Dear So and So

[emily_in_nc]

I'm sorry for your loss, Shefly. Grandmothers are so special -- I miss both of mine a lot.

[Crankin]

Dear Limewave:

+ a million
My own children used to chastise me for coming to their baseball games, sitting apart from the other parents, and grading papers. I had to explain to them that I did it because I didn't want to get into one of the discussions like you had. Every conversation started and ended about teachers. I always wondered, gee who is talking about me right now?
One of my esteemed bosses had a favorite saying: "the deadliest place for a teacher is the soccer field on Saturday morning."

And, this is why when I go to school meetings now, I always preface it with "I was a teacher for 30 years," so they don't think I'm one of those therapists who only sees the good side of a kid for 1-2 hours a week.

[lph]

Actually, soccer games Saturday morning are deadly places for parents too... I couldn't believe the amount of mean gossip and eye-rolling going on about the parents who weren't there, and why they weren't there, and how could they possibly not support their children... (like, for example, they have three other kids, work on weekends, have better things to do or just don't feel that their child's wellbeing depends on them watching them run around on a football field four times a week?)

It's amazing how many people feel the need to judge others harshly based on very little information.

[limewave]

Dear Limewave:

+ a million
My own children used to chastise me for coming to their baseball games, sitting apart from the other parents, and grading papers. I had to explain to them that I did it because I didn't want to get into one of the discussions like you had. Every conversation started and ended about teachers. I always wondered, gee who is talking about me right now?
One of my esteemed bosses had a favorite saying: "the deadliest place for a teacher is the soccer field on Saturday morning."

And, this is why when I go to school meetings now, I always preface it with "I was a teacher for 30 years," so they don't think I'm one of those therapists who only sees the good side of a kid for 1-2 hours a week.

I've taken to walking laps around the soccer field during practice. If DS is with me, I play with him on the playground or take him on little walks until DD is done. I purposefully separate myself. I don't like getting drawn into gossip. Its very easy to slip into that kind of talk.

These same parents got all uppity with me when I mentioned I was trying to organize a U8 pick-up soccer night at our house and trying to arrange carpool for soccer camp this summer. I was told I was a pushy, over-reaching soccer mom. I was ticked. DD asks me to play soccer with her, literally, EVERY night! She begs me to play with her and to have friends over to play soccer. But none of her friends want to play. I'm just trying to create opportunities for her. Sheesh!

[Crankin]

No, they're the crazy soccer moms, in the stereotypical sense of the word. They probably haven't seen the outside of a gym for exercise, well ever.

LPH, that too. I was one they talked about . I went to as few games as possible, and only attended a lot because my DH traveled then. These people are just insecure and living through their kids. The only thing I feel bad about is not going to more of my son's bike races. I wasn't into cycling until near the end of his racing career, and before that, I saw it as an intrusion into my weekends. I think he still hates me for some of that.
I have had the same experience at health clubs, with people talking about instructors. As a former one, I don't indulge in that talk and I feel badly. If I don't like someone, I don't go to his/her class.

[solobiker]

Shefly, I am sorry for your loss. I hope this does not come across as insensitive because it is not meant to be....I have seen it many times where I work that often when the time is "near" the loved one is usually "waiting to let go" until they see their family members or friends. It is hard to explain via this post...but it is often very comforting for the person nearing the end and as you posted she did know you were there which I am 100% sure she loved and comforted her. She will always be with you. {{Hugs}}

[Catrin]

Dear Bike Shorts and Bib Shorts,

You fit perfectly last year. I am the same weight as last year. Why are you suddenly fitting a bit loose? Please get with it and do your job! I am already putting 260 pounds on the squat machine - I know my thighs aren't getting smaller and I've already spent my 2012 bike clothes budget...

Thankfully I DO still have the pair of bib shorts I bought last year that were a bit small...

[lovelygamer]

Dear Bike Gods: Teach me well this summer, before I keel off my bike cycling in the hot sun.

Dear Body: Please note that from last week on out through the summer, I am going to cycle 30+ per week and you could damn sure help me out on the scale since I am seriously overweight. OKAY?

Dear Boyfriend: Please stop worrying that I am going to be that 100 lbs super wiry and energetic cyclist lady we saw at breakfast last week (who you have now dubbed "crazy bike lady").

It'll never happen because yes, I like a challenge and yes I'm into getting fit but 1) I'm too lazy to be energetic about a 30 mile ride at 8 a.m. on a Saturday 2) my body type is curvy, not petite so I will never be wiry, nor 100 lbs. Lastly, dear boyfriend please don't hate me if I do get a little crazy about cycling. I kinda do like it.

Thank You Very Much