There have been many jokes about the Andrews heritage. Every family has characteristics that separate them from the rest of humanity. It got me wondering. What is an Andrews? This of course is my view of the world.
Topping the list is a sense of humor. It is far and away the number one distinquishing characteristic of the Andrews family. Grasshopper No.1 laughs when people trip and fall down. Strange! Chuckles are mandatory.
We are personable. There might have been a “snake oil salesman” in our past. We are pretty good at convincing people that our point of view is correct. Some might call it charisma. Some might call it “bullshit factor”.
We are anal retentive. There seems to be a propensity to remember unimportant facts, especially numbers. This includes calendar dates, financial numbers and batting averages. I personally can remember the number of gallons of gas pumped into my car for several days along with mileage numbers off my speedometer. I can tell you the exact amount of change in my pocket. Really important stuff, huh?
We are stubborn. This comes in many variations ranging from just plain “bull-headed and unreasonable” to politely difficult. I know a few family situations were the stubborn generates an a–h— behavior. No you say!
We tend to avoid manual labor. I need to emphasize that this does not mean we are lazy. In fact, we can work long hours at ventures that are interesting. Grasshopper No. 3 seems to enjoy doing physical things but when you think about, he rides around on his a– all day.
We think we are smart! This is a relative belief. There is no real way of measuring “smartness” but half the battle is thinking you are pretty bright. We are “street-smart”.
We are persistant. We usually get what we want.
We are caring, loving and compassionate. Jesus, did I say that? If my arms were long enough I would pat myself on the back. Alternatively, there is an absense of mean-ness.
My mother would utter in German “self-pride stinks”. You can get so caught up in thinking you are so good that you become obnoxious to others. So the lesson Grasshoppers is be yourself. You are no better than anyone else. Use whatever characteristics you have to your benefit and others.
You’ve got to admit there is an Andrews mystique.
Love,
Dad