Salt of the Earth

There was this dude that I used to work with at Microsoft who took it on as his own personal vendetta to make farting a normal part of life.

He'd fart in front of anyone at any time. I think he felt that farting was just a part of natural existence, and we should all be able to fart at will whenever and wherever we please.

A smart man, with a PhD in Physics from Cal Tec no less, he'd fart whenever the urge occurred. I heard various comments on his activities and not once did I ever hear anyone say something like, "You know, that guy farts whenever he wants. I admire that about him."

Rather, they were like, "You know, that guy farts and he is so strange. It's just wrong."

Folks. There are just some things you'll never be able to change in society -- no matter how you think it should be. Public farting will never be okay. You can't change the world's opinion about farting by doing it.

I guess that's NOT being Salt of the Earth.

I did learn a lesson about being Salt of the Earth this week though. The dude I talk about that rides my bus. You know, the guy with less-than-full mental faculties available to him?

Well, he turned 54 on Tuesday, November 1st. I knew his birthday was coming up because he'd mentioned it a few times in the past. I didn't know for sure which day in November it was, though.

Another guy on our bus, I'll call him Bob because that's his real name, had many of us on the bus sign a card for my other friend. I figured, he'd just give our friend the card.

He didn't. He gave him a balloon tied to a Dunken Donuts Munchkin's box, a bag with puzzle books in it, and a new hat.

Now that, my friends, is being Salt of the Earth. Could I have done something like that? Sure! Did I? Nope. Didn't even think about.

I'm telling you all. I learn more and more every day from my bus-ride friends.

Until next time....