Monday, October 27, 2008

It's rude not to

Well, I haven't written for a while. Truth be told, I haven't had much to say. Rural America is treating me good. For those of you who haven't had the distinct pleasure of visiting my home town, let me explain a little bit about it to you. It sits in a valley about 100 miles wide. There are about 3000 people in Delta itself. There are several smaller communities that surround Delta. One of the smaller towns is called Oak City. My husband Stephen actually grew up there. I think it was settled by two or three different families and then expanded slightly after that. Everyone is pretty much related, with the expection of my in-laws, of course.

Well one thing I think is so funny about Oak City is that everyone waves to one another. I am not exaggerating when I say EVERYONE. Maybe it is a town law. I don't know, but I find it particularly funny. I asked Stephen why this is so. He said, "Everyone waves because it is rude not too." Granted there are probably only 200 or 300 people that live in this little wonder, so the odds of knowing all occupants are pretty good. But still, somehow someone must have passed a waving law. Maybe it is like the good samaritan law on Seinfield. I haven't had the guts to test the limits, I always smile and wave back, no matter what. I had to laugh this morning on my way to my in-laws home. I saw this huge truck pulling a horse trailer full of horses. I was prepared for the waving rule, so I looked the driver right in the face. She was turning and had a cell phone to her ear. I figured that cell phone and trailers had to be among the expections to apply to always waving. One shouldn't have to wave if he or she is chatting on the phone while pulling a trailer. Rule #275 after the rule about not having to wave if the driver is trying to hand a toddler a sippy while changing the music from AM 700 to something without static. (Good luck with that!) Anyway, so I figure there is no way this lady is waving, right? Wrong, she waved. Not just a hand up and down wave. She actual moved her wrist. Keep in mind she was turning right onto the highway, pulling a horse trailer full of horses and talking on the cell phone. Obviously she had no choice. Because, after all it is rude not to.

9 comments:

carrie said...

That is too funny, I think Sutherland has that very same rule! I always look forward to reading your posts Lydia, you are a crack-up!

Unknown said...

So true... I have always thought that in our town if you make eye contact you have to wave, regardless if you know them. But Ephraim and Manti is growing and there is alot of new people that dont know the rule. So I get really bugged when I wave, and they look at me like who the hell are you and dont wave. I just want to say hey, Ive lived here my whole life and you have lived here for less than a year. Dont make me look stupid by waving at you, wave back you idiot its what your supposed to do.... Love the post. Oh Fred went to the game in Delta Friday. He said it was packed so he didnt see you guys. Any way stop by if your in town.

Lydia said...

Carrie - I'm glad you enjoy it.

Angie - People are probably staring at you thinking, is that Fred's wife?

Tiffany said...

I am so glad you posted again! I have missed it! In Salina you have to wave to everyone too . . . stupid small towns. ;)

You are one lucky gal to have Stephen - he puts the kids in bed!!!!

Hope you got the blueberry muffin out.

bradhintze said...

Lydia,

I love your posts. You really know how to capture hilarity.

Brad

Lydia said...

Tiff- I did get the blueberry muffin out. All is well. Thanks!

Brad- The great Brad Hintze finally leaves a comment on my blog. I can't believe it. On my blog. I am giddy with excitement.

Anonymous said...

Not only did the great Brad Hintze leave a comment, but he actually left a post about it on Facebook, so I read it as well! (I'm the PR contractor for Brad's employer, Bungee Labs, BTW). Very funny post! I'm always wondering about the wave laws in Lehi, since it's growing so big. I tend to just nod and that seems to go over fine!

Lydia said...

Kelly W - Brad asked me if he could put a link on his twittering, but I didn't think that anyone would actually take the bait. Welcome.

Lehi is growing big. What's up with that?

Liz Young said...

Lydia, you are so funny, I love to read your posts! I miss you a ton! Are you up for a trip to Home Depot to help me pick out my next kitchen cabinets...LOL! keep in touch.