Space Invaders

(Today's word will be in red, and bold.)

We've all had times that our personal space has been invaded.

I had one of these moments the other day, and it wasn't pleasant.  The following is how I felt about this situation.

There I was, minding my own business, taking care of what needed to be done; and suddenly, there you were, in my face.  I asked you to leave, you didn't listen; you just kept hanging around.  I tried to ignore you, with no success; you just sat there, watching me.

This went on for a few minutes, then you upped the ante; you started pacing back and forth.  Again, I asked you to stop, you wouldn't; you kept pacing back and forth, back and forth, only stopping to stare at me again.

Mind you, if I *could* have left, I would have. Alas, I couldn't; what I was doing needed to be done where I was.  I'm fairly certain you would have tried to follow me anyway.

Finally, after another few minutes you disappeared.  Oddly enough, this was more disconcerting than you actually being where I could see you.  When I could see you, I at least knew where you were and could keep an eye on you.  After you disappeared, I kept wondering where you went, and if you were coming back to harass me.  Again, if I could have left then, I would have.  Since I couldn't, I was left to continue what I was doing, while keeping one eye open for your possible return.

Right before my task was complete, I saw you again, peeking out from where you'd evidently been lurking since you disappeared.  Further away, yet still close enough to invade my personal space and make me feel uncomfortable.  Believe me, if I'd had a way to be done with you before then, I would have.  Then I wouldn't have to see you hiding in the shadows.

After what seemed like an eternity, I was finally at my journey's end; and you were still there.

I stopped everything, went for help and guess what?  You ran away, to where you couldn't be found.  Curse you, you stupid, despicable spider!!!

P.S.  You and all your spider buddies stay out of my car from now on; got it?!

THINGS FROM CHILDHOOD THAT DEFINE US

Yesterday’s “Simon in the Morning” show had a segment about things from our childhood that have defined who we are now.

For instance, Jake told about having to lie to get into the fair one year.  It bothered him so much, not only did he not have fun that day, years later he still follows all rules very strictly. 

That got me to thinking about what defines some of the things in my life.  The first thing I thought of is an irrational thought I’ve had for over 40 years now, all because of the program “Night Gallery”.  I was probably about 10 when I saw the episode, and to be honest, I really don’t remember exactly what it was about, other than there was a spider involved.

What I remember is this guy trying to wash a spider down his kitchen sink.  The spider would go down the drain; then come back.  After a bit, you noticed that each time the spider came back, it got a little bigger and hairier.  At one point the guy had trouble getting the spider down the drain, (it was about the size of a small Chihuahua by then), but he managed to do it, and it didn’t come back.

The next thing I remember about the show is the guy going into his bedroom, and here’s this HUGE spider that attacks him.

I know it’s just TV; a spider doesn’t really grow like on “Night Gallery”.  Does this mean that I wash spiders down the drain? NOT A CHANCE!!!

If I ever have problems with a spider in a sink, I just let it be, (though I do keep an eye on it).  As much as I really don’t like spiders, (okay, let’s face it, I HATE spiders!), and don’t want them around, I just can’t wash them down the drain.  In the back of my mind I always remember that “Night Gallery” episode. 

I realize this is TOTALLY irrational thinking, yet, I won’t do it.  In fact, if anyone else washes a spider down the drain while I’m around, (like my son did once), I make sure to let the spider know it wasn’t ME that did it! 

I know there’s someone out there probably saying, “just scoop the spider out of the sink”…NO WAY!!! That would involve me actually getting NEAR a spider….EEEEEWWWWWW!!!!

So, in conclusion, I guess it wasn’t “Night Gallery” that made me afraid of spiders.  It just made my fear of them in sinks worse.  You’d think I’d be over it after 40+ years…But I’m not.  I don’t honestly see it happening anytime soon as a matter of fact.