Tag: Things that annoy me

I’m Just a Lowly Jogger

July 5, 2016By y2kemo
jogger
Me not running

The other day I was a having a conversation with a group of people when the topic of running came up. I mentioned that I ran and one dude followed with “How fast?” “About 7:30 pace when I’m training. A little faster when I race.” I replied. “What’s that, like 5 MPH?” he asked in a seemingly sarcastic tone. “I think it’s about 8 MPH.” I said. “8 MPH? That’s more like jogging. Do you race?” he asked. “I don’t race often. Maybe 3 to 4 races a year.” I said. “Psshh!” he responded looking around the group, “My brother runs a race almost every weekend and he has all kinds of medals to prove it.”

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Save a Stamp, PAY Online

August 31, 20111 commentBy y2kemo
USA First Class forever stamp
USA First Class forever stamp

At the end of each month I gather my bills, break out the checkbook, sit down at the table, and begin writing checks to everyone asking for money. In recent years many of the services I use began offering online bill pay. I just set up an account and the money is automatically debited from my account. More recently I’ve noticed other services adding “Save a Stamp! Pay online!” to their return envelopes.

Sounds like a great idea. Until I do the math.

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Stop using big words

July 1, 20112 commentsBy y2kemo
pedantic
pedantic

Several years ago I took the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) so I could get into grad school. In addition to the quantitative (math) and analytical writing sections the exam includes a section devoted to analogies, completions, and reading comprehensions. This “verbal” section is all about the vocabulary.

Look, I know words. I use words all the time. But the vocabulary tested on the GRE are unlike any words I (or any normal person) use in day-to-day life. They are long, difficult-to-pronounce words with multiple syllables and limited conversational value. Unfortunately, they are also required knowledge if you want to be considered educated enough to be educated.

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Share the road

January 27, 2010By y2kemo
chalk outline

So I’m running the other day minding my own business when out of nowhere my right arm is clipped by the side mirror of a Ford Escape. I looked at the car as if to say, “Hey! Yeah you! I’m on the curb of a two-lane road! Why don’t you move over? Don’t honk at me. Don’t curse at me. And above all, don’t hit me!”

To the guy who hit me and left, let’s think about this for a moment. You’re in a car. A big friggin’ machine with no give.  I’m a human. A little bigger than a bread basket and easily broken by big friggin’ machines. Perhaps you were in a hurry or perhaps you are just a prick. Whatever the reason, you (and all drivers) should yield the right-of-way to pedestrians like me.

If you’re in disagreement I kindly direct you to North Carolina law 20-174D which states:

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