Noticing

Sometimes I think that humans are losing the ability to notice things around them. Why with all the things coming at us, surely the vast majority is suffering from information overload. As well, I wonder if perhaps since so many resources are telling us things, we're just so busy processing all the inputs that we can't see things ourselves.

When I was a kid, my brothers and I liked car rides and liked to look out the windows and see what was going on (makes it sound like we were a bunch of dogs doesn't it?) Of course even though it's not that long ago, it was a different time. Today, all three of us have excellent skills for getting around our city, and even new cities we just land in. I don't know how many times I'd get off a plane, pick up a rental car, hop on the freeway and just start driving and make it just fine to my destination - and that's in the days without TomToms and GPS. You know, sometimes I wonder if the navigation systems are making it harder for people. Why just the other day someone was coming to visit us and asked us for our address so she could input it in her GPS. We've lived here over 11 years and she's been here multiple times! Goodness! As I am driving I am constantly assessing the road and the route and often change the streets I'm going to take - and I can do it because I know our city so very well. And if I've been somewhere once, I don't need directions again - unless it's been years and years and years but even then that's pretty rare.

Which brings me back to my initial thought - on January 19th, 2010 I had my hair cut short. Almost all my hair was about 1cm long  - that was the last haircut I had (except my bangs which I cut myself) - one full year ago. My hair is now down to my shoulders and can be put in a ponytail holder if I want. But you you know what? Not one single person has noticed or commented. And some people only see me every couple of months. So either they haven't noticed that it's slowly been getting longer or they just don't see the need to comment, or maybe it looks bad.... (maybe they practice  "if you can't say anything nice" ). I have no idea.

Now friends, please don't feel bad, no hard feelings, I'm sure I've missed things in your lives too. I'm not trying to be superior or 'call anyone out'. I'm just asking a question. Maybe humans just aren't as good at observing as they think they are - multiple times I've heard police agencies comment that eye witness aren't as accurate as they once thought. Have you walked down a street and found a sign that has been there for years that you haven't noticed? Or seen something, shook your head and realized you though it looked different or was a different colour? I guess the old adage to 'stop and smell the roses' is more important than ever before. Please, tell me what you think.

Is this a mid-life crisis?

Man, more and more these days I don't seem to fit anywhere. I don't seem to understand why people do the things they do - am I alone in this?

My job frustrates me- but I can't talk about that here because people get fired because of stuff posted on the internet. Let's just say that things don't make sense, but no one seems to care - and I have to keep reminding myself 'who the hell am I? who's going to listen to me? why would my opinion matter?' I just need to do my job and keep my mouth shut. That's how to survive.

Now I know you're thinking, gee lady why don't you just quit and go elsewhere, but the thing is I work from home. Yes, I am a paid salaried employee who gets to work from home. That may sound all great, but it means that finding a new job can be difficult - I won't get into it here though.

I need a change, but  I don't know what to do. Oh sure you say, go on a vacation   - but I can't afford to do that, so my life stays the same.... whine whine whine, I know.

If you feel the same and have any comments for me, please let me know. I can't believe I'm this old and still trying to find my place in the world.