The GRIPE list; yes, from me. :-)

The Gripe List:

If you are an idiot? Please stay off the road. This pertains particularly to the person in the black pick-up who was clue-less about the rules of a four way stop. Also, to the guy who crossed over two lanes -- while turning under an overpass, thus cutting me off only to change his mind again.

If you are a chitty-chatty Mom and I am working diligently on my Laptop at my child's extracurricular activity, do NOT sit next to me and strike up a conversation. I'm juggling enough with watching my child/ren so they know I do care and finishing something for a deadline (or, tweeting, or FB or maybe blogging, like now.)

If you are a chitty-chatty Mom and I am either, a) On my LT, or b) helping my child with homework; do not sit next to me to chitty chat with another person next to you or across the observation deck.

If you are not shopping for the item you are standing in front of in the middle of the isle, please move back so the rest of us can access those items. Otherwise, I WILL reach around you. I'm polite but I have things to do too.

If it is raining, and I walk in soak and wet, do not comment, "It's wet out there, huh?" Because my brain will short-circuit and I will not be responsible for my actions. [I know, I've done it before. But, I'm making every effort to think before I speak.]

Well, class is over. I get to load a LT, a back pack, a large purse, extra AR books and two happily, excited children into my still-like, still-smells-like new SUV in the POURING rain.

I'm so happy! It's the first day of FALL!! :-D

Editor's Notes, Post Post:

Obviously, it sounds like I have some issues with Chitty-Chatty Mommies at my children's activities. Well, and idiot drivers, but that one is a given.

It just drives me nuts that these Moms show up and pay nill' attention to their children who are working diligently on the floor and the beam and the bars -- just to learn balance, or to rock into that handstand without sliding back down onto their noggins.

How many times have I heard, "Mommy? Mommy? MOMMY! Mommy??" To have to insert an interruption to a parent to say, so kindly and Mommy-politely and with etiquette, "Um, isn't that your cute little daughter over there? I think she wants to show you something." Insert, Etiquette Smile.

"Oh thank you...Good work sweetie (without pause, back to conversation) So anyway, I SAID....blah, blah, blibbbity blah, blah..."

Now I know that I am the one (well one of a few) there with a LapTop. Not always, but maybe half the time. Though, when I take it I am usually working on something while scanning my daughters turn on the beam, the bar, the back-rollover -- and assisting my son with his homework, and/or listening to him as diligently as possible to be sure I don't miss a word he needs help with -- and, working on an article, a product/book review.

But, I'm there and I'm aware. So many of these Moms just don't pay a yard of attention. Two weeks ago, a mother (who has already gotten on my nerves a time or two; um, she's there, but her kids have little interaction from her -- well, except for the one, on the floor learning a routine).

The son, about 4, was given her cell phone (which I understand, as in pediatrician's offices when kids have gone wild) and then her second cell phone -- a blackberry or something -- to the 6 year-old (daughter? Child she sits for?). The son is pestering and whiny because he is bored, and he wants Mom's attention. Go figure, right? I mean, what is he thinking? (Cynicism -- thanks for the lessons, Jay.)

So, the little 6 year old girl tries to help him with his problem or issue with the game on the cell phone he has been handed and he gets mad because it messes up his game and he PUNCHES HER. IN the head and face, at least four times!!!! Real punches!

I announce (as etiquettely as possible, though in shock) "Um, someone's child is beating someone! I think a parent is needed?" Or something more proper than that, trying to be light on the subject.

The Mother was never phased. GASP!

Another Mom, who had come to sit by -- my table where my son is doing his homework -- is in-between phone calls -- smiles (cuz she knows the other Mom and in some format this makes it okay) Oh, that's so and so's son. She usually lets the cell phones babysit for her. [Sweet Grin]

Did she TELL HER kinda'-so-called Mommy friend that her son was beating her/someone's other child? NO. Explaining the babysitting itinerary seemed to make it all okay. DOUBLE GASP! Someone bring me a noose, or at least a beer....

That little girl was looking at me from the time I said something, hoping something would be done. Nada. Nothing. I was pissed. That little (as handsome as he was, and as cute as he could be) turd needed a walkin' down to the restroom for as serious intervention of discipline.

FLASH FORWARD: to last week.

I walk in after running errands, trying not to upchuck (feeling ill that day) and herding my son to the far side of the observation deck for homework time -- I see, "inattentive Mom" with her little son taking up the whole work table -- so her son will play games and be entertained (on a mini-type laptop) so she can chat, talk on the phone, pay no attention to him.

I was thoroughly peeved. Not because they were sitting there. Had the children had homework? Surely, first come first serve. When Farmer, Jr. has finished his homework I always offer the table back available for anyone else. Heck, we offer to share, though only once has a child had homework.

But, still we gave up the table. But, to hog it because you don't want to entertain or interact with your younger child making my son write his spelling words kneeling at a chair (he doesn't write well in his lap, and I hate the floor) totally p!$$ed me off.

Today, we got there 35 minutes early. Just timed out that way. There weren't any school aged siblings there. Just a few toddlerin' youngins' and one boy Farmer, Jr. played with a few minutes while I took issue with getting my article submitted and watching Lil'Gal on the bars and the beam.

And, even then, I sat at the far head side of the little table and had Farmer, Jr's stuff packed up and had placed three other chairs so that other children or parents (some Mom's study for night class or internet classes while there) could use the space.

Criminy. Am I just gripe-ipidy today or do I have a point?

So, there you have it.

Now, back to FW normally happy and hopeful outlook on life where everyone sings like Sleeping Beauty, cleans like Snow White, and all men are perfect Princes. :-D

The GRIPE list; yes, from me. :-)