my thoughts were so loud...

welcome to a second volume of my generalizations. volume one had to do with the ever popular college visits. i present you with volume two: adventures in bell ringing. i've pretty consistantly participated in the bell ringing process. i can't call myself an expert, but i like to pretend i know what im talking about. so, appease me.

every winter, around thanksgiving time, you see those fire engine red canisters making a home in front of your favorite chain shopping centers. those bells just keep going and going and going...the people ringing them sometimes sing or dance to get extra contributions, but most of the time the bell ringing is sufficient. there are a few types of people that contribute, or in some cases don't contribute, but the one thing they have in common is they are out shopping. and are human. that's about it. let me introduce a few of them to you:

• The Avoider- the Avoider could also be referred to as the "Grinch". these people behave a bit, well, oddly. they book past you, avoiding eye contact at all costs. or they look at you, say "oh, i dont have any change. i'll get ya on the way out", and then 20min. later you see them walking out the OTHER entrance. or they start walking toward the door you are ringing bells at, see you there, then abruptly turn and go in the other doors about 50yrds away , even when its like a bajillion degrees below outside. unfortunately for the avoiders, they are the ones that might end up getting smited.
• The "I'm-doing-something-generous-but-don't-want-anyone-to-see" Giver- these donors perplex me. they give, some of the times very generously, but when they do give you money you hardly see them because they are trying to fly past you faster than superman. unfortunately for this group, they are so concentrated on putting the money in quickly they do the exact opposite. the money gets stuck or falls all over the place and they suddenly appear to be dressed in a giant hamburger costume dancing the hokey pokey (for those of you who don't get the analogy cos they aren't on the SATs any more, im just saying the become extremely obvious).
• The Elves-ok, i guess it's not very nice to call them elves, but this group is made up of little kids that want to give money so they beg their parents to give them a quarter, and they wander up to the bucket all shy and such, and typically can't reach the "x" in the bucket to put the money in. however, this is my favorite group. they are so darn cute. and after they donate, they skip away.
• The Sympathizers-this group is typically comprised of the older generations. they are the ones that donate cos "you're doing a great job!" or they wonder "aren't you cold?!". this group is nice too, but it sometimes gets a bit awkward. especially if you can't understand what they are saying and you end up just smiling and nodding. its nice, but awkward.
• The Do-Gooders-these guys donate a reasonable amount and are quite pleasant. they donate, give a notion of "happy holidays" or whatnot, then go on with their lives. they are the ones that see you when they get out of their cars and whip out the wallet before they get to the entrance.
• The "Keep-the Change"ers-these people just dump all the coins out of their wallet. or they walk out of the store with their 43 cents change and put it in the bucket as they leave.

well, that's about it. sure there are a few more, but these people make up a majority of the population. don't be discouraged by any of my generalizations, expect for the Avoider one. the donations are always greatly appreciated. if i might quote the sign attached to the buckets, donating should get you a "hearty 'thank you!'". and you will just feel good. besides, nobody would want to get smited right before the holidays. on the bright side, that would just mean a little more holiday pie for everyone else....just kidding.

happy thanksgiving!