The Financial Impact of Personification

I personify most things.

The other day I was enjoying an afternoon conversation with my new neighbor and friend.  She was sharing with me how they had chosen their home.  We were discussing the various spec homes available in our community and upon mention of one that I enjoyed I interjected how lovely "she" was.

Stephanie immediately picked up on the reference and asked if I spent time in France.  The French personify everything-she'd lived there for a few years.

I pondered how cultured I could sound if the reply was, "Of course I've spent time overseas, most particularly in a quaint village in southern France.  Please join me chez moi, it would give me great joy to share my fine art collection with you."  This would also have met my unending desire to use some of the French I took in High School.

I decided against this.

I also couldn't bring myself to share landscape stories of the 4 years I spent in Central Illinois for college.

I just personify.  Plain and simple.  I don't even realize it.

After being shouted a particularly loud and happy greeting at the Starbucks drive thru this morning, I placed my order for a tall decaf mocha and decided to step outside my comfort zone.

I was talking to my friend Jennifer last night at 5:00 p.m.  She was in the Starbucks drive thru and ordering a vendi beverage and oatmeal.  The late evening beverage order left me aghast, while the oatmeal intrigued me.  She ordered it with brown sugar and attested to its tastiness.

What the heck?  I'll try an oatmeal, too please.  On this lovely morning, I might add.

The fast talking gentleman asked me if I wanted brown sugar, fresh fruit and numerous other toppings.  Nothing was appealing in terms of garnishes, so I said, "No thank you, just a naked oatmeal."  He laughed and I heard him share the comment with his fellow coworkers.  

Well I might as well just pack up the day and go to bed.  It's not going to get any better than this.  I was just funny.  And making a Starbucks employee laugh is icing on the cake because they don't hire uninteresting people.

It did get better and it was only 8:42 a.m.

I pulled up and cringed as I usually do when paying ample of amounts of currency to feel high for a few hours.  The outspoken gentleman with entertaining glasses told me that the car in front of me had paid my bill.  The man had heard my "naked oatmeal" comment and said that may be the hardest he's laughed in a long time and he would like to pay for my order.

While simultaneously reveling in my financial streak of luck and renewed trust in the downright goodness of people, I silently wondered how everyone didn't have the same views.

If oatmeal is left untopped....isn't she indeed, naked?