Random thoughts . . .
I completed my first flying lesson (are you out of your ever-loving mind?). We’re talking the inventor of sweaty palms flying. The cockpit was smaller than I imagined. The sky was bluer. The sensations of turning, climbing and even turbulence were not as worrisome as those experienced in a passenger seat. I was a little unnerved to learn small planes are generally not tracked by radar. Good old-fashion eyesight picks up other planes in the area. I felt like a bobble head for the duration of the lesson.
. . . Do you ever feel there were some classes you simply missed? For example, when greeting someone of the opposite sex, is it a handshake always or never? How about a hug? Is a kiss on the cheek or a brush across the lips ever appropriate? Do the rules change if you’ve known the person a long time?
. . . Hey, wasn’t there hair in that spot just yesterday? My friend Mark says hair is no big deal, but of course his head looks like a wheat field. I’m not jealous or anything, but I hope wherever he spends eternity, he’s bald. Yeah, yeah, petty, mean. I get it.
. . . Tomato and cucumbers with a little vinegar and oil is nearly a perfect summer meal. Fine, throw in a hotdog with relish, mustard and ketchup. Speaking of gourmet food, I keep a jar of “belly flops” (misshapen Jelly Bellys) in my office. I pretend they are for others but I’m beginning to feel a little misshapen.
. . . I know 20 people who are just nice. You know the kind I’m thinking of: good listeners, funny, caring, always thoughtful of others. Each morning, usually while shaving the left cheek, I run through the list, deciding if I should add or subtract someone. I’ve only added. Try making a list sometime. It’ll make you feel better. There’s only one rule for inclusion: If you ask yourself, “Is this a nice person?” the answer has to be an unqualified yes.
. . . I’ve reached my chin, which I always nick, so no more random thoughts.
. . . Concentrate, concentrate.
Doug Mudford is a lawyer and partner at Barr & Mudford, with an emphasis on serious personal injury. He may be reached at Barr & Mudford, 1824 Court St., Redding, (530) 243-8008. Send questions for “That Lawyer Guy” columns to doug@ca-lawyer.com
