My original purpose of this blog was to keep track of all of my "Things To Do" before my life expires. You know... stuff to do before you kick the bucket. Well people - here's my Bucket List or shall I say "Tabo" List. You only live once, so don't think twice. In addition to my "Tabo" List, you'll find me sharing how it's like to live the life of the wonderful share-bare. Happy Reading! ENJOY!

(inspired by the 2007 movie, The Bucket List )

1.) Pet a Tiger Cub
2.) Hold and Wrap a Snake Around Me
3.) Raise Money for a Good Cause

4.) Run a Half Marathon
5.) Run a Full Marathon

6.) Attend an Oprah Winfrey Show

7.) Meet Drew Barrymore in Person

8.) Go Dog Sledding in the Colorado Mountains
9.) Get Rock Hard Abs

10.) Write My Own Book and/or Sitcom

11.) Be in a Professional Photo Shoot
12.) Compete in a Bus Surfing Contest
13.) Step Inside of Grand Central Station in New York
14.) Cross the Golden Gate Bridge by Foot
15.) Adopt a dog named him Chaw-Lee <--I mean, Bam

16.) Learn to Swim so I Can be a Surfer Chick

17.) Enjoy a Special Brownie

18.) Hale Down a Yellow Cab
19.) Lie in a Hammock with Someone Special
20.) Apply for a Library Card
21.) Get a Black Belt in Kenpo Karate
22.) Get Kissed by a Hottie on New Year's (Strike of Midnight)

23.) Learn to be a Voice Over Artist
24.) Attend a Superbowl Game
25.) Sing the Song 'Killing Me Softly' at a Karaoke Bar
26.) Go Skinny Dipping

27.) Be on T.V.

28.) Go White Water Rafting in the American River
29.) Run up the "Rocky Steps" of the Philadelphia Museum of Art
30.) Marry Mr. Right

31.) Work Out So Hard That I Puke
32.) Go Stand Up Paddle Surfing (or Hoe he'e nalu) somewhere tropical

Thursday, October 16, 2008

The Year of the Gentleman

First and foremost, my biggest apology goes out random black dude solicitor on 4Th Avenue in San Mateo. I'm so sorry. I just did something really bad. Unintentionally of course. So this dude volunteers for a homeless shelter and apparently collects donations from random passer byers. Everyday, it's a different person. When I have extra change, I do my part and make a donation. When I don't have any loose change on me, I simply ignore them and go about my way. Well, so dude is posted right in front of Jamba Juice. Keep in mind, I don't have cash. We make eye contact and I smile to him politely. He says, "I'm looking forward to seeing that smile on your way out!". I walk into Jamba Juice. Order my usual Chunky Strawberry and pay via debit card. On my way out, he pulls open the door for me. Instead of saying "Thank you!", my immediate reply was "Sorry, I don't have any cash on me". He got offended but said in a nice manner. "Oh no Miss, I wasn't asking for anything from you. All I wanted to do is be a gentleman and open the door for you." I felt so bad afterwards. I said sorry but kept on walking back towards the office. As we parted he was chanting on and on. I already felt bad. I was like 20 feet away from him by then. And the last thing I heard come out of his mouth, "I'm just trying to do a good thing and be a gentleman. That's all." In my defense, I screamed out, "Again I'm so sorry. Guess I'm not used to it!" (meaning the gentleman treatment). After I said that, I turned to take a quick glance at him to see if he heard me. I wanted to see his reaction. I witness a very disappointed look on his face. He seemed let down that women no longer appreciate small things like that. He looked at me and nodded his head slowly and spoke in a louder voice so that I can hear him, "I understand. I was just trying to be nice...". He continued to speak loudly, "It's a darn shame you feel that way". After that, I heard nothing more. I think he forgave me. If he didn't then he would have shook his head from left to right, don't you think? I felt so bad still. As a child, his mother probably taught him to always be polite and well-mannered with the ladies. Sucks man [sigh] I hated myself for a moment. I don't like to hurt people that try to do good. As I was walking further and further away, I began to think. That is pretty sad. It's sad that I get into total defense mode when a male tries to perform a simple act of kindness. It's sad that I continue use negativity and lose all hope for finding a man who carry these 'gentleman' characteristics. In actuality - they do still exist! It's sad that I always question myself - "Why is he being so nice? What does he really want from me in return?" As if every kind gesture from a man is automatically turned into a business proposition? It's sad that I make that immediate bad assumptions. As a women, I should appreciate this more often. As a women, I should learn how a simple thank you and smile is good enough - even if at times, I feel a bit uncomfortable about it. To all the genuine gentlemen- Keep on doing what you're doing. Hopefully, women like me will finally come to our senses and know that good things will eventually come our way rather than always expecting the worst out of a situation. Don't give up. Instead, spread the word because it seems like the inconsiderate a$$holes are taking over the world. You guys are slowly becoming extinct which leads us women to believe that every gentleman we approach are really jerks in disguise. Show us that you are real and I'm sure it will pay off in the long run. Thanks!

4 comments:

  1. Hey Sharon. I'm glad you posted this blog. So... the phrase: "nice guys finish last." isn't awalys true, huh?

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  2. I'm not saying it's not always true. They eventually do finish last and it's not an easy road. In my opinion, they are just very rare. When I come across one, I'm in disbelief which in turns scares them away. LOL! Guess it's a lose-lose situation, huh?

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  3. Good Post Sharon.... I trip on that stuff too when I know for a fact someone is gonna ask for money outside a store. If I don't have cash or even a few coins, I try to leave out another exit just so I don't have to say no or ignore the person volunteering their time. I've even gotten "cash back" at a register just so I don't have ignore them.

    That look on his face and his chanting would totally gut me for days. =( Shake it off girl, I'm sure he liked that better than the usual deaf ear he gets all day.

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