Just Another Day

 I was, for most of my young and teen years, a very shy person.  I had lots of friends and was outgoing and funny when around people I was comfortable with, but speak up around an adult I didn't know? Wasn't going to happen. Approach an older person for directions? No way. I would rather the earth swallow me whole than to open my mouth and address a stranger.  My Dad, the exact opposite of this type of person, saw this trait in me early on, and tried many things to try and get me out of my cocoon. He took me along on some business outings where I was forced to meet many of his business associates and their families and staff.  I don't think it went terribly, but I don't think it worked the way he intended. I am sure I said hello and did not embarrass him by mumbling, but I'm pretty sure I wasn't the epitome of social grace either. I mean, I think I was 12 or 13.  My Dad worked in the fishing industry, and this meant we drove down to sometimes San Pedro, sometime...