"Thank You for Being Human"

The title for this one was a comment I received from a customer service rep. during a very long phone call to the NYS of Health Market Place on Wednesday morning.

As you can imagine, I wasn't in the brightest of moods after paying out of pocket when I discovered that our health insurance coverage was still messed up during my second attempt within a month to check in for my eye exam. Which then necessitated the call.

If my being merely pleasant through my frustration and sensory overload (and intense dislike for phone calls) was enough to trigger the agent to say, "Thank you for being human," it leads me to wonder what kind of verbal abuse she endures every day. (Not to leave you hanging - she did find & resolve the issue - I hope.)

I am utterly baffled and disgusted by the notion of blundering angrily through life mistreating and disrespecting anyone who has a difference of opinion, works in a low-level public-facing position, or someone who, through no fault of their own, happens to be in the way of getting what you want.

A few months ago, on my trip into town, a big (a$$) truck passed me on a double line going up a hill (those who know my inclination for speed understand that I was going at least 60mph). The first thought that flew into my head was, "Your Stupid is Showing," quickly followed by the second, after driving by a few political lawn signs (you know the ones), "Your Hypocrisy is Showing."

When I got home later that day, I was so obsessed with these two phrases and what they represented that I pulled up my trusty Canva and designed two bumper stickers. I even generated "Under Your Breath Media" as a company name to distribute them. Cause I knew if I spent any amount of time in creation mode, I could come up with dozens more.

Then my common sense and decency kicked in, and I realized, no matter how enticing in the moment, there was no way, as the face of an organization that models and promotes respect and kindness, I could put disparaging negativity out in the world.

After giving myself a good talking to, I created "Psst, Your Brilliance is Showing" and "Hey, Your Kindness is Showing." These two encouraging phrases can be found on youth & adult hoodies and tees in our Printify Shop.

They may not completely satisfy my occasional tendency toward snarky irreverence, but they do inject some much-needed feel-good positivity into our lives.

Shine on!

PS - I would happily pass on the original designs and 'Under Your Breath Media" to anyone interested in running with the idea. Because - honestly, those bumper stickers would come in extremely handy when we encounter the varied levels of idiocy out here.

DRC News

Unfortunately, after the ice event that necessitated closing on Tuesday, the promised lake-effect snow never appeared in Canton. However, we made the best of it with plenty of indoor adventures - including baking and cooking, fixing a computer that we thought was dead and researching how to reset another one, getting inventive in the art room, and exploring a game that requires a lot of initial creativity.

---

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Pop-ups were cancelled this past week. Janine is looking forward to seeing everyone next week at the Massena & Norwood Libraries.

Looking into the future - The Pop-up schedule is changing a bit - see below.

---

Please consider an end of year gift to Deep Root Center.  Thank you!