August 8, 2025
Today’s Thought of the Day and Question of the Day bring us a one-two punch of stubborn self-awareness and petty grudges. In this post, I dig into the very Beckett-like refusal to adapt (for better or worse) and confess my long-running war with toys that have mastered the art of camouflage. Come for the quote, stay for the toy trauma.
Thought of the Day:
“I have my faults, but changing my tune is not one of them.” — Samuel Beckett
This is the kind of quote that makes you smirk, then pause, then smirk again—Beckett’s specialty. On the surface, it’s witty and self-deprecating. Dig a little deeper, and you might find something almost noble in it. A kind of stubborn consistency. Or maybe just plain stubbornness.
I know people who change their tune depending on the room they’re in. I am not one of those people. For better or worse, I usually keep humming the same off-key melody, even if the band has packed up and the lights are off.
Sometimes that’s loyalty. Sometimes it’s pride. Sometimes it’s just that I haven’t noticed the music changed. I’ve made peace with that. We all have our quirks, some are charming, some are loud, and some just refuse to update their Spotify playlists.
This quote reminds me of another day when I wrestled with the difference between holding firm and refusing to grow. This post, Be careful what you label as failures might hit the same note. And for another peek into my philosophical stubborn streak, take a look at Don’t wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty and the pig likes it.
Question of the Day:
What’s your most irrational vendetta against an otherwise harmless object?
Easy. Toys that match the floor.
We have three small kids. That means toys are everywhere—and sometimes they blend in like military snipers. I’m talking about tan LEGOs on beige carpet, tiny gray cars on hardwood, and pastel puzzle pieces on pastel tile.
Why do they do this? Are they in on it together? Is there a secret toy union that meets at night and votes on who’s going to ambush me in the dark hallway next?
It’s not just the pain (though stepping on a LEGO at 2 AM should be a Geneva Convention violation). It’s the betrayal. These toys are supposed to be fun, cute, safe. Instead, they lie in wait like plastic landmines, targeting the bare, unsuspecting soles of exhausted parents.
I know it’s irrational. It’s not the toy’s fault it matches the flooring. But the rage is real. And somewhere in the toy bin, a lone Lincoln Log is probably plotting my next stubbed toe.
This isn’t the first time I’ve called out the strange emotional attachments (and detestments) we develop. If this made you chuckle, you might also enjoy What do you have a low tolerance for? or What is your biggest driving pet peeve?.
Let’s Hear From You
Got a toy (or object) that’s earned your eternal grudge? Ever been accused of refusing to “change your tune”—and felt weirdly proud of it? Leave a comment below or join the daily email to get a new Thought of the Day and Question of the Day sent to you each morning. It’s bite-sized reflection with zero toy-related injuries.
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