It was the day before Christmas Eve, and we decided to take our kids out to see the lights, walk Loyalsock Park, and stop and grab a bite for dinner last minute. The kids ask to go to Pizza Hut. When we went there it was super busy. The lady sat us and said she would be with us as soon as she could. There was no one else on the floor helping her. God bless her, she was running around like a crazy person trying to keep up. I felt so bad for her. She got emotional, and I asked her if I could help clear tables for her. She appreciated the offer and giggled as she wiped tears from her eyes, saying that her and her husband were supposed to go out and finish shopping, but because a worker who never showed up for their shift, she couldn’t go. So, her hubby was helping her bus tables for a while before we got there. (How sweet was he to do that?) But how rude and irresponsible of this person to not show up for their job. The day before Christmas Eve no less. Like this lady had nothing better to do but to cover her shift. You have a job, do it! They hired you to count on you to be there when they ask you to be there! I was super proud of the folks around me at other tables though. So understanding, and Pizza Hut handled it well by giving away a lot of free pizzas that night. I know a few of us left some really nice tips for this sweet lady though, who gave up her night with plans because of someone else’s irresponsibility.

Then, the day after Christmas, I went to Weis on Lycoming Creek Road about lunch time to get some Christmas candy on sale and just went to the self-checkout. Some lady, one self check out down from me scanning her items was all pissy and talking to herself saying, “This is bullcrap and blah blah blah.” (And that’s me putting it nicely!) No clue what her issue was. She then got madder and was looking for help. A girl who worked there walked around the corner and this lady says, “HEY YOU! Come over here. I need help.” Like are you kidding me lady!? Were you raised in a barn!? No, that’s insulting to animals because they would never treat a human like this woman did with this poor young worker. Guess if this lady would have used her eyeballs and read, “Must buy three to get them for this price,” then you would have known now wouldn’t you? Then maybe you wouldn’t have acted like a — well, I’ll just stop right there.
Deep breath Andrea, deep breath.

What are we coming to? If someone holds a door for you, say thank you. If someone lets you out in your vehicle in busy traffic, a hand wave of thanks means a lot. If you need help from a worker, ask politely. Remember, they are just like me and you. We all have feelings. And if you have a job, and they count on you, show up. I mean, it’s that easy. If you have an attitude, and you are going to be nasty, then just stay home. We need more positive, kind people who are going to make a difference in someone’s day. Even just a smile to a stranger can change somebody’s day. Let’s be a little kinder and make the world a better place.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

• 6 white potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
• 1 small onion, chopped fine
• 3 cups of extra sharp cheese, shredded
• 6 Tbsp of butter
• 4 Tbsp flour
• 3 cups of milk
• Salt and Pepper
• 3 cups of cooked ham, cut into chunks

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a baking dish and set aside. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook for one minute. Remove the saucepan from the heat, then slowly add in the milk. Return to medium heat and whisk constantly until it comes to a simmer. When sauce has started to thicken, add one cup of shredded cheese. Stir till melted. Add salt and pepper. Set aside.

Spread out half of the potatoes on the bottom of a 9 by 12 buttered casserole dish. Top with half the onions, half the ham, and half the cheese. Top with half the sauce. Continue to layer again, and remaining cheese on top. Bake for an hour or until potatoes are tender and top is golden. After baking, let it sit 5 to 10 minutes to set.