Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Protecting Our Children
I was disturbed by an incident in Wal-Mart this morning. I was browsing through the children’s books and toddler toys, looking for a baby gift. I noticed a cute young girl, about four years old, playing with first one toy and then another. She seemed oblivious to my presence, or to anyone who walked down the aisle, and quite content to be playing alone. I waited for a mother, a babysitter, or a sibling to appear and scold the child for wandering off, but even after about ten minutes, no one had come to claim her.
Then the child approached me. “Can you take me to the bathroom?” she asked. I was horrified, really. Where was this little girl’s parent?! I asked if her mother were in the store. “She’s shopping. She told me to stay here.” I really couldn’t believe it. I know we live in a seemingly small and safe community, but the world in general is a dangerous place.
The girl told me her name was Chloe. Then she added, “I have four names. My whole name is Chloe Ann Marie __________.” Four lovely names, but not a single loving caregiver. Perhaps that sounds a bit harsh. But I find it extremely negligent and bordering on child abuse to purposely leave a child alone in a large department store.
I immediately contacted a nearby store manager, who got on the store intercom to take care of the situation. I don’t think it would have been appropriate for me to take Chloe to the restroom, even though I know I am a trustworthy adult. The fact is, Chloe didn’t know if I could be trusted, and neither did her mother know what kind of adults might be in the store in the children’s toy aisle.
I’m not suggesting that we teach our children to be afraid and mistrustful of people, and especially of strangers. But certainly we need to educate them about potentially dangerous situations and how to avoid them. And above all, as responsible adults, we need to make sure we are not culpable of placing our children in those dangerous situations. I hope that Chloe’s mom realizes that in the long run, a loving parent provides protection, and not just a pretty name.
Then the child approached me. “Can you take me to the bathroom?” she asked. I was horrified, really. Where was this little girl’s parent?! I asked if her mother were in the store. “She’s shopping. She told me to stay here.” I really couldn’t believe it. I know we live in a seemingly small and safe community, but the world in general is a dangerous place.
The girl told me her name was Chloe. Then she added, “I have four names. My whole name is Chloe Ann Marie __________.” Four lovely names, but not a single loving caregiver. Perhaps that sounds a bit harsh. But I find it extremely negligent and bordering on child abuse to purposely leave a child alone in a large department store.
I immediately contacted a nearby store manager, who got on the store intercom to take care of the situation. I don’t think it would have been appropriate for me to take Chloe to the restroom, even though I know I am a trustworthy adult. The fact is, Chloe didn’t know if I could be trusted, and neither did her mother know what kind of adults might be in the store in the children’s toy aisle.
I’m not suggesting that we teach our children to be afraid and mistrustful of people, and especially of strangers. But certainly we need to educate them about potentially dangerous situations and how to avoid them. And above all, as responsible adults, we need to make sure we are not culpable of placing our children in those dangerous situations. I hope that Chloe’s mom realizes that in the long run, a loving parent provides protection, and not just a pretty name.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Played with Relish
My friend Teri at the YMCA got me into this pickle. She sweetly inquired if I’d like to play a game with her after our Pilates class. She didn't tell me pickleball playing could become an obsessive behavior.
Pickleball is a paddle, whiffle-ball, and net sport played in or outdoors on a small court. The basic rules and play have similarities to badminton, tennis and ping-pong. It is fun, fast-moving, even fanciful—check out this pickleball wedding. In that same spirit, I submit to you my Pickleball Scouting Report, because I’m sure your curiosity (or Teri) will pull you onto the court where you may face (as I have done so bravely already) the following formidable players:
(Players presented in alphabetical order; rankings as yet undetermined.)
Any Time’s Pickle Time Teri—Rumored to have whiled away the better part of a full day on the court. Steady, consistent, unflappable player. If you take the lead, watch out…she never gives up and will come from behind to snatch victory away just as you’re saying “Possible (game point)”.
Eveready Everett—An experienced player with a good eye, good shot placement, and good strategy—don’t ever underestimate him.
Jana the Nimble Net Ninja—Deceptively fleet of foot, amazing gazelle-like bursts to the net to return short dinks; displays Ninja caginess with cross court shots placed just over the net in the difficult-to-reach non-volley zone.
JJ the Wizard—Avoid being lulled into security by his seeming nonchalance; he will attack viciously at the net. This 14-year old Harry Potter look-alike seems to have some of the kid wizard’s magical incantations as well. Yells “It’s in” at an obviously wayward ball, and suddenly the ball curves or drops right on the line or just inbounds. Beware if he utters “expelliarmus”: might cause the paddle to fly right out of your hand.
Joltin’ Joe and Cocky Curt: Partners initially regarded as flashes in the pan, but may be the real thing. Scouting report on them incomplete.
Just Keeps Talkin’ Jodi—Always competitive and driven to win; delivers a constant stream of snappy, witty comments during play that intimidate, surprise, and discombobulate opponents as they attempt to understand or answer them mid-shot.
Legerdemain Leonard—True aficionado of the game, owns his own championship paddle. Definitely makes optimum use of spins, can even change racquet hands in the middle of the action. Could be a magical combination if partnered with JJ the Wizard.
Momentum Busting Mel—Good basic skills, her sneaky tactic is loquacity. To stem opponents’ increasing impetus, she becomes Chatty Cathy with her partner, (“…yes, I’m sure it was the tall blonde I saw you talking to at the water fountain….”) stalling the game, frustrating opponents and breaking their concentration and momentum.
Pumped Up Patty—Poised and self-possessed, intimidates with a powerful return off the bounce. Lure her up close to the net with some freebie “birthday” shots and you might get her to whack a volley out of bounds.
Smack ‘Em Moana—Talks smack, and backs it up by smacking the ball hard, fast and low for dazzling winners. The girl got game.
Spinmeister Steve—His pet spins are legitimate weapons, and garner him quick points; try running him side to side on the court, until HE is spinning.
As for MY game….well, I don’t want to give away my secrets and my skills. I will warn you that I am working on a slice that’s a dilly! In the long run, being in this pickle could be a pretty sweet thing.
Pickleball is a paddle, whiffle-ball, and net sport played in or outdoors on a small court. The basic rules and play have similarities to badminton, tennis and ping-pong. It is fun, fast-moving, even fanciful—check out this pickleball wedding. In that same spirit, I submit to you my Pickleball Scouting Report, because I’m sure your curiosity (or Teri) will pull you onto the court where you may face (as I have done so bravely already) the following formidable players:
(Players presented in alphabetical order; rankings as yet undetermined.)
Any Time’s Pickle Time Teri—Rumored to have whiled away the better part of a full day on the court. Steady, consistent, unflappable player. If you take the lead, watch out…she never gives up and will come from behind to snatch victory away just as you’re saying “Possible (game point)”.
Eveready Everett—An experienced player with a good eye, good shot placement, and good strategy—don’t ever underestimate him.
Jana the Nimble Net Ninja—Deceptively fleet of foot, amazing gazelle-like bursts to the net to return short dinks; displays Ninja caginess with cross court shots placed just over the net in the difficult-to-reach non-volley zone.
JJ the Wizard—Avoid being lulled into security by his seeming nonchalance; he will attack viciously at the net. This 14-year old Harry Potter look-alike seems to have some of the kid wizard’s magical incantations as well. Yells “It’s in” at an obviously wayward ball, and suddenly the ball curves or drops right on the line or just inbounds. Beware if he utters “expelliarmus”: might cause the paddle to fly right out of your hand.
Joltin’ Joe and Cocky Curt: Partners initially regarded as flashes in the pan, but may be the real thing. Scouting report on them incomplete.
Just Keeps Talkin’ Jodi—Always competitive and driven to win; delivers a constant stream of snappy, witty comments during play that intimidate, surprise, and discombobulate opponents as they attempt to understand or answer them mid-shot.
Legerdemain Leonard—True aficionado of the game, owns his own championship paddle. Definitely makes optimum use of spins, can even change racquet hands in the middle of the action. Could be a magical combination if partnered with JJ the Wizard.
Momentum Busting Mel—Good basic skills, her sneaky tactic is loquacity. To stem opponents’ increasing impetus, she becomes Chatty Cathy with her partner, (“…yes, I’m sure it was the tall blonde I saw you talking to at the water fountain….”) stalling the game, frustrating opponents and breaking their concentration and momentum.
Pumped Up Patty—Poised and self-possessed, intimidates with a powerful return off the bounce. Lure her up close to the net with some freebie “birthday” shots and you might get her to whack a volley out of bounds.
Smack ‘Em Moana—Talks smack, and backs it up by smacking the ball hard, fast and low for dazzling winners. The girl got game.
Spinmeister Steve—His pet spins are legitimate weapons, and garner him quick points; try running him side to side on the court, until HE is spinning.
As for MY game….well, I don’t want to give away my secrets and my skills. I will warn you that I am working on a slice that’s a dilly! In the long run, being in this pickle could be a pretty sweet thing.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Happy Trails
I was a volunteer timer for a local trail run last weekend. I've helped at the finish line for several years, and always experience assorted emotions. I’m impressed, I’m inspired, and I’m even a little envious.
Some of the athletes’ accomplishments are amazing. Running 100 miles straight under any circumstances is an awesome feat, but how about running 100 miles through rough, rugged terrain, up and down hills that are really mountains? How about running those miles through the night with no sleep? How about finishing those treacherous, tortuous miles in a mere 20 ½ hours, as did this year’s 100 mile race winner? That is very impressive.
The race includes “shorter” courses, of 50 miles, 50 K, and 30 K. I help with the registration of this event, and I see runners who come back year after year. Some compete in the same distance, and aspire for a better time. Some jump up to the next higher distance and challenge their mental and physical abilities. And some come just to finish—like the forever young couple in their seventies who have walked the beautiful, but formidable, 30 K course together for several years. All of the participants are inspiring.
This same trail run was the first long distance race I ever attempted. I ran it with my daughter several years ago, and the experience we shared is a treasured memory. My daughter was the ultimate pacer, supporting me and encouraging me the entire way. It was a tough go: I fell twice during the race, and one of the spills landed me in the creek completely soaking me, and the other fall bruised my knees and my ego. Through it all, my daughter bolstered my spirits and my confidence, especially when I was nearly defeated during the last five interminable miles on a dusty gravel canyon road. It was an exhilarating triumph to cross the finish line together, and I appreciated it all the more because she had stayed with me, when she could have finished well ahead of our time easily. Three years later, both of us ran the race on our own, and she won the women’s division, while I improved my time (although again I fell twice!)
Because I’ve experienced some of what they’ve been through, watching the bedraggled and exhausted runners cross the finish line impresses and inspires me. And because I know somewhat of the elated accomplishment that they are feeling, I’m a little envious. It’s a grueling long run, but one well worth the effort.
Some of the athletes’ accomplishments are amazing. Running 100 miles straight under any circumstances is an awesome feat, but how about running 100 miles through rough, rugged terrain, up and down hills that are really mountains? How about running those miles through the night with no sleep? How about finishing those treacherous, tortuous miles in a mere 20 ½ hours, as did this year’s 100 mile race winner? That is very impressive.
The race includes “shorter” courses, of 50 miles, 50 K, and 30 K. I help with the registration of this event, and I see runners who come back year after year. Some compete in the same distance, and aspire for a better time. Some jump up to the next higher distance and challenge their mental and physical abilities. And some come just to finish—like the forever young couple in their seventies who have walked the beautiful, but formidable, 30 K course together for several years. All of the participants are inspiring.
This same trail run was the first long distance race I ever attempted. I ran it with my daughter several years ago, and the experience we shared is a treasured memory. My daughter was the ultimate pacer, supporting me and encouraging me the entire way. It was a tough go: I fell twice during the race, and one of the spills landed me in the creek completely soaking me, and the other fall bruised my knees and my ego. Through it all, my daughter bolstered my spirits and my confidence, especially when I was nearly defeated during the last five interminable miles on a dusty gravel canyon road. It was an exhilarating triumph to cross the finish line together, and I appreciated it all the more because she had stayed with me, when she could have finished well ahead of our time easily. Three years later, both of us ran the race on our own, and she won the women’s division, while I improved my time (although again I fell twice!)Because I’ve experienced some of what they’ve been through, watching the bedraggled and exhausted runners cross the finish line impresses and inspires me. And because I know somewhat of the elated accomplishment that they are feeling, I’m a little envious. It’s a grueling long run, but one well worth the effort.
