Do you know that there are unwritten public bathroom rules?  Of course you do.  I live in the Midwest United States and I’m guessing that the unwritten public bathroom rules vary from place to place, but some things are common in most public bathrooms.

I was in Budapest Hungary alone suffering through an unplanned layover awaiting my next flight.  I was tired, lonely and uncomfortable.  I hadn’t slept in more than twenty four hours and all the strange people speaking strange languages had gotten to me.

I had already walked everywhere I could through the airport.  I had already “shopped” the one small Duty-Free shop that was open.

Yesterday the National Football League (NFL) held their annual all-star game known as the Pro Bowl.  Players are voted into the Pro Bowl by the coaches, the fellow players, and the fans through an online ballot. 1

The Pro Bowl has different rules from other NFL games to make the game safer. 2

No motion or shifting by the offense
Offense must have a tight end in all formations
Offense can’t have 3 receivers on a side
Intentional grounding is legal
Defense must run a 4-3 at all times
No press coverage except inside the 5 yard line
No blitz
Not allowed to rush a Punt, PAT or FG attempt
No calls can be challenged

Last week I was on a school campus. I was meeting a friend.  While waiting I looked for a seat in the commons area.  I saw many students laughing, talking, playfully interacting, and studying.

I scanned the area. There are two seating arrangements.  There were a few tables for four, but most of the seats were pairs of adjoined chairs with pivoting desktops.  The pairs faced other pairs of adjoined chairs with a common table between the four seats.  Thus providing a clear social setting.

As a stranger I had a dilemma, face my fear of rejection or find a seat elsewhere.

Beyond Whatever. I have had that title in my mind for so long I cannot even tell you when it first appeared, but it’s perfect.

Beyond “Whatever” that sense that “whatever” you or I want it’s okay.
Whatever we say is okay.
Whatever we think is okay.
Whatever we do is okay.

Beyond whatever means it’s not. I wish it was but it’s not. I would like it to be that you and I and everyone else could do whatever they wanted and it would be okay; but, it’s not.