Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Good Advice From My Grandfather
My mother told me that her father's advice to her as a young girl was never underestimate anyone - the guy next to you on the train might be able to buy and sell you, financially, intellectually, artistic talent wise, or etc. It turns out that on that particular train, she had been sitting on the lap of Mr Kellogg. (Or some other food mogul whose name is equally well known.)
But I was still surprised at how fabulous that life guard sang when we did Happy Birthday for Norma (in the pool) who turned 83 today. (Norma is the one who turned 83, our life guard is less than 25.) I told him I would love to hear him in the Mikado, playing the Modern Major General. He had no idea what I was talking about. Did I say he was less than 25?
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Such good advice from your mother and grandfather! I abide by that rule as well. Hope your friend at the pool had a very happy birthday. I think it's really sad that our young people are growing up without even a cursory knowledge of music, literature, even world history. We can partially thank No Child Left Behind for that!
ReplyDeleteThat is REALLY good advice. I also like its workplace corollary -- respect everyone because you never know who will wind up being your boss! And what could be more fun than a singing lifeguard? Wish I'd been there!
ReplyDeleteHi Sanda - Norma had a great birthday, but then I have never know Norma to have any other kind of day. She always wears the prettiest earrings and a big smile, even during water aerobics. I hadn't thought of the No Child Left Behind corallation. I do know that people who compare US test scores to European and Asian test scores, ignore the fact that those nations are only testing their top 20%, while we test virtually every high schooler.
ReplyDeleteHi Anne - Good work corollary. Perfect sense, but how many people think that far ahead. I don't watch reality TV, but there are enough commercials for Undercover Boss, that I get the gist and there's another reason to behave yourself in the workplace.
ReplyDeleteI often wish I was on one of your great getaways, so I know what you mean. My water aerobics classes are pretty fun.
That is good advice. How lovely of the lifeguard to sing for your friend. I must admit that even though I'm twice his age, Gilbert & Sullivan was only a name (or two); I only ever experienced their work here in Britain. Can't say I'm a fan. Everyone else knows the words and I don't. It's an interesting look into British colonial culture, but half of a play was enough for me.
ReplyDeleteHey Shelley - I never even thought about whether or not Gilbert and Sullivan were British. I always thougth they were American, since they are so silly. Thanks!
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