What Goes Around
Thursday, August 26th 2010 @ 10:32 AM
What Goes Around by Michael Malgeri
As the kids get older a Dad's own life often passes before his eyes, only from a different point of view, namely...HIS PARENTS!
It seems like only yesterday...actually, that's a lie. It was 35 years ago, and my brain cells barely remember this story beyond its essentials. I was still 18 and on winter recess from college.
"Mom, my roommate and I are going to spend a few days with a friend at his farm in Pennsylvania. I'll be home on Wednesday"
While my parents were quite overbearing when it came to keeping their boys under control during the high school years, they pretty much removed the reins when college rolled around and so on this occasions, no questions were asked. However, after living our entire lives in Brooklyn, I was quite surprised she bought the farm bit. Unbeknownst to her and my Dad, 24 hours later I was in Miami Florida, getting kicked out of the Fontainebleau hotel for inappropriate dress code...big deal, shorts and a ripped T-shirt...I was only trying to congratulate the bride.
Anyway, regrettable moments aside, last week our son and daughter were granted the privilege to go bike riding with their friends. The rules were to stay within a FOUR BLOCK radius, remain on the sidewalk and get off the bikes while crossing the streets.
"Yeah Dad, no problem," said my son, displaying the confidence of a world traveler.
Considering that my son's 12-year-old female friends behave with impressive responsibility, I figured, "What the hey! It's time they spread their wings a bit," so my wife and I decided it would be OK for them to go along.
Thank God for cell phones and kids who love to use them. "Dad, we're going to Moonstone Park now." It was my son reporting in.
"Wohhhhhhh, buddy! Where are you now and where the heck is Moonstone Park?!!!!" A quick Google search revealed that Moonstone Park was 2.5 miles north of the authorized vicinity where they were supposed to be! The adventurous convoy was "almost there"...assuming they'd successfully navigate the "unknown challenges" of the Redondo Pier, which stood in their path.
Call it cosmic justice, but I pictured him phoning me from the Fontainebleau. "Buddy, I want you guys to turn around right now... and put Brittany on." She was the 12-year-old leading the pack.
"OK Mr. Malgeri, we're on our way back now," she said after I gently requested they FOLLOW THE RULES!!!! Nah, she's a great kid and I gently ask her to reverse course. I suspect my wicked son was the deviant itinerary adjuster.
Just to play it safe, I strapped on my roller blades and "coincidentally" crossed paths with the cyclists who, to my surprise, were happy to see me. All's well that ends well.
I wonder if I'd have been as happy to see my Dad at the Fontainebleau?
© Michael Malgeri, 2010
Editor’s Note: Michael teaches kids about honest profit making. Visit http://www.kids4biz.com
Ya Big Dummy!
Friday, August 13th 2010 @ 12:13 AM
Ya Big Dummy! by Michael Malgeri
So what went on this week in the Malgeri household. Well I gatta tell ya, the "kick me" sign is on my back and I deserve it. It's no secret I can be pathologically overprotective, if not overindulgent, with our kids. "HEY! You made this ice cream too cold for my son!"
My paranoia was on display this week when I learned their camp was taking them on a field trip to the L.A. Zoo. Our children have been to the zoo at least a dozen times but this would be the first outing where neither Mom nor Dad would be present to prevent our son from climbing into the orangutang habitat.
The night before, I purchased and activated two cell phones, ran the kids through an intense hour of emergency dialing exercises and succeeded in teaching them how to use their new toys despite the fact that all my daughter was concerned about was getting a cool ringtone.
The final precaution was stuffing two $20 bills in each of their pockets the next morning, in case they needed to purchase water or a snack. I most certainly didn't want them taking a cab home in the event they got lost.
While I was confident they'd survive an event that is a normal part of childhood, I spent most of the day looking at the clock, counting the minutes when I could tuck them safely in bed. I know...I have a problem...did I tell you they're both 37 now?
So when I got home that evening and found them watching Sponge Bob, reality set in and I asked for the change from the 80 dollars. Despite the exhoribitant price of 16-ounce water bottles and cracker jacks at most city venues, I was fully expecting to receive somewhere between 60 and 70 bucks. Silly me!
My daughter produced a biege, long-tailed stuffed spider monkey huggy doll and a companion stuffed animal that I couldn't discern. My son not only showed me two sticks with handles that activated chomping animal heads but he informed me that he gave his pal 10 dollars. When they emptied their pockets on the table there was not a greenback in sight...all I got back was coin, which I stared at while my son chomped at my ear with his new toys.
Given that it was their first time in possession of that level of purchasing power AND the fact that I didn't adequately explain its purpose, I couldn't hardly blame them for doing what I realized is a natural female...uhhh, kid tendency...spend! However the next morning we had a brief discussion about EMERGENCY money and I turned smiling as their sincere and honest "OHHHHHHHHHHHHHs!!!!!" filled my ears.
I couldn't help wondering how much I'd have gotten back had I given them 1000 dollars each.
© Michael Malgeri August 2010
Editor’s Note: Michael teaches kids about honest profit making. Visit http://www.kids4biz.com
