I've never been one for change.
In fact, I don't mind admitting that on more than one occasion I have squared up to change and attempted to kick its most unwelcome backside.
Sometimes, I would just like things to stay as they are - especially when I find myself in a perfect moment - but alas, that's not possible.
It's just sad though that some of the good things from the past, like standards, have also changed through time and become lost.
But to be honest I hadn't noticed just how low some people's standards had dropped - until recently.
While it's not where I would normally choose to spend my Saturday - as I'm very pregnant and exhausted - I found myself in Ikea recently as I was on the hunt for a new wardrobe, drawers and some storage.
After navigating the maze of rooms that is the Ikea showroom, we eventually found the furniture we were looking for and after adding a few extra bits and pieces (of course), it was time to pay.
After this, Darren used all his strength to push our heaving trolley out to the car park and then loaded all the flat pack furniture - without my help - into the car. Then it was time for home.
However, as we made our way towards the car park exit we noticed a woman walking across a zebra crossing, pushing a trolley, filled to the top with all sorts of furniture and other items. She was also clutching the hand of a small child while trying to make her way back to her car.
In that moment disaster struck as her trolley overturned and its contents went flying every which way.
Right away, the small child got down to try and lift some of the heavy items as her mother scrambled to try and right the trolley and then grab everything.
Immediately, I shouted to Darren to pull the car over - which he was in the middle of doing anyway - and out he sprung to run to help the woman.
It was only as he got closer that he realised that as well as the small child, the woman was also balancing a baby in a car seat. Her husband then appeared on hand to come to her aid.
As Darren and the woman's husband tried to gather the fallen items, I watched the reaction of other people. I had expected others to help, however, many of those standing close to what had happened did nothing more than stare. Even worse, some people sitting in cars right beside the zebra crossing continued to sit.
With the exception of one woman who ran up the car park to help, no one else did and, unbelievably, one man crossing the zebra crossing stepped over the items and tutted. (He's lucky I wasn't able to chase after him and give him a piece of my mind.)
Of course, I was of little help as many of the items were massive and heavy but I just could not believe people's reaction to someone in need, especially someone with two small children.
When did this sort of behaviour become acceptable?
If you were one of these people I can only hope that at some point you find that sense of common decency that you somehow lost.
You never know when you or a loved one will be that woman in need and be glad of someone giving a helping hand.
Darren of course helped the couple back to their car with their items and they were profusely thankful to him.
It was nice to know he had made a difference to someone's day.
Thank goodness some people have retained the good manners and traditions they were raised with - it's a pity about the rest.
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Spring is on the way folks so that can only mean one thing - Mother's Day is fast approaching.
From making dinners to doing the laundry and from being on hand to give us much-needed hugs and giving up her time for babysitting duty, we really do have a lot to thank our mums for.
So it's only right we make her feel special. But if you've found yourself struggling to find that perfect gift for Mother's Day on Sunday, March 6, look no further than Asda.
From adorably cuddlesome Polka Dot Bears and pretty bouquet of flowers, to beautiful decorations and home items by George, Asda has a range of gifts in store and online starting at under £5.
Or why not treat her to a deliciously indulgent box of chocolates, or give her all the ingredients she needs for a perfect pampering session and let her relax by candlelight?
You can even check out www.asda.com/mothers-day for a range of sumptuous recipes to inspire your creativity for a delicious Mother’s Day meal.
I have two £25 Asda vouchers to give away to two lucky readers.
If you fancy winning a voucher simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is Tuesday, February 16 at 12 Noon.
(Q) What date is Mother's Day this year?
Normal Irish News Rules Apply
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What's Hot?
Laughs - Zoolander 2 is finally released today. Starring Ben Stiller, we rejoin the hilarious Derek on the catwalk for more fun and frolics. Lots of laughs guaranteed.
Romance - If you're still searching for a cute Valentine's gift, check out Lidl's stunning Esmara lingerie range. The collection, made up of intricate lace and elegant detail, includes a classic lace chemise for £5.99, bodysuit for £6.99, push-up bra and briefs for £9.98 and kimono-style robes for just £6.99.
New Look - After a new look for spring? Check out the new cosmetic collection by model, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley at M&S. The Rosie for Autograph includes 51 beautiful products including Radiance Cream.
So Not!
Not invited - Actress Melissa McCarthy has revealed she was not asked to reprise her wonderful role, Sookie St James, in a revival of the brilliant Gilmore Girls. What a pity.
Criticism - There have been calls for Channel 4's The Jump to be cancelled after three celebrities, including Rebecca Adlington, had to leave due to serious injuries. Oh dear.
The End - Fans of The Good Wife have been left devastated after it was announced that the popular show will not return for an eighth season.
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Competition
The winners of the Opus 4 Tan competition are Geraldine O'Donnell from Omagh; Jacqueline Bannon from Glengormley; and Monica McGuinness from Castlewellan
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Easy Peasy Recipe
This week’s Easy Peasy Recipe is Banana and Oatmeal Cookies
You will need:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
pinch salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
3/4 tsp cinnamon
3/4 cup cubed butter
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 cup mashed bananas
1 3/4 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup chopped nuts
To Make:
Preheat oven to 200 degrees celsius/Gas Mark 6
In a bowl, sift in the flour and add the baking soda, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon.
Add the butter and sugar and mix together well.
Add the egg, bananas, oats and nuts. Mix well.
Drop by the teaspoon onto a baking tray.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Do you have an Easy Peasy recipe you would like to share?
Are you the queen of quiches, magnificent at muffins or can you turn out some nice scones?
If so, then we want to hear from you.
You can send your name, address, contact number and recipe (plus photo if possible) to:
Easy Peasy Recipes,
Marie Louise McConville,
Irish News
113-117 Donegall Street,
Belfast,
BT1 2GE
or
m.mcconville@irishnews.com
