Life's Too Short

Margaret:  You know what really chaps my hide?....When I get an ad in the mail for a house-cleaning service that says "Life's too short to clean your own house."  Can I just say "LIFE'S TOO SHORT NOT TO CLEAN YOUR OWN HOUSE!"  If you've gotten THAT busy then its time to cut something out of your life.  I can see the next ad coming, "Life's too short to raise your own kids."  OR "Life's too short to cook your family a nice meal and sit around the table together."

Bobbi:  Sounds like someone is upset that they have to clean their own house.  I have to be completely honest here...if I had the extra income, I'd pay someone to clean my house once a month. Granted, I would still clean in between but at times I have so much on my plate to think of cleaning my house on top of that adds more stress.  And I'm not even busy doing 'extra' things.  There are times I actually enjoy cleaning because I feel accomplished and I think it makes me appreciate my home better.  But to think of doing baseboards, windows, ceiling fans, etc. makes me tired and I usually don't have the extra time for, hence the pile up of dust on them as we speak.  Plus, if I think someone needs the work I wouldn't mind employing them to clean.  Both of us benefit from it.  Yes, I agree...life's too short, so come over Margaret and clean my house!!

Margaret:  I'm not in the least upset that I have to clean my own house.  (That doesn't mean I always love it and would cancel a lunch date to scrub the toilet OR come and clean your house.)  What I am upset about is the growing feeling of entitlement and even laziness in this country.  And the advertisers are not helping!  These ads aren't aimed at the people who occasionally need the help because of an extended hospital stay or occasionally want to help someone who needs employment.  The tag line, "Life's too short...", is a blatant attempt to devalue the work it takes to clean your own home.  To suggest that my life is too short for me to take the time to clean my home makes me wonder what we DO put value on in this country.

Bobbi:  That could change easily per person.  Like myself, I'd like to think life is too short but I've filled it with volunteer work and many other responsibilities that I feel are worthy of my time.  Others may fill it with video games, late night partying, and selfish desires.  The true statement in this is life IS short.  The advertisement is smart because the meaning could relate on so many levels...maybe life is too short because you work 80 hours a week.  Maybe it's because you are a single mother who already does so much and just needs time with your kids.  OR maybe it's because your feet are chapped and you should be getting a pedicure instead.  In all actuality, the ad was brilliant because it covered any scenario that individuals could be living under. I hope that agency got paid the money they deserve because they did their job right. The fault lies in each one of us.  It's the accountability aspect of not taking a advertisement's word for it, but deep reflection of what we are filling our time with that makes us incapable of doing a fairly simple task of cleaning our homes.

Margaret:  You really should be a defense lawyer!!  But ...if I were on the jury...my questions might be:

1.Who's the target group of this ad?  The number of people working 80 hours a week might be higher than we'd like to see, but still not big enough to be a target group.  The number of single moms is sadly higher than we'd like to see, but still probably not big enough to be a target group either.   From the ad I got the impression that this company is trying to sell the idea that no one should have to clean their own house.

2.What is the value of work?  Let's say a single mother is tired and needs time with her kids.  Great times can be had as a family works together.  You can put some tunes on, work side by side laughing or counseling and then have treats afterward.  I would say, that as important as family recreation is I believe that working together side by side with mom and/or dad is equally, if not more, important and for me resulted in some of the greatest lessons I ever learned.  I needed them more than I wanted them, but they are some of my best and most meaningful memories.  Excellence comes through effort.  I'm not saying it should always be work and no fun, but work can be fun and so rewarding and I worry that many of the children today believe that life is too short for that kind of effort.  Are we raising children that will value volunteer work even if they don't value the work they do within their own homes?

3.What do we value?  Well, you're right, that will be different for every person.  I know this is a generalization and is not true for ALL. but it just feels like there's been such a shift lately.  More emphasis put on relaxing, entertaining, down time or "me"-time than there used to be.  Yes, people have to work hard at their jobs and then come home and don't want to have to work some more.  But when you have a home and a family it requires work, and that's OK.   Teach and train and work and then go out and have some fun together.  The fun will mean a whole lot more.  I guess my biggest concern is what we might see evolve out of attitudes like this ad's message in the coming generations.  If life is indeed short, what will we choose?

So I really wish the advertisers were less brilliant and that as a people (and as consumers) we were more brilliant.

Bobbi:  This really could bring up a WHOLE other issue and I don't want to stray too far from where we've started but I definitely feel it ties in.  Many times, it's the 'reward' people are looking for.  I did this so I deserve that.  I do so much work, I deserve someone to clean my house.  I did my homework, I deserve candy.  I did housework, I deserve a night out.  If individuals could get out of the entitlement mindset, the advertisements might not be so powerful.

Margaret:  So often what we "deserve" is not a thing, but a feeling.  A feeling of accomplishment, satisfaction, success.  What ever happened to doing something just for the intrinsic value of it?  And when did candy become so valuable??  BTW I scrubbed my shower really good today and all I got for it was a clean shower and hands that smell like bleach, but I feel really good about it...there ain't NOTHIN' growin' in that shower!

Bobbi:  Okay, but here is another side.  I seek for and enjoy work...but there are MANY different kinds of work.  For instance, a gentleman I was speaking to recently talked of his yard landscaping.  He loves to have his yard look clean and crisp.  He himself does not like doing yard work, yet this man has a very hard work ethic.  He hires his friend, who owns a landscaping business to do it for him. Because someone else is doing the work that he isn't so great at because his heart isn't into it, this gentleman now works harder at the work he enjoys doing.  There are jobs around my house that the only accomplishment I feel is when it's over is to say the job is done. I don't take a lot of pride in it because all I'm thinking while doing it is that I can't wait for it to be over AND guess what?  I'll be doing the same job again NEXT week.  UGH!   That's not accomplishment, that's misery. Life's too short for that.  I'm not saying work is always going to be fun.  I'm not saying you can't try to make work fun.  Yes, there is intrinsic value to work.  Yes, I feel as families it's important to work together and great memories and lessons are had in doing work.  But I think as individuals and families, the choice isn't so much of the desire to work, but deciding the kind of work that will most benefit those memory building experiences.   But in the meantime, way to give the advertisement MORE audience and airtime.  I'm telling you, brilliant...they even have YOU advertising for THEM.

Liar, Liar

Bobbi:  For some reason that movie came to mind today.  I'm not sure if you've ever seen 'Liar, Liar' because it has some crude humor and I know how much you love that but there is a message within it that has always made me ponder.  What if you were cursed for 24 hours that you couldn't tell a lie?  Sure, it seems easy...but have you ever realized how many 'white lies' are told in a day?  Even if it's not malicious?  I've thought about it many times and yikes, it happens a lot.  Like when someone asks if they look good in an outfit and they really don't.  Or being invited to a dinner and the food tastes like roadkill, but no, you say 'hmm, thanks.' OR like today checking out at the register the attendant asked me how my day was.  I smiled politely and said, 'Fine, how's yours?'  Lie.  If the curse had been upon me I really would have said, 'Well, lady, it's been one hell of a week and today just tipped it on the crappy scale.  I don't feel like making small chit chat with you, so take your smiley chipper self and stick to ringing up my bill.'  Harsh, yes.  True in how my day was going, yes.

Margaret:
1st thought:  I'm sorry you've such a bad week!
2nd thought:  wondering if I've ever served you roadkill....
3rd thought:  if everyone in the whole world was under that same curse there would either be utter chaos or perfect order.
I think truly honest people will also be fair and kind.  It seems to me that if a person has learned how to be true and honest in heart that the other pillars of character would be strong as well; thereby administering the truth with a dose of respect, propriety, discretion and kindness. 
And another thing--just like in "Liar, Liar" it falls upon the parents to teach honesty to their children.  I heard recently about a mother who is suing her daughter's school because they (school administrators) disciplined her daughter for stealing!!!

Bobbi:  Wouldn't that mean that you would have to be pretty much perfect?!  I can make my actions polite and consistent, but that doesn't mean my thoughts are like that.  I like to think of myself as an honest person with a true heart...but my thoughts don't always coincide with that.  Maybe it's the makeup of my brain.  I'm quite positive that if anyone could 'see' my thoughts over a 24 hour period of time they'd swear they've entered into a 3 ring circus.  My mind goes a million miles a minute with things popping in that I can't always control.  And the 'things' are usually something people would see while being high from drug intake.  Trust me, the bad things I try my hardest to kick out...but when it comes to someone asking me a question, my mind goes immediately to a VERY honest answer...luckily, I've learned to use that brief second window to translate the answer into something polite.  That wasn't always the case. I only used to open my mouth long enough to stick the other foot in.  So, now you've left me thinking...is my honest self the one in my head or the one that I have tamed to come out?  If I had to be completely honest for 24 hours which 'me' would pipe up?
So the scenario with the student...I'd be interested in what she told her parent.  It could be that they have so much TRUST in what she's saying that she is giving them a great lie of an excuse and they can't bear to think that their daughter could lie to them.

Margaret:  So I'm thinking the "curse" would mean utter chaos!  The problem with the "curse" is that it takes away the choice of IF and HOW we deliver the truth.  Telling the truth and the IF and HOW we tell the truth are completely different issues.  The IF: Holding our tongue doesn't make us dishonest.  The HOW: We can tell the truth without any thought for the consequence or we can tell the truth with regard for others and their feelings.
You know what would be a funny movie?...The one where the guy has to tell the truth for 24 hours, but he has to sugar-coat it!!  "No, that outfit doesn't really look that good on you, but I bet it would look really good on Mildred."  OR  "I don't really like the food you're serving tonight, but at least it doesn't taste like roadkill."

Bobbi:  Is that your idea of sugar coating?  Those examples are just adding more insult to injury!  Wow, I sure hope you never sugar coat anything on me.  I think we should do a 24 hour Liar, Liar experiment between you and I.

Margaret:  Hmmmm....with or without sugar-coating??
You know, I had to serve dinner to a VERY large crowd this week and I just kept thinking about "roadkill"!!  I sat there watching them take every bite, as if in slow motion.  I was loving all the "yummy"s I was getting until I heard a 4 year old say, "I want something different to eat."  I know a 4 year old's taste buds need a little maturing, but I think I found her honesty very refreshing! :)  The interesting thing is I don't know how refreshing it would have been if I had heard it mumbled under the breath of one of the adults!

Bobbi:  Just goes to show this world isn't ready for the truth.  But if truth is what you're looking for, ask a 4 year old.

Keeping Up With the Joneses

Margaret:  I was listening to the radio the other day and a women called into the show to say, "I'm glad we're in a recession because now I don't have to keep up with the Joneses."  HELLLLLOOOOO!!!  Who ever said you HAD to keep up with the Joneses?  Recession is a mighty high price for the rest of us to pay so that she could finally feel uncomfortable spending more than she has.  But I am glad she's thinking more clearly now.  The world has too many 'Joneses' anyway. 

Bobbi:  Maybe it isn't the Joneses pocketbook she's trying to keep up with.  It could quite possibly be the attitude or the upturned noses of the Joneses that have her upset.  I don't think some people feel they have to keep up, it's they feel if they aren't keeping up then they aren't 'good enough' because they are intentionally made to feel that way.  I'm not saying to celebrate recession or that anyone deserves it, but it does give people much to think about. It makes people reflect on what matters most in life. So while maybe people like the Joneses are going through the humbling aspect of it...those who've been true in humbleness while times were good, I think could feel a sense of being justified that maybe the Joneses will finally 'see' them as individuals and not by the products they use, cars they drive, or what street they live on.

Margaret:   Unfortunately, I'm afraid a lot of the Joneses pride runs a little too deep.  And I wonder if even a recession will root it out of them or humble them.   But, the Joneses are not the only ones suffering from pride.  My stinging worry about what the Joneses think of me is a form of pride also.  Pride can be so divisive.  It divides into those who have and those who do not; whether it be money, education, employment, skills, cars and toys, fame or popularity, fashion, creativity, food, friends, health and even life experiences.  PRIDE DIVIDES.  It singles out the difference rather than the commonality.
Pride has been and always will be the downfall of nations.  "A house divided cannot stand."  So if a recession wakes us all up and serves to unify us then I guess I could be glad for a recession too.  But will it take more than that?

Bobbi:  One thing I know, most won't admit they're being prideful.  Maybe because they don't realize that's what it is because they classify it as 'love.'  The Joneses could be feeling they are making up for what they lacked as children.  I think they feel it is a way to show their love for children.  I remember being a kid and wanting so much what my peers had.  I vowed that when I had children I would do more for them than I was receiving.  I didn't want them to feel humiliated at times like I did.  So I think the Joneses could be looking at it as now they aren't under their parents home/money/rules and they have the ability to make money and make the choices they never had the opportunity to make.  Is it the right thing to do?  I don't know other than it seems to raise a more 'entitled' generation.  I do know what you are talking about as well.  There are individuals who are livid with those who make generous money and buy nice things. There are those who want the wealthy to feel guilty because of their wealth.  My feelings are...if they worked and earned it, they should not be made to feel guilty for what they have.  The irritation I have is when they feel those things make them a 'better' person than those without.  But you are right, rich/poor, thin/fat, black/white, old/young...anyone is capable of pride.  Some are just better at showing it.  And I feel those walls can come down, but history proves...over time it will always resurface it's ugly head.  Recession can be a wake up call, but it's not a cure.

Margaret:  VERY well said!  I know the cure.  Just not sure everybody wants to hear it.
I must admit there have been times during this last week and this last conversation of ours that I have been keenly aware of and evaluating my own thoughts and behavior and wondered where I was on the pride spectrum.  Do I build and unify or do I divide with my thoughts, words and actions?  It takes so much self-control!  It is hard work, but probably not as hard as trying to keep up with the Joneses!

Bobbi:  Bottom line:  Never keep up with the Joneses.  Drag them down to your level.

See Food

Bobbi:  I was dining at Red Lobster last week.  I was enjoying my food, looking around at the ambiance.  My attention turned over to my left where a beautiful fish tank was placed with many fish...they were watching me eat my meal.  I suddenly lost my appetite.  That's messed up.  You don't see cows grazing around at Texas Road House.

Margaret:  Yeah, but I've seen 'em at Chick-fil-a!!  First of all, if you wanna eat fish, then go ahead.  Own it!  Awkward or not, you are a hungry person who needs to eat fish for high cholesterol.  Second of all, since fish have FEELINGS...you should probably just stay home and eat tuna out of a can!!

Bobbi:  Not REAL cows at Chick-fil-a.  How well do you think other restaurants would do if they stalked live animals of what they serve?  Does it not give you a bit of the heebie jeebies?  I feel guilty, especially when they're looking me in the eye. Own it?  Like as in take my food right up to the tank and make out with it in front of the fish?  You are cold!  And who's to say fish don't have feelings?

Margaret:  Hmmm...making out with a fish??    Could be fun....  OR...a cow!
OK.  So if fish have feelings, can you imagine how guilty the guys in the tank are feeling?!  Ooops!  I mean "gals".  The guy fish probably DON'T have feelings!

Bobbi:  I said make out with the food, not the fish...though that's a new thought.  I think while the gal fish were watching me in horror, the guy fish were checking me out.  The guy fish have feelings of reproduction...beyond that I'm not sure.

Margaret:  I had a fish tank once.  The guy fish ate all the babies.....

Bobbi: They probably deserved it.  You know what would be cute...if the fish wore little HATS!  Dinner and a show.

Margaret:  I would have to walk out.

Bobbi:  So, you're saying you prefer them naked?  Scandalous.  So this is interesting:  I went on Google to find any kind of picture of a fish with a hat on.  NOTHING.  This is an untapped market.  Margaret, I see dollar signs and our future secure.  Imagine the possibilities....

Margaret:  I suppose TWO people might get a kick out of it.

Bobbi:  Two is better than one. If I have to see my food, at least I can be entertained during the process. It's ALL about entertainment.

'The Help' Leaves Me Needing Help

Bobbi:  I saw 'The Help' on Friday night.  I loved it.  I believe it is a must see movie for everyone. I have never had any problems being 'racial.'  My mother did.  If I dated someone of another race it about sent her to her grave.  I always had the understanding that people are people.  I make an effort to try and be kind to everyone.  So why was it awkward as I went to the restroom after the movie to be in line with black women and not know how to act?  I felt if I smiled or started conversation (like I usually do) that these women would *think the only reason I was doing it was because of the movie.  So I did nothing, which seemed even more awkward.  Today at Walmart, I was in the printer aisle getting some ink.  I was with my significant other who was helping me find what I needed.  Right next to us was a black woman in a wheelchair.  I proceeded to ask, 'hey, do we need the black one or the colored one?' and she shot me a look that could kill...until she realized and remembered that we were ALL looking at printer ink.   What is happening to me??  This movie has made me too hypersensitive now.  HELP!


Margaret:  First of all, if you wanna smile and say 'hi' to someone in the restroom, then go ahead.  Own it.   Awkward or not...just be yourself.  You are a friendly person, to everyone, and no one need question that or your intentions.  If they do question it is because they are prejudiced.  (Prejudice is defined as 'prejudgement,  misjudgement,  preconception', etc.)  If they presume your intentions, they are basing them on little or no knowledge of who you really are.  They are basing them on their own past experiences (and their 'prejudgement, misjudgement, or preconception' of you).  Well, you are not responsible for their past experiences.  But on the other hand, if we presume their reaction to our intentions then what are we basing THAT on?  Our own prejudice or misjudgement?


Bobbi:  I've always been taught to think of others before myself.  Sometimes that can be a burden because I find it affecting how I act because I worry too much on how others will perceive things.  So how do I find a balance?  How do you find balance?


Margaret:  The burden of worrying about how others will perceive things becomes lighter when our desire and efforts to be nice to everyone are increasingly more true and genuine.  That increase comes from a constant effort to nurture and refine that God-given light in each of us--learning to love ourselves and others as God loves us.  As that genuine love and light grows, it will be evident to others and it will be less likely that they will take offense or misjudge.
But there will always be some who ignorantly and obnoxiously misjudge.  Life is about choice.  And while sometimes I'd really like to, I can not choose how others will perceive or react.  I do not like many of Pres. Obama's policies or ideologies, but because I disagree with him there are some that would say I am racist or a mean person (the newspaper told me so).  I am neither.  There are some that would say that because I do not support a homosexual lifestyle I am hateful, or bigoted.  I am neither.  But are not THOSE people prejudiced?
So, while I CAN NOT choose for everyone and what they think of me or what I stand for, I CAN choose to be true, genuine, humble and kind.


Bobbi:  I understand, and that's what I strive for.  The hardest part is most people are jaded from their life experiences- so to trust someone to be genuine within the first 5 minutes is very hard for some to do. Most feel trust is something earned and not freely given.  I know that because I've seen myself do it at times just by life experiences I've had within the past few years.  I used to believe everything a person told me until proven otherwise.  And for the most part...that is still the case.  BUT, I have also been around some individuals who through their works have proven to be dishonest, unethical individuals seeking a personal agenda.  I've been sucked in before only to be horribly let down.  I think some individuals are just weary from being let down so many times.  So, the question I leave for myself in reflecting on my earlier comments of perceived comments or gestures is that I should take a look in the mirror.  Am I going to give someone the benefit of the doubt and prove me wrong rather than living a life of conspiracy theories and have them prove me right?  Either way, I get hurt.  So you are right, my friend, the high road is always the right one.


Margaret:  "Be not weary in well-doing."
Remember, world, we fight prejudice (TOWARD us or FROM us) with forgiveness, patience, wisdom, honesty, generosity.  And when you feel hurt, judged, put-down or let-down instead of using your strength to stay bitter or make a plan of revenge DONATE your strength to building goodness and character in others.  And when you look in that proverbial mirror...look past your own nose and don't forget to SMILE!


Bobbi:  Honestly, I think that's why being an attorney has always seemed appealing to me.  You walk into a courtroom, guns blazing, saying what needs to be said without worrying about 'feelings' getting in the way.  It sounds cold and heartless.  It takes far more work building 'goodness and character' in others.  Can you tell...at my age I'm getting tired of being a 'builder'?  But it is so ingrained in me that I don't think I could change who I am.  I don't think I'd fall asleep at night feeling better if I chose to be any different.  It reminds me of the movie 'You've Got Mail'.  Meg Ryan so badly wanted to tell Tom Hanks of what a horrible person she thought he was.  She spoke of how she tossed and turned at night thinking of all the things she'd wished she said. So one day she worked up the courage to speak her mind without a thought of the other person.  She states, "for the first time in my life I was able to say the exact thing I wanted to say at the exact moment I wanted to say it. And of course, afterwards I felt terrible just as you said I would. I was cruel and I'm never cruel. Though I can hardly believe what I said mattered to this man. To him, I am just a bug to be crushed. But what if it did? No matter what he's done to me there is no excuse for my behavior."  


I think of that movie scene often when I am tempted to do the same thing.  I think sometimes the 'right' words not coming at the 'right' time is a blessing. 

Margaret:  Like...when you called me an "old bitty"??!!  :)


Bobbi:  I have no problem saying that any time any place.  Old Bitty.

Margaret:  Just remember, if you're standing in line in the restroom don't call the lady in front of you an "Old Bitty"!


Bobbi: Only if she's white.

The British have Invaded

Bobbi:  I just realized yesterday that my alarm system on my house speaks with a British accent.  It isn't a British company, therefore, what's the point?  Is a British voice supposed to have a more calming effect? Be more authoritative? Make me feel more elite? Eventually get me to have an accent too...because she talks ALL the time.  Guaranteed in her politeness, she isn't going to scare off any crime seekers.

Margaret:  Ummm...why is your alarm going off ALL the time?  Did you leave the front door ajar again?  Last week it was leaving the groceries out in the car.  You know, this memory thing of yours is starting to worry me a little!!

Bobbi:  It's because I live such an active lifestyle that I'm always going in and out of the doors, therefore she is always speaking in her perfect little British accent.  'Front Door'  'Back door' 'Armed'
Disarmed'  etc.  It does remind me of the time I dated the Australian fellow.  Not much to look at, but his voice was so exotic.  If only I could have kept my eyes closed indefinitely then things may have gone different between us.  The main difference here with the issue at hand is this is a woman, her voice is annoying to me and I don't think she'd be effective in protecting my home.

Margaret:  You've been bitter ever since you found out Mel Gibson isn't really Australian.  I'll bet he'd be effective in protecting your home!!

Bobbi:  He'd be effective in beating me senseless in my home.   If we are talking effectiveness, I'm thinking Ninja.  Imagine:  'Get out of my house now!!!'  (in a strong, yelling, Asian accent with sounds of swords clinging).

Margaret:  So...EVERY time you open a door or window you want someone to yell "Get out of my house now!!!" at you?  That WOULDN'T get old.  You'd walk in the front door, hear that and drop your bag of groceries (if you remember to bring them in).  Maybe it could just say, "I'm warning you, I know Kung Fu!!"  OR... how about Snow White...singing....  Calming, authoritative, elite and without an accent.

Bobbi:  How about no voice?  I don't need someone to tell me what door just opened.  Since I use the door, I'm pretty sure I know which one I opened.  At least give me an option like my GPS to turn it off.  I may be old, but I'm not stupid.  So either make me a ninja voiced alarm or leave me alone.

No Love In an Elevator

Bobbi:  Every time I'm at the mall or the airport or frankly anywhere I ride the elevator this scenario NEVER fails.  Once the doors open and I'm ready to exit the elevator, there is ALWAYS at least one impatient folk on the other side waiting to bulldoze me over to get in.  Where is the elevator etiquette?  Do people truly think that no one will be there when the magical doors open?

Margaret:  That's because they can't wait to get on that elevator with all your 70-year-old HOTNESS!  But seriously, just take the stairs like I do... that's how I keep up my 70-year-old HOTNESS!

Bobbi:  Seriously?  That's your answer to this question?  Okay then, lets talk about the stairs or even the escalator for that matter.  That is a whole other issue.  There are always the young ones who get impatient and suddenly the feeling of hot humid air is felt as they're breathing down your back while sighing as they have no understanding that in our heads we are moving as fast as they are.  And then there are the ones who PASS you.  Humiliating.  Lets be honest, you stopped traveling by elevator since your gas issue has lost control.  In fact, I remember the last time you were on an elevator.  You couldn't hold it in, therefore everyone was trapped with the permeating smell while you tried to blame it on the young child with a diaper.  No, I don't think toddlers eat bologna sandwiches with tuna spread.

Margaret:  You just wish you could still eat bologna and tuna spread!  Ok, so back to the elevator issue (and I'm not just trying to divert attention).

This is an issue that goes far beyond the elevator!  I feel it in line at the bank, in the left-hand turn lane, the cafeteria lunch line (there are just so many choices), JC Penny dressing rooms, and the list goes on and on.  I know we live in a world full of "faster".  Faster internet, faster food, faster cars, faster children... But "faster" does not always = "happier"!  Sometimes it just equals "selfishier" and "lack-of-self-controllier"!  So what are we going to do to help save the world, Bobbi?

Bobbi:  We hire Disneyland employees.  They stand at the elevator doors, count how many are in your party, and tell you when you can board while the others exit.  Disneyland not only has it down right, but has also established in doing so that they have created 'the happiest place on earth.'

SAVED.

Margaret:  Ok!  But they have to be cute.  Can we require that??

Bobbi:  Disneyland is an equal opportunity employer, so I suppose we should be too for the happy factor.  I guess even ugly people deserve to be happy.