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Post by Phalon on Sept 15, 2004 12:15:37 GMT -6
<plops down on her chair and rests her forehead against the cool wood of the bar> Sigh...A drink, please. Anything - the stronger the better. Jack and Coke? Sounds perfect.
My day off work today, and sheesh, it's not been one of my better ones so far. Little Xena was in a snit this morning because I won't let her walk to school by herself. Call me over-protective or whatever...afterall, it is only two blocks until she can see the crossing guard and she keeps reminding me that when I was in elementary school that I used to walk a mile to school in the snow and sleet, (be careful what you tell your kids, right Scrappy?). But these two blocks are two blocks in which no other child walks and I can't see her. Two separate recent news items speak of abuctions, (and one death), of little girls in this part of the state. One abductor was a neighbor of one of the victims. Although I'd like to think that this is something that would never happen in our small little town, it is not a risk I'm willing to take. I'd rather have her glare at me as she waits for the crossing guard to let her cross the street, and even then sometimes I have the urge to run and hug her and not let go. Such times we live in.
Baby Phalon, on the other hand, will not let go today. So much I wanted to get done - so much I needed to get done, and have done none of it. My little cling-on peach today. With a bit of a fine whine.
Ah well, nap-time. For her. Maybe now I can vacuum and do the laundry. Work in the garden. Start dinner. Clean the bathroom, sweep and mop....
Thanks Catcob, for the birthday wishes. My age shall remain undisclosed, but I'm definately feeling it today!
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Post by Scrappy Amazon on Sept 15, 2004 14:09:26 GMT -6
Afternoon all!
Dixie........I'll take my usual. Unoriginal but a classic.........Jack and PEPSI. I know what you mean having to also prove your intellectual worth. It’s another one of those times when my mouth gets me in trouble.
Catcob.........I actually live with my mom, but I work opposite and sometimes odd hours so we hardly ever get to just hang out. And before anyone makes fun of my living at home still I should explain that my mom and I are best friends and it's cheaper to share expenses than to try to maintain two separate house holds while I go to school. Sorry guess I’m a little sensitive about that. Anyway, focusing on your inner Xena is definitely a good thing. Any tips on how to do that? Got a mantra?
Phalon………happy early birthday. I’ll buy you your birthday drink if you like. Have you thought about explaining to Little Xena why you are afraid to let her walk alone? I realize that children don’t need to know about all the really awful stuff that happens in the world but maybe sometimes an explanation would help. You don’t need to go into details. It’s just a thought. Good luck………..maybe some of my special cookies, we could keep her asleep until she’s 20. Just kidding.
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Post by Lesa on Sept 15, 2004 17:25:57 GMT -6
Hi catcob!  Yes, you can call me Le!  I agree, it's rude to let a door slam in someone's face, whether they're male or female, and I wouldn't think of sitting down while someone who is elderly, sick, or 9 months pregnant stands up. Since I don't live in the city, I don't have firsthand knowledge of what it's like on a crowded subway or bus, but I have had people go through a door before me, only to have to catch the door before it hits me in the face. Also, if someone has their hands full and I'm standing by a door, I'll open it for them, male or female, and I would like someone else to do that for me if the situation were reversed. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't, and once in a while a man will open a door when I'm not carrying anything in my hands, which is the opposite extreme that kinda irks me at times as well. Maybe it's just that look in their eyes when they do it that bugs me.  Your question about the stars isn't stupid, and you got the answer right.  Another hurricane, Halona?  Geeze, can't they get a break? Ivan isn't even done wreaking havoc yet.  Hey xengab, we're a couple of lucky gals, aren't we? Thanks, Eirene, I like you too!  Yep, Phalon, you really need to watch what you tell your kids.  I don't blame you for being cautious, because there are a lot of sickos out there, even in our quiet little towns, and if they don't live here here, they could very well be passing through. Maybe you could compromise and walk 50 feet behind her, or would she still give you that glare? I hope you get everything done that you need to today, because I want you to have a happy and relaxing birthday!  Hi Scrappy, and anyone else who stops in tonight. |
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Post by eirene on Sept 15, 2004 23:47:15 GMT -6
  Good morning, everybody!!! I wanna have a  please. Phalon its right to look at your children, when they go to school. Now comes the dark time and then its more importend as before, to watch and guard the kiddis. I´ve promised my little son, that when i´m at home in two months - i´ll bring him every day to his school. And the school is only a five minute way. Cause you never know, who insane man is on the street just right now. Eirene |
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Post by Phalon on Sept 16, 2004 1:47:32 GMT -6
I knew, one day, it would come to this point. Normally I drop Little Xena and Baby Phalon off at daycare in the morning on my way to work, then Little Xena rides the daycare bus to and from school. It's an excellent service they provide - the before and after school program - I never have to worry about her getting to school, or home from school, even if it lets out early for inclement weather or whatnot. Then on my day off during the week and when I'm off work in the winter, we'd walk to school. She always loved this time as did I and even Baby Phalon. I'd take her in school, say hi to the teachers and kids which is what she wanted. I didn't mind - it was a chance to keep in touch with what was going on and I knew there would come a day when she wouldn't want to be seen with me, (we have not reached that point yet, thank god). It is a very small neighborhood school, a very intimate, close-knit setting. But that was previous years.
The school she had been going to was only Kindergarten through third grade. This year she goes to the next level, where four Kindergarten through third grade schools filter into one huge school - they change classes, (to prepare them for middle and high schools), have lockers with combinations, different lunch and recess periods and whatnot. It is a huge change from the little red brick four room school she's been in since she started kindergarten. A big school - a big kid, right? Sorry, LX, good try, but Mom is not relenting on this one. I point out to her that most parents walk their children to the crossing guard, or even drive their kids to school if they don't take the bus.
And she knows exactly why I won't allow her to walk by herself. She's an intelligent kid - I do not have a doubt in my mind that she'd ever get into a car with anyone she didn't know, and she's been instructed that even if she knows the driver, she's not to get into the car unless she has prior permission from us, her parents. But all the warnings, all the precautions mean nothing if someone uses force.
And it's not that she doesn't want to be seen walking with her mom. That comes during the teenage years I understand. It's just that she "wants to experience how it is to get to school all by herself." Again...sorry for ya, LX. It'd be different, I think, if she had a friend or two that walked the same route - but, as I said, nobody walks those two blocks.
A compromise has been reached. Good enough for now. We will walk together for the two blocks that it takes until we can see the crossing guard. She can walk that final half a block from the corner to the crossing guard by herself, while I wait at the corner. Ahhhh....a peaceful solution at last.
Sorry to bore you all....it's just that, (sob), my baby is growing up and I'm not quite ready. Geeze, what'll happen when she wants to start dating? Don't even go there.
Scrappy, I think it's grand you and your Mom are best friends, and if living together works for you both - more power to ya. I love my Mom dearly and wish with all my heart we lived closer so I could just pop in and take her to lunch or to the movies. In the twenty-some years since I've left home, I can't recall ever having so much as a cross word with her. But live with her? NEVER!!! We are way too much alike to peacefully live under one roof without getting on each other's last nerve. I could see fireworks happening if we shared a household. Whoa....flashbacks to highschool there for a minute. Glad it works for you.
Gig, thanks for the banner. I'm happy to see the balloons aren't black.
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catcob
Whooshite Apprentice
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Post by catcob on Sept 16, 2004 2:02:07 GMT -6
Morning all. Where's that Eirene? Took my parents out to a Japenese restaurant last night, and dad was keen to sample the saki/sake (?) - definitely feeling the effects this morning... Phalon (and happy birthday again), I think you are certainly doing the right thing walking/watching little Xena walk to school. Of all the arguments/niggles I had with my parents when I was growing up, that is one type of disagreement (when they were just trying to protect me) that has never developed into anything resentful. Not sure if I am explaining myself very well, but what I mean is that kids, when they grow up, can appreciate why their parents did certain things, and will not hold it against you. It certainly doesn't sound like you are being overly protective, just sensible. In any case, here's a  Scrappy, I think it's great that you can be best friends and live with your mum. I love mine to bits, but she would definitely drive me insane if I tried to live with her (a friend of mine says that families are like fish - they only stay fresh/good for two days!). You're very lucky to have such a wonderful relationship. Long may it continue! Have a great day everybody. My new TV arrives today! Hurrah! |
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Post by dixielandyankee on Sept 16, 2004 4:10:18 GMT -6
Hi y'all Phalon - when's your birthday?  I agree that you're right to walk Little Xena to school. My little sister is nearly 11 and our house backs onto her school, its about a hundred yards from our back gate and my mum still stands at the gate and watches her walk that short distance. There are so many dangers, not just from strangers but sadly, sometimes from people your kids know and trust. There's plenty of time for her to be independant when she's a little older and more settled in her new school. Scrappy - <slides a Jack and Pepsi down the bar> big up to living with your mum...I still live at home  mostly because I work in a job I adore but it doesn't pay a fortune and here in Cambridge the prices to rent a house are huge  so I live with my family till I can save some money...no shame in that I don't think.  Hi to everyone else...even though its 10am here I think I need a ...had more than my fair share of wine last night and I'm a little sleepy! dixie |
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Post by xengab on Sept 16, 2004 10:19:25 GMT -6
Hi Phalon!! There is nothing wrong in being protective over your children.I can tell you from experience,you never stop to worry about them, no matter how old they are.You sound as if you are a great mum. Now,I want to wish you a very happy Birthday and many more of them.Hope you have a great day and let me buy you a Birthday drink.     xengab |
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Post by eirene on Sept 16, 2004 11:59:40 GMT -6
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erco
Whooshite Apprentice
Too technologically challenged to insert a picture!
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Post by erco on Sept 16, 2004 14:28:04 GMT -6
Happy Birthday Phalon!
I have given great thought to what I can bestow upon you this day, and came up with this:
1) I will not reveal your age
2) I will implore upon all your friends and fans NOT to call you or knock on your door this evening with your gifts, during the hours of 8-10, so you may enjoy the premier of Survivor in peace.
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Post by eirene on Sept 16, 2004 23:22:59 GMT -6
  Good mornind to everyone! Nobody here, i´m ALONE?? That makes me fear... and must do my hot chocolate alone and worse yet - i must drink it alone!!! ( snief ) Eirene |
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Post by Lesa on Sept 17, 2004 0:41:26 GMT -6
You're welcome, Phalon. I hope you had a good birthday today! Your compromise with Little Xena sounds like a good one, and the story didn't bore me at all. Hi erco, it's great to see ya! You should definitely stop by more often. |
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Post by Phalon on Sept 17, 2004 2:29:10 GMT -6
Thanks all, for the birthday wishes and cake. Geeze, I've had enough cake to last me the rest of the year, but, hey, what's one more piece, eh? Mmmmm...
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catcob
Whooshite Apprentice
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Post by catcob on Sept 17, 2004 2:59:06 GMT -6
Good morning! Eirene, I'll join you for a hot chocolate - although the weather here is calling for iced tea New TV arrived yesterday, and it looks great. Shiny, silver and new. Only problem is that IT DOESN'T WORK!  Now I'm going on holiday tomorrow, and the new one won't be delivered until October... Oh dear, and just when the dark nights are threatening to set in. According to the calendar, today is the anniversary of the first edition of whoosh! Congratulations to everybody involved, and thanks again for this wonderful site.  Hope everyone has a good day, Catcob |
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Post by xengab on Sept 17, 2004 7:49:31 GMT -6
Hi Eirene! Could I have a hot chocolate please,what are you doing up so rearly? Catcop!Sorry to hear about your new TV,dont you just hate it when things like that happen.  Bye for now,I hope everyone has a nice weekend. xengab |
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catcob
Whooshite Apprentice
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Post by catcob on Sept 17, 2004 8:29:49 GMT -6
Thanks Xengab - I'm off on holiday tomorrow afternoon (two weeks walking in Andalucia), then I'm going to Lille for work for a month, so I don't know how often I'll be able to stop in for a drink and natter for the next six weeks Have a great weekend yourself Catcob xx |
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Post by eirene on Sept 17, 2004 12:01:27 GMT -6
Catcob, you´re always in our minds, where ever you´re! ;D Who wanna have a cup of  ? Eirene
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Post by xengab on Sept 17, 2004 15:12:53 GMT -6
Very quiet here tonight,where is everyone?Is it something I have said? Icecream,yup,that's what I need,hopefully someone will turn up and join me. Hi Catcop,hope you have a wonderful holiday.  I'm going now,but I have put some coffee on,for anyone that is still coming. xengab |
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Post by eirene on Sept 18, 2004 12:50:07 GMT -6
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Post by Phalon on Sept 18, 2004 13:38:32 GMT -6
Hey all. Just popping in for a second. Seems weird to be home on a Saturday, but I switched my days off. I had a class I wanted to go to this morning....wasn't as good as I expected. Ah, well...at least it didn't cost me anything.
So I work tomorrow. Fun day, I hope. In the afternoon, I have a group of kids coming out to the children's garden to harvest some pumpkins, make a scarecrow and go on a hayride. I'm driving.....LOOK OUT!!! Hope I don't lose any along the way.
Hiya Scrappy. I see you hanging about. Hope you are having a nice weekend thus far.
Later. Wishing everyone with electronic problems, (TVs, computer and such - my alarm bit the dust), a better time of it.
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Post by Scrappy Amazon on Sept 18, 2004 14:20:26 GMT -6
Must be something in the air. I said before on the Scrolls post that I believe my computer is possed by an ex lover whose sole purpose is to torture me. Maybe it's just the weather..........anyway.
Phalon......I think you made a wonderful compromise with your daughter. She may not like it now but someday she will be grateful, trust me.
Hey Xengab.....got any icecream left?
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Post by xengab on Sept 18, 2004 14:50:08 GMT -6
Hey Scrappy! I'm catching you in tonight,there is lots of icecream left,any flavour you like.  Eirene!Glad your computer is up and running again,so can I top up your coffee? Hope everyone has a good weekend and Phalon,don't work to hard on Sunday. xengab |
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Post by eirene on Sept 18, 2004 14:52:03 GMT -6
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Post by Scrappy Amazon on Sept 18, 2004 15:14:01 GMT -6
Great! I just LOOOOOVE Ice Cream! Thanks!
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Post by Lesa on Sept 18, 2004 23:17:35 GMT -6
Speaking of crime in small, quiet towns. I was watching the news tonight, and they said a bank in my township was robbed yesterday, but they didn't say which bank it was. Because it's so close to a highway entrance ramp, my first thought was the bank where I used to work and my former co-workers, so I looked online and it turned out to be a different bank, which is probably less than a mile from where I live. They don't believe the guy had a weapon, and no one was hurt, but it's a reminder that anything can happen to anyone at any time, no matter how safe our town may seem.
Got any more of that cake and ice cream left?
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Post by guru on Sept 19, 2004 0:38:27 GMT -6
True story: The other day, a neighbor walks over and asks if I would like a gallon of ice cream. He said it was an impulse purchase that he regretted on the way home. So I figure it must be a disgusting flavor like grasshopper mango or something. Wrong! It's french vanilla.
I'll never eat all this by myself. Hmmm... what to do..?
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Post by Phalon on Sept 19, 2004 1:00:01 GMT -6
Never, Guru? You must try harder, dear man.
Things to do with a gallon of french vanilla:
1. give it to a woman friend who is depressed about something. It'll be gone in one evening.
2. dish out little bowls full of the stuff and set them out around your yard. Soon you'll have every cat in the neighborhood fawning over you. This of course, could led to an astronomical increase in grocery costs, as soon the word will be out in the feline kingdom. Who ever said there is no such thing as a free lunch?
3. Smear it on the front windshield of your car, (and the rear too, if there is enough). Practice scraping in preparation for the first heavy frost. One must always warm-up for such strenous activity, and this is the perfect training exercise.
4. Return the favor to your neighbor and buy him a White Chocolate Blueberry Cream Pie.
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Post by Scrappy Amazon on Sept 19, 2004 3:36:23 GMT -6
Can I vote for number one? Hey Guru, I'm very depressed about.................uh........oh I'll come up with something. Care to share? Phalon, glad your birhtday went well. Many happy wishes to you and your hubby.
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Post by eirene on Sept 19, 2004 8:23:44 GMT -6
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Post by guru on Sept 19, 2004 12:43:18 GMT -6
[*Sneaks in unnoticed, arrays several bowls with spoons on the bar and quietly opens a small ice chest. Then politely coughs to announce his presence.*] The innocence of childhood is truly a time of magic. They have no concept of mortality or lifelong compromise. So that leaves us with the eternal problem of how to prepare them for the dangers of the world without reducing them to quivering blobs of paranoia. I like the idea of telling them that watching like a hawk is the way to BE a parent. Then the reasoning is all about you and not about some mysterious boogeyman lurking around every corner. There are other (and sneakier ) ways to allow children the feeling of independence. Now, who wants to sneak up on some ice cream?  |
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Geeze, can't they get a break? Ivan isn't even done wreaking havoc yet. 
my jugdement for him: on the wall and shoot them down...!!!
