On my soapbox

My life is good. I have a job that supplies my needs. Children who love me. Friends who support me. A man who understands real partnership.

Yes, indeed, my life is good and it takes a lot to get me riled.

I've mellowed a lot in my old age.

I once stressed about everything and now seldom stress about anything-though perhaps there are some things I should worry about.

When considering relationships, I weigh the good they do/are against the bad and if there are more positive things, I cling.

If they're negative, I cut my losses and move on.

I'm developing more patience with people as I mature, and perhaps it's because of the nature of this career I've chosen.

Too many times over the years, I've been on the receiving end of a tongue-lashing when someone felt they were wronged-even though nine times out of 10 it wasn't my fault.

I try to be more understanding, more compassionate, more tolerant.

But there are a few things that just make me grind my teeth, hold my breath and try to refrain from using a number of colorful adjectives.

This week's pet peeve is fuel-related but has nothing to do with the cost of gasoline.

I don't carry cash.

A sure way for me to forever be broke is to carry money, so I use my debit card. I'm more apt to think twice about frivolous purchases before I swipe.

When traveling, I prefer to pay at the pump. It's convenient, it's fast and you don't have to wait in line behind the lottery ticket buyers.

Nothing annoys me more that pulling up to the pump, swiping my debit card, getting my gas and then being told, "Receipt Available Inside."

Criminey! If I had wanted to go inside, I would have done so in the beginning.

So now I have to trudge inside and wait while 10 people decide if they want quick picks or something else.

Put some paper in the machine! I want to scream, especially to the clerks over the years who have had the unmitigated gall to say to me, "Oh, it's been out all day. I've been meaning to put more paper in it."

Ugh!

*****

I attended the Relay for Life Wrap Party last week and was disappointed more people didn't attend.

With the price of fuel, the state of the economy and the competition for our time, I understand on some levels. But still, I would have thought more than the handful who did attend would show.

Kudos to Team Margaret, profiled in this newspaper. Sisters Libby Barr and Adamarie Keeton, along with their support team of family and friends, were this year's biggest fund-raisers-over $4,000. Not too shabby for a first year team.

It was also dismaying to hear co-chairs Anni Egan and Cindy Chadwick declare this year was their swan song. Time constraints have pushed both of them to give up their positions as Relay organizers and whether Chiefland-Gilchrist has a Relay next year is up in the air.

It's a time consuming position that takes the better part of a year, but it's nonetheless a critical endeavor since all of us are somehow affected by cancer.

If you're a born leader, a workaholic and enjoy volunteering, think about taking over the helm of next year's fund-raiser.

*****

It's almost time for Levy County candidates to qualify to run for office, but I feel like the campaign trail has been hot and heavy for months.

So many candidates made their intentions known months ago and have been relentless in their pursuit of an office.

I feel like I have a slight advantage over most voters because I have got to meet most of these people face to face and discussed issues with them.

Because of that, I think I have been able to separate the chaff from the wheat: politicians versus real people who really want to help and affect change.

It will surely help me decide who to vote for come August.

*****

Thursday, June 5 is the last day to tell us your father's best advice to you.

If you're like me, you could most likely write a book.

My father's been dead 15 years, but at least once a week I find myself repeating something he said to me that changed my life. Next week I'll share some of that with you, right in time for Father's Day.