Behind the Wheel

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     Watch out America.  There is a terror on our roads.  It isn’t a teenager who just got their license.  It isn’t senior citizens driving 40 mph on the interstate.   No, it isn’t tractor trailer trucks trying to get their shipment delivered on time.   What is it?  It is a mom that is running late.   A mom who has her kids strapped into safety seats as required by law.  They are headed for school, an appointment, or an activity.   The late mom loses all common sense, and is on a mission to get her kids to their destination as soon as possible.  I have one request.  Please don’t put the safety of my children at risk while you cut 5 minutes off your drive.

     I started noticing this once I had my own kids.  There are bad drivers everywhere.  Tailgaters, speeders, wrong turns, going through stop lights, texting, etc.  What surprises me is that parents would behave in such a reckless manner.  I have been followed so closely, I can read their lips.  I can see the panic on their faces.  Oh my, they are late.  How awful.  Let’s run down everyone in our way so that we can get to dance, swim class, baseball, or karate.  

   The school parking lot is not much better.  Upon arriving, they park anywhere, and run into the school.  They will block in 5 other cars to park.  They have to get into the school now.  Never mind that the staff doesn’t let anyone leave without a note and an adult identified as the pick-up person.  The lot is filled with pint-sized human beings who aren’t always readily visible.  They bop between cars, hide behind adults, and more often than not, are walking to the wrong car. 

   At activities, the late mom will barrel into the parking lot and stop with the precision of a race car driver.  They fly into the parking lot, pull their kid out of the car, and run to the class.  Sorry, but missing 5 minutes of a dance class for preschoolers is not the end of the world.  The water will still be in the pool for the swim class.  The team will let you join in the game when you get there.  It isn’t worth the anxiety and stress.

   What concerns me most is that parents are carrying precious cargo.  I don’t understand why the safety of their children or others is not on their minds.  A larger vehicle doesn’t provide instant protection.  Any type of accident can cause injury.  Anybody can run into a small child in a parking lot.  I hope I never witness this.  Please slow down.  Give yourself the time necessary to get to your destination safely.  The consequences are not worth it.

The Pied Piper

   I was sitting on a bench, watching my daughter’s swim class, when a four-year-old girl came over to talk to me.  As with all girls, a few questions suddenly multiply exponentially.  Her caretaker tried to get her to leave me alone.  I told the caretaker that it was ok, that this happens to me wherever I go.  She responded by calling me” The Pied Piper”. 

   For some reason, little kids like me.  I don’t really understand why.  I don’t talk to them in that sing song voice.  I’m not overly playful and don’t make the first move to talk to them.  I’m actually better with older kids.  Anyway, wherever I go I find myself having a conversation with other people’s kids.  It happens at the park, the library, activities, shopping, etc.  My only guess as to why this happens is that I have a goofy smile on my face, and I let them talk without interrupting.   I respond to what they have to say and appear interested.  This is what I think they are craving.

     I understand what it is like to be a stay-at-home mom.  Sometimes the days seem so long and you miss the life you had pre-kids.   There are times you miss being able to do anything spontaneously, and there are days when adult conversation is sorely lacking.  But the years pass quickly and before you know it your children are starting school.  The preparation before they get there is critical to their social and emotional well-being.

    I have had more than one child ask me to push them on a swing.  I have seen many calling for their parents repeatedly to which there is no response.  I have heard little ones say “Look at me…Look at me” a number of times.  I have watched as some parents frantically called out their kids names because they had no idea where they were.   It is ok to talk for parents to have time to talk to their friends, read a book, or talk on the cell phone, but I wonder how many do this so often that the child never receives any attention.

    There is one incident I will never forget.  My children were 6 and 4 at the time.  We went to a local park that has benches near the playing area.  It was first time that I ever sat down.   Within 5 minutes, a little girl arrived with her mother.  Immediately she came over to the bench and starting telling me a story.  Being that she was around 3, I didn’t understand all that she was saying.  Her mother was busy spreading out a blanket and taking out her book.  All the time she was tethered to a dog.  The little girl walked away only to return with her doll stroller.  After about 10 minutes, her mother walked over.  I tried to make conversation about the dog, but her only intention was to make the girl walk back over to the blanket.  There she sat, looking at the other kids playing on the playground.  It broke my heart.

     I’m not saying that you have to totally give yourself over to your kids.  I don’t believe that you have to pay attention to them all of the time.  But I do know that the relationship that is established in the beginning years has much to do with their development as they age.  Take some time.  Look into their eyes.  Listen to their stories, and let them know you care.

The Trump Card

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     Donald Trump is contemplating a run for the presidency. Based on the little I have seen of him lately, he might as well save his money. In one interview, he started talking about his beliefs about the economy. All was well until he shifted gears and started going after the birthplace of Obama. In that split second, I no longer had any interest in what he had to say.
     I have written before about my displeasure in candidates that go on the attack rather than set about what they stand for, and how they plan to accomplish the goals they wish to accomplish. For some reason, Trump is the leader of the candidates now posturing to run. Sure he has made a fortune in Real Estate, hotels, golf courses, etc. He probably understands the economic climate and the stock market extremely well, but what else?
     I remember not too long ago when the President was criticized for not having enough experience in the areas of foreign affairs and leadership in general. Does running your own company qualify you to run a country? Does he have any better understanding of our military?
     Trump has made the birth issue his number one item of discussion. I find this to be ridiculous. No one would ever have been elected in this country if he or she were not a citizen. Does he really think it slipped by? It is insulting and highly disrespectful. He has the right to disagree with the policies or agenda being set forth by Obama, but he not right in his questioning of the man’s citizenship or education.
     My guess is the Republicans are letting him have his show so that when the more serious candidates appear, they will seem like much better choices. In the meantime, Trump will have a field day with the press and the throngs of people who show up to hear him speak. After all, it fuels the attention he craves, and pushes the ego to believe that he has what it takes to lead a nation.

A Gallon of Gasoline

   The price of gas is going up again.  It seems like every trip to the pump is experiencing a rise of 20 cents or more.  As much as I don’t like to see this happen, I can say one thing about gas.  We can judge the cost because no matter what the price, we pay for a gallon.  This is not true of many items we purchase.  Other industries have modified their sizes and quality without us readily noticing.

   My favorite brand of orange juice is Tropicana.  Last week, I saw it on sale for $2.50.  I thought this was quite the bargain and bought two.  It wasn’t until I got home that I noticed that the carton was now 59 oz. instead of 64.  They have been selling other juices at the 59 oz size for some time, but the straight orange juice has only been reduced recently.  So in other words, my great find was not really a great find after all.

   Cans of tuna are now down to 5 oz.  Sure they may be 10 for 10, but they are smaller.  I also noticed that the quality of Bumblebee has much to be desired.  The last time I opened a can, it contained more water, and the tuna itself was of a lower quality.  I now purchase another brand that I pay $1.25 to $1.50 for but it is 7 oz. and much meatier in taste and appearance.

    Coffee cans have shrunk too.   A small can is now 10.5 oz.  What happened to it being a pound?  It slowly reduced its size from 16 oz to 13 oz, then 11 oz and now 10.5 oz.   Pretty soon we will all be forced to by those little cups for individual servings.

   The list can go on and on, detergent, soap, crackers, bread, peanut butter, etc.  My sister thinks the roll of toilet paper has gotten narrower too.  I took a look the other day and realized that she is probably right.

    The makers of everyday goods have pulled a fast one on us.  I would rather have to pay more than to be fooled into thinking I am getting a bargain, and finding out that the contents is reduced or modified.  So, while I don’t like the cost of gasoline rising, at least I know that a gallon is a gallon.  Well…at least for now.

The Anger of a Second Grade Boy

        I saw a story this morning on GMA about a second grade boy in Colorado, whose behavior was so violent, the police had to be called.  He had been spitting, throwing chairs, and swearing.  He told his teachers that he was going to kill them and was holding a sharp knife-like piece of wood.  His reaction towards the police was the same at which point they decided to use pepper spray on the child.  When his mother arrived she was horrified that her son had been treated this way, and filed a complaint against the police department.  The reaction to this story had been overwhelming.  Many are choosing sides as to who is wrong or right.  I think the situation is a little more complex than that. 

     He is in a class for children with behavioral issues.  His mother claims he only has problems at school.  Elizabeth Vargas, who has small children herself, tried to get this child to admit that his behavior was out of control.  He held back a bit and seemed like he really didn’t understand why it was so bad.  His mother feels excessive force was used.  Not being in the situation at the time we can only speculate what occurred.  But, the school has a commitment to provide a safe environment for all.  This is where we run into problems.

    There are many kids who cause disruptions in the classroom.  The attention all seems to focus on those one or two individuals and not on the climate of the entire room.  Where do the rights of the kids who behave come in?  How can a teacher be responsible for the learning and safety of all when these situations arise?  I find it interesting that these are the issues that create the most action by parents.  Right away they are in the office.  Right away they are seeking lawyers.  They don’t see that there is a much bigger problem in front of their eyes.

    This little boy is a ticking time bomb.  It will only be a matter of time before he hurts himself or others.  The focus should be on getting him the right kind of help he needs while he is still young.  There is something bothering him.  He seems to be deeply troubled.  This isn’t about the police, the school, or the teachers. The story has created much publicity, but I feel those closest to him need to put their energy into the child and let the other concerns rest.  I wish him well.

Small Cars at Costco

       I went shopping at Costco last week.  The drill is always the same.  I plan to go in for a “few” items, which should only take a “few” minutes.  Well, this never happens but I like to try and fool myself into thinking that someday it will.  The few minutes always turns into at least an hour.  The few items double or triple by the time I get to the checkout.  That is why I would really like to know what you buy when you go to Costco in a small car.

   I buy cereal,  coffee, meat, and breads on every trip.  There are other necessities that get added at times such as toilet paper, juice, cleaning products, aspirin, soap, etc…  Then there are the items that you didn’t know about before you walked into the store.  Here you can find clothing, a CD, a book (even though I already have about 10 unread at home), something for the house, or something seasonal.  I’m not an impulsive shopper, but sometimes those deals are too good to let go.    

  Most items are large, bulky, and heavy.  The toilet paper alone, all 48 rolls, can take up half the cargo space in the car.  Other items can weigh a ton.  I wonder how I got that herniated disk.  In any case, you need space in your vehicle to be a serious shopper at Costco.

   So I wonder how one manages with a small car.  Maybe they are only going in to use the pharmacy.  Maybe they live close by and go more often.  Maybe they are creative in making it all fit.  Here’s a thought.  Maybe they just buy a “few” items.  Much as I would like to believe it, I don’t think that day will ever come for me at Costco.