Being laid back

Hawaii.

I was glad Maria’s mother in law was able to stay home and watch our grandkids, who were too sick to attend school.  I had a hair appointment, and David wanted to have the tailor alter his pants, so we were both preoccupied.  It’s nice to have back up baby sitters!

Now that David is quasi-retired, we seem to spend a lot of time together.  My sister in law wanted to know how well we get along.  Are we at each other’s throat?  Well, the answer is “No.”  As a matter of fact, two friends of mine mentioned that I am a lot “calmer” due to the fact that my husband is so “laid back.”  I admit I used to be uptight and nervous when I was single.  I attribute it to a difficult childhood.

When we were gathered for dinner at the Prince Court Restaurant last week, I asked my 3 year old grandson who his best friend at preschool was.  He said, “Eddie.”  Then he said “Marvin” (not his real name) was “not nice,” because he liked to hit the other children.  Marvin has left the school for a different one.  I wonder if his parents spanked him when he got home.  Violence begets violence.

There was an article in the newspaper about a homeless woman, who punched her 2 year old toddler in the face.  Witnesses called the police, and the mother was sent to jail while her daughter was placed in foster care.  Sad, isn’t it?

I like the way Maria and Grant discipline their children.  When the kids misbehave, they are put on time out for 5 minutes.  It seems to work.