What are we really saying?

There are many lists floating around with annoying corporate "buzzwords" and  phrases used in every day life to make a point.  I am guilty of using some of these as well, but what exactly are we trying to say?

Drill down-This is appropriate if you are at a Bob the Builder or Handy Manny conference. I would expect this to come up at a business dinner with Flicker, Squeeze, Rusty and Dusty but I have not been privvy to one of those shindigs. However, it's best to avoid this one as power tool speak isn't always best. Gosh, I don't even know how to use a drill.

Get our ducks in a row- Where are my ducks? I have never seen them. Perhaps they are playing with the chickens that we count before they hatch. This is a phrase that is not all it is quacked up to be.

Think outside the box-Huh? Do we all live in a box that is invisible to the human eye? How many square feet do we each have in our box? Can I have mine decorated by Nate Berkus? I want bamboo floors. Maybe mine could have one of those single person spas and a margarita maker they give away on "The Price is Right".

Let's Cross that bridge when we get there- I am guilty as charged in overusing this phrase. How do I know? My 6 year old daughter said yesterday, "We will cross this bridge when we get there. Actually, I think we crossed that bridge and I guess we will see when we get to the next bridge."  What??? I am teaching the kids utter confusion. Note to self-stop saying this. This could be an appropriate term in Italy, but here in the landlocked ATL, it loses some luster.

Money Doesn't Grow on Trees-Sadly, I think we know this by now. I mean, if it was true, then deforestation wouldn't be an issue would it?

We Are All Guilty of it - Speak for yourself! Maybe it was Professor Plumb with the candlestick in the library? Or maybe it was Ms. Scarlett with the rope in the parlor? I always loved Ms. Scarlett when I was a kid. She was so exotic and looked so groovy on her chaise.

It is what it is- Exactly. So why do we feel the need to reiterate the obvious?

Blue sky thinking- What? Is that different than gray sky, massive thunderstorm with hail thinking? Is there such thing as tornado thinking?

It's Not Fair - Another phrase used frequently used by my kids. My response? "You are right. It's not. Get over it!"


Until next time.....peace.