An interesting week… As I write this, another seven days have passed without word from the Teacher Retirement System. Last week, if you remember, I talked with State Representative Stallings, and he had spoken to a "Jerry Gilbert" with the retirement system. Mr. Gilbert indicated to Representative Stallings that he would have a written reply to me "shortly." I’m not laughing as I imagine Mr. Gilbert slowly and carefully preparing a reply that might obliquely confront our questions without really saying anything. So much for bureaucrats. I still think that the length of time it is taking these public servants to reply speaks volumes, both to the specific questions and also to the efficiency of our state employees as a whole.

I’ve had several comments about my "Three Bears" story last week. For the most part, I have been encouraged to refrain from attempting to fracture fables in the future. Grin. Who knows, but it seems sometimes when I sit down at the keyboard, strange forces take over and begin to control my fingers.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to travel and spend time with my family. A great visit, but I did have my critics when I shared my past columns with them. My Father wondered why I was so unhappy. Then he adjusted and said something to the effect that a critic has to be critical. As Mr. Chappell said a few weeks ago, the Star does not exist to be a "cheerleader" for anybody… But my Dad’s comments did get me thinking.

It has always been my observation that as people grow older they split into two camps. The first group flows along with life, adopting the philosophy of St. Francis, accepting the things they can’t change, and generally enjoying life to its fullest. The second group wallows in misery, only happy when they have someone to share their complaints with, living a sarcastic life. It takes effort and introspection for me sometimes to put things in perspective and insure that I’m still on the right path!

Nevertheless, I must leave you with some local "pet peeves."

Number one on my list are those obscenely gross people who leave dirty diapers in the Wal-Mart parking lot! Who raised these people? What will their children be like?

What about local officials whose small grasp of the English language leaves them only profanity to express their feelings? How about the planners at the University who erected "speed bumps" that resemble motocross jumps? You durn near need four-wheel drive to get over ‘em! Speaking of "planners", who decided to build a "bypass" (hehe) and install traffic lights everywhere? The word "overpass" comes to mind. It takes as long to get from the University out to exit 5 as it does to get from there to downtown Atlanta! Last, but not least, what about those big-name local businesses that refuse to accept local checks… Have a great week and keep smiling!