Car Trouble...

As many of you probably do, I spend a lot of time in the car every day. My kids are usually in tow, so I try my best to make the car as enjoyable and exciting as possible, but there are only so many games of "I Spy" that can be played. And every once in a while there is a prolonged moment of silence in which I can contemplate very important questions that I have about the universe. Those navigational deep thoughts are actually what made me want to start this blog in the first place.

Not too long ago, someone in the tri-state area had the brilliant (insert sarcasm here) idea to print personalized white stickers meant to be adhered to a portion (sometimes a rediculously large portion) of one's windshield. I have seen said stickers with anything from a cartoon peeing on a Ford emblem to a full obituary. It's the latter that I really have an issue with.

While I'm sure that all of the people who have decided to pay tribute to a loved one have the most sincere of intentions, is it really necessary to broadcast, not to mention distract, to the entire driving population that you have suffered a loss? Call me insensitive, but do you really think that the deceased is going to be truly touched that you dedicated your windshield to them. Or is it that these people haven't realized that that is precisely what they are doing.

People purchase park benches in the favorite places of the deceased and display a lovely plaque stating the seat is in loving memory of that person that is gone. Someone even wrote a book about benches on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk and placed images of the deceased being honored on their respective bench. Those friends and family members probably did so because of that person's love of that vacation spot.

So does that mean that the person you are dedicating your windshield to loved to sit on your car. Even if they loved to sit IN your car, isn't there something else you could do, other than support the living of some guy who figured out how easy it is to print windshield stickers?

Again, I don't mean to criticize those who may have experienced a tough time recently, I just find it strange that they actually thought that would be a good way to honor someone that they obviously cared so much about. Or is it also possible that there is a small part of the sentimental driver that wants the attention drawn to their selfless gesture. Ok, that's pretty insensitive, but it's exactly what I think everytime I see one of those stickers. And the more elaborate the more selfish I think it is.

So for all of those I love and care for, when I'm gone, please do not feel the need to immortalize me on your mode of transportation. Just spend an obnoxious amount of money on a pair of great shoes and then every time you wear them, think of me.

Balloons...Again...

I recently had the pleasure of enjoying a Dogfish Beer Dinner at the Stone Balloon Winehouse. It was the first time my husband and I had been there and while we were very excited to try it, our expectations were completely surpassed! The food was creative and carefully executed and the pairings were perfection!

Date night with my husband is always refreshing and as we looked around the restaurant, we joked about the last time I was in the Balloon and how the building has changed so much since then. In fact, it is a completely new building with ample memories of the past displayed throughout.

The old Balloon was plain and simple, stone building, sticky floors, and one beer tapped in a bucket sitting on the floor. Patrons drank fifty cent beers out of "authentic" glass mugs until they were forced to stumble home smelling of booze and cigarette smoke.

The new Balloon boasts an impressive wine list, classy decor, and impeccable service, all without pretention.

And all of a sudden, this blog post was inspired when my spouse said, "this place went through a transformation and you were part of it." Suddenly, I found myself comparing my life to a bar that was demolished and replaced by condos and a lovely restaurant that serves bacon ice cream!

Like the new Balloon, I appreciate fine wine and delicious food. I also consider myself well put-together when allowed the time, and never a fan of pretention. However, I think it is important to keep the important pieces of my past "hanging on the walls" so not to forget who I am and how I got here and what needed to change.

So the days of sticky floors and cheap drafts may be in the past, but the fact that the "old builds the new" is something we should never ignore.

Did I mention they served bacon ice cream? True inspiration.