Have a nice life.

First order of business.  I appreciate those who have left comments on this blog.  I enjoy the feedback.  But, this program does not identify you to me at all.  So please, sign your comments for me.  I understand if you'd still rather remain anonymous, but if not, even a first name will probably be enough for me.  Thanks.

Wow.  It's been a long time since I blogged.  I want you to know that while it's maybe been a while, it's not like I don't have any thoughts in my head.  Occasionally I still have casual and/or bizarre observations of life.  It's just that sometimes if I shared the things I think about, you would call for the white coats to come and carry me away.  Sometimes what I think about is too private for me to share or it's someone else's information that I shouldn't share.  So I don't.  Yes, I know, right?  I'M keeping quiet.  I could have a stroke if I keep this up.
Many times it's simply because of my vow to keep my political views and commentary to myself.  Oh, Jack and I talk about these things sometimes.   We are not a case of opposites attracting.  We pretty much agree on politics and such.  But others don't agree, so I avoid controversy.

I recently was reminded of my days with Karmak Software.  We would travel to other cities and install computer systems and then stay a while to get the customer up and running.  My job was to train the employees, especially those who worked at the point of sale in these businesses and in the accounting and inventory departments.  Inventory control was my specialty.  Surprised?
We'd spend anywhere from a few days to a whole week with these people.  We'd work with them.  Eat lunch with them.  Sometimes we'd have both lunch and supper with them.  And as with anyone you spend much time with, we'd have conversations about family and life.  In other words, we'd get to know them well and even became privy to their current life situations.  Especially the upper management as that's who we would usually have those lunches and suppers with.  At the end of our week together it would be time for us to go.  We would probably still talk with them on the phone occasionally, but for the most part, our job in their presence and workplace was done.  We would most likely never see them in person again.  At least I wouldn't. Towards the end of my time with Karmak, as I knew I'd soon be marrying Jack and moving to Peoria, I especially knew I'd never see these people again.  My standard goodbye to them was simple.  As we left, I'd tell them to "Have a nice life."
Where did that come from? 
Many of you know I spent a year and a half at Blackburn College.  When I finally decided it wasn't for me, I left at the end of the fall semester in 1976.  As I attended some of my last classes, took my exams and tried to at least finish a bit strong, I'd bump into people that I knew and had spent time with in my year+.  For many of them, I knew that most likely, once I left school, we wouldn't stay in touch. I remember telling one acquaintance that I was not coming back the next semester.  She was a bit surprised by that, didn't seem to know what to say and finally just said... "Well, have a good life."  I think I giggled and said, "Yes, you too!"
We've all had people who come and go in our lives.  Sometimes we don't know it's the last time we'll see them, or that it's the last conversation we'll have with them.  But, when I do realize that a conversation or encounter could very likely be the last time I'll see them, I always remember to tell them "have a nice life."
Some people who received that "goodbye" from me in my Karmak days and many people who receive it from me now, usually look at me with stunned surprise.  Most of them, once they realize the truth of the situation will wish the same right back to me.
So the next time you are traveling to a place you know you'll never be again, and you've had great tour guide, or when the nice person who rings up your purchase at the souvenir shop is finished with the transaction, or you've just met and had friendly conversations with some fellow travelers - okay even if they are not so great, nice or friendly - just be sure to  encourage them to "Have a nice life".
Maybe this could be the start of a kindness revolution.  Wishing everyone well even if you don't know them by name.  Maybe the pleasant surprise and good feelings they get will encourage them to pay it forward.  Pass along the well wishes.  We could start a movement... just like the "Alice's Restaurant Anti-Massacree and Movement." 
So from now on when you have situations like this, either tell them they can get anything they want at Alice's Restaurant, or just tell them to "Have a Nice Life."

Note to the uniformed and/or younger folks - you can YouTube Alice's Restaurant.