On any given day, I love where I live. I love my house, I love the 'woodedness' of the area, I love where I take my morning walks , and I *sort* of love the local wildlife. I find the chipmunks and birds to be quite endearing. The wild turkeys are pretty funny to watch when they jog across the road; heck, even "fox guy" can be pretty darn cute while playing with his babies. While I embrace these critters, there are two species of God's Creatures that I am still a bit "oogied-out" by: non-migratory Canadian geese and deer.
While on a walk last Fall, I happened upon a large group of geese by the shoulder of the road. I did my best to avoid them, and jutted out into the road a bit. As I passed by, their "leader" made this throaty growling/hissing noise at me. While I was grateful that they didn't have sharp teeth, I was freaked out anyway. I scurried out of there pretty quick. As far as deer go, my issue is more along the paranoia level. I have envisioned them with glowing red eyes, and an insatiable taste for human blood. Yes, it's weird, but that's my hang -up....
Little did I know that when I headed out this morning, I'd get to meet both of my "nature nightmares" head-on....
After yesterday's muggy strangeness, I was excited to get back outside for a good 'ol hike. I was wandering through a subdivision , thinking my thoughts, when I noticed a large group of geese. As I have in the past, I started moving towards the center of the street. It was pretty obvious (it is always pretty darn obvious with these guys) who the "fearless" leader was. I glanced at the fellow out of the corner of my eye. Darn it if he didn't start marching his posse across the street, straight at me! As I was mentally preparing myself for the bevy of oncoming poultry, a car sped by and caused them to retreat back into the ditch. Whheewww....one bullet dodged!
A few minutes after that encounter, I was strolling down a main road, which is flanked by woods. Sadly, I came upon a baby spotted deer in this area earlier in the week that had been killed. I heard a bit of stirring in the woods, and saw two deer grazing away. I looked at them....they looked at me. Usually, these sort of exchanges end with just that- a good visual "appraisal" of one another. Well, today, the planets must have been aligned funny because one of the deer emerged from the woods, and started walking parallel to me (in the bike lane, no less), on the other side of the street. I could not believe that this was happening, and looked over my shoulder a second time; yep, still being followed. I turned around for the third time; yep, still being followed. By the time I turned around for the third time, I was booking pretty quick; so was my "friend". In utter disbelief, I started to walk down a driveway, in case the "deer guy" would be relentless in his pursuit. Thankfully, a pick-up truck came up behind the deer, and the deer scurried back into the woods.... I'm not a betting woman, but what are the odds of this happening?!?!?!
So.....I got home and relayed my most (un)excellent adventure to my husband. He has always found it pretty amusing that I am wigged-out by "sweet deer"; the guy didn't make fun of me this time. After today's hijinks, I think I should have a T-Shirt made for my walks, which says "Team Animals" on it. I'll bet that if they knew I was a vegetarian and an animal rights supporter, that they would find a more 'deserving' human to stalk....
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
"Protecting" the "Gift"
Last weekend, I decided to go against all that I stand for (I hate shopping), and suggested that we do a family field trip to the local "outdoor mall". Husband needed to have an eye exam, so Child and I headed off to Barnes and Noble for a bit.
Child decided to bring along a couple of gift cards, as well as a chunk of her allowance savings. Being that it was a bookstore, I figured she might select something along the 'literary realm'; would you believe that Barnes and Noble now carries Vera Bradley Bags ?!?!?! So, after some deliberation, Child decided to get herself one. As she assumed her place in the mile-long line, I reminded her to hand over her Gift cards first, then make up the difference with her own money. So, after handing over said cards, the cashier announced the amount still needing to be paid. Instead of counting out her wad of cash, and handing over only what was needed, she gave the woman the whole handful. The woman smiled at her, took out what was needed, and handed back the rest. Note to self: remind Child that a fool is easily parted from her money.
So, after lecturing Child on why what "went down" during the transaction was wrong, we went upstairs to look at books (as Husband was taking forever to arrive). Bored with the Teen section, Child asked to go check out the Stephen King section. Being that the Stephen King section was halfway across the store, I followed behind, and looked at books in the vicinity. Twice while my twelve year-old daughter was contemplating how to give herself a nightmare that evening, two different older teen boys started circling the area. Holy cow! When did this start happening ?!?!?! Is she "street smart" enough to know what to do if they approach? What are these dudes even doing "stalking" a KID? I think I earned a couple more gray hairs, but Child (oblivious) was no worse for the wear... Note to Self: remind Child to be aware of her surroundings, and to always trust her inner gut as to whether a situation feels "right".
So, I was grateful that I happened to be present to observe two ways in which the "Gift" was in need of "protecting". When Child was little, "protecting" often involved areas that were simply black or white; now, however, there are so many areas that are various shades of grey. People have often told me, "little kids, little problems; big kids, big problems". I don't know if I'd go that far, but I think I surely need to check my "owner's manual" as to the rules of the game, at this new level...
Child decided to bring along a couple of gift cards, as well as a chunk of her allowance savings. Being that it was a bookstore, I figured she might select something along the 'literary realm'; would you believe that Barnes and Noble now carries Vera Bradley Bags ?!?!?! So, after some deliberation, Child decided to get herself one. As she assumed her place in the mile-long line, I reminded her to hand over her Gift cards first, then make up the difference with her own money. So, after handing over said cards, the cashier announced the amount still needing to be paid. Instead of counting out her wad of cash, and handing over only what was needed, she gave the woman the whole handful. The woman smiled at her, took out what was needed, and handed back the rest. Note to self: remind Child that a fool is easily parted from her money.
So, after lecturing Child on why what "went down" during the transaction was wrong, we went upstairs to look at books (as Husband was taking forever to arrive). Bored with the Teen section, Child asked to go check out the Stephen King section. Being that the Stephen King section was halfway across the store, I followed behind, and looked at books in the vicinity. Twice while my twelve year-old daughter was contemplating how to give herself a nightmare that evening, two different older teen boys started circling the area. Holy cow! When did this start happening ?!?!?! Is she "street smart" enough to know what to do if they approach? What are these dudes even doing "stalking" a KID? I think I earned a couple more gray hairs, but Child (oblivious) was no worse for the wear... Note to Self: remind Child to be aware of her surroundings, and to always trust her inner gut as to whether a situation feels "right".
So, I was grateful that I happened to be present to observe two ways in which the "Gift" was in need of "protecting". When Child was little, "protecting" often involved areas that were simply black or white; now, however, there are so many areas that are various shades of grey. People have often told me, "little kids, little problems; big kids, big problems". I don't know if I'd go that far, but I think I surely need to check my "owner's manual" as to the rules of the game, at this new level...
Monday, July 5, 2010
If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'em and Text 'Em...
After the big "FU 40s" blog/vent/bitching session, it's nice to be back to my normal "m-o" of seeing the humor in life. Time to let out a big, long "Aaaaahhhhhh"....
At the beginning of Summer Break, I declared myself free of arranging Child's "social schedule". (I still plan on supervising/connecting with the other parents, just not cruise directing) She initially started down this road making a few *gasp* phone calls to some female pals. While phone usage between her and her fellow 'sistas' was increasing, there was still the issue of Friend, who by luck of "nature's lottery", was born male. If you've read any of my past musings, you are quite aware that Child + Phone + Friend = hormonal/emotional meltdown. Stay with me, as a miraculous turn of events occurred....
In the "FU 40s" post, I mentioned that it had come to my attention via Child that she, her friends, and her friends' parents found me to be a bit on the overprotective side. Although this was a bit hard to listen to, Child stated her case pretty calmly, which warranted me giving things some pretty serious thought. After having a good discussion with Husband, we decided to activate her texting on her phone. Yes, I still do believe that a phone should be powered by an actual *voice*; it became apparent, however, that the world has changed a bit, and if I didn't bend my guidelines a bit, my daughter would be left "out in the cold". So, we explained a few text-messaging basics (no texting after 8:30 PM, view any message being sent as though it is "on shout"), and let her have at it. After texting Husband and a Gym friend, she decided to shoot a message off to Friend. Happily, it turned out that he was also granted the privilege to text with her, as well. Can we all say this together....YAY!!!!
So, I will have no more "cute little anecdotes" about the awkwardness of the two of them being in contact via phone. Child's phone has been chirping pretty consistently with little "back-and-forth" texts between her and Friend. After a couple days of this chatting , Child actually "text invited" Friend to watch the 4th Fireworks last night with our family (he accepted). This is the beginning of a new era.... and I love it! Cruise Director nametag overboard, Captain!!!!
So.. as we were nearing Friend's driveway last night (after a fun-filled evening of fireworks/hanging at the Park/choc. custard and french fries), I told the two of them that they would need to say their good-byes, as Friend would be leaving for two weeks of Camp, minus his cell phone (therefore, no texting). Friend thoughtfully replied that they could both write to each other; Ahh, the lost art of letter writing, another way to keep in touch w/o voice contact! After a fun night, we all came home and crashed at 11:30.
Being the early bird that I am, I woke up at my usual time this morning to get the coffee going (Husband and Child were still happily slumbering away). As I was sipping my java, and admiring my garden through the kitchen window, Child's phone started chirping; it was Friend making one last text before 'heading out of Dodge'. Even though I knew I would be waking a sleeping bear, I brought the phone up to Child, so she would be able to respond before he left. One more set of "technologically-powered" good-byes were exchanged; ain't communication grand?!?!
At the beginning of Summer Break, I declared myself free of arranging Child's "social schedule". (I still plan on supervising/connecting with the other parents, just not cruise directing) She initially started down this road making a few *gasp* phone calls to some female pals. While phone usage between her and her fellow 'sistas' was increasing, there was still the issue of Friend, who by luck of "nature's lottery", was born male. If you've read any of my past musings, you are quite aware that Child + Phone + Friend = hormonal/emotional meltdown. Stay with me, as a miraculous turn of events occurred....
In the "FU 40s" post, I mentioned that it had come to my attention via Child that she, her friends, and her friends' parents found me to be a bit on the overprotective side. Although this was a bit hard to listen to, Child stated her case pretty calmly, which warranted me giving things some pretty serious thought. After having a good discussion with Husband, we decided to activate her texting on her phone. Yes, I still do believe that a phone should be powered by an actual *voice*; it became apparent, however, that the world has changed a bit, and if I didn't bend my guidelines a bit, my daughter would be left "out in the cold". So, we explained a few text-messaging basics (no texting after 8:30 PM, view any message being sent as though it is "on shout"), and let her have at it. After texting Husband and a Gym friend, she decided to shoot a message off to Friend. Happily, it turned out that he was also granted the privilege to text with her, as well. Can we all say this together....YAY!!!!
So, I will have no more "cute little anecdotes" about the awkwardness of the two of them being in contact via phone. Child's phone has been chirping pretty consistently with little "back-and-forth" texts between her and Friend. After a couple days of this chatting , Child actually "text invited" Friend to watch the 4th Fireworks last night with our family (he accepted). This is the beginning of a new era.... and I love it! Cruise Director nametag overboard, Captain!!!!
So.. as we were nearing Friend's driveway last night (after a fun-filled evening of fireworks/hanging at the Park/choc. custard and french fries), I told the two of them that they would need to say their good-byes, as Friend would be leaving for two weeks of Camp, minus his cell phone (therefore, no texting). Friend thoughtfully replied that they could both write to each other; Ahh, the lost art of letter writing, another way to keep in touch w/o voice contact! After a fun night, we all came home and crashed at 11:30.
Being the early bird that I am, I woke up at my usual time this morning to get the coffee going (Husband and Child were still happily slumbering away). As I was sipping my java, and admiring my garden through the kitchen window, Child's phone started chirping; it was Friend making one last text before 'heading out of Dodge'. Even though I knew I would be waking a sleeping bear, I brought the phone up to Child, so she would be able to respond before he left. One more set of "technologically-powered" good-byes were exchanged; ain't communication grand?!?!
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