Stuff

So we're all pretty happy that gas prices are going down. Most people I know have been trying to cut back or be conservative with their gas usage to cut their costs. But one thing I've seen quite often is something I don't quite understand. Parents DRIVE their children to the bus stop, then sit in the car with the engine idling and wait for the bus. HUH??

First of all, if the children are elementary age, the bus stop is usually right in front of the house. We've all been behind a bus when it stops at every single house along the road so the precious babies don't have to actually WALK next door to the neighbor's driveway. OR - the bus stop is at the end of a sidestreet, in which case, I see no reason the parent can't simply WALK with their child and stand to wait for the bus. I know, I know......some parents are sitting there in their cars anxiously awaiting the bus so they can take off and get to work on time. In that case, why don't they just drive their child to school and make things easier for everyone??? Just wondering.

Maybe this is why parents have to be there with their kids at the bus stop.

I've talked before about the traffic situation in my town. We're gearing up for the worst time of the year. Between now and Christmas it's going to be a zoo. I've had experience before with trying to go to the grocery store the week of Thanksgiving. I've personally seen the lines go through the store, around the produce department and lined up along the meat case at the back of the store. Are you kidding????

Because I hate (and I mean HATE) traffic, crowds and shopping, I decided to go out today after work (I worked 1/2 a day so it was only 12:30) and get the things I needed to do Thanksgiving dinner for my Hubby's kids on Sunday, as well as everything I need to keep us going until NEXT weekend, so as not to go into the store again before Thanksgiving.

I was pretty lucky. When I got in line at the register, there were only two people in each line. By the time I got to the cashier, I looked back and there were five people in each line. I got there just in time. But it raises the question....if I'm almost a WEEK ahead of time, and the store was so busy, how early would I have to start shopping in order to shop in relative peace and quiet? Two weeks? A month? and how do you buy fresh vegetables and stuff that far in advance? And .......God forbid.......what if you forgot something and just have to run in for ONE item??

I'd like to have Thanksgiving with all my family and all the fixin's but with nobody else in the world around!!