Weekend in Michigan

On Friday I skipped a few classes to drive up to Niles, Michigan with two friends for the weekend. It was such a nice escape from campus and the busyness of life. We drove for two and a half hours, and I slept the entire time, because the scenery kept repeating itself - cornfields and more cornfields. oh wait, a barn! a horse! okay, more cornfields. We finally arrived at my friend's grandparents' place, and what would you know, it looked exactly like Indiana.

But the house was gorgeous. We had to drive down a tiny muddy road to get to the house, which was secluded from all civilization. It was situated right by a river and a pond, and they had several chickens, a cute little horse, and the most obedient dog in the world. The interior of the house was set up and decorated in the most unique way I have ever seen - there were pots, pans, tools, and equipment of all sorts hanging from the ceiling, the kitchen consisted of a wooden-paneled fridge and a quaint little stove, and we had to pull a rope to let down the stairs so we could go up to the rooms. And I think everything was made out of wood. I thought for sure they were some kind of hick town family that probably didn't even know what electricity was, so I was surprised to see they had a huge TV, several computers, and a Nintendo Wii. It was a very interesting weekend.

My friend's grandparents - she calls them Nana and Pa - were fascinating people. It took a while to get used to Pa's mannerisms, for he struck me as rather rude and cranky at first, but he turned out to be a sweet old man. And Nana was such a lovely woman, she embraced us into her home and shared openly about her faith. I thought she was such a woman of God, for she spoke so passionately about God and referred to Him as 'My Jesus.' And she shared about how she believes there is no such thing as coincidences. So whenever she dials a wrong number, or someone calls her by accident, she always takes the time to tell them there was a reason why she called them/they called her, and she would offer to pray for them. It was pretty amazing, hearing her talk about some of the lives she has touched through her small acts of kindness. I was tremendously encouraged by her strong faith. We got to meet my friend's cousins too; all the little kiddos were ADORABLE. The twins were incredibly hyper and just about the cutest little things I've ever seen. They spoke in a mumbly way that only little kids can, and I couldn't really understand them, so I would just nod and smile and pat their heads.


The front porch of the house, covered in snow.


View from the front door.


Super cool stairs that can be pulled up or let down.


Coolest kitchen ever. The black thing is the stove, and the wooden cabinet beside it is the fridge.


Random things hanging from the ceiling.


Me and susan, my friend. she's from China, but lives with the host family here.


Me in her room, sitting on a rocking chair like an old granny.


View from her room out to her grandparents' room across the hall.


View of the snowy river from her room.


This rug disturbed me. I avoided stepping on it at all costs. It think it's some kind of real animal fur. Sick.


The bed that I slept in.


View out the window.


Another view out her room.

We got to go to the asian grocery store on Saturday, which made me very happy indeed. I bought a whole bunch of stuff for $20 - I love cheap asian food! - like Pocky, Hello Panda, Rice crackers, Mochi, Ramen, Japanese crackers, Asian gummies, etc. It's funny how I've come to appreciate all kinds of asian food since being here. I guess when you don't have many options, you learn to take what you get.

We went to her friend's church in the evening to join them for Dirty Bingo, which was so interesting. I've never played Bingo, let alone Dirty Bingo. When I think of Bingo I always think of little old ladies sitting around in a room, circling numbers with their shaky fingers and adjusting their teeth. But this was actually really fun and intense. We would all get our sheets of paper with letters and numbers on them, and we had to get 5 numbers in a row to get Bingo, and this guy would call out numbers one at a time. A prize would be awarded whenever someone got Bingo. Sounds pretty easy, right? But things got more intense when we started Dirty Bingo, which was basically the same concept, except you got to steal people's prizes whenever you hit Bingo. So some people went home with a ton of prizes, like Starbucks/Subway/TGIF gift cards, and others, like me, went home with nothing. Oh well! It was so much fun though, just to meet new people and hang out.

Sunday we visited their church, which was tiny and kind of smelled like old people. Can I just say that sometimes old people scare me? I don't know why, and I'm not being mean or anything, but they just do. Then we had a wonderful lunch and drove back to Taylor. Oh the food we had over the weekend made my stomach very happy indeed. Asian spicy noodles, tang yuan, beef stew, real rice, more yummy noodles. I love noodles so much. I don't really care for rice, but noodles are a staple in my diet. That's why I rely on ramen noodles to keep me alive here.

Was so tired by the time we got back to Taylor. The drive was like 3 hours long. But I brought some snacks to the library for an asian party. It was so much fun to see friends again, even though I've only been away for a weekend. haha.

Everything I know about myself

Have you ever sat down and pondered for a while about who you really are? What your personality is like? How you treat people? What you hold dear to your heart? Your strengths and flaws? Your likes and dislikes?

I recently compiled a list of ‘Everything I Know About Myself,’ which, looking back is probably untrue, because there’s no way I can pen down every single detail about my complex self. But it was an interesting and beneficial experience to reflect back on my life and figure out what makes me Benita Lee.

So here’s a condensed version of the list, whittled down to the not-so-few I wish to share.

-I believe Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.
-My family is the most important thing in the world to me.
-I love to meet new people and listen to their life stories.
-I prefer to hang out with small groups of people; too many overwhelms me.
-I love music for its universal appeal and its effect on my emotions.
-I love to strum my guitar and sing random songs to myself.
-I love to travel, visit new places, and immerse myself in new cultures.
-I love to smile and laugh.
-I live to eat.
-I love fall, when the leaves turn yellow and red.
-I love winter, when the first snow falls and blankets the ground.
-I love to try on new beauty products.
-I like to people-watch.
-I am somewhat of a people-pleaser.
-I love all kinds of movies except horror ones.
-I like to dress up, go out, and have fun.
-I enjoy going to the zoo because it makes me feel like a kid again.
-I like to look at beautiful people.
-I like to get things done in advance and plan my day out.
-I love hearing from old friends.
-Writing helps me to process things and gather my thoughts.
-My favorite holidays are Christmas and Chinese New Year.
-I like the feeling of being liked.
-I get along well with different personalities.
-I am committed when I give my word.
-I like doing surveys, and I’m always one of the first to complete them.
-I am organized in my disorganization.
-Stress motivates me to work harder. I let myself freak out for a minute, then I put aside all distractions and focus on the task at hand (I actually learned this from an episode of LOST).
-I need to be more assertive so people don’t take me for granted.
-I like lazy days on the couch in front of the TV.
-I can multi-task very well. I usually watch a movie, do my homework, and read an online magazine all at the same time on my computer.
-It takes me a while to think and process things.
-I like casual, laidback environments.
-I show my love by spending time with people.
-I feel loved when people affirm me with words and spend time with me.
-I appreciate it when people compliment me, but sometimes I don’t know how to react.
-I love sleeping in.
-I am an ISFJ (Introvert, Sensing, Feeling, Judging)
-I value tradition.
-I like to rely on myself to get things done rather than others.
-I am quite happy working alone, without distractions from others.
-I am non-confrontational.
-I don’t like to burden others with my problems.
-I like having a place and a community to belong to.
-I don’t lose my temper easily.
-I love chocolate.

That’s me in a tiny nutshell. You should try this too. It's like self-discovery :)

Dorm Life

Living in a dorm is the ultimate college experience. You’re on your own for the first time; with no parents breathing down your throat, you can do whatever you want, whenever you want. Of course, this newfound freedom comes with strings attached, as does everything else in life. After spending the last 4 years of my life in a tiny dorm room squashed full of my belongings, I’m ready to divulge the lessons I’ve learned and the experiences I’ve had.


Advantages of dorm life at Taylor

Proximity
The dorms are as close to the classroom buildings as you can get. Any closer, and you’ll be sleeping on a desk. This makes is so much more bearable during the bitter cold of winter, when 10 seconds outside seems like an eternity and your hair immediately freezes over because you’ve just washed it (okay, maybe that only happens to me because I'm too lazy to blow dry my hair). They’re also close to the Dining Commons (most of them, anyway) and the gym, which is always convenient for you to work off that burger you just wolfed down. Basically, they’re close to everything. That’s why I can roll out of bed at 8.45am to stroll over to my 9am class.

Fellowship
You can never be lonely living in a dorm; there’s always something to do and someone to hang out with. Surrounded by people 24/7 and living with a roommate will wipe away any fears of being alone. It’s definitely a bonding experience, sharing the bathroom and learning people's little quirks. Really helps you learn how to tolerate one another and practice unconditional love. Plus there’s all the stuff like floor activities and events, movie nights, homework parties, pick-a-dates, floor retreats... And you know you’ll always have someone to sit with in the big old Dining Commons. Also, watching screaming girls run down the hallway in odd outfits is always entertaining albeit mildly shocking.

Simplicity
No need to buy groceries, pay the rent, cook or clean… Plus the rooms come furnished with beds, closets, desks, ‘free’ Internet access, and cable… That’s the life. All I have to do really is laundry. Oh yes, and we don't have to pay for laundry either. I'm sure the fee is included somewhere in our ridiculous $30,000 payment per year, but it's nice to be able to wash my clothes as many times as I want (which is once a week).

Disadvantages of dorm life at Taylor

Lack of privacy
If you are an introvert, like me, and you need time to yourself to recharge, then dorm life will take its toll on you. Constant companionship is definitely challenging, especially when there are 20 girls packed into your room for a party, and you just want to be left alone.

Roommate conflict
I’m lucky to never have had conflicts with any of my 4 roommates throughout the years, but some people have. And let me tell you, when they clash, it’s not pretty. Lots of shouting, hair pulling, and face slapping follow.

Never-ending noise
When you’re a freshman, everything is new and exciting, even at 2am on a school night. So yes, there’s plenty of noise 24/7, even during ‘quiet hours.’ From music blaring in the bathroom to people yakking on their phones to dance parties to people yelling their lungs out for no reason… Dorm life is definitely not quiet or drama-free.

Mandatory breaks
Break time comes, they kick us out the dorms, and we have to scramble to find some place to go. Great.

Mandatory meal plans
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Why do we have to pay for 3 meals a day, 7 days a week, when I don’t even use half of it?? Such a waste of money.

Random pictures of my room

Stuff on my shelves


TV + fridge, courtesy of my roomie


Fascinating photo of the door. haha.

So... dorm life does come with a ton of annoying shortcomings, but at the end of the day, it’s definitely an once-in-a-lifetime experience and the friendships you make will (hopefully) be long-lasting.

Best vs. worst movies

I have decided that, since I want to be some kind of lifestyle writer when I grow up, I will have to start now (I know, it's kind of late. Oh to be 16 again) and practice writing everyday about topics that interest me.

So this is Day 1. Here goes.

Movies are like food for my soul. They used to be a form of escapism for me; I absolutely LOVED going to the theaters because two hours of sitting in the dark on a comfortable chair were a welcome distraction from the problems of life. As soon as the opening credits started rolling, I was whisked off my feet and immersed in a new world where I could live vicariously through the lives of the characters. And boy, did they lead interesting lives (as compared to mine). In those two hours, I was carefree. A weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and I was thoroughly entertained, completely engaged, and blissfully happy all at once. But then life would slap me in the face once the lights came on again.

That doesn't happen so much anymore. I don't think it was very healthy to begin with. I feel that movies can provide some sort of escapism from our dull, awful, problematic lives, but they're also a form of entertainment and art. Now I see them as pieces of work, delicately crafted together by talented people who have a story to tell and a unique style in which they communicate their message to the world.

I love movies that speak a beautiful message; I love movies that create a whole new world where the possibilities are endless; I love movies that bring a smile to my face and tears to my eyes; I love movies that are thought-provoking and inspiring; Sometimes I love movies that are just plain fun and goofy.

So I have compiled a list of, in my humble opinion, the best and worst movies I've seen (in no particular order). Enjoy.

Best films

1. Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Beautifully written, with amazing performances by Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins, and an inspiring storyline that maps out the road to redemption with interjections of hope, spirit, and determination.


2. The Dark Knight (2008)
Christopher Nolan is an absolute genius. Heath Ledger's psychotic smile sent shivers down my spine. Add Christian Bale, Aaron Eckhart and Michael Caine to the mix, and you've got a smash hit at the box office.


3. Fight Club (1999)
At first glance, the film revolves around a loser-ish insomniac who meets a conniving soap salesman that seems to be the total opposite of him. Lots of fighting and confusion ensue between Edward Norton and Brad Pitt. But the twist at the end? Absolutely brilliant and downright mind-blowing.


4. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Funnyman Jim Carrey gets serious in this intriguing drama with Kate Winslet about dealing with heartache in a new way - erasing all memories of your former flame to escape from the pain. Don't tell me you've never thought of erasing an agonizing memory before.


5. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
A classic tale of inner beauty and a love that conquers all. Plus incredible songs to sing along with, talking objects, and my favorite princess Belle. What's not to like?


6. Elf (2003)
I love Christmas-related films, and I'm not ashamed to say I like Will Ferrell, so yes, this movie is one of my favorites. Watching Buddy the Elf explore New York City with child-like enthusiasm, eat spaghetti with syrup and candy, and instill the Christmas spirit in everyone is just the perfect movie to snuggle up on the couch with a mug of hot chocolate on Christmas Eve. Plus everyone loves Zooey Deschanel.


7. The Prestige (2006)
Again, Christopher Nolan with Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman equals to an amazing movie that kept me riveted for the entire duration. Magic, intrigue, deceit, and a jaw-dropping twist. Need I say more?


8. Love Actually (2003)
Being a big fan of rom-coms, this is definitely one of my favorites. Several stories chronicle different aspects of love in a magical and wonderful way. Plus it's during Christmas. Many 'awwwww' moments prove that love is actually all around indeed.


9. Up (2009)
To me, Pixar can do no wrong. From Toy Story to Finding Nemo to Monsters Inc., they've never failed to amaze me, and 'Up' is no exception. I laughed, I cried, I re-lived my childhood dreams... I enjoyed the entire movie immensely.


10. 500 Days of Summer (2009)
This oddball rom-com is a whirlwind of fresh air in the world of cliched love stories. It tells the story of a boy who is head over heels in love, and a quirky girl who turns his world upside down. The film goes back and forth in time constantly, and still manages to deliver all the pieces of the story beautifully.


11. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
An ambitious journalist, a writer with a sense of humor, a bet, and a unique love story makes up one of the most quotable movies of all time (for girls). "Benny boo boo," "Our love fern, you let it die!" "Princess Sophia"


Worst Films

1. The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Disney doesn't usually disappoint, but with its newest offering, I have to say there's a first time for everything. Its modern day version of the classic Frog Prince story fails to muster up the enchanting delight of previous Disney films, and the whole voodoo thing just creeps me out. What happened to innocence and charm?


2. Sin City (2005)
Dark. Violent. Gruesome. Repulsive. It's enough to turn you off in the first five minutes of the film. Although it does attempt to be stylistic, what with the black and white scenes and the yellow blood, the entire plot and concept is overwhelmingly revolting and horrific. It makes me shudder just thinking of it.


3. Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Americans love this movie. I detest it. It was plotless, meaningless and pure boredom, and the only reason I sat through the entire thing, torturous as it may be, was because I thought it would somehow get better. It didn't.


4. 300 (2006)
Boys love this movie; I have no idea why. It blends violence, gore, hideous scenes of carnage, and weird mythical creatures. My hands were covering my eyes more than half the time. And no, the painted-on abs didn't help.


5. Over Her Dead Body (2008)
You know we've become a completely superficial society when a movie fails because the lead actress (Lake Bell) isn't attractive. Not only that, the storyline falters and flounders like a fish out of water. All in all, a very painful 95 minutes to sit through.


6. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
I've never been a fan of the Indiana Jones series, and this certainly doesn't change my mind. To blame the entire adventure and mystery on aliens is such a cop-out and a disappointment. It's like they didn't know how to end the story, so they just opted for the easy way out.


7. You Don't Mess with the Zohan (2008)
This was a disaster in so many ways. I love Adam Sandler's movies, don't get me wrong. Big Daddy, The Wedding Singer, and The Longest Yard were hilarious. But this is just too crude and slapstick for my liking.


8. Dragonball Evolution (2009)
Asians love Dragonball, right? Yes, that used to be the case, until Hollywood ruined it for us by casting a Caucasian male as the lead Asian dude. He looks nothing like the cartoon character we all grew up with and love! Are Asians not good enough to carry the movie as the lead?? Plus the entire film was just a joke all around.


9. Superbad (2007)
'Superbad' is super bad, indeed. Three teenage boys answer to the call of their hormones; all they can think about is drinking, partying, and getting laid. Such a typical guy movie.


10. Fighting (2009)
Channing Tatum once again assumes the role of a down-and-out guy who gets discovered because of his talent (in fighting). This slow-paced, utterly predictable, and cliched story is a total yawnfest; even Tatum in all his hotness failed to save it.


11. Gamer (2009)
I admit I haven't actually seen this. The trailers looked semi-interesting, and probably attracted avid gamers, but from what I've heard, this is one of the most brutal, grisly, and savage movie there is. Most people who watched it in theaters walked out after 10 minutes of agony.


So there you have it. 11 of my most favorite and least favorite films of all time.

Hilarious exams

Okay... I was surfing the web two nights ago, bored out of my mind but not wanting to go to bed, because we just had a korean ramen party, and the spicy soup was keeping me annoyingly awake.
So I came across this website called Funny Exams, about answers that students filled out to actual exams. And I COULD NOT stop laughing. Of course, I had to stifle my laugh and giggle silently because my roommate was soundly asleep and it was 2am. But it was so funny that I just HAD to share it.

Here's some of the better/not-so-perverted ones:


Who draws an elephant on their test???


This is for jedi - the opposite of 'pro' is 'noob' (or 'nook') - your favorite word. haha.


I thought this was pure genius. Two polar bears and four seals equals six animals!!! haha.


Plants don't interact with each other. Duh. They're not humans. haha.


This is hilarious!! I kind of wish I was taking a Math class now, then I could do this too. haha.


And this is just random.


I love the last part of the answer. So true of all the useless science and math facts I've been forced to learn.


"If Batman says it, it must be true!"


HAHAHA.


So true of chemistry!! Some stuff, mixed with other stuff, equals more stuff! Who really cares what that stuff is??


HAHAHA.


Wow this one actually kind of worked. Maybe I should try that sometime.


I LOVE THIS. totally does look like sushi. oh I want some tuna sushi now.


Yup. Story of my life.


Literally.


HAHAHA.

Seriously, I don't know how people come up with this nonsense. It's so stupid and yet so incredibly funny! I wish I was creative like that :)

Mind your 'P's and 'Q's

Etiquette dinner


Random comic on table manners


Another random comic.
I think the little kid is saying, 'Grandma, you have something in your teeth!'

Have you ever been told not to rest your elbows on the dinner table because it was bad manners? Or to chew slowly with your mouth closed and talk after you've swallowed because no one wants to see the remnants of that chicken dish you ordered?
Obviously you have. We all have.

But did you know there is so much more to table manners and good etiquette than that?

Today, Career Development hosted an Etiquette Dinner on campus, and my Senior Media Capstone class participated, as part of class credit, but mostly also to learn the do's and don'ts of table manners in formal situations. With the guys in their suits and ties, and the girls in our dresses, skirts and heels, we strolled over to the Dining Commons (actually, it was more like we ran, because it was so cold) with a little bit of excitement and uncertainty as to what to expect. They said to dress 'business casual,' but who really knows what that means?? Obviously it excludes jeans and a tattered t-shirt, but 'business casual' can mean different things to different people in different work fields. Anyway, it was such a fascinating experience that I was shocked to notice 2 hours had flown by. Seriously, I was enthralled.

We sat around nicely decorated tables, and the first thing that caught my eye was the multitudes of silverware in front of my face. It was like we were in Home Depot or NTUC, at the silverware section, with piles and piles of forks and knives and spoons to choose from. It was overwhelming. But I learned that the outer forks and knives are used for your salad and bread roll, and the inner ones are used for the main course. Oh, and they should always FACE A CERTAIN WAY -- pointing inward. Because, and this stems from medieval times, if you point them outward, it meant that you were challenging the people at your table to battle. Also, you should NEVER take your bread plate and put it in front of you. That space is reserved ONLY for the main course. And soup, I guess. It would be hard to consume soup if the bowl was an arm's length away from you. So we learned a ton of interesting stuff like that.

Like how to take your napkin from the table (gently) and fold it and put it on your lap. And to say 'no thank you' to appetizers and desserts, unless the host offers. And to always offer the breadbowl or the water or the butter or the salad dressing to the person on your left, and hold on to it for dear life, let the person take some, then take your share, and pass it to the person on your right. And when eating the main course, always hold your utensils in such a way that you cover the end of it.
So... in doing these exercises, I learned that I am the only person who holds the fork in my right hand and the knife in my left. Everyone else does the opposite. What is wrong with me?? Recently, I've also discovered that I have been holding chopsticks the wrong way for my entire life; even Americans have chided me because they can hold chopsticks better than I can. But oh well, as long as I can stab the food and toss it into my mouth, I'm happy.

Other things that we learned...

The bread roll remains on the bread plate, and you only tear off bite-sized chunks, butter them, and put them in your mouth gracefully. You don't grab the entire piece of bread and shovel it into your mouth, in case someone asks you a question and you have to chew for 5 minutes before you can answer.
You have to cut up the veggies in your salad, so as to make them smaller and easier to eat.
You also have to eat at the same pace as everyone else, and there's no going backwards. If people are done with the salad and are on to the main course, you'd better be following suit, because if you want a bread roll when people are on dessert, too bad buddy, it's too late.
Oh, and you always have to leave a small portion of your food on the plate, to show others that you're easily satisfied. I didn't really get this rule. Why would you want to do that?? It makes no sense. Plus it's a waste of food.

And the worst types of food to order during a formal business meeting/job interview?
Any kind of pasta, especially the twirly kind like spaghetti, because they're messy. Chicken wings, too, because no one wants to hire a person who gobbles down wings like a barbarian and licks their fingers afterward. And don't ever order french onion soup, because it's so hard to eat, what with all the cheese and bits of onion. Plus it's not like you can gracefully reach into your soup with a knife and cut up the cheese to make it bite-sized (like everything else). That's just weird.

So we learned all that and more. It was such riveting stuff. Although I'm not sure if I'll be able to remember all that. I might just practice it everyday from now on. Go to the Dining Commons, surround myself with silverware, and test it out. But then again, every meal would probably last about 2 hours if I did. Also, I've never really understood the need for multiple forks and knives. I mean, this just creates more work for those workers who have to wash the dishes. And I understand what a pain it is to wash dishes. I've been there, done that (and probably will be doing so for the rest of my life, unless I buy a dishwasher like every other American). Seriously. We should all just use one fork for salads, wipe it off (that's what napkins are for), then use it again for the main course! Or just go straight into the main course! So what if it tastes like salad dressing? It would only last for the first few bites. Plus then we could save water. And spend the precious money on something else.

Oh... talking about money, that will be the subject of my next ranting.

Pet peeves

A pet peeve is a habit or action that is annoying to you, and it differs from person to person. For a while, I didn't know what my pet peeves were, because I'm usually so laidback about everything. But... I've come to recognize my flaws. And here they are.

-People who go back on their word. They say one thing, and the next day they change their mind completely and leave me disappointed.
-People who start to say something, and then stop in the middle of the sentence and say, 'never mind.' It just makes me awfully curious, and I can't stop thinking about it.
-People who don't wash their dishes and lay them out for days and days until disgusting bacteria grows. That's just sick.
-When I can't find something I KNOW I just saw a second ago. And then I have to rustle through my pile of stuff just to find it right in front of me.
-People who cough or sneeze with their mouths wide open when I cross their path.
-Automated voices that pick up your call and put you through 500 options until the one you want finally comes up. They do that for banks, airlines, malls, and some companies. It really tests your patience.
-People who spray perfume/cologne/body spray on every single part of their body, every single time before they leave the room.
-Christians who misuse the name of God to sell products, like this Magic Cleansing Water advertisement we saw in class that claims to answer all your prayers when you drink it! Ridiculous.
-People who are obsessed with sports and get mood swings according to which team wins what game.
-People who depend on their parents 24/7 and call them every single second to tell them about every little detail in their lives.
-When there are grammatical errors on newspapers or magazines. I just want to whip out a pen and make corrections.
-People who criticize Christianity for all sorts of reasons.
-People who walk super slowly on the sidewalk and take up all the space.
-People who walk super fast and I have to practically sprint to catch up.
-Chain emails. No one is going to die if you don't send the email to everyone on your contact list. Seriously.
-People who pretend they know things about other cultures. Although I admit I do that sometimes, to avoid coming across as ignorant.
-People who are all bright and sunny and chirpy at the break of dawn.
-People who expect me to be all bright and sunny and chirpy at the break of dawn.
-People who don't wash their hands after going to the bathroom. For some reason, that happens a lot here. It's kind of really gross. Not to mention unhygienic.
-People who think I'm proud or cold or snobby just because I'm not super outgoing.
-When people use 'lol' it annoys the heck out of me. It makes no sense! I say something funny, you type 'laughing out loud.' Why not just say 'hahaha' like you would if you were actually LAUGHING?? Who says 'lol' in real life?? And you know what's worse? 'rofl' -- 'rolling on the floor laughing' -- that's ridiculous. If you were on the floor, how could you be typing???
-Salespeople who stare at you the moment you enter a store and continue to follow you with their eyes with every move that you make.

Okay, that was a rather long list. And I'm sure I have more. I guess I do get irritated occasionally. :)
But if you are one of these people on my list, it's fine, we can still be friends, because I get annoyed for a second and then I forget about it. haha.