What You Shouldn't Yell at Strangers

It's been a strange couple of weeks around the Motorcycle household and in the Widget Factory.  Lots of activities, lots of work to do, lots of things that I can't really post about right now.  

But, I caught wind of this Cragislist Missed Connection and thought I'd share it since I'm a woman, and I have a daughter, sister, mother, and friends that I'd like to think could benefit from what this writer suggests.  I also have a husband, son, brother-in-law, nephews, and friends I hope have never done what happened to the woman.

A thoughtful, well written missed connection I hope everyone reads and would like to think you'll pass on as well.

So, that's where we were. Me, minding my own business. You, apparently observing my ass. At that point you had options...... 

Also, the offender might not know this... but she totally wins!

How about you say nothing

I've read several blog posts all with the same theme in response to the bombing during the Boston Marathon this week... 

"What do we say to our children?"

It's interesting and ironic to me that this question is the same question that is asked every time something horrible becomes a national media circus.  

And, by using the term media circus I don't mean to imply that this isn't a tragedy that needs media attention - I am just calling it like I see it. Because all the while the focus has been on Boston, rescuers have been searching for possible survivors of a horrific Texas tragedy, Chicagoans are building Arks, and murderers, child molesters, and rapists are on the run all over the world.  Boston just happens to be getting all the focus (even though they keep repeating the same information and even went so far as to report that an uncle of the suspect was apologizing to his neighbors for the circus in their neighborhood)

I'm surprised that that a standard answer to this question hasn't been found and a whole classification of books written by "experts" hasn't been created.  But, in truth, I'm mostly saddened that another generation of parents with young children is faced with figuring out what to say. 

I have to wonder if maybe they shouldn't say anything.

I'm from the school of thought that requires a parent to shield their children from this kind of thing until they reach an age where they are mature enough to handle the information; even if it means the parent doesn't get to watch CNN continuously. I believe in turning off the tv, internet, and radio and spending quality time with your children instead of letting the monsters in.  

Minimize the nightmares, maximize the memories.

Because, Traffic.

It has been a long time since I complained about traffic here on the blog (I still do it all the time to everyone in real life, I am not reformed).  What used to be a mainstay staple topic was bumped to "new day, same refrain" status and I decided to give it a rest (here, on the blog).

A lot has happened in the land of my commute. I now have to navigate an ever changing, years spanning, road construction project that makes me want to pull my hair out and gives my middle fingers awesome exercise.  I'm fairly certain that the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) knew that this was going to far on their part and as an apology to me (personally) created the Zipper Merge Campaign.

There is a logo, webpage, new signs, and even some video's on YouTube... please feel free to share them with your friends & family.  Sadly not enough people are catching on to the rules, I know this because I am on Facebook and recently had the super fun pleasure of being indirectly "scolded" by an idiot (who is no longer my friend on Facebook due to the post stupid crap repeatedly be unfriended rule) for following the zipper merge rules.

To every person that feels the need to go over and above in the category of Minnesota nice by merging into the non-closed lane miles and miles ahead I would like to thank you.  I will get in, I always do, and you have just made my travel time much faster.

EXCEPT for mornings like today because we are currently in the midst of a Tsnownami (not really) (well there is a lot of snow but because we live in the upper midwest where people mistakenly believe it snows almost every day year round we don't get a lot of snow press) (a lot of schools are closed which made my commute easier so thank you to whichever school started the metro school closing trend).

This morning I left the house late because I wasted some time watching the tv scroll trying to see if St. High School was the only school that closed in our area (it wasn't) but figured I would be forgiven if I was tardy to my desk due to the roads.  For the most part the roads were in horrible shape if you don't drive an appropriately appointed SUV.  I drive an appropriately appointed SUV so I was somewhat happily (I was headed to work when i would much rather be sleeping) tooling along confident in my machine and my abilities until I came face to face with the rest of the world.  

• A lot of people trying to get through snow too deep for their little cars.
• A lot of people going so slow they may never have actually reached their destinations.
• A lot of people driving as though the pavement was clean and dry.
• A lot of people unwilling to acknowledge that there are 2 lanes... not just one.

But, the cherry on top of todays snow commute was the male driver of the Ford F250 with a plow on it. Straddling 2 lanes, and going between 15 and 20 mph, two neat lines of traffic had formed behind him. I was stuck in one of those lines.  

Apparently he did not have the confidence in his machine or his skills to maneuver his gas guzzler and plow into a single lane.  It is either that, or he has a wee little prick and was trying to make up for it with the size of his truck and plow and being a general ass hole.  

I'm guessing it's both.

If Your Nook Needs Books

While putting together some book reviews for my sister site CursingMamas Not So Humble Opinions I ran across a few awesome deals on Nook Books at Barnes & Noble so I thought I'd share. 

No Idea how long something this good  will last






A package of 3 Christie Craig Novels for only $1.99 - not sure how long this will last, but it's worth it for certain.  I'll be reviewing her novel Blame It On Texas next week... here's a hint, I like Christie Craig.

I also am a big fan of Jill Shalvis.... big fan.  In fact I have a week of Jill Shalvis planned to start October 15th.  To get you in the mood I'd recommend taking advantage of this one



Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis for only $2.99 - the 1st book in the wildly popular Lucky Harbor Series.

Also Found! 



Simply Irresistible by Rachel Gibson for only 89 CENTS!
LOVE Rachel Gibson & I love this series... there are some Hockey Players 

And, to wind up this list with another author & "sports" series I love.....


It Had To Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips for only $1.99!
The first installment in the Chicago Stars series ~ centered on some Football Players

So that is 6 great books for less than $8 - Happy Reading!