The Negatives & Positives

I've been thinking about doing this post for quite awhile. So for the past few days I have been compiling a list which contains 20 of my "pet peeves" or things that irritate me. We all have our quirks and dislikes.

I didn't want this post to be focused completely on the negative, so I have challenged myself to find the positive opposite and write something that I do like, you know reverse it. I have been attempting to read a book called The Kazdin Method for Parenting the Defiant Child. This is where the idea of positive opposites came about. It makes so much sense, but is really hard to start thinking and acting in that manner. I am a work in progress.

Enjoy the list and I challenge and encourage you to do the same. I may have to start tagging people on this one.

1) Pet Peeve
metal hangers (you know the ones that you get from the dry cleaners)
Positive
a well organized closet particularly with the shirts arranged by color (OCD!)

2) Pet Peeve
when a new garbage bag has air pockets around the sides (do you know what I'm talking about?)
Positive
someone other than myself changing the garbage

3) Pet Peeve
toilet paper and paper towel rolls being put on backwards
Positive
never running out of paper products

4) Pet Peeve
the toilet seat being left in the up position and "drips" being left on the seat that should have been lifted up (can you tell I live in a house with all boys?)
Positive
having indoor plumbing that works

5) Pet Peeve
recyclables being thrown in the regular garbage
Positive
deep cleaning and throwing out (or giving away) unnecessary or excessive items (I am so not a pack rat!)

6) Pet Peeve
junk mail solicitations specifically for credit card offers
Positive
feeling good as I'm recycling the unwanted junk

7) Pet Peeve
"Happy Meal" toys (they are evil pieces of junk)
Positive
seeing my boys play with and enjoy their quality toys I actually paid money for

8) Pet Peeve
people who don't have a clue as to what they are doing in group exercise class and are a danger to others
Positive
people who make the effort to do something good and healthy for themselves

9) Pet Peeve
driving behind and smelling a bus or truck that uses diesel gas
Positive
grateful I don't have to buy diesel

10) Pet Peeve
having a dirty windshield
Positive
using Rain-X and having new wiper blades

11) Pet Peeve
those who block the aisles in a grocery store and continue to stand there reading the labels - it's not a bookstore people!
Positive
shopping mid-morning early in the week when the store is not busy

12) Pet Peeve
spouses alarm clock going off and the snooze button being pushed repeatedly for the next 36 minutes
Positive
having hubby home

13) Pet Peeve
people who swear excessively (especially when children are present)
Positive
being thanked and feeling appreciated and doing the same for others

14) Pet Peeve
public displays of affection
Positive
private displays - intimacy without the worry of the kids interrupting

15) Pet Peeve
being referred to as Lynn, my name is Lynette (or you can call me Nette or Nettie for short)
Positive
at least I'm not being called vulgar names (or am I and I just don't know about it?)

16) Pet Peeve
the ends of a pillowcase being put towards the middle of the bed as opposed to the outside (the correct way)
Positive
having a husband who makes the bed (even if the pillows are the wrong way)

17) Pet Peeve
telemarketers and door-to-door sales people
Positive
when friends or family call to talk and when a neighbor stops by to say hello

18) Pet Peeve
when people type in all CAPS - STOP YELLING AT ME!
Positive
receiving emails from friends and family (regardless of punctuation and spelling)

19) Pet Peeve
people who tailgate
Positive
wide open roads, no traffic, polite drivers

20) Pet Peeve
lurkers who read my blog but do not comment (you know who you are!)
Positive
people who actually take the time to read my blog - I thank you! And now is your chance. Stop in, click the comment link, say hello, introduce yourselves, don't be shy. I'd love to hear from you and where you're from.