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MORNINGS ARE A strict routine for myself and B. We’re racing against the clock for B to drop me off at the bus stop before they continue on their journey and A is dropped off at Great Aunts.
I realise that we have it much easier than others though.
Glares
This morning I’m sitting on the bus listening to the gentle giggles and chats of a mother and her two-year-old son. There are a few glances, or should I say glares, in the mother’s direction when the little one’s voice gets a little louder than an early morning commuter would like.
It’s 7.30am and half the buses occupants are hoping to catch forty winks before they peel themselves away from their warm seats to make the walk into work. Once they disembark they can stroll to the coffee kiosk and linger in the lobby catching up with co-workers.
I wonder what time their alarm went off at? Did they get their morning jog in, have their muesli breakfast with a hot cup of freshly brewed java? Did they slowly choose what tie to wear and what shoes would match their outfit?
Did they leave the house in plenty of time to catch the bus? Did they have time to have a shower that lasted longer than 30 seconds because a toddler was crying for them?
I sound begrudging
I sound begrudging, and I know that everyone has stresses in their own lives and their own careers but the harsh looks and disapproving glances this mother received on her commute to work made me angry.
They simply weren’t necessary. This child was not being excessively loud, rude or obnoxious like some commuters we meet. He was not shouting or crying and was quite well behaved for the forty-minute journey.
It was as though a two stone, little human being strapped in a stroller made these commuters nervous. Preparing themselves for some outrageous toddler flip or a full on terrible twos tantrum.
Busy mornings
I think of the morning she has had. Not only did she have to do her own hair, apply a little makeup, get dressed, possibly grab a slice of toast and milky tea, she also had to wake her two-year-old at an early hour, dress and feed them, convince them to sit in their stroller and bring them for a long commute.
She had to make sure her paperwork was in order everything was in her bag ready for the first meetings of the day. And the toddler bag, packed to the brim with essential toddler paraphernalia, which we all know means including the kitchen sink.
She had to have everything ready and heaven forbid she forget anything or all hell could break lose, at home or in work.
Don’t judge a commuting parent. No one likes the commute but we have to do it. Smile at that toddler. Nod and smile at that parent.
Geraldine Walsh is a mum of two and a freelance writer, editor and award winning parenting and lifestyle blogger at Over Heaven’s Hill. overheavenshill.com
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How about instead of convicts telling me how not to get robbed we make robbery a more severely punished crime
And educate these fools not to rob in the first place.
An open fly window on a house is a sure sign that the owner is security lax and will be an invitation to a burglar, remember burglars are intelligent people their similar to military intelligence officers, as they move through a neighbourhood they note everything about every potential target house, it’s very rare for a burglar to get caught in the act so cute are they at the job and it’s even rarer for the police to nail them, a good tip when going to bed or leaving the house is to lock the door leading from the kitchen area as burglars usually enter from the back that way they will only get as far as the kitchen.
A person I know used to lock all her internal doors as she worked in dublin during the week. They broke open every single door in the house causing lots of damage.
The gardi said the locked doors inside had to be opened as the robbers never know what behind it.
They advised her to only lock outside doors only.
They took very little as she didn’t have much but caused her a lot of pain and suffering cause of the damage to her mothers old home.
We are to soft with sentences on all criminals. And most of the time the only schooling they get in jail is how to be better at what they were sent down for.
I had a lad call to the house today to see if I wanted my gutters cleaned… I dont know how he was going to clean my gutters with just a small van and no ladder…
it’s a common enough ploy… knock on the door in the middle of the day. if someone answers knock that house off your hit list while mumbling about cleaning gutters.
Stay safe.
Tallagh Two, you should have got their number and reported them to the police. Alerts the cops to the fact that they’re on the prowl. Also put a sign on your gate, “No Cold Callers” or maybe “No Cream Crackers” :)
…that is if you want extra damage within your home…they smash their way through locked doors. The only time you should lock internal doors is while you are asleep…of course provided that you know what exactly to do in case of fire at night!
How about turning all of your social media settings to friends only or family only. That way when you are on holidays for a week you are not telling every toe rag that there is no one home.
U can’t beat a big dog in ur house to keep them away. Getting into a house and disarming the alarm is nothing to a burglar but a big dog will stop them.
Big dogs can also spell better than a lot of humans.
unless it is a magic spell that protects ur house it is not useful or relvant
Úr is the Gaelic for fresh or new, it does not mean your.
Bite me
actually pat lyons when u are online it also means your and you are. maybe u are ignorent but i am not.
Indeed Pontius. One is reminded of the dire warning of Tim the enchanter: “Follow only if ye be men of valor! For the entrance to this cave is guarded by a creature so foul, so cruel, that no man yet has fought with it… and lived! Bones of full fifty men lie strewn about its lair! So brave knights, if you do doubt your courage or your strength, come nay further, for death awaits you all with nasty, big, pointy teeth… ..”
‘Ignorant’!
To keep any unwanted vermin away from your house simply paint ‘Job Centre’ above your hall door – works a treat.
Catch Me If You Can was a really good movie. still worth the watch 13 years later!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHHc1g7dfWE full HD movie is on YouTube for those who didn’t see it!
That’s a brilliant film !
Thanks for sharing; I was just thinking I’d like to see it! :)
I love you Phillip Morris is another amazing one based on a true story about a con artist. Really worth the watch!!
Niamhi , I must watch out for that one !
I like my true storie movies so i do….
Niamhi, I’m not usually a fan of Jim Carey but he was excellent in ‘I love you Philip Morris’, well worth a watch.
A guy in a van called to my house one day selling tools.it just so happened that at the same time i was outside putting my gun into the boot to go shooting.He must have got a serious fright because nobody ever came in the lane looking to sell tools again.
Anyone can achieve their fullest potential, who we are might be predetermined, but the path we follow is always of our own choosing. Every man is born as many men and dies as a single one…
as these three men..lived as criminals but hopefully will live their life as good men,,,
Predetermined? Places palm on face.
It’s a word.
my favourite is the one in the middle i like his beautiful blue eyes
I look forward to the day when sum sc*# bag trys to break into my house..
that is naive and immature but ok
They may well call on you joey but you be sure that you won’t be at home when they do, they watch you leave for the pub and then they make the call…usually.
Paddy robs houses;)
Take that back joey otherwise your asking for a surprise
Relax your self paddy i already said i was joken with ye..
Relax your self paddy i already said i was joken with ye.
I will happilly call dem an ambulance
Check the ambulance has a spellchecker as well as a defibrillator.
Check out your spellings lar;)
Joey, you wouldn’t beat eggs.
What is the problem with my spelling ??
Thank you, you made me laugh out loud.
Only joken paddy your right day are watching the houses.
have your say