This morning, the Professor and I headed to Easy Way to begin our regular weekend shopping. I love that store. I especially love that we leave with an overflowing cart and have only spent $20. What I don't love is the tight quarters of the place, and that shopping there early on a Saturday morning means vying for cart space with some of our fair city's older population. Usually, I am appreciative of the adoring comments these ladies lay on Charlie, but on this particular day, I got very annoyed.
A woman (probably in her mid to late 70s) made the usual Oh, he's so cute comment about Charlie. I smiled and said thanks and prepared to move on. [I failed to mention that at this time, Charlie is busy sucking on one of the plastic produce bags. We gave him this to avert his attention from throwing the contents of our shopping cart across the store.] Here is how the conversation went.
Her: You shouldn't let him play with that bag. They're dangerous.
Me: Yes, I know. But I am keeping a very close eye on him. As long as I keep watching him, I'm sure nothing will happen. He's happy and he's fine.
Her: Well, you shouldn't let him play with it. He could put it over his head and suffocate.
Me: Thanks, but he won't do that because I am watching him.
Her: You shouldn't let him play with it. He could suffocate.
Me: (BIG sigh) Okay, thanks (with gritted teeth).
Did she really think I would let my kid, the love of my life, put a plastic bag OVER his head?
Charlie and I walked back over to the Professor while he was trying to pick out the freshest head of romaine. He could tell I was annoyed and asked me what happened. I gave him the run-down of the conversation, let him know I was fine, but that I really did not want unsolicited (and stupid) advice from a perfect stranger.
His response: You should have just said, "how about I put this plastic bag over your head? What do you think would happen then?"
While I don't agree with harming others to get them to back off, I did get a good chuckle from this.
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