Emotions want to get the best of you
I don’t remember exactly what year it was, but it’s been a few years now, so let’s say around 2009. My oldest sister and my brother-in-law were throwing their annual Independence Day party at their house. They had been doing it for years and the current house in which they lived allowed for it to be even bigger than ever.
In true form, my sister had to make it better each year…and she consistently succeeded. More family-friendly, a lot more space in the backyard, a lot more games for adults and kids, amazing food, all the kids got gifts, etc. There were even people that would come in from out of town for this thing.
Well, this is a story — and a lesson within — of the last time they threw this party…and why.
Bigger…and bigger…and oops
I joined my brother-in-law and nephews to get all the fireworks. I admit, in hindsight, that we went overboard and walked out of there with a goddamn arsenal.
Here in Missouri, fireworks aren’t totally illegal but there are limits to the size and class of fireworks that are allowed. But still, you could buy about anything you wanted anyway. Classic America right there.
“Sorry, some of these are illegal. Anyhoo, whatever. That’ll be $268.95, please.”
Most of these weren’t regular backyard fireworks, we walked out of there with the big boys. You know, the ones that are normally saved for public displays in parks and over rivers or wherever. Where crowds can “ooh” and “ahh” and then pack up and go home while complaining about traffic.
Everything was getting bigger, and bigger, and more illegal, and bigger.
The not-so grand finale
Welp, it happened. We got through some fireworks and it was fun and they were huge and disruptive and probably scared every dog within a mile radius. The last one before the grand finale was launched and it was glorious.
But then I noticed something.
Was that? No…couldn’t be.
But it kind of looks as if…no.
Wait…oh shit, yep.
Aaaaaaaand the neighbors’ grass was on fire.
My nephew — around 14YO at the time — and I jumped into action. I found an empty cooler with ice and water in it, we grabbed it, jumped the little back fence, and put out a few little flames. No big deal…no big deal…but yeah, let’s get the f**k out of here before the neighb…
Too late.
Dude came storming out of the house cursing at me. Loudly. I think the only reason it didn’t get physical was because he saw my young nephew there, but that didn’t stop him from cursing.
Cops were called.
The party was over.
They were new to the neighborhood, so the probability of being friendly with them in the future was at a solid 0.0%.
I get it, but don’t be that guy
There were plenty of ways he could have handled this. I mean, I totally get it…the small corner of his lawn was on fire and yes. We did it. 100% our fault. I know. That’s our bad.
But to come out looking for a fight was how he chose to respond. Not great. For the record, he wasn’t big and as much of a wuss as I might be, I’m scrappy. Just saying.
One thing I’ve learned from starting a business is how important it is to know where lines are. It’s healthy to bring your personality into your work (ahem…like blogging), and it’s natural to have strong emotions about what you are doing — or are trying to do, but the ability to have those emotions and still be able to conduct yourself professionally despite those emotions, goes a long, long, long way.
In business terms, it’s the difference between building a brand, and merely trying to sell things.
Have a great holiday. I hope your celebrations are festive and only slightly illegal.
#bewhatyoumake
