I don’t know if it’s my optimistic streak, but I’m always looking down. Not metaphorically, but literally: I am expecting to see a dime, a loonie or something to surprise me in my path, and sometimes I actually do.
 
But there’s something I’ve seen with alarming regularity and I’m wondering if you’ve noticed a lot of these too:
 

 
That’s right, individual tooth floss thingies.
 
Rob and I love these – unused ones, that is. They guarantee that even when we’re not near the bathroom, we can keep up with the hygiene that our dentists have tried to hammer into us since childhood: floss, floss, floss! We find them handy and effective. But have I ever taken one out of the house? 
 
Okay, I’m going to confess to always having one in my pocket when we’re at the movies when I know I’m going to be having popcorn. A husk or part of the popcorn kernel stuck in a tooth or gums can be pretty bothersome, and if I think that behind a cupped hand I can get away with clearing out something that hurts, I might just try it. If you find that uncouth or gross – and I understand if you do – I apologize. But I thought I should come clean, so to speak. In the rare event I have to use one of these little picks, I return it to my pocket or purse to dispose of when I get home. 
 
But why are we seeing these things all over the ground now? Do people walk along with them in parking lots or on sidewalks and then just pitch them when they’re done? I guess that must be what’s happening. I don’t understand it, but clearly we’ve crossed into just one more place where people who don’t give a darn are leaving behind evidence of their personal hygiene. 
 
I bet you start noticing them now, too. Sorry about that – it wasn’t me. Have a gentle Monday and I’ll be back here with you tomorrow.