I often get to the end of a day, and need a bit of time-out to recenter myself because of people I’ve had to deal with during the working day. Or even any day. It seems impossible that there are so few people with at least common sense on this here planet, but there you have it.

I look at one of my team members (and for obvious reasons I will not disclose who I am referring to – but you know who you are). I recently experienced a hail storm while driving to my primary office through the Karoo. Big chunky rock-like ice plummeted the car from various angles. There was nothing to do but to muscle through it, as fast as possible whilst still staying within safety parameters. The car sustained close to a hundred thousand rand worth of damage. Anyway – I asked said team member to get in touch with the insurance and start the tedious process of lodging a claim.

This meme applies – I feel no further words are necessary on this matter:

Then, a couple of weeks ago, a local school fundraiser started popping up on the usual channels. It turns out our school is hosting fundraiser evenings to boost the sport kitty. All well and good, but “Dad and his pride and joy” can go chill by the fires, and “Mom can have a night off with her friends” elsewhere. I asked them what about the single moms with rugby playing sons? Surely, Felicia, we live in 2024 and not 1924? Can my son now not go because I am female? And if I go to the mom thingy, what about my kids? The reply: this is the first time someone has raised a concern regarding gender-separated events. It took a vast amount (and I mean gargantuan) of self-control to not say something that could backfire (small town, people!). I gently tried to explain that I am not the only single parent affected by these events. Days later I had a meeting with the headmaster about some of our community projects, and this phone call was addressed during the meeting. I had more than ruffled some feathers, which was not my intention at all. Surely it is common sense that all events should be inclusive?

Common sense, perhaps not for everyone, eh?