One of the biggest joys of our new 'hood has been our short stroll or ride to our lovely local elementary. And with this week's "Walk/Bike to School" push I got to really get into the spirit... by donning the day glo yellow vest of honor.
Yeah, that's right. I got to walk out into intersections and make eye contact with a smile that conveyed "don't even think about it buddy .... let the kids cross!" After years of being the parent in the car, impatiently waiting for the crossing guard to let me take my right on red, it felt good to be the one in absolutely no hurry at all.
The highlight -- the kids and parents saying good morning, thank you, have a nice day. And it was a double sized crowd of folks on the sidewalks. I had been in a funk the previous day, and there's nothing like saying a smiley "good morning" 100 times while drinking coffee on a brisk am to lift it.
I saw no drivers texting (as we were on the corner by the middle school... I saw many passengers texting) and no overly speedy or aggressive cars. Then again, we all know each other on Blossom Valley Drive (well, I don't, but soon will...).
Its common sense but backed up by lots of research -- kids (well all of us, really) do better with a little outdoors to start our day.
I love the walk/bike to school! I'm glad we get to have it every week.
