December 27th, 2008 - Fuck You Number 20

Merry Christmas, all.

I can finally utter those despicable words after a six-pack, and a bottle of wine.

Oh, and two days late, for those who didn't take note.

When I was a child, I used to look forward to Christmas. I remember the last three weeks venturing up to the holiday going so slow, it was if they were dragging behind them a trailer full of all of the snow that had been left upon the ground. I couldn't wake up in the morning without hoping and wishing that somehow or another, someone had jumped up-and-down on that gigantic fast-forward button that every other kid on planet Earth was unable to find.

I guess that's the beauty of being a child. The wondrous beauty of being completely oblivious as to everything that goes into planning a joyous Christmas occasion. After all, the only direction you have at that time is to tear open the gifts that have your name spelled out across the cute, Santa signed tag.

At what point in time did the holiday that was supposed to be the most beloved, become the most stressful, and feared?

You've gotta be kidding me? I thought I was coming home, to spend time with the people I hold dearest to my heart. Of course I would bring with me gifts for the "grandchildren," and hugs for Grandma and Grandpa? But, at what point in time did it become right for a 30 year-old's parent's to hound him/her about a Christmas list? I don't need anything.

Fuck commerce, and everything that has pushed Christmas into the simplistic holiday of gift-giving and buying. Has it really taken away our time that we get to spend with our families, and loved ones?

Cheers.

November 27th, 2008 - Fuck You Number 18

In observance of today's wonderful holiday, I'm going to tell you all about the nicest drive-thru attendant on planet Earth. I met him yesterday.

As I pulled into the drive-thru of the Wendy's restaurant just down the street from my domicile, I expected what every American expects; a pimple-faced teenager stoned to the bejesus belt, who could care less about whether or not he/she gets my order correct.

This was not the case yesterday. After ordering my two 1/4 Double Stacks, with cheese, ketchup, mayonnaise and lettuce, he repeated my order back to me verbatim. I replied with a simple, "perfect." Much to my surprise, the "gentleman" fired back a, "thank you, I'll have your total at the window."

Dumbfounded, shocked and stunned, I shifted into first gear and pulled my car to the window where he was waiting. He shared with me the amount of money I owed the restaurant. After relinquishing the $2.19, he proceeded to inquire as to how my evening was going. 

"My evening is going well, thanks for asking," I replied. "And yours?"

"Can't complain," he said.  "It's the day before a wonderful holiday, and so I'm off early."

Our conversation continued for a brief moment, and as he handed me the bag containing my prized cheeseburgers, he bid me farewell by telling me to get home safe.

For those of you who weren't paying attention in the beginning of this post, I was in the drive-thru of a Wendy's. I wasn't at Ruth's Chris. This guy wasn't yanking my chain in an effort to increase the gratuity I was going to leave him. This was a genuine and sincere young man who seemingly cared how my well-being was at the time. 

And did I mention my order was cooked, and topped to perfection?

I'll reserve a fuck you for another time.

Thank you, Wendy's drive-thru attendant. Thank you for providing me with the hope that there are still a few good souls out there; individuals who care for their fellow humans.

Happy Thanksgiving, world, and as always;

Cheers.