All the birthdays in the household happened, without loss of blood or other bodily fluid. The “real” anniversary passed by without fanfare, just a quiet observation by those involved (long-time readers will remember that we moved our anniversary to May, to better unclutter the holiday season – the same year that MEG would later be born in the middle of the holiday season …). Inventory at the store is progressing. Looks like it may be safe to say that 2011 is moving right along.

That’s not to say there aren’t things I’ve already noticed. I did witness an incredible intersection of local driving foibles and teenaged disregard for anything not on the screen of the phone, though. Don’t worry, no bloodshed here either:

One morning, headed to the babysitter, I stopped at the light south of Centennial Independence High on 75th. A student, her head bowed to the Screen Of All That Is Needed with earbuds stuffed in, was walking in the crosswalk on the north side of the intersection. A young (female, on the phone) driver in a white SUV started her turn from the cross street onto northbound 75th. My eyes widened as I realized I was about to witness a bloody mess. At the last possible second (and I do mean the last possible second, as in, the student’s coat snagged on the bug deflector on the SUV) the driver slammed the brakes. The student shrugged her coat back on her shoulder and, without missing a step, a sidelong glance, or even a curious look as to WHY she need to shrug her coat back on, kept on crossing without taking her eyes off the Screen Of All Knowledge. The driver, in what appears to be typical fashion these days, waited for the interruption to move out of her way, then sped north.

Two things:

1. Pedestrians, while they do have the right of way, also have the responsibility of self-preservation.

2. Drivers have the responsibility of driving safely, not the right to drive on the streets.

I have noticed lately that right and responsibility are being confused by people who should know better. Should, but don’t, because their education is targeted more towards passing a test than actually learning how to learn.

And, in a totally unrelated but more important (in my universe) development, GM Roper has joined my “Daily” list. Note that “Daily” is in quotes – since there is no handy word that means “occasionally, but not every day, unless I have more than one day off in a row”. Be that as it may, head over there when you get a chance and tell him I said “hi”.

In another development, on par with GM joining my blog list, is the loss of a blogging powerhouse. Basti (real name: Bill) passed away on January 2, 2011. Rob over at American and Proud has a post up. I think that Bill’s last post is most appropriate for him. May he rest peacefully now that his part is done.

Chat ya later…

Thank you for stopping by, In GOD We Trust, God bless you all, don’t buy or breed cats or dogs while homeless pets die (spay, neuter & adopt a pet, one by one, until there are none), Wear Red on Fridays, and support Warriors for Innocence!