# Things you do every day that most people find astonishing **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 27, 2010, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-every-day-that-most-people-find-astonishing/526644 "2010-01-27T14:25:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hazle_Weatherfield)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2010, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-every-day-that-most-people-find-astonishing/526644/101 "2010-01-29T03:24:43Z")
I don’t shower every day. I’ve actually gotten away with not showering for a week, but I usually only shower 2 times per week. It’s not that difficult with flushable wipes and long hair. For example, say I shower Saturday afternoon. Sunday and Monday, no problem (maybe powder or wash the bangs if they’re greasy. Tuesday and Wednesday, head bands. Thursday and Friday, hats. I’m a Nanny so I never have to get dressed up or impress anyone. ---
**Author:** ![Enright3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/enright3/32/2897_2.png) [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2010, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-every-day-that-most-people-find-astonishing/526644/102 "2010-01-29T16:36:12Z")
> [@Clothahump](#): > > I teach Taekwondo. It’s still amazing to me how that freaks people out. And every damn one of them thinks it’s so funny to say “Oh, don’t beat me up” or some variation of that, as if it were the most witty and original thing ever. I hear it 4-5 times a week; it ain’t funny no mo’. I think there was a thread about this some time ago (I may have started it) about assumptions people make about your job. There are a few certainties in life. One is that human psychology is very predictable. Related to that is the desire for people to be funny and original, yet it never occurs to them that they’re repetitive and dull. Your situation is a perfect example of that. You teach Taekwondo, and people make that dumb remark that you’ve heard a thousand times. I’ve seen that type of thing a million times, and strive so hard not to be “that guy” because it annoys me so much. Some other examples I’ve experienced. I used to be be beer vendor for the Texas Rangers baseball games. You hand a beer down the aisle, and the customer passes a $20 down to you. Invariable the person at the end of the aisle will say “keep the change” like it’s the funniest thing ever said. A friend of mine is Paula. She’s sick to death of people (upon hearing her name for the first time) sing: “Hey, Hey Paula” I have a friend named Kenny Rodgers, except my friend is slender, young black man. Yet he still gets the same lame gambler lines every time he meets someone new. So, Clothahump… you have my sympathy. ---
**Author:** ![Avarie537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/48db29/32.png) [@Avarie537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Avarie537)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2010, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-every-day-that-most-people-find-astonishing/526644/103 "2010-01-29T17:12:32Z")
I have to eat a full breakfast every day - bacon/sausage, eggs, and something carby - pancakes, waffles, toast; plus milk or juice and then coffee. I can’t get by with just a bowl of cereal or pastry or something light. It started when I was pregnant 4+ years ago, and continues to this day. I also nurse an almost-two-year-old, and his big brother was fully weaned last fall at 3 1/2. He was only a once-a-day nurser by that time, but he developed a wicked case of hand foot and mouth that lasted a long time, and I decided that I was ready for him to be done. ---
**Author:** ![Philster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/13edae/32.png) [@Philster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philster)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2010, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-every-day-that-most-people-find-astonishing/526644/104 "2010-01-29T17:25:55Z")
> [@rowrrbazzle](#): > > How do you deal with people who persist in offering? Or if they actually set food down in front of you anyway? I keep saying “no” monotonously. I don’t eat it. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2010, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-every-day-that-most-people-find-astonishing/526644/105 "2010-01-29T18:07:19Z")
> [@Sleeps\_With\_Butterflies](#): > > I use a [double boiler](http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll135/WithButterflies/posted/oatsincrock.jpg)/[bain-marie](http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll135/WithButterflies/posted/oatsincrock2.jpg) method because if you put the oatmeal right into the crockpot, it will stick and burn. So instead I put 1 cup of oats, 3 cups of unsweetened apple juice and 1 cup of non fat milk (or 1/3 cup oats, 1 cup apple juice, 1/3 cup milk if it’s just one serving) into a bowl that is resistant to high heat. Then to add a little more taste and sweetness I throw in a few candy redhots for a cinnamon flavor. I set the bowl into the crockpot and then pour water around the bowl. Put the lid on and then cook overnight on low. It takes less than five minutes to set up at night and by the time I wake up they’re perfect. Ooh, thanks. That sounds great. I saw several recipes online, but they all had you cooking it right in the crock pot but with cooking spray. This way will make it a lot easier to clean up and also I like it reheated, so having it in a bowl will make that easier as well. I like it oatmeal with a little maple syrup, so I might try cutting the apple juice and putting some of that in. Thanks again. ---
**Author:** ![Enright3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/enright3/32/2897_2.png) [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2010, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-every-day-that-most-people-find-astonishing/526644/106 "2010-01-29T18:19:33Z")
> [@GargoyleWB](#): > > It’s more a question of what I don’t do… > > I only use the Playdoh fun factory at most twice a week. I’ve been this way my whole life. The concept of a daily bowel movement is alien and strange to me. I’ve literally had people grab me yelling “Get to a doctor now!” convinced that there must be something wrong. > > I’ve been to a doctor, and some people are simply just plumbed that way. I’m one of them. Every 3 days or so. I’ve started eating yogurt with Activia which has upped the frequency a little bit. ---
**Author:** ![Rack-a-Bones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/77aa72/32.png) [@Rack-a-Bones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rack-a-Bones)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2010, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-every-day-that-most-people-find-astonishing/526644/107 "2010-01-29T18:50:35Z")
> [@Enright3](#): > > … > > I used to be be beer vendor for the Texas Rangers baseball games. You hand a beer down the aisle, and the customer passes a $20 down to you. Invariable the person at the end of the aisle will say “keep the change” like it’s the funniest thing ever said. Hmmm. I have been to nearly 1000 baseball games in about 6 different US states and I can honestly say I have never heard that one. > [@Enright3](#): > > A friend of mine is Paula. She’s sick to death of people (upon hearing her name for the first time) sing: “Hey, Hey Paula” I also have no idea what that would mean. > [@Enright3](#): > > I have a friend named Kenny Rodgers, except my friend is slender, young black man. Yet he still gets the same lame gambler lines every time he meets someone new. Well this I can get. I had an acquaintance in college named Michael Jordan. I do agree with your statement about people trying to be funny and saying stupid things, but your examples seem obscure to me. ETA: it would also never occur to me to ask **Clothahump** not to beat me up. I mean someone has to teach Taekwondo, Judo, Sumo, etc. I guess I might be surprised to find a Sumo teacher around here, but it’s a location thing versus being astonished. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2010, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-every-day-that-most-people-find-astonishing/526644/108 "2010-01-29T19:22:05Z")
It seems remarkable to some people that unless a. I’m not feeling well b. it’s raining hard c. it’s icy I take a walk during both 15 minute breaks every day all year long, even when b or c aside it’s still not “nice” out. _I_ find it odd that people can stand to sit around for 8 hours straight. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2010, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-every-day-that-most-people-find-astonishing/526644/109 "2010-01-29T19:31:17Z")
I usually work part-time jobs (my other part-time job is looking after our household), and I can count on someone saying, at some point, “Must be nice to just work four hours a day.” My response has become, “You bet it is!” with a big grin on my face, and that usually ends that. I don’t bother telling them that of course I only get paid for four hours and they get paid for eight, and my husband and I have an arrangement where I do ALL the housework and household stuff. ---
**Author:** ![sunstone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunstone/32/3372_2.png) [@sunstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sunstone)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2010, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-every-day-that-most-people-find-astonishing/526644/110 "2010-02-02T05:30:13Z")
Graft trees and other plants. Grow rare and difficult plants from seed. ---
**Author:** ![Shalmanese](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2010, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-every-day-that-most-people-find-astonishing/526644/111 "2010-02-02T05:56:43Z")
If I don’t have a required schedule, my sleeping patterns will gradually drift later every night with it cycling around about once every 10 or so days. I also apparently eat at an astonishing speed. ---
**Author:** ![Grey\_area](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Grey\_area](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grey_area)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2010, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-every-day-that-most-people-find-astonishing/526644/112 "2010-02-02T07:02:26Z")
I wake up in the wee hours (22:00~6:00) every night, change into 7 lairs of clothing, grab my rifle and hike to the mountains to stand inside a box for an hour at snot freezing temperatures. And then I come back down and take off my gear and go back to sleep. Every friggin night. And then I wake up in the morning and strip down to my undershirt in that same snot freezing temperature to run in a large circle with 60 other men, singing songs about valor and victory and how we miss our moms. :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Illuminatiprimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/illuminatiprimus/32/11520_2.png) [@Illuminatiprimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Illuminatiprimus)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2010, 10:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-every-day-that-most-people-find-astonishing/526644/113 "2010-02-02T10:35:36Z")
Every day I continue to live a life where I’ve never been drunk. People can easily conceive of not drinking for whatever reason, but the thought that you have in your life never ever been drunk and never plan to just blows some peoples’ minds (which to me suggests something about how central to their life alcohol must be). I don’t see why - do most people worry that they haven’t ever jacked up on heroin in their lifetime? ---
**Author:** ![zweisamkeit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zweisamkeit/32/4360_2.png) [@zweisamkeit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zweisamkeit)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2010, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-every-day-that-most-people-find-astonishing/526644/114 "2010-02-02T15:55:02Z")
> [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > Did you know that hoodies are called bunnyhugs in Saskatchewan? When I was reading her post, I thought she was talking about a hoodie store at first. 😃 I call 'em the dirty hippie stores. Not in a mean way, though. ---
**Author:** ![rivulus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/839c29/32.png) [@rivulus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rivulus)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2010, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-every-day-that-most-people-find-astonishing/526644/115 "2010-02-02T18:52:05Z")
> [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > Did you know that hoodies are called bunnyhugs in Saskatchewan? _raising hand_ I did! I did! (Grew up in Saskatoon.) To this day, I still get a chuckle out of watching the gang-bangers down here in St Louis strutting around in their bunnyhugs. _snicker_ ---
**Author:** ![Perciful](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/b38774/32.png) [@Perciful](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Perciful)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2010, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-every-day-that-most-people-find-astonishing/526644/116 "2010-02-03T00:09:43Z")
> [@Freudian\_Slit](#): > > Cesar Milan would probably love for you to bear his kids. Though he might have something to say about the bed issue. “The pack leader does not share bed sheets!” 😃 Oh.. you made me laugh! I sleep with my dog too so I guess Casar Milan would think I am being passive subordinate and not a pack leader. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-every-day-that-most-people-find-astonishing/526644.md?page=5)