Alas and Alack
Posted on December 6th, 2012
Here’s something you don’t want to hear when you’re driving your kid through a sketchy neighborhood on the way to school (also in a sketchy area):
“Hey, Mama, that guy had a gun.” (Even accepting that Pea’s vision is much better than mine and she isn’t focused on driving, I’m pretty sure there were no cops around.)
“Are you sure? Maybe it was a toy.”
“No, it was a big gun. I’ve seen it in books and on shows.”
Fantastic. I’ll add “men with automatic weapons” to the list of people to avoid when driving (along with bicyclists and suicidal pedestrians). And maybe this explains the new presence of uniformed police at the coffee shop where I wait out the morning kindergarten session.
In other news, this week is kicking my ass. Between illness, my back going out (which makes driving and pretty much any movement SO much fun), the car making the funny noise, school drama that I am tired of dealing with, and money-related panic attacks, I am ready to curl up in a ball for the rest of the winter. (Alas and alack, but who would get Pea to school? No such luck.)
I’m making it through on muscle relaxers, caffeine, willpower, and promising myself I can take a nap when I get home.
Mm…naps.
If it makes you feel any better, you’re not the only one having money related panic attacks. And we JUST fixed our car, which was – yep – making a funny noise.
Oh, not you guys, too! Granted, you already have the best and cutest Christmas gift ever, but I’m sorry to hear you’re going through the same crappy money-related worries. Where are the rich people, who can just give out grants for being fabulous? I would be fabulous all the time. I swear.
Did I ever tell you about the time we saw a bona fide shooting on the way to day care? Luckily it wasn’t gory, but H (4 at the time) still remembers it, and we still avoid the street. I have found residential streets better than commercial districts, the troubles seem to happen there where people congregate. In Phila I have seen 2 shootings and been in my apartment for 2 others. Life in the big city, I guess… but I would not have expected that level in your city.
OMG, that’s awful (and insane). I’m so glad you guys have moved into a nicer neighborhood!
If it makes you feel any better, I became a witness (and a “victim”) to a criminal case on my way out of the courthouse today. What a day.
Jeez! What is up with this week? I’m glad you’re OK and hope that Lis recovers quickly from pneumonia!