Maybe it's me.

I'm walking down Fifth Avenue, in Brooklyn, to go to the Y. I'm not a fast walker by any means, I mean; I am pushing a 30 lb stroller with a 20 lb toddler inside. But good lord! What is it about people that walk in threes of fours along the sidewalk?!? Seriously?!? You obviously see people coming at you and you can most certainly hear the screams of my child coming from behind you. But still, still you don't move. Is it wrong that I "accidentally" clip your heel with my front wheel? Or accidentally have my kid whip her sippy at you?

Either way, this makes me think of all the things that used to frustrate me pre-Ava and all the things that frustrate me now. Were my expectations of human behavior too high before or too high now? Is what I view as common courtesy not true today, or was I just such an ass before Ava was born that I thought I was too good for this world? You be the judge.

Below are two lists I created. The first is a list of all the things that used to tick me off before I had my daughter, and then after, before we decided I quit and stay home to raise her. The second is a list of all the things that really get to me today. It’s not that I don't find the things on the first list annoying anymore, but they just don't get under my skin as much. I don't know. Maybe my expectations of people are too high. Maybe I'm getting old and, like my father, find mostly everything in life pisses me off. Maybe it’s just me.

Angry List – pre-Ava
1. Drivers who don't signal. Apparently the effort to push down on that tiny little stick coming out of your steering wheel is waaaay too hard.
2. Two tellers staffed out of a possible seven at the bank on a Friday afternoon (because it’s a long weekend and I need to beat the traffic up north and been in line for 30 minutes).
3. Men who don't hold open doors for anyone.
People on the same flight as me with a child under eight (especially a baby), and sat anywhere close to me.
4. Cover charge at bars. What, precisely, is that money going towards?
5. The price of Maple Leaf hockey tickets. 1967, people. 1967!
6. When someone is hogging any piece of equipment at the gym. And by “hogging” I mean just sitting there staring at the girls.
7. People who brag about the car they drive. You will get married, and you will drive a mini van.
8. People who just stop walking in the middle of a sidewalk or mall. You all know who you are.
9. The Gap. Need I say more?

Angry List – Today
1. The collective sigh from all the passengers when they see me board the plane with a one year old. I know what you're all thinking - "not near me, not near me" - and I secretly pray it’s by someone who rolls their eyes.
2. Anyone, man or woman, who don't hold a door open for a person with a child. My child and I will give you the stink eye.
3. Child cover charge at family restaurants. Just add the price into the food so it’s not as upsetting.
4. Two tellers available out of possibly seven at a bank on any given day. My child WILL let you (and everyone else) know it’s taking too long.
5. All drivers.
6. The price of whole milk. Is this a golden cow?
7. When people sign up for free babysitting at the Y and don't show up. I could have used that spot but instead you’re home still contemplating whether or not to work out.
8. People who brag about the stroller they have. It’s metal and nylon people.
9. People that STILL just stop walking in the middle of a sidewalk or mall. You STILL know who you are.
10. Pediatrician offices. My visits are ten minutes flat. What's the hold up?
11. Baby Gap. No need to say more.