Do I have to Repeat Myself Again?

For whatever reason, I tend to say things in duplicate. For example, the other day I gave directions to the counter girl at Culver’s twice on how to customize my Cement Mixer (their version of a DQ Blizzard). Sadly, though, the standard mixture was delivered to my table instead. Delicious, mind you, but not concocted to the specifications I had requested. Twice. (On a previous visit, they were the ones who suggested the custom blend in the first place. Go figure.)

The custard still tasted good, but I had to swallow a little disappointment with it. Was I unclear? Both times?

I am not sure how my habit started, but I might have to go back to my first-grade class. I begged Mrs. White at least twice each arts and crafts day to remove the ban on my jar of tasty Elmer‘s paste. I also repeatedly asked her not to stick me in the corner. (In addition to my repetition problem, I had squirming issues.) I even repeated things talking to myself in said corner.

Or maybe I modeled it from Mom who repeated herself often. She was constantly asking if I washed behind my ears, if I cleaned my room, or if I got in trouble with Mrs. White again. I know it wasn’t from Dad. He was more of a tell-you-once type of guy.

I often repeat myself in ordinary, day-to-day conversations. I’ll remark about something obvious, like the weather. Then, in the next minute, I’ll repeat my meteorological observation.

I’m learning a little Spanish now, possibly to prepare for a trip to Mexico, or maybe even Costa Rica. Soon I’ll be able to repeat myself in two languages.

Sometimes I’ll repeat myself because I forgot I already said it . . . a minute ago. That’s a whole other story.

It’s not just conversation. I blink my lights twice at trucks to OK a lane change. Most seem to ignore me and just change when they feel like it. Maybe my headlight lenses need cleaning.

I’ll walk past the stove at home twice (at least) around lunchtime. But I still have to wait till noon to eat.

Back to Culver’s, though. I was almost finished with my culinary treat when a new thought hit me like a cement truck. Maybe repetition cancels out the first request. Like in grammar when two negative words cancel each other out and create a positive sentence. Maybe I only have to say or do things once!

I started my rehab on the way home. I blinked my lights once and the trucker responded right on cue. I signaled a couple more trucks, but I accidentally blinked twice both times. This is going to take a while.

Bonnie and I are going to my high school reunion in a few days. I figure while I’m with my old classmates I’ll probably repeat everything I said at the last reunion. However, we may be at that age where no one will remember, or even care. But can I say everything just once this time?

Another big test will come at home this week. Can I stroll past the stove and gawk only once? I doubt if that will move my lunchtime up, but I’m sure my wife will appreciate the gesture.

I’ve determined that on my next trip to Culver’s I’ll give special instructions only once. I’m optimistic. That is, if I can overcome my old habits. If I can overcome my old habits.