Independence Day, Fourth of July....that summer holiday that celebrates the independence of our United States of America. It's our nations most celebrated holiday and with it comes a day off of work (for most), swimming, parades, picnics, the smell of barbequeing grills and .......fireworks. While I am a lover of the history of our great country and get moved every time I hear our National Anthem, I cringe every July 4th as I hear the pop, pop, pop going on outside, all around our neighborhood and beyond. Now, don't get me wrong, I love a good fireworks display and look forward to attending a celebration at a local park that, in my opinion, is the best in the Lehigh Valley. But it's hearing that distant popping going on for miles around that puts me on edge.
First, it's Lauren's love/hate relationship with the pyrotechnics that are the Fourth of July. She also loves to watch the spectacular colors that they produce but at the same time is annoyed by the boom, boom, boom that resonates through the air. It's especially annoying to her when she is trying to go to sleep. I don't know how she can possibly hear it over the loud air cleaner in her room that drowns out just about every noise more than a few feet from her bedroom door....but she does. I imagine that she is just ultra-sensitive to the sound waves bouncing off the windows and outer walls of the house. That girl can hear the train that passes near our house coming from miles away, long before anyone else. She even notices airplanes waaayy up in the sky that no one else appears to hear or barely even see. Too bad it's not a psychic ability, or we would definitely be multi-time lottery winners.
However, Lauren's annoyance is not the worst of my problems.
Most of you with pets, especially dogs, have probably already guessed what I am about to say next. As I type this, Diogi (our adorable Bichon) is camped out at my feet, drooling excessively, watching the windows for Armageddon to happen outside. I lost count of the number of times I almost stepped on or tripped over him today as he clung to my legs in fear of that horrid boom, boom sound. I haven't been able to move an inch without him moving right along beside me. What bothers me most is, why? Why is he so afraid? We have never expressed fear towards them in front of him. In fact, we have always acted very nonchalant about he whole thing. He acts the same way during thunderstorms and we don't pay much attention to his paranoia then either.
Is it the same senstivity to what is going on in the atmosphere that Lauren experiences? Who knows. All I know is that this is not going to end today. The sounds of fireworks will be occuring for days to come, espcially since the holiday fell in the middle of week this year, we have a whole weekend ahead of us to enjoy, or not, the beautiful rockets red glare that are.....fireworks.
P.S. Lauren had just laid down to sleep minutes before I started typing this and I was honestly expecting to hear her get up numerous times, shouting "FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS!", and then stomping back to her room. However, she did not get up once, not ONCE !!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Friday, December 23, 2011
The Dark Side of Christmas Shopping
With less than 36 hours until the big day, I am looking forward to it all coming to an end. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas...watching the kids as they tear open presents, enjoying a day of family and food and remembering the reason for the season...that's all good.
What I am anxiously waiting to end is the Christmas shopping season. I have worked retail during the holidays in the past, but working it more regularly this year has me counting down the hours until that moment the stores finally lock their doors and close up for Christmas day.
Most customers have been pleasant, sharing their stories and wishing me a "Merry Christmas" as they grab their bags full of presents and head home. But it's the other few that I am not going to miss.
The Cheapster:
-customer: "I need gift boxes please."
-me: "I am so sorry, we are out of boxes."
-customer: "Really?" (then a big, breathy sigh and rolling of the eyes)
Hey, how many retail stores offer boxes anymore in the first place, and what did you expect waiting until December 22 to do your shoppping. And I made the mistake of politely suggesting the Dollar Tree (just down the walkway from our store) to buy boxes. I got everything from smirky looks of disbelief (yep, I'm lying) to comments such as "I really didn't want to have to pay for them." Yes, someone really said that.
Hey, I am all for saving money, but come on.
Impatient Line Waiter:
Since Black Friday, the lines have been long at times. But "people watching" during this time of year can be quite interesting. You can definitely tell the difference between those who expected crowds of shoppers and those who think they are "above" having to wait their turn.
The next customer in line walks up to my counter and sheepishly places her shopping bag in front of me and says, "I am so sorry, but I have a ton of glass ornaments." I appreciate her humbleness and offer a comforting reply, "No problem, glad you found what you were looking for." (FYI, there were about 100 ornaments!) Of course, you know that this customer is going to take a while to check out, since every ornament has to be scanned and then individually wrapped in paper and packaged carefully. I don't mind, I would expect the same service. But unfortunately, the customer behind her was not appreicative of this woman who is obviously trimming her entire tree with new ornaments. She proceeded to huff a big sigh (heard by many around her) and stommped off to another line, like a little kid not getting her way.
The "Reluctant Gifters":
Even considering the current economy, most people will gladly buy a gift for family and friends. In fact, one customer bought about 20 small gifts for her co-workers...candles, ornaments, gloves....I was impressed with her generosity.
But you can tell the ones who wished the tradition of gift giving never started.
The first clue: the item is haphazardly placed, sometimes literally thrown on the counter. Then as I neatly, yet quickly fold a clothing item I am told, "don't worry about it, just put it in the bag." Are they in a hurry (this places them in the previous category) or are they that disgruntled about having to shop for someone else?
Clue #2 (goes hand-in-hand with Clue #1): They will usually ask for boxes and be annoyed when I tell them we don't have any. This means they have to take more time and spend more money to go buy boxes at another store.....ooooh dear, the horror.
Clue #3: No small talk or even eye contact. They obviously don't want to be shopping and are not going to try in any way, shape or form to make it pleasant. They usually leave with a half-hearted "Thank You" or "Goodbye".
Ok, enough of the customer bashing. I am sure I could write about many other experiences I have had recently, but I don't want to dwell on the negative. In fact, my goal in writing this was to add some humor and lightness to the holiday shopping season...at least for me anyway.
As I prepare to go to work for my last day before Christmas, I am actually hoping that there will be plenty of last minute shoppers to make my shift "dash away, dash away, dash away all!"
A Very Merry Christmas and Happy, Healthy New Year to Everyone !!!!
What I am anxiously waiting to end is the Christmas shopping season. I have worked retail during the holidays in the past, but working it more regularly this year has me counting down the hours until that moment the stores finally lock their doors and close up for Christmas day.
Most customers have been pleasant, sharing their stories and wishing me a "Merry Christmas" as they grab their bags full of presents and head home. But it's the other few that I am not going to miss.
The Cheapster:
-customer: "I need gift boxes please."
-me: "I am so sorry, we are out of boxes."
-customer: "Really?" (then a big, breathy sigh and rolling of the eyes)
Hey, how many retail stores offer boxes anymore in the first place, and what did you expect waiting until December 22 to do your shoppping. And I made the mistake of politely suggesting the Dollar Tree (just down the walkway from our store) to buy boxes. I got everything from smirky looks of disbelief (yep, I'm lying) to comments such as "I really didn't want to have to pay for them." Yes, someone really said that.
Hey, I am all for saving money, but come on.
Impatient Line Waiter:
Since Black Friday, the lines have been long at times. But "people watching" during this time of year can be quite interesting. You can definitely tell the difference between those who expected crowds of shoppers and those who think they are "above" having to wait their turn.
The next customer in line walks up to my counter and sheepishly places her shopping bag in front of me and says, "I am so sorry, but I have a ton of glass ornaments." I appreciate her humbleness and offer a comforting reply, "No problem, glad you found what you were looking for." (FYI, there were about 100 ornaments!) Of course, you know that this customer is going to take a while to check out, since every ornament has to be scanned and then individually wrapped in paper and packaged carefully. I don't mind, I would expect the same service. But unfortunately, the customer behind her was not appreicative of this woman who is obviously trimming her entire tree with new ornaments. She proceeded to huff a big sigh (heard by many around her) and stommped off to another line, like a little kid not getting her way.
The "Reluctant Gifters":
Even considering the current economy, most people will gladly buy a gift for family and friends. In fact, one customer bought about 20 small gifts for her co-workers...candles, ornaments, gloves....I was impressed with her generosity.
But you can tell the ones who wished the tradition of gift giving never started.
The first clue: the item is haphazardly placed, sometimes literally thrown on the counter. Then as I neatly, yet quickly fold a clothing item I am told, "don't worry about it, just put it in the bag." Are they in a hurry (this places them in the previous category) or are they that disgruntled about having to shop for someone else?
Clue #2 (goes hand-in-hand with Clue #1): They will usually ask for boxes and be annoyed when I tell them we don't have any. This means they have to take more time and spend more money to go buy boxes at another store.....ooooh dear, the horror.
Clue #3: No small talk or even eye contact. They obviously don't want to be shopping and are not going to try in any way, shape or form to make it pleasant. They usually leave with a half-hearted "Thank You" or "Goodbye".
Ok, enough of the customer bashing. I am sure I could write about many other experiences I have had recently, but I don't want to dwell on the negative. In fact, my goal in writing this was to add some humor and lightness to the holiday shopping season...at least for me anyway.
As I prepare to go to work for my last day before Christmas, I am actually hoping that there will be plenty of last minute shoppers to make my shift "dash away, dash away, dash away all!"
A Very Merry Christmas and Happy, Healthy New Year to Everyone !!!!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
10 years ago.....
It's been 10 years since that dreadful day. We all talk about where we were when it happened, when we found out or what we did the rest of that day. It's amazing how we can remember with great detail a day that was filled with such chaos, trajedy and heartbreak.
I remember waking up and noticing that is was a beautiful fall day. I got Lauren and Rachel ready for school and we left the house around 8:10am. We drove to Muhlenberg Elementary, where I dropped off Lauren who had just started third grade. Rachel and I then drove to Jackson Elementary where she got on the bus to go to Lincoln Kindergarten Center. I know now that I arrived at home at almost the exact minute that the first plane hit. However, at the time, I had no clue what terrible event had just happened.
I proceeded to turn on the tv, went to the kitchen and made breakfast. I sat in the dining room for quite some time while reading the morning paper. I do remember hearing some news reports interrupting whatever show had been on the tv and thinking "oh boy, another plane crash." I walked by the television without glancing at it, turned it off and went upstairs to take a shower. An hour later, at 11:15, I left the house to pick up Rachel from school.
When I got in the car, the radio was on and tuned to WYSP, Philadelphia. I was surprised to hear Howard Stern still broadcasting his show, which is usually over by 10:30. During my 5 block trip to Rachel's school, I was slightly confused what Howard Stern was upset about now....so I turned off the radio. I parked the car about a block from the school, walked up the street and waited for her bus to arrive. Now thinking back, I wonder why none of the other parents waiting for their children were not talking more actively about what had happened in the last 2 1/2 hours. Did they not know either? Were they just in awe and not able to talk about it? Or was I in my own world and just not paying attention.
Rachel's bus arrives and we proceed to walk back to my car. We drove a few blocks away to Hamilton Mall, heading to the Main Post Office at 5th and Hamilton to pick up a package. As we approach the area, there are roadblocks cutting off the street. I stopped the car and looked around. What I saw will be engraved in my memory forever. U.S. Army vehicles lined Hamilton Street; police in riot gear, running down the street, carrying what looked to me to be very large and serious looking guns. There was no one walking, shopping or sitting on benches. An eerie silence fell over the usual bustling Hamilton Street. My first thought was that some criminal was on the loose downtown and there was a search underway. I figured out later that the Federal Courthouse had been locked down due to the events that were still unbeknownst to me.
I turned the car around and quickly drive to my brother's house a few blocks away from downtown. As I pulled up next to his house, he is coming out his back door, with a look of disbelief on his face. He quickly says, "Can you believe what happened?" Thinking back to what I saw on Hamilton Mall, I begin to get scared and reply, "What !? What is going on?" He looks at me, puzzled and says, "You mean you don't know?" Okay, so now I am no longer feeling scared, but instead sort of stupid for being so out of the loop, because now I start to realize that something big has happened. My brother motions to go inside his house and we proceed to stare at the television, our mouths just hanging open, saying nothing.
It's at this point that I finally find out about the events that were to change life in the United States forever. I stood watching television for a few more minutes before getting in my car and driving home. Upon arriving home, I find a message on my answering machine. It was from the secretary where I work. The Hartford was closing for the rest of the day and I didn't need to go in to work later for my evening shift. What? Did I hear that right? The Hartford rarely even closes for 2 feet of snow. This must be something serious going on. And so it was. The rest of day spent glued to the television, talking with neighbors and even though I now knew what happend, I still didn't really know or understand. And guess I never will.
I remember waking up and noticing that is was a beautiful fall day. I got Lauren and Rachel ready for school and we left the house around 8:10am. We drove to Muhlenberg Elementary, where I dropped off Lauren who had just started third grade. Rachel and I then drove to Jackson Elementary where she got on the bus to go to Lincoln Kindergarten Center. I know now that I arrived at home at almost the exact minute that the first plane hit. However, at the time, I had no clue what terrible event had just happened.
I proceeded to turn on the tv, went to the kitchen and made breakfast. I sat in the dining room for quite some time while reading the morning paper. I do remember hearing some news reports interrupting whatever show had been on the tv and thinking "oh boy, another plane crash." I walked by the television without glancing at it, turned it off and went upstairs to take a shower. An hour later, at 11:15, I left the house to pick up Rachel from school.
When I got in the car, the radio was on and tuned to WYSP, Philadelphia. I was surprised to hear Howard Stern still broadcasting his show, which is usually over by 10:30. During my 5 block trip to Rachel's school, I was slightly confused what Howard Stern was upset about now....so I turned off the radio. I parked the car about a block from the school, walked up the street and waited for her bus to arrive. Now thinking back, I wonder why none of the other parents waiting for their children were not talking more actively about what had happened in the last 2 1/2 hours. Did they not know either? Were they just in awe and not able to talk about it? Or was I in my own world and just not paying attention.
Rachel's bus arrives and we proceed to walk back to my car. We drove a few blocks away to Hamilton Mall, heading to the Main Post Office at 5th and Hamilton to pick up a package. As we approach the area, there are roadblocks cutting off the street. I stopped the car and looked around. What I saw will be engraved in my memory forever. U.S. Army vehicles lined Hamilton Street; police in riot gear, running down the street, carrying what looked to me to be very large and serious looking guns. There was no one walking, shopping or sitting on benches. An eerie silence fell over the usual bustling Hamilton Street. My first thought was that some criminal was on the loose downtown and there was a search underway. I figured out later that the Federal Courthouse had been locked down due to the events that were still unbeknownst to me.
I turned the car around and quickly drive to my brother's house a few blocks away from downtown. As I pulled up next to his house, he is coming out his back door, with a look of disbelief on his face. He quickly says, "Can you believe what happened?" Thinking back to what I saw on Hamilton Mall, I begin to get scared and reply, "What !? What is going on?" He looks at me, puzzled and says, "You mean you don't know?" Okay, so now I am no longer feeling scared, but instead sort of stupid for being so out of the loop, because now I start to realize that something big has happened. My brother motions to go inside his house and we proceed to stare at the television, our mouths just hanging open, saying nothing.
It's at this point that I finally find out about the events that were to change life in the United States forever. I stood watching television for a few more minutes before getting in my car and driving home. Upon arriving home, I find a message on my answering machine. It was from the secretary where I work. The Hartford was closing for the rest of the day and I didn't need to go in to work later for my evening shift. What? Did I hear that right? The Hartford rarely even closes for 2 feet of snow. This must be something serious going on. And so it was. The rest of day spent glued to the television, talking with neighbors and even though I now knew what happend, I still didn't really know or understand. And guess I never will.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Back to School.....finally
First day of school, September 6....yeah right. The kids did go off to school that day, but the high school only has students go for a half day on the first day....they were home by 11 am. Of course, I had much anticipation for day two. A full day of the house to myself. It didn't happen ! Cringing at the sound of the phone ringing at 5:20 am, I knew what I was about to hear. "This is Superintendent of Schools, Thomas Seidenberger. The East Penn School District will be CLOSED today." Noooooo, it can't be so. Is the rain really causing that much of a problem? Flooded roads....really? Sigh...... Ok, so let's get through this day and tomorrow....nope, didn't happen the next day either. That same annoying ring at 5:30am giving the same disappointing message.
Remnants of what was now Tropical Storm Lee were still dumping inches and inches of rain on our already saturated land. Is there such a thing as a "stop-the-rain dance"? If I knew there was, I would have for sure been out on my front lawn doing the moves.
Don't get me wrong, I love my children, very much. But this summer has been a loooong one. Even the kids were excited to get back to school and back into a "normal" routine.
Aaaaahhhh, official day 2 of school and the first full day has finally happened. I don't think I have ever seen so much enthusiasm to get up at 5:30 am to go to school. In fact, I didn't have to wake Rachel !! She actually woke me just before 6am and said "Mom, do you know what time it is?" Hey that's my line !
Is this a sign of good things to come this school year ? Let's hope the motivation keeps rolling right along. I could get used to this. 180 school days until summer vacation.
Remnants of what was now Tropical Storm Lee were still dumping inches and inches of rain on our already saturated land. Is there such a thing as a "stop-the-rain dance"? If I knew there was, I would have for sure been out on my front lawn doing the moves.
Don't get me wrong, I love my children, very much. But this summer has been a loooong one. Even the kids were excited to get back to school and back into a "normal" routine.
Aaaaahhhh, official day 2 of school and the first full day has finally happened. I don't think I have ever seen so much enthusiasm to get up at 5:30 am to go to school. In fact, I didn't have to wake Rachel !! She actually woke me just before 6am and said "Mom, do you know what time it is?" Hey that's my line !
Is this a sign of good things to come this school year ? Let's hope the motivation keeps rolling right along. I could get used to this. 180 school days until summer vacation.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Empty Nest
Ten days have passed since she is gone. The first few days were really strange, not having her here. Now that we are starting to feel as if things are getting back to "normal", we are wondering, what was normal like...what really is normal now? From the day she arrived in the USA, it was like she was meant to be part of our family. The past 10 months flew by so fast....yes, she was here 10 months ! It seems like just last week that we were cleaning Rachel's room, making space for Jessi.
Hosting an exchange student was an experience I am so glad we were able to be a part of. Teaching her and showing her things that we, as lifetime US citizens, seem to take for granted, was the best part. Not that life is that much different from her homeland of Germany, but all the little things we don't even think about...until you have to explain it to someone else.
Slang. Not always a universal language. I am emabarrassed to say, but if you read my very first blog, you know that "fart" is a part of our daily household language. So, as you can imagine, it was the first slang word Jessi learned. We also learned that there is a German word for that bodily function....poopsen (sorry Jessi, if I spelled it wrong). But that is pretty much as far as it goes in German. Here is the US, we have many choices: "cut the cheese", "let one rip", "pass gas", "break wind" and the list could go on and on. During her stay here, she learned that the English language has a large variety of words that can mean one thing.
One conversation we had was how many words could be used to describe the part of the body we sit on. Have you ever thought about it? No, of course not, it's just natural for us to know the meaning when we hear it....but when forced to think about it, it was hysterical: butt, rump or rumpus, tookus (spelling?), booty, tush...can you tell we live in a house full of teenagers...? And I am sure she learned a lot more slang while attending Emmaus High School than I care to know about.
Ok, so now you're thinking that we sent this young lady back to Germany with a brain full of horrid, slang words. Well, ok, maybe....but we also think we showed her the history and beauty that is Pennsylvania and Eastern USA. Our first big trip was to the Jersey Shore....hey, MTV airs in Germany too...so shopping in the famous "Shore Store" was a must ! It was a beautiful September day and it was one of my favorite trips to the beach that I will log in my memory. Trips to Philly, NYC, Washington DC, Bushkill Falls, Shankweilers Drive-In (the oldest drive-in movie theater in the USA) and Iron Pigs Baseball are all "up there" on the list of great times spent with Jessi.
As I sit here wondering "what is she doing today?", I now know what her parents must have felt 10 months ago. It's hard to let go of a child, even though you know they are just a mere 4,500 miles away. I just didn't think I would be experiencing "empty nest syndrome" quite yet....but I guess the consolation is a new extended family--and a reason to visit Germany !!!
Hosting an exchange student was an experience I am so glad we were able to be a part of. Teaching her and showing her things that we, as lifetime US citizens, seem to take for granted, was the best part. Not that life is that much different from her homeland of Germany, but all the little things we don't even think about...until you have to explain it to someone else.
Slang. Not always a universal language. I am emabarrassed to say, but if you read my very first blog, you know that "fart" is a part of our daily household language. So, as you can imagine, it was the first slang word Jessi learned. We also learned that there is a German word for that bodily function....poopsen (sorry Jessi, if I spelled it wrong). But that is pretty much as far as it goes in German. Here is the US, we have many choices: "cut the cheese", "let one rip", "pass gas", "break wind" and the list could go on and on. During her stay here, she learned that the English language has a large variety of words that can mean one thing.
One conversation we had was how many words could be used to describe the part of the body we sit on. Have you ever thought about it? No, of course not, it's just natural for us to know the meaning when we hear it....but when forced to think about it, it was hysterical: butt, rump or rumpus, tookus (spelling?), booty, tush...can you tell we live in a house full of teenagers...? And I am sure she learned a lot more slang while attending Emmaus High School than I care to know about.
Ok, so now you're thinking that we sent this young lady back to Germany with a brain full of horrid, slang words. Well, ok, maybe....but we also think we showed her the history and beauty that is Pennsylvania and Eastern USA. Our first big trip was to the Jersey Shore....hey, MTV airs in Germany too...so shopping in the famous "Shore Store" was a must ! It was a beautiful September day and it was one of my favorite trips to the beach that I will log in my memory. Trips to Philly, NYC, Washington DC, Bushkill Falls, Shankweilers Drive-In (the oldest drive-in movie theater in the USA) and Iron Pigs Baseball are all "up there" on the list of great times spent with Jessi.
As I sit here wondering "what is she doing today?", I now know what her parents must have felt 10 months ago. It's hard to let go of a child, even though you know they are just a mere 4,500 miles away. I just didn't think I would be experiencing "empty nest syndrome" quite yet....but I guess the consolation is a new extended family--and a reason to visit Germany !!!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Way to go Ray !
It's noon and my cell phone beeps that I have a text. Who would be texting me? Rachel? What is she doing with her phone out at school...this had better be important. It reads: "mom, you will be soooo proud of me."
Hmmmm, what could it be? She wasn't late for homeroom, managed to hand in all her homework on time today....? Oh, maybe a good test score, that must be it. But why would she take the risk of getting caught with her cell phone out during school, just to tell me that? Oh well, it gives me something to look forward to.
Three o'clock arrives and she is home....I am dying to know what happened today. Here goes: Rachel was in bio class and the period was almost over. A group of students with special needs (including her sister) was walking in the hall on their way to the cafeteria. Some smart aleck kid in the bio class starts making goofy noises and laughing at the kids in the hall. A few others (part of his posse') start chiming in. After a minute of this, Rachel has had it....OH BOY--LOOK OUT !
She stands up and proceeds to use some language not appropriate for a young lady of 14, telling these clowns to SHUT UP ! Of course, thinking they are doing nothing wrong and that Rachel is going to be in big trouble, they tell her to shut up and sit down. " I will not", she replies. "How would you like it if someone were laughing at you?........blah, blah, blah............blah, blah, blah..........."
The remaining parts of the 10 minute lecture are a blur...keep in mind, this is a 14 year old female telling a story, with barely a breath taken between sentences. But I get the idea that she really let them have it.
So what was the teacher doing during all this, I ask. I am told that her jaw was hanging open as she proceeded to sit down at her desk and quietly listen, letting Rachel go to town. When Rachel finally finishes and sits down, the teacher stands up and starts applauding, along with some other students in the class. By this time, the bell is ringing, class is over and students get up to leave. "Rachel, come here" says the teacher. Rachel humbly goes up to her desk, expecting to be sent to see the principal. But it didn't happen ! Instead, her teacher gives her a thumbs up and says "I don't know if I would have been able to stand up and do that. Way to go!"
Rachel leaves class, feeling a great sense of pride for having stood up for her sister and her classmates. I too, am proud that Rachel was brave enough to do what she did today. I just wonder if what she did will inspire others to take a stand and do the same someday.
In my eyes, my Ray is a very special kid too !! Way to go Ray !
Hmmmm, what could it be? She wasn't late for homeroom, managed to hand in all her homework on time today....? Oh, maybe a good test score, that must be it. But why would she take the risk of getting caught with her cell phone out during school, just to tell me that? Oh well, it gives me something to look forward to.
Three o'clock arrives and she is home....I am dying to know what happened today. Here goes: Rachel was in bio class and the period was almost over. A group of students with special needs (including her sister) was walking in the hall on their way to the cafeteria. Some smart aleck kid in the bio class starts making goofy noises and laughing at the kids in the hall. A few others (part of his posse') start chiming in. After a minute of this, Rachel has had it....OH BOY--LOOK OUT !
She stands up and proceeds to use some language not appropriate for a young lady of 14, telling these clowns to SHUT UP ! Of course, thinking they are doing nothing wrong and that Rachel is going to be in big trouble, they tell her to shut up and sit down. " I will not", she replies. "How would you like it if someone were laughing at you?........blah, blah, blah............blah, blah, blah..........."
The remaining parts of the 10 minute lecture are a blur...keep in mind, this is a 14 year old female telling a story, with barely a breath taken between sentences. But I get the idea that she really let them have it.
So what was the teacher doing during all this, I ask. I am told that her jaw was hanging open as she proceeded to sit down at her desk and quietly listen, letting Rachel go to town. When Rachel finally finishes and sits down, the teacher stands up and starts applauding, along with some other students in the class. By this time, the bell is ringing, class is over and students get up to leave. "Rachel, come here" says the teacher. Rachel humbly goes up to her desk, expecting to be sent to see the principal. But it didn't happen ! Instead, her teacher gives her a thumbs up and says "I don't know if I would have been able to stand up and do that. Way to go!"
Rachel leaves class, feeling a great sense of pride for having stood up for her sister and her classmates. I too, am proud that Rachel was brave enough to do what she did today. I just wonder if what she did will inspire others to take a stand and do the same someday.
In my eyes, my Ray is a very special kid too !! Way to go Ray !
Friday, March 18, 2011
Mystery in Alburtis
It's been a week. A week of wonder, mystery and sadness. A week ago today, a mother and her disabled daughter were murdered in their home....just blocks from our house. It was a magnificant shock, since the most serious crime in our quiet little borough seemed to be a stolen bicycle or vandalism (paint) on the baseball field shed. A member of borough council was interviewed by the media and said he cannot remember anything like this in over 40 years, if at all. It has also been reported that the police are confident this was an isolated incident and residents should not be too concerned.
Ok, so I admit, I am not too worried that there is some random murderer out there. But I still just cannot admit that there are people that would do such a thing regardless of the randomness or not. Who deserves such a death? Certainly not these two women.
The updates on the crime have now disappeared from the media. This could be a good thing, because for the first few days I was glued to my laptop, constantly checking mcall.com or wfmz.com for more information. I was hoping to read that someone had been caught and arrested and we could all breathe a sigh of relief. But now, a week later, nothing.
I have driven past the home where the women lived several times in the past week. A few days ago, the yellow police crime tape was gone and is replaced by bouquets of flowers along the driveway. A sign that this is not something forgotten by the neighbors and those who knew these women.
So now what do you do? Go back to your normal routine? I guess there is nothing else to do but wait patiently and hope that whoever did this was careless enough to leave some evidence. They certainly were careless enough to take a life. I just can't imagine the guilt (or not) the murderer must have. I was uptight and nervous the day I cut school on senior skip day....a minor thing compared to what has happened in our quaint little town.
Ok, so I admit, I am not too worried that there is some random murderer out there. But I still just cannot admit that there are people that would do such a thing regardless of the randomness or not. Who deserves such a death? Certainly not these two women.
The updates on the crime have now disappeared from the media. This could be a good thing, because for the first few days I was glued to my laptop, constantly checking mcall.com or wfmz.com for more information. I was hoping to read that someone had been caught and arrested and we could all breathe a sigh of relief. But now, a week later, nothing.
I have driven past the home where the women lived several times in the past week. A few days ago, the yellow police crime tape was gone and is replaced by bouquets of flowers along the driveway. A sign that this is not something forgotten by the neighbors and those who knew these women.
So now what do you do? Go back to your normal routine? I guess there is nothing else to do but wait patiently and hope that whoever did this was careless enough to leave some evidence. They certainly were careless enough to take a life. I just can't imagine the guilt (or not) the murderer must have. I was uptight and nervous the day I cut school on senior skip day....a minor thing compared to what has happened in our quaint little town.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)