It had been brutally hot, in the hundreds. It has been smoky enough that I couldn't take my puny lungs outside. The headlines are enough to convince us that the wheels are coming off our lovely planet. And as if a pandemic, fires, floods and collapsing condos aren't enough, poor Haiti has once more been hit with a terrible, deadly earthquake. Normally I can stay pretty level but I think the horror of Haiti shoved me over an edge. I was feeling down and was not looking to be amused. Sometimes it just happens.
It was time once more to take my garbage and recyclables to the dump station. It took most of what I had to load my little pickup with several weeks of garbage and my collection of Amazon boxes. Boy shopping on line piles up the cardboard.
I dropped off my recyclables and drove back to the scales to get weighed. I was sitting high on the ramp waiting for the office girl to wave to me that my weight had been recorded.
I kept waiting but no signal, then I noticed the office door was hanging open. Finally a young, attractive blonde woman ran from behind the building and yelled her apologies with a huge smile. She ran in side and quickly gave me the go ahead signal to drive to the dump area.
The dumping part went smoothly and I drove back up the ramp to be reweighed to see how much I owed. She signaled OK so I got out to walk down to the office via the rickety metal stairs as usual to pay. She ran out the door again and told me I could drive around to the window and pay her there. Cool--don't even have to get out.
As I pulled up to the window she introduced herself with great cheer, eagerness and a huge smile.
"Hi, I'm Barbie. They call me Sanitation Barbie. Kind of like Malibu Barbie except I get dumped on." This was followed with peals of giggles and I couldn't help it but grin back.
This young woman, worked at a dump station yet still had a marvelous attitude and actually seemed to enjoy her job. Her joy was contagious.
I was smiling as I drove off and decided that I really needed to work on my attitude. So much that is happening today we can't control but our attitude is totally what we decide it to be. I have spent more time since my meeting with "Barbie" thinking about what is really good in my life and yes, there is much. We will get through this. Thanks Sanitation Barbie.
Ever have a total stranger jolt you out of a down day?
Lately, I NEED someone to jolt me out of a down day. They probably need to kick me in the rear end first to get me going. :D
ReplyDeleteDonna,
DeleteOh, I hope there is one waiting for you today.
I am watching the Haiti news on GMA right this moment and wondering HOW people get thru these disasters and counting my lucky stars. Ok, Sanitation Barbie always getting dumped on gave me a real chuckle! Well Patti, I just met someone like that (my new hygienist at my dentist office) and it's been 3-4 days and I'm still thinking about her "funshine" so I know just what you mean :^)
ReplyDeleteDoug,
DeleteI know, as if Haiti didn't have enough problems, Grace is expected to hit them.
I love the image of "funshine". It really suits our two ladies.
The world needs more people around to makes us laugh and smile. Too many heavy things going on in the world.
ReplyDeleteJean,
DeleteIt sure would lighten the load wouldn't it and really doesn't require much effort.
Your Sanitation Barbie report is exactly what we need in the way of comic relief. As a matter of fact, Patti, I did have such an encounter. A few weeks back I had a van arrive to deliver a replacement belt for my riding mower. I inquired about the driver's accent (New Zealand) which developed into a satisfying and in-depth ten minute conversation. Made my day/month/year!
ReplyDeleteFlorence,
DeleteSo glad you had that encounter with a New Zealander. What a cool country and definitely on my bucket list.
Made my day to learn some have to pay to recycle. I go to our local center "Fort Grumpy" twice a week and there is no charge.
ReplyDeletejoeh,
DeleteAww, my bad Joe. The recyclables were no charge, only the household garbage had a price tag.
What a great encounter! Love when that happens.
ReplyDeletePeg,
DeleteToo bad we can't schedule one a day. Kind of like an apple.
This truly made my morning. Mostly, lately, there is so much negative that it has become overwhelming, and I do believe we are all in a funk. Until the Barbies in our life make the world a brighter place. Thanks for this uplifting post. Wish I had a Barbie Doll to send her!!!
ReplyDeleteAnni,
DeleteHa ha, I have been thinking about finding one for her for my next trip. Glad you enjoyed.
It's always a delight to cross paths with a "Sanitation Barbie." Yes, it brightens our days especially in these crazy heartbreaking times. Thank you for sharing this story. I'll be on the lookout for a Sanitation Barbie here.
ReplyDeleterobin,
DeleteHope you find one too. It is in these times that one like her shines so brightly.
If you see her again, please tell Sanitation Barbie that you helped spread her joy and positive attitude acroos this great country of ours. This morning, I read about Grace maybe adding more devastation to Haiti, Kabul being taken over by the taliban, this in addition to fires here in West. It's just too much. So thank her, please.
ReplyDeleteInger,
DeleteI will definitely let her know how she improved my day and those of some people I know. Thanks.
It makes my day when someone just smiles as they walk past and then I got to thinking why am I waiting for someone to smile at me. It's about time I started to smile first.
ReplyDeleteFun60,
DeleteI know. I always smile when I make eye contact except now days with masks, it goes unnoticed. I'm sure I am missing some smiles from others.
That's hilarious! Good for her, I'm sure she's brightened more than one person's day with her sunny attitude.
ReplyDeleteI can't recall a specific instance but I do know it's happened.
Eileen,
DeleteI'm sure whoever she goes home to at night leads a charmed life.
It is just amazing how one person can cheer you up so much and give you hope for mankind. I enjoyed this story. I wish there were more people like her in the world.
ReplyDeletegigi,
DeleteYou are right. It takes so little effort. I'm going to try to do better myself.
I love it when I run into my own version of Sanitation Barbie. She's brightened many living rooms because of you, Patti. Thank you for giving me a reason to smile today.
ReplyDeleteDjan,
DeleteSo glad she could spread her joy so many miles. The beauty is that is doesn't cost a thing.
I need an encounter like this. I've been down lately over a variety of issues, including family ones.
ReplyDeleteMargaret,
DeleteI really hope you have such an encounter. It really smooths out the rough spots.
She sounds amazing. I remember back in my waitressing days I had one client, this older lady, that practically glowed she had such a positive energy to her. She lifted my whole day. I wished she came in everyday but I never saw her again.
ReplyDeleteSue,
DeleteI know the type. I call them "shiny" people. You kind of want to adopt them.
What a fun post, Patti. Actually, I've been feeling rather sad. I've written a post about it which is scheduled to go up on Friday. And yes, there's so much going on right now that is darn depressing. Hawaii's COVID numbers have skyrocketed in the past few days. And then there's all those world news. However, I can always count on you to put a smile on my face. Just thinking about Sanitation Barbie makes me smile. Have a great week, Patti!
ReplyDeleteKay,
DeleteI know how hard it is to find joy in this pain filled world right now. So glad Barbie gave you just a little break. She did me.
You got it! Attitude is what matters and we can do something about our own. I've always thought it takes such little effort to smile, be kind to other people no matter how I might be feeling at any given time. We never know what might be going on in somebody else's life and might even make a difference as "Barbie" did in yours. Also, I've often been rewarded with positive reactions which served to be an unexpected pick-me-up for myself. We reap what we sow!
ReplyDeleteJoared,
DeleteYou are so right. It takes so little effort and often the rewards for both parties can be huge. I'll try to be more Barbie like myself.
I love meeting people like that! I try to BE a Sanitation Barbie, myself. Making somebody smile or laugh makes my day. :)
ReplyDeleteRita,
DeleteYou go girl. Making them smile does wonders for ourselves also.
This is a great story! I love that she named herself Sanitation Barbie.
ReplyDeleteI have made it a personal cause to engage with the few people I meet these days and leave them either with a laugh, a chuckle, or a smile. It's usually not that hard, and it sure makes me feel better.
Linda,
DeleteI did a double take when she first told me here name. Was not expecting that. Yes, if we can make someone else feel good for a minute, it does a lot for us too.
Yes, years ago and we had quite the conversation about smiles and how they cost nothing but give so much.
ReplyDeleteRiver,
DeleteIt doesn't cost anything but getting one back feels like you just won big time. Best give and take there is.
Yes, often. Maybe you need to go to the dump more often. LOL
ReplyDeleteMage,
DeleteSo glad you have had the pleasure too. I just hope she is there next time.
Dear Patti, I'm quite sure that any number of times in this long life of mine, someone has said or done something that affected my depleted attitude and helped me see the wonder of my life again. So much for which to be grateful. And . . . on Monday, I received a letter from a friend that truly buoyed my spirits. As a recluse, I sometimes forget that there is life beyond this house and the cats and me. Then a letter comes--or I read blogs!!!--and I realize just how fortunate I am no matter what is happening health-wise or political-wise or culturally-wise or world-wise. And by the way, your attitude almost 99% of the time is inspiring. And . . . that 1% remaining is so weak in you that you acknowlege it, as you've done here, in a posting and we all think, "Yes, me too!" Thank you. Peace.
ReplyDeleteDee,
DeleteYes it is nice to be reminded of that world we seem to have forgotten. And to get an actual letter like you did is a big bonus. Thank you as always for your kind and thoughtful words.
A great post, Patti. I try to keep up a sunny disposition but have to admit that I am not always up to listening to the "Barbies" ... have to work on that !
ReplyDeleteGinnie,
DeleteSometimes those Barbie attempts annoy and then there are other times that the timing is perfect.
That's a nice story
ReplyDeleteashok,
DeleteThank you for stopping by and commenting.
Great story. She sounds like a nice person. I am curious about why it took so long for her to show up in the first place. Perhaps a romantic meeting behind the office?
ReplyDeleteAnnie,
DeleteHa ha, that is why you are so good with "Words for Wednesdays". I hadn't thought that but now that you mention it, that would explain her initially embarrassed look that she covered with laughter.
She is definitely an example of upbeat attitude. Hubby and I have pulled the plug on TV. I think it is easier to cope with reading news than seeing it on TV. I can still pray for those I read about, but the awful images are not there to keep warping my emotions.
ReplyDeleteLC
DeleteWish I could but can't pull the plug all together. I do try to limit my news watching and will never watch an all news channel. That would be beyond depressing.
Attitude is everything. I get jolted a lot, thank goodness.
ReplyDelete