My 2024 pet peeves roundup top contender? People who chew on ice

I am committed to keeping my columns upbeat and saluting those who make a difference. This one is no different but thought I would have some fun with it being the new year.

Here we go – my top pet peeves:

Crosswalks: while cruising El Paseo on a daily basis, I have noticed how many people pay no attention to the directional signals. When a red hand appears it means, simply stated, do not walk! However, I constantly am detained with having to stop and allow those who are not paying attention or simply do not believe it applies to them.

Roundabouts: when did it become useful/necessary to install these in heavily trafficked streets? I am certain studies transpired to validate their efficiency but me and my crew think they are somewhat ridiculous. Enough said!

Recently, my son, Eliot, revealed his biggest pet peeve with me: apparently, I have a habit of placing my water bottle on the bread board when I return from an activity. He believes my receptacle is full of germs from the outer limits. I attempted to argue my side but then my wife, Elyssa, chimed in agreeing with Eliot. I have vowed to cease and desist. See, a positive spin/result.

Restaurants that serve red wine at room temperature: please, I beg of you, keep your red wine chilled at a minimum of 60 degrees. There is nothing more dissatisfying then bringing a beautiful glass of red nectar to one’s lips, to breathe in the earthy perfume only to take an anticipated sip and it is warm.

My No. 1, all time, top of the list, not to be duplicated: chewing on ice. If you do this, please stop as I am announcing to all how utterly cringeworthy it is.

I reached out to family and friends to compile their grievances:

• Not returning shopping carts to the cart corral

• When it looks like your basketball team is going to beat the Warriors then Steph Curry hits, like, six impossible three pointers ending any hopes you had of your team winning

• Neighbors who don’t pull in their trash cans for days after collection even though they are home and walk by them

• Not holding the door open for others

• Apps that don’t let you save payment information or store gift card balances

• Employees at many businesses that conclude your interaction with ‘have a good one!’ What does that even mean?

• Patrons in line at a fast food and/or coffee chain that don’t know what they want when it’s their turn to order

• Constantly talking about your diet

• Using "LOL" or "OMG" in normal, in-person conversation

I submit that we are all here to keep each other company so let us do so with compassion and conviction. I also realize that these peccadillos we all share are what keeps life interesting. Perfection is unobtainable and would be boring. So, let’s all keep doing what we do as none of these annoyances prevent us from enjoying life.

This month’s difference maker: Amy Lovette at the Palm Desert Staples printing department. Her patience and assistance on a recent Sunday project were outstanding and I thank her so much!

Richard Weintraub has been a Palm Desert resident for 32 years, is married to Elyssa for 29 years and has two boys: Eliot, 26, who resides in Seattle and Izak, 23, who lives in San Diego. Email Richard at rweintraub@dc.rr.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: My 2024 pet peeves roundup top contender? People who chew on ice