that, my dear, is being a truly good friend.