The Funeral Celebration

In 2003, Harry Ewell, a long time ice cream vendor, decided to have his old ice cream truck lead the procession at his funeral. Then at the end of the procession the truck passed out pop sickles to everyone.

However, Harry Ewell isn't the only person making unusual arrangements. As baby boomers across the country begin making preparations for their funerals, there seems to be more options opening up for consumers. Hmm...this is the first time I thought of myself as a consumer at my own funeral but I guess I am.

At any rate, there seems to be an up and coming trend of funeral planners. Now understand, that these people are more like wedding planners than funeral home directors. How do I know? The quote from the New York Times says it all to me.

David E. Monn says he has discovered the biggest threat to a well-orchestrated event: the long speech...

"I have a pet peeve," he says. "No more than three minutes. It doesn't matter how much you loved someone, after you've heard someone drone on for five minutes you're annoyed."

Well, I agree that long speeches, especially ones that aren't written down and off the cuff, are often very annoying. It's a peeve of my own, just like outside weddings in June that last for an hour. Still, if a loved one wants to get up and say something at a funeral that happens to be longer than 3 minutes, I don't think your being annoyed should be compared to the hurt and mourning that person is going through.

So, on a lighter note - what kind of creative arrangements do you want at your funeral?

Talking at the Movies

With the prices of movies continuing to rise across the country, the cost can be a pet peeve itself. However, there is a larger issue at hand. It's those people who seem intent on ruining the movie for everyone else. A ran across a post entitled "The Movie Talker" and it got me thinking about this issue.

Then I ran across another statement by Gene Weingarten, columnist for the Washington Post.

"You know what I don't understand? Coughing. It seems like as soon as the lights dim at the movies, a half dozen people start coughing. What's that about[?]"

So, here is what I suggest trying, but haven't tried myself. When someone starts talking or coughing and refuses to leave, just get up and go sit in the seat right next to them. Americans hate that, unless the movie is packed. Then just stare at them. Maybe ask them if you could have some popcorn or a sip of their drink.

That's using the power of another pet peeve to overcome what is peeving you. Let me know if you every try it and it works. I am also open to other suggestions.

What's Peeving You?

The more people learn about Pet Peeving, the more people share their personal pet peeves with me. I love hearing what gets under the skin of others and thought that you may enjoy reading them too.

Simply post a comment below and share what's peeving you today. Every now and then, I will take the liberty of discussing further, some of the peeves listed.

Think for Yourself

Politics are pretty popular - probably due to all the peeves people have with personal values, ethics, religious affiliations, etc... but what I am really beginning to get frustrated with is the public mindsets of people on subjects they have given no original thought to. So here's something to give thought to.

Rev. Gregory Boyd has apparently gotten in a lot of hot water for not taking a stand on issues from within the walls of his congregation. However, he's quoted in the New York Times with a statement that really made me think (I appreciate people who make me think).

"When the church wins the culture wars, it inevitably loses," Mr. Boyd preached. "When it conquers the world, it becomes the world. When you put your trust in the sword, you lose the cross."

Should you take a stand on issues - absolutely! But should you let the church, or your political party take the stand for you? That's what the above statement made me think about. I don't want my political party to set my focus and define what makes me a Christian in the eyes of the public. What do you think about this quote or the article about Mr. Boyd in the New York Times ?