Annie's Corner
Cartoons are Right
by Anne O. Stout

 Have you ever noticed the cartoon characters with an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other shoulder, well I swear that is me sometimes. My good side and my bad side, my ying and yang that are constantly battling each other with me in the middle trying to referee and not even sure what I am doing. 

 Why is it when someone says an unkind word, or is a jerk to the clerk in the store does the devil want me to retaliate? To make some comments back, and I know this will get me into trouble but have you ever noticed how many folks who are having a bad day take it out on the poor check out person at the grocery store or convenience store. Those clerks should wear a suit of armor as they seem to be a target. One day I had to fight with my little devil to not tell off the customer in front of me who was ranting as the person in front of him was in our express lane with 11 items, not 10 as the sign says. He held us all up with his tantrum instead of just letting the clerk do her job and she had already started so why not just be quiet and stand patient? My devil wanted me to yell something similar to that but I managed to control myself. 

   The angel wants me to stop and help whenever possible which actually makes me feel good most of the time but then there was this elderly lady who I thought needed help getting out of her car with her walker and I got hit with her purse for my efforts. Obviously she did not need my help and resented me even trying. Course I did not do what the devil suggested in that situation either, just walked away red-faced as she yelled and made a scene.

 If my little devil had her way I would give the thick headed folks out there a good swift kick in the pants, like the person behind you who continually beeps his horn when traffic is being held up for construction. Now what is the purpose of the horn, to make the road workers go faster? I am pretty sure reacting the way my little devil wants would constitute road rage, and besides the fool on the horn is even worse off then me. See my little devil is just out to get me into trouble. 

 On the other hand the little angel sure makes life difficult urging me to be kind to everyone, turn the other cheek no matter what has happened? I mean it's tough to ignore the woman snubbing you as you are not her kind and takes a disliking to you without even getting to know you. Guess if it wasn't for the little angel I would be as mean and nasty as those who are mean and nasty to the world. The little angel even allows me to see the good in everyone, although with some I need a high powered telescope but at least I am looking. 

 The little devil does give me the strength to not allow others to run all over me, to move on when it is time, and yes, even self confidence to help combat the jerks, idiots, and malcontents we encounter in our every day lives. 

 Guess when it comes right down to it, I need both my little pests to balance me out, keep me on the right path and show me the way. I just have to realize when to listen to which one and when not to listen for each situation life may throw at me. Ain't asking much am I?