hlmichel Loc: New Hope, Minnesota

Made stir fry for the kids tonight. To bad they never got to try it. Had my oldest daughter start the rice cooker and turned off the fire under the wok and went to my bedroom to rest--health starting to take a turn for the worse again and I needed to lie down.
After 20 minutes or so, I smell something burning and run out. There is smoke everywhere and the kids are calmly watching TV. I guess I didn't turn the fire off after all.
But they were so caught up in TV that they ignored the smoke--I went off on them about their decision making and then went to the store to pick up something to go with the rice.

Turning into the parking lot there were a couple of teens on bikes off to the side....and another on a skateboard I hadn't noticed right in front of me. Blurry vision--shouldn't have driven.
I wait for what seems like forever for the little punk to get out of my way--even his friends are yelling at him. I park my car and hear skateboard wheels coming from my rear.
Damn.
Two bicycles follow and they position themselves across from my car--not too close but not too far.
I grew up in rougher neighborhoods than this one, but I am having trouble walking. I ignore them and do my shopping.

I come out, carrying three bags. Kids are still there, but now there are about 10 of them. I'm sweating from walking around the store and I'm tired. They are loud but no one says anything to me or I don't think so because I'm out of it.

I get in the car and watch them for a few moments, wondering if any of their mothers would miss them if I had an unfortunate mishap with my brakes. Shaking my head at my evil thoughts I turn around and head home.
Was about halfway there when I smelled it. One of them left me a present.
I don't smoke. Never have, never will. So why does the interior of my car suddenly smell like cigarettes?
Just don't understand kids today.

Hal81 Loc: Bucks County, Pa.

Sorry to hear your still having health proublems. As far as the kids go you done right to avoid them. Today you never know what their about to do next.

heyrob Loc: Western Washington

Future Travon Martin's?

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

Don't feel so bad Henry. A friend of mine pooped inside some one's car once while that person went into the store. I'll admit that my friend was a jerk. I must have been too because, at the time I thought it was funny also. But I do understand your frustration and your anxiety; especially when you are not feeling well.

Danilo Loc: Las Vegas

On the bright side, Henry, if there is one: it doesn't sound like you need to take it personally. The offending kids didn't know you, and are just in the process of shaping their personalities, such as they are.

jenny Loc: in hiding:)

Some bad days are bad enough for anyone but really intolerable when having health issues. Hope you do more
instructing/supervising than having to do it all yourself.
Someone should be taking care of YOU! Glad to see you felt up to communicating with us all at least. You have what it takes to come through this bad time and we're all plugging for you. Take care....

RealBohemian Loc: Toronto

You didn't say how old your kids are. If they are older stop provide for them, just try this for some time if they'll notice.
It is also fun to observed their reactions when there is NO food, TV is broken,toilet doesn't work, and need repairs atc. no extra cash,don;t listen to their saying as they don;t listen to what you say and so on.... just nothing.You got tha point,even if they are GOOD KIDS

RealBohemian Loc: Toronto

Sorry double post

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

Okay I get the last part about the a**holes who threw a cigarette in you car. The first part I'm fuzzy on, YOU didn't turn off the fire and you went off on your kids? I'm not saying they shouldn't have done something but sounds like you are the responsible party for that mishap...just sayin.
BTW I hope your health improves soon.

Annie_Girl Loc: It's none of your business

If your not feeling well and with all the issues you have had lately with your health, why are you driving?

I'm sorry but you are dizzy from standing up to make dinner (and couldn't finish cooking) and yet decided to drive? You are putting other people's lives at danger, you even say you didn't notice the kid on the skateboard right in front of you because of blurry vision... and you are behind the wheel??????

Hal81 Loc: Bucks County, Pa.

My wife was a very good driver. Never had an accdent or a ticket. But since she has been on two or three Vicoden a day and two Lyrica for her pain, we dont let her drive. Shes not happy about it but thats the way it has to be.

Doppleganger Loc: Indianapolis Indiana

Why didn't you park in the handicap space?

hlmichel Loc: New Hope, Minnesota

I guess I was still out of it when I wrote this. I didn't turn off the fire and that was my fault. What I got mad at the kids for was the fact that they were so engrossed in whatever they were watching that they totally ignored the fact that house was filling with smoke.

hlmichel Loc: New Hope, Minnesota

To everyone else. I've done some pretty stupid things this year. And yes, Most days I shouldn't drive.

I thought I had gotten over it all, had a pretty good week and then suddenly I'm worse again. I've been thinking pretty seriously about selling my car before I do kill someone.
Today was a very good day for me. No dizziness to speak of and I seemed to have a sudden burst of energy that lasted until....now. I'm still full of energy.

Recently history tells me that it may not last long, though.

handgunner Loc: Windsor Locks, Connecticut

There are two things that I really hate in this world, children and tomato soup in that red and white can.