Criticizing a situation, while offering no resolution, makes a person nothing more than someone who complains for the sole purpose of complaining. I do not consider myself one of those people. Therefore, it has occurred to me that I should take the extra responsible step and provide help to those who may find themselves in the awkward position of encountering those experiences which I write about. Conversely, if I am the one making a suggestion, then I should also provide input that may alleviate some pitfalls you could potentially encounter, if you choose to take that path. So, in order to build a greater and better informed Introvert Nation, I have included some tips that serve to assist my people. These tips coincide to my blog posts in relevance, and their titles are a reflection of which posts are being referenced.
08/25/2021 Blog Post: Coming Out for Introverts… https://asopsfoibles.blog/2021/08/23/example-post-3/
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If you run into this situation, as I’m certain anyone who has spent any amount of time in a store will, a few suggestions might be in order: First, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. This helps relieve some of the immediate tension. Second, If you know any good Yoga positions, imagine them in your mind. DO NOT assume them while in line. Not only will you look like an idiot, but it will definitely draw attention to you. Something that we introverts try to avoid. Did I do either of those two things? No, I did not. Finally take measures to ensure that you do not replicate the oblivious behaviors exhibited by the two individuals showcased in the tale. Not only does it show a complete lack of consideration for those in line behind you, but it also indicates you are entirely self-involved and are so without remorse. On a side note: I have found that kicking appliances that are on the proverbial fritz usually does not result in the desired outcome. Namely fixing the vexatious sound coming from the refrigerator. It does, however, make for a toe fracture if done without shoes.
09/01/2021 Blog Post: Stepping Out… https://asopsfoibles.blog/2021/09/01/stepping-out/
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And this is for all of us boys and girls, when going out to bars, dance parties, outings, etc. etc. NEVER leave with someone you don’t know. Did I say, “NEVER?!!” ‘cause I meant it! I am, by no means, suggesting that you cannot have a crazy blow-out of a great time. Nor am I about to regurgitate puritanical rhetoric which claims you shouldn’t get as drunk as you feel is necessary to achieve that good time. Presumably, you’re an adult and can do whatever you so desire. If that includes getting absolutely maudlin drunk, by all means do so! That’s strictly between you and whatever higher being you happen to subscribe. But what appears to be a good idea in that drunken state, may be extremely questionable in the hung-over morning hours. Make certain the friends you’ve invited along are stable enough to prevent potentially disastrous events from occurring. If hooking-up with someone, make arrangements to meet at another day/time. And always remember: the drunker you are, the better they look.
09/08/2021 Blog Post: Observations for the Traveling Restricted… https://asopsfoibles.blog/2021/09/08/introverted-observations-for-the-traveling-restricted/
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If you find yourself in the position of requiring assistance from an airline to board a plane, there are several options available to you.
If you belong to a frequent flyer program, and are always in need of assistance, you may add this information to your profile. This notifies the airliner that your needs are a constant. When you arrive at the airport, it will be in your profile, and you should be able to make the request on-site. At most places, this will require physically interacting with an agent. But you can proceed to the premier/fast-track lines to do so. This does not mean you don’t have to register your seat when you should (usually the day before). This does not mean you can purchase a ticket at that time and expect to get a seat and a mode of transport. Some rules still apply. As always, check with your airline to make certain you know their rules.
Maybe it’s a one-time deal for you. That’s okay, too. If this is the case, simply request the need after you’ve purchased your ticket. This can be done at the time your flight is confirmed on the airline’s website. You’ll be presented with several options. Pick the one(s) that apply to you.
Both of the abovementioned situations may require the ticket holder to make arrangements for the departing and return flights. Often times flights are treated as separate entities, so make certain the arrangements have been made for each leg of your trip, especially of you need to make stops and/or transfers.
Sometimes (most times) the airline does not provide the service, itself. There’s a third-party vendor that is used. It may be that the airline will ask you to go directly to a station specifically set aside for individuals requiring help. There you will probably be required to show (provide if you still use paper) your boarding pass so they can log you into the system. Remember, these people must not only deal with all the individual airlines, but the TSA agents, as well. Since they are not a part of TSA, they must go through the same routine that you have been subjected. Be as kind as is allowable (I won’t lie, I’ve been informed sometimes this might be difficult) and remember they’re pushing you. A show of appreciation with a monetary gift is always welcome.
Finally, NEVER assume the airline will take care of your needs. Ultimately, that’s up to you to manage. If all else fails and you find yourself confused by an airline’s uncooperative website, reach out to customer service. Allegedly that’s why they exist, and they should be able to hold your hand throughout the process.
09/15/2021 Blog Post: No you see um…Nope! https://asopsfoibles.blog/2021/09/15/now-you-see-umnope/
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“No see ums” are a part of the Ceratopogonidae family of flies. Another common name for them is “biting midgets”. They cut into your skin more than bite, and it’s the female that inflicts the damage. If you get bitten, be sure to wash the area as soon as possible with warm water and soap. If you have a reaction, as I did, I found that cortisone ointment, coupled with an antihistamine, worked the best on me. Not being averse to natural remedies, I tried the baking soda/water paste method prior to the cortisone ointment. Did it work? A little. As did placing ice on the area. But I discovered sometime in the middle of the night, despite wrapping the area in gauze, the baking soda crumbled off my leg. I now had baking soda crumbs at the bottom of my sheets. Ice in bed was never going to happen so it’s a rather short-term remedy. The desire to scratch was overwhelming. So, scratch I did. Please keep in mind there is plenty of bacteria hidden under even the shortest of fingernails and this can lead to infection. This implies preventative cleansing of the area is just a good idea regardless. If you suspect an infection is brewing, see a DOCTOR!!! These are “tips”, not medical advice! Hampering the attacks can come in the form of wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks. I understand that heat and humidity drive these little creatures so the aforementioned attire might not be desirable, but the bites are worse. Also, products containing DEET will assuage them from focusing on you (this also works for mosquitos). I know there’s a rather large anti-DEET movement right now, so feel free to find the natural remedy counterpart out there on the web. I’ve seen them, they exist.
Finally, even though I did not see them, whenever you’re in an area that is known for having creatures that crawl and sting (i.e., scorpions), following some basic rules will help guide you in not getting stung by them. First, place rolled up socks in your shoes. This stops them from crawling into said shoe and stinging your foot. Second, hang your towels and washcloths. If you need to pick one up, always shake it first. They may have crawled into a fold and you grabbing at them might be a little offsetting for the creepy-crawly (and you). Third, always fold your clothes neatly and tightly. They love dark secure places and wadded up bundles of your discarded attire is just the place. Fourth, never reach into a dark place (cabinet, corner of a closet, etc. etc.) without knowing what’s back there! Finally, not to sound like a parent, but…make your bed and tuck in your sheets (if camping, roll up your sleeping bag). If they can’t get in, they can’t get you. Just a side note: Scorpions often travel in pairs. If you see one, there’s a very good chance there’s another hanging around so be on the lookout.
09/22/2021 Blog Post: (Un)Solicited Conversations… https://asopsfoibles.blog/2021/09/22/unsolicited-conversations/
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The mouthwash I am referencing is called Chlorhexidine and has several known side-effects. In fact, my research has uncovered that its overall effectiveness is under debate in the professional oral community. One of the big negative consequences is the blackening of the mouth and teeth. Keeping in mind this was just my experience, it took over a week for my mouth and gums to return to a normal shade of pink. While the surfaces of my teeth finally returned to their normal dinge of yellow, and despite diligently brushing and flossing, the in-between of my dentitions still bore the stains. Upon doing more research I found that, if this is the case, your dental hygienist will most likely need to remove them for you. Good thing I’m an introvert and not a pessimist, otherwise I might be inclined to think this is a plot guaranteeing a return trip…and cleaning. If your dentist suggests you use this product, you should consider having a serious discussion prior to embarking on its use. Since I put up a stink, an alternative, sans the side effects, was offered up. It’s a miracle! There are several of them out there, so do the research and make an informed decision with the guidance of your periodontist. But most importantly, smiles are good, and smiles are healthy. So…keep on smiling!
09/29/2021 Blog Post: Hunting for Introverts… https://asopsfoibles.blog/2021/09/29/hunting-for-introverts/
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As noted, several States offer a mash-up of classes with some being on-line and the rest on-site. Personally, I have not found any State that offers solely on-line courses. I think there’s a reason for that. It is also wise to see what that State’s gun and hunting laws are about. Every State is different in this department. Some States have extensive waiting periods prior to receiving a gun. Some not so extensive. I believe all do some form of a background check. If you choose to embark on the life of a hunter, your State may actually save your gun safety information in an on-line database which will allow you to transfer your hunting license from State to State. Many States will want your original certificate of completion prior to allowing you to sling a shotgun/rifle in their territory. The online database is a boon in this situation. This does not mean you won’t pay for out of State hunting fees if you’re not a resident of that State. It will, however, prevent you from having to take the course all over again in order to hunt in that State. This is something to think about prior to embarking on this adventure.
10/06/2021 Blog Post: Reminiscing About All That Jazz (Band that is)… https://asopsfoibles.blog/2021/10/06/reminiscing-about-all-that-jazz-band-that-is/
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I get the distinct feeling that any tip I may feel obliged to give for this article could be considered advocating juvenile alcoholism, smoking, and/or gambling. So, to avoid the risk of coming across as an enabler, I won’t tell anybody that cans are better than bottles in your instrument case and wrapping them in plastic ensures, if they explode, your instrument is safe. Nor will I tell you that by placing articles of clothing in the case helps give the appearance that you used it as an extra suitcase, not as a means to smuggle alcohol. And, if you do feel obliged to use your mouthpiece/reed compartment as storage place those items in your suitcase. You will still need them. Of course, now it’s a little harder to bring alcohol onto the plane, so you may as well check your instrument case at the counter. Better yet just take a bus. If you think you have an alcohol, smoking, or gambling problem because of band call the SHAMSHA Hotline: 1-800-662-4357. Oh, and if you do drink, make certain you have given yourself enough time to recuperate before you have to perform. There’s nothing like being hung-over and having the horn section blaring behind your head. Just sayin…
10/13/2021 Post: A Night at the Play… https://asopsfoibles.blog/2021/10/13/a-night-at-the-play/
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If you’re interested in attending a local performance, there are plenty of on-line sites that allow you to purchase tickets for the venues. This should appeal to all introverts as on-line means no interaction. If you know when you’re going to be in a particular city, and this type on entertainment appeals to you, by all means get a ticket. As I noted in my blog, some of the best performances I have witnessed are from small theaters. Now, I cannot help it if you happen to sit next to someone who feels obliged to have a conversation with you (i.e., an extrovert-shudder!), but maybe you can find a seat that has empty chairs around it thereby reducing the chances of communicating with undesirables.
10/20/2021 Post: Did She Say “Adult” Only? https://asopsfoibles.blog/2021/10/20/did-she-say-adult-only/
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Poverty is not humorous. Nor is it laughable to consider this couple could not even afford paper masks that have been mandated for their safety. I believe this to be the case for other reasons I do not feel are sharable. Unfortunately, taking away from others who also need them might not be the answer. If you, or someone you know, is in need of protective masks reach out to your doctor(s)/dentist(s). You’d be surprised how much they may be able to help. Certain government funded services may offer reimbursements for such items. Some sites to consider are: medicaid.gov and nimh.nih.gov. Reach out to your friends and family no matter how hard it might seem. They love you. But, most importantly, don’t let pride stand in your way of getting help. Especially the introverts.
A Sop's Foibles 