I’ve got some hefty fears. Let’s compare notes, shall we?
Global warming scares the hibbie-jeebies out of me. I picture polar bears drowning, the air unbreathable (thank you China), the oceans polluted beyond repair, nukes being tossed over by Russia, and Kim Kardashian as first lady. Dear God Almighty…just kill us all now.
We should all fear stupid people with important jobs. There should be a standard rule that if you are a doctor, nurse, real estate mogul or a big shot lawyer, you should be smart. Many aren’t. Some of the smartest people I know are not credentialed professionals and some of the stupidest people I know are. I’m scared to death that I’m going to end up trusting one of these morons with my life one day. Yes, I’m definitely afraid of stupid people.
Hair in my food. There is something about seeing or tasting a hair in my food that completely and utterly freaks me out. It gets worse. If I see a strand of wet hair clinging to my sink, I want to jump up on the counter and scream “Kill it!!”. Clearly I have fear issues with unattached hair.
Bigots. The thing about bigots is they are so convinced that they are right. They are often very articulate and have a personality that wins people over to their side. Bigots make sense out of hate and present their solutions towards the destruction of someone else. The leaders usually have nice smiles and a pleasing mannerism. Their followers are just a bunch of droid hoodlums carrying sticks. I have a healthy fear of bigots.
Pit Bulls. I see the sweetest looking Pit Bulls in the park playing with little children and rolling in the grass all sweet and cuddly, but all I can think of when I pass one on the street is that they are about to rip my throat out and I will be on the news at 11. I see a Pit Bull – I cross the street and get my mace out. I’m not going down without a fight. The truth is, it’s not the Pit Bull I should fear; it’s their human parents that can be off the wall nuts. Of course, the same can be said for children.
Spindly legged spiders. Tiny little spiders don’t seem to bother me much. But if I see one of the spindly legged spiders methodically climbing up my wall, I’m reaching for the car keys. I used to keep a can of Raid in the house until, one day, I sprayed it on the spider and he jumped two feet into my face. I thought I was going to die! I adopted two cats to take care of the spiders, but instead, they just bring mice into the house. I can’t get rid of the cats because I love them now and truth be told, they are the bosses of me. Luckily, I’m not afraid of mice.
Politicians. There isn’t one out there that I trust or that I think is in it for the common good. Each and every one of them has a self-serving agenda. Many that hold office also hold a tremendous amount of power and influence. Every time I have trusted one, I’ve lost benefits and paid more in taxes. If I ran my business the way they all run the country, I’d be behind bars. My feeling is if you don’t fear politicians you might be a blithering idiot.
Clowns. I really have no explanation for this, but I can honestly tell you that I never go near them, I don’t like them and there is something about them that creeps me out big time. Watching that movie years ago called ‘It’ didn’t help matters much. I’ve passed this endearing fear onto my daughter. I’m sure she will thank me one day when we read about a crazed mass murdering clown in the news.
Aside from these fears I’m just your normal red blooded American girl who likes bubble baths (wearing a hair net), old movies (no clowns!), lovely strolls in the park (with mace and Raid), eating from the local hot dog stands (watching for hair) and enjoys watching the stupid people walking their dogs while they talk to bigots about politicians.
Yup, I’m just your average girl.
You’re turn.
Carol Cassara - I have to tell ya, I saved this to re-read because I get it. I do!
T.O. Weller - Right now, there’s a spider parked in one of the top corners of my office. That’s where they like to go in this house, because they know I can’t reach them without getting a climbing device.
My back is out right now so I can’t even do that and I have to wait for my husband to get home. But I’m watching it. If it moves, I’m bolting as fast as my back will allow.
Don’t even get me started on clowns and politicians! (Putting them together in one sentence is no accident.)
Ellen Dolgen - I am right there with you on most of these, sister! Clowns – They don’t upset me, but omg they scared my daughter half to death.
Scott Morgan - I fear stupid people with power too. Oddly, almost everything you fear here is a fear of stupid people with power — politicians, parents, pitbull owners, Kim Kardashian… what a world!
Barbara Hammond - I’ve never been afraid of anything I could squish easily, like a spider. But rodentia is a whole other thing! And, I believe we should all fear politicians!
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Tammy - T.O., you made me laugh. No….putting politicians and clowns together is NO accident! Hahahahahaha. Yeah, I learned a while back that spiders have nine lives. And you don’t want to be the one trying to kill them…they remember. Eeeeeeek!
Tammy - I never thought of it that way, Scott, but by George, you might be right. I feel a wee bit badly about the pit bulls, because I know so many great owners that love and adore their pits. I’m told that there are amazing pets to have. But then you have the off the wall crazy dog owners that go the other way. Yup….duly scared! If there was someone I could pay to get insure that we would never have to suffer a Kardashian again, I think the money collected would be HUGE. What a world indeed, my friend!
Tammy - I’m right there with you, Barbara. If only we had a spray that could rid us of deceitful, self serving, bullshit artists called politicians. Wouldn’t that make the world a better place?! Why don’t I tell you how I really feel, right? *giggling*
Tammy - It’s so weird, Ellen, fear of clowns defies logic. Yet….it’s pretty terrifying! Always happy to be on the same page as you! Thanks for popping by!
Joan Cooper - “Never Say Die” – that was a James Bond movie wasn’t it.
I don’t think we were made or conditioned to handle so much information as is thrown to us nowadays. From Spring Break to ISIS, it is too too much. I want to live in my little working on perfection world, but it seems the world is determined to intervene.
There are solutions but no one is talking about the main one – make the banks accountable. ISIS is a bunch of murdering criminals – who handles their money ? Who handled Hitler’s money ? we know – Switzerland. Criminals should be in jail or an island somewhere – not working with bankers.
Oh I could go on and on, but not as entertainingly as you do it.
Cudos.
Joan Cooper
Shirlene Marquis Vitale - Hi friend!! I agree with most of what you said. Spiders don’t bother me. I am the spider eliminator in every office I work at! Not liking the mice that run under my feet and if i find a hair in my food… eeewww.
Howard Roper - Tammy after reading this I have rediscovered my own fears. Many of which you wrote here. However, I will replace some with others and add to what you’ve already explained. Please forgive the lengthy comments:
Evil: On the planet, such as ISIS, scares the hell out of me. Anyone that can kill women and innocent children for ignorant reasons, well that is just plain and simple PURE EVIL. It will grow like a cancer until it is wiped out, period. It is my number one fear, but I stand ready to fight if it should come to that. The Patriot in me.
Global warming: Not afraid as Mother nature will take care of the planet and is always changing as she has done for eons. It is a liberal deflection of the real problems facing us today and the real need to solve them.
Stupid people: They are everywhere. They seem grow like a plague each day. They believe whatever they are promised, told, or hear. Many work for fast food chains or Wal-Mart and are young adults. Which leads me to believe the future of our great country is DOOMED.
Bigots: People of this country who want to kill cops, riot, burn the American flag, promote racism, push their religion, undermine the Republic, make promises they never intend to keep, believe only their lives matter, liberals, gun control idiots that want us to believe guns kill people, illegal aliens, just to name a few. I absolutely detest. So if that makes me a bigot, then so be it, I’m a proud bigot.
Spiders: I hate them, stomp them, and attack with a vengeance of complete destruction of the species. They creep me out with there eight eyes, eight legs, and especially those with their ability to jump. No mercy, just whack them, like we should do to ISIS.
Pit Bulls: Don’t own one and never would. Been bitten, and attacked by supposedly sweet adorable Pit Bulls whose owners made assurances to me and lied. The thing is I love dogs, but this breed needs rethinking. Don’t like them and won’t hesitate to show them no mercy (no explanation needed).
Politicians: Like Pit Bulls I have no use for them and they really scare me.
They can either lead this Republic to greatness or destroy it. Present administration as an example. They will break the law as lawmakers, with very few that see criminal charges, and make millions of $$$ off us the tax-payer. They seem proud of their ability to pull the wool over our eyes, make laws unknown to us, give themselves raises, have eternal 100% retirement pay, don’t pay into Social Security or have to follow the laws we have too. They strut around like they are most important people on the planet. They don’t care that they were elected by the people for the people. They still (steal), line their pockets with lobbying monies, lie, cheat, point fingers, and spend billions of $$$ on stupid stuff instead of using it for needed stuff. The amount of money they spend on election campaigns is amazing, which are basically nothing more than negative attacks on their competitors. They make campaign promises they have no intention of keeping, but rather pushing there own personal agenda on the poor citizen who voted them into office. They are nothing more than self-serving, self-righteous, money mongering, tax-payer gargoyles. Who needs them?
Clowns: No problem. Just punch them in their red ball nose and show them you mean business. Never hire one for your child’s birthday! They are obnoxious, uninhibited, men who like to play with children in makeup to hide their faces. Why? I think there’s a problem here.
I will add two more:
Elevators: Especially cram-packed elevators. I literally have panic attacks and will get off one if it becomes to full. I seem to always get pushed to the back as if they know I’m terrified and wanting to see me become frozen and blue from holding my breath. I need room and my private space is MINE. Don’t invade it! I’ve been known to yell out “Let me off I can’t breath or there will be some serial killing taking place very soon” which seems to do the trick as a large path is created (I think I could hear bones being crushed) to let me off at next floor. If there are than 2 people, I will not get on and will wait for the next one “Going Up or Going Down.” And God forbid one gets stuck for some unknown reason. I cannot even imagine what I would do and I pity those around me. I will even take the stairs if there is too much elevator traffic. I might huff and puff “Going Up”, and sing “Going Down” but at least I have my space. And the voice that announces everything along with the music reminds me of a funeral. I prefer the dong sound for the floors and as the door opens but not closed. Music, come on let’s ply something that is uplifting like rock and roll to take my mind of the elevator ride…
Iran with Nukes: Goodbye to Israel and Us. Nothing more needs to be said or explained. Just bend over and kiss your a** goodbye!
Thanks Tammy, my dearest friend for letting me share my views. Hope all is well, God Bless you and your family as well as our Republic… Love ya!
Tammy - We definitely DO get way too much information thrown at us, Joan. Which is why I systematically chime out from time to time. Money makes the world go ’round, and it funds the most unscrupulous beliefs known to mankind. Now there is an oxy moron for you … man kind. I wish!
Tammy - Oh, my, Howard, that is a mouthful! I just LOVE it when blogs spur such wonderful emotion and thought. Next time I write about this subject, I think I will consult you first. Can’t tell you how happy it makes me to know that you read my blog. Yaaaa me!! Adored your contribution, thank you for that!
Billie Jo - Thank you Tammy! I feel better about my self now:). I fear ignorance in people, so stupidity and bigots should fall under that category. I wish ignorance would be a painful affliction, then we could recognize them more easily because they would walk around writhing in pain. And flying, I also fear flying.
Tammy - Billie Jo! So good to see you here. Wouldn’t it be fabulous if ignorance was accompanied by pain or nose growth, like Pinocchio?! I never had a problem with flying but these days I absolutely abhor it. It’s like we gamble every time we board a plane. You never know if the next wanna be shoe bomber is sitting next to you. I won’t rest easy until they find or explain Malaysia flight 370. Beyond worrisome and creepy. By the way … I love you more!
mel glenn - Dear Tammy,
My turn? Insects of any kind. Global warming is too far away and politicians are too near. Evil actions whether personal, political or religious frightens me because there are no answers.
Yours is a good column because you follow the
writing dictum: “Write that which makes you the most vulnerable.”
You are both strong, honest, and vulnerable.
Tam Warner Minton - Clowns. I’ve always been afraid of clowns. I’m afraid someone will shoot me in the back, or through an open window at night. I’m afraid of death because I don’t know what happens. and remember Cloris Leachman on Mary Tyler Moore? She said, “Lars has a neurotic fear of swallowing hair”. Why do I remember that?
Janie Emaus - I’m always afraid of something coming up the toilet and wiggling into my butt! Irrational? Yes. But most fears are! Oh, and the hair in food, too. Unless it’s my own.
Sheryl - So funny! You’re not alone in some of these fears. I totally get the clown, the hair and the pit bull. What about parking garages? That’s a biggie for me.I feel like once I go in, I’ll never find my way out.
Doreen Mcgettigan - I am scared silly of all of those things too, especially stupid people. The one thing I am not afraid of is global warming. I’m just not. I love funny people and you are so funny!
Helene Cohen Bludman - LOL, I share most of your fears. Clowns definitely creep me out, and spiders? Ewwww!!!
Susan - Can’t say I agree w/all your fears but the politician view is definitely mine as well. I fear what kind of a world my grandchildren will grow up in! All our politicians care about is lining their own pockets & passing laws the rest of have to follow but they are exempt! Wish we could get a ground swell movement to let them know their exalted status is unwarranted & put fear into them if they don’t change.
Ruth Curran - Stupid people and bigots (and sometimes both of those classes come dressed as politicians) top my list as well — especially when others follow them! I am also afraid of fear mongers… more about politicians??
Tammy - Hi Mel, you’d be surprised how many men are afraid of insects too. Warms my heart. I remember screeching at the site of a spider the size of a Buick and asking Steven to kill it. His response “you kill it!”. Haaaa! I think Evil should have been on my list. Clearly my list is growing! Thanks for the read and the comment, my friend.
Tammy - Tam, you totally crack me up. I have no idea why you remember that (a secret phobia perhaps?). I loved that show! And if I swallowed hair I’d probably have to be hospitalized. Just saying. Thanks for being here and making me laugh!
Tammy - Oh, my gosh, Janie, my list just grew by one. I saw a video of a spider in Australia (as big as a Volkswagon) who hid under the lip of the toilet. They are accustomed to flushing before they sit down. The spider fought like hell but finally went down with the flush. Only to emerge seconds later back into the bowl. Oh HELL NO!
Tammy - I’ve never had a problem with parking garages, Sheryl, but something tells me I might after today. Especially the huge ones in downtown LA. If you don’t take a picture of your parking spot, you may never see it again!
Tammy - It’s CRAZY how many people are afraid of clowns, Helene. Makes me feel almost normal. Fabulous seeing you here!
Tammy - I so agree with you, Susan. SO agree. If there is a ground swell movement…I’ll be there. It’s disgusting what these politicians have done to our system and to the very people who voted them in. Something has got to change! So fun to have you here…what a pleasure!
Lois Alter Mark - Stupid people and bigots are terrifying — and there are so many of them!
Ande Lyons - External Fears… they’re easy breezy to handle. I see a spider, I get Darling Husband to kill it. Scary people I keep away with my special ninja aura shield. Flying… thank goodness for deep breathing and beta blockers.
Internal Fears… now those are very tricky and need special handling and attention. Running for the hills or using energetic ninja warfare only makes them louder and stronger. I’ve learned it’s best if I give them a voice… allow them to share why they’re scared… and then I give them a hug and thank them for teaching me more about myself and life.
LOVE YOU Goddess Tammy Bleck – MUAH!!
Carolann - Oh my I would have to agree with you on a few of these fears too. Spiders, I hate them all. And hair in my food yikes! Yep, you are very normal when it comes to the fears department for sure. I’m not a fan of clowns either! Funny post. Thank you!
Cindy Falteich - Fear is a completely understandable reaction to the above mentioned items, however, my husband would add that nothing is more frightening than me turning on the stove.
Cheryl Shaw - Amen to every word expressed by Howard Roper——–I did get stuck in a crowded elevator for about 2 hours in Mill Valley CA—–loved those firemen who set us free!!!!!!!!!!
Shelley Zurek - Fears of yours. Spiders do not lick themselves so sprays DO NOT work. You must spray the house to get to the bugs they are there to eat. Then they die.
Fears of mine: yep..hairy spiders
Cheryl Nicholl - You sound very red-blooded to me! I also don’t like pitt bulls or stupid people in influential positions, which brings me to an idea: maybe we could send a bunch of clowns with spiders into Washington? Oh wait- they’re already there…. idiots.
carmenkane - Love your posts!!!
Fear persons in power such as:
Government auditors. Most of them have worked for years and years; are not certified accountants; nor CPA’s and know more than all the accountants and CPA’s in the world. Above all have the power to make decisions on matters they may not understand or be knowledgeable on. Therefore, you are WRONG!!!!, unless you have the resources to hire TOP GUNS and take them on. Most likely if these auditors know this…you are right!!!!!
Money talks and ………..
Keep your posts coming, amazing what it triggers in us!
Lisa at Grandma's Briefs - I have a pit bull. Sweetest thing ever. THIS is so true: “The truth is, it’s not the Pit Bull I should fear; it’s their human parents that can be off the wall nuts.”
What I’m scared of: Dying in a car accident (or just being banged up… which might be even worse) and falling down stairs. Any stairs. Anywhere. It’s a phobia, not just a fear. Really. More so that those I love will fall down the stairs.
Mary La Fornara Gutierrez - it’s like you are in my head! We have so many of the same Primal fears! Yikes.
Carol Cassara - My primal fear is now mentally ill copilots alone in the cockpit.
Estelle Sobel Erasmus, Author - I can relate to so many of these fears. Clowns are definitely creepy.
Tammy - I so agree, Lois. And some we may even be related to! OY!
Angela Weight - Love this. It was really funny. And I could very much relate, especially to hair in food and politicians. Love how you tied it all back to being normal in the last paragraph.
Tammy - I REALLY need to get ahold of one of those ninja aura shields, Ande! That would make life so much easier! Interesting point you’ve made (genius), internal and external. Hmmmm, do I feel another blog coming on? Love you right back, Goddess Ande. I am your truest fan! MUAH!
Tammy - So happy you stopped by for the read, Carolann! I’m beginning to think that clowns must lead a very lonely life. No one else seems to care for their either. Perhaps…maybe….you never know….I could be more normal than I thought?
Tammy - HAAAAA, too funny, Cindy! I love that….and I think I love your husband too. You’re a hoot! Glad you enjoyed the read and REALLY glad you stopped by to comment. Thanks for that.
Tammy - Hi Shelley, I was told by our monthly service exterminator guy (Jim) that the spray gets on their feet and that they will die from it. Is he telling me a load of hooey? Geesh, you can’t trust anyone these days! The spider that jumped up in my face had “fur” on his legs. I swear, I thought my heart was in my throat. Aaaaaah!
Tammy - OMG, Carmen, this is an EXCELLENT fear and something tells me you have had first hand experience in this arena. You have my sympathies and invitation for a martini hour with me. LOVE hearing from you. LOVE it! xo
Tammy - Lisa, I SO agree about the Pit Bulls. You just never know who is on the other side of that leash (am I not talking about the furry one). Humans exploit the fact that Pits are uber strong and excellent fight dogs. But I’ve NEVER met a dog that would rather fight than get a belly rub. If only we could eliminate the crazy humans and propagate the awesome canines! What a perfect world it would be.
Tammy - OMG, Carol, can you believe it? I’m beyond stunned and mortified. Grief stricken for people I will never meet. As if we freaking needed another reason to be afraid to fly. God Almighty…the train is sounded better every day.
Tammy - Hi Angela, tying it all together is what I do best. Not saying that it makes much sense, but, hey, a girl can try. I LOVE that I’m not the only one who goes nuts about hair in my food. So glad you popped by for the read and happy that you shared your comment. Thanks for that.
Dana - Ok- You nailed me! I am so your soul sister and can relate to this all, although Kim as first lady is way less scary than some of the other scary things…just saying
Tammy - Thanks, Dana. Since I’ve written that piece I’ve thought of half a dozen more things that are terrifying. Can we say “sequel”? I don’t know, Kanye West as first man sounds pretty damn scary to me!
Cynthia Greene Jordan - You always make me laugh Tammy. I am right with you on the Pit Bulls. They scare the living hell out of me and I too avoid them at all costs if we are about to share a sidewalk. XO