The Little Things

Do you know what it means to "Bic" someone? That's a Gen X slang term for stealing someone's lighter. It used to happen frequently when a group of friends got together to smoke weed.  The joint goes out, you borrow someone's lighter to relight it, the conversation goes on with you being fully engaged, the owner of the lighter gets distracted, eventually you forget about it, stick it in your pocket and walk away. 

There are a couple of my friends who became known for this. One guy even had a collection of stolen lighters that he bragged about. He kept them in a little box that he would show you when you went to his house.  It wasn't that he was trying to do anything wrong, it was just because he was stupid.  Eventually he got a reputation for it, so whenever somebody was missing a lighter, they would go right to him.

Pens are another common item that gets stolen frequently without people even realizing it.  I'm reminded of the pens that are attached to the little chains, that are stuck to the counter in the bank or post office.  

So, why would I even bring up something like this on a blog about wisdom?  Because it's an example of the little things that real humans do that irritate each other. It's one of the little mistakes that some people make, often without even realizing it, but at the expense of another. It's taking away a little thing from somebody, that would result in nothing more than a minor inconvenience. 

It's still wrong though, isn't it? Eventually you'll move on and forget about it, the person may never even realize what happened to their lighter or pen, it will hardly have any impact on their lives, but it's still wrong.

The thing about these little things is that they add up over time.  A lot of little things in a relationship, for example, can lead to big problems eventually causing her to get sick of your shit and throw you right out on your butt. It also gives her a lot to use against you in the future, because she will remember and throw it in your face every chance she gets. 

Also, something that seems little to you, may be pretty big to somebody else. You never know.

The good thing about the little things is the good little things that you do in the world are multiplied in the same way.  Think about it.  

The TikTok Ban

Today I want to bring it back into the secular world.  Specifically, the looming TikTok ban that is set to happen this coming Sunday, January 19th, 2025.  

The US Government is concerned that the app can be used to spy on Americans, and that the Chinese Government can demand collected information from the company which owns and runs TikTok.  

Sadly, this means that a lot of content creators, who have been making a living off of TikTok are about to lose their income.  It's going to happen, Just Like That.

@isatandstared Replying to @Maddie🌛 ♬ original sound - Kass Theaz

As a content creator myself, I feel the pain.  In fact, I once ran a blog that covered a very controversial topic that became somewhat successful and even made a little bit of money through Google AdSense, only to have it cut off the minute Google made a new rule that my blog apparently didn't follow.  Just like that, it was gone.  

Now I blog for the artistic and creative expression rather than the money.  If I can make a little bit, then great, but I have learned not to rely on it.  It takes too much work.

We shall see what happens though.

The Smoking Spot

I had a humbling experience yesterday.  I, for a moment, got to experience the way some people live.  

I went to see an old friend for the first time in years.  He has a lot of health problems.  He always has.  They have gotten worse over the years.  It was sad to see.  I need to pray for him.  He is in a weakened state.  

My friend has been living in a large building in South Portland Maine, with apartments that are subsidized for the elderly and disabled.  This place has become somewhat of a community.  Most of the people are unable to work but are able to live independently in their own flats.  They don't really go anywhere.  Maybe the grocery store.  Maybe the doctor.  Maybe to church.  

With that, his life has fallen into a repetitive pattern.  In other words, he has adopted this lifestyle which is common in these types of places.  

The place has a strict no smoking rule.  There is no smoking allowed on the premises, no smoking allowed in the apartments, so those who do smoke have to go outside onto a little side street, which has become a sort of community gathering spot for the smokers of "whatever" who live in the building.  

While out there, these people have no protection from the elements.  There are no benches to sit on.  There are no ashtrays set up.  For those who have cars, these cars have become their smoking rooms.  It's a luxury not shared by all who live in the building.  They sit smoking while listening to the radio or watching Tic Tok on their smartphones.  

One guy was smoking what was left of a big old stogey, another sat in his car smoking a joint.  Marijuana is legal in Maine, so it has become part of the way of life there.  You're not supposed to smoke weed in a car, but they do.  A couple more people sat there in their wheelchairs on the side of the road smoking their cigarettes.  This is what these people do all day.  They sit in their apartments until it's time to go have a smoke.  Then they go out in the freezing cold.  Then go back in.  The lucky ones who have their cars at least have protection from the elements.  Most don't.  

I quit smoking years ago, but even when I did, I never had to do anything like that.  It's just ridiculous to me.  This is really the way of life for some.  They'll sit in their apartments watching something on TV, then go outside to have a smoke.  Then they do it all over again, and again and again.  It goes on all day.  

It made me realize how good I have it.  It makes me see how lucky I really am.  My life could be so much worse, so much more mundane.  Sure, it could be better.  But I have what I need.  I have my health.  I have my stability.  I have opportunities.  I have a family.  I have my strength (for the most part).  I have options.  

Still, I spend too much time focusing on what I don't have, and thinking I'd be happy if I did.  Imagine that.  

So let that be a lesson in gratitude for you.  Because if your life at least has a little spice in it, you got it good.