Hello and welcome to the second Saturday of August here at the Wannaskan Almanac. Today is August 8th, or 8/8.
Boy, was this a wonky week. Time flies overall, but this past week, there just wasn't much going on over here. But hey, I'll take it. A little downtime never hurt anybody.
Last weekend, I ventured out of my little geographic comfort zone and drove to Brainerd, MN to visit my mom. Our family jokes that when we drive south we slowly re-enter civilization. Well, I gotta tell you, it's totally true.
According to my Google calendar, the last time I traveled beyond the Wannaska region was on March 2nd to Winnipeg. (I even blogged about it!) I have been sheltering in place for five months and driving south really felt like coming out of hibernation. Driving past bars and restaurants on a Friday night, I was surprised to see parking lots and decks filled with maskless patrons. (At least, I think so? I wasn't about to stop and get up close to confirm.) I must be a heartfelt rule follower because I was genuinely surprised to see people not wearing masks in a crowded area. Granted, it was outdoors. Perhaps that's the loophole. But it did make me wonder: Am I a nerd for following the rules? Am I an aberration? So, I googled "How well do adults follow rules?" and found these three articles. You be the judge. (And comment below or on Facebook!)
Why the Brain Follows the Rules
Why Entitled People Will Disregard Rules That Others Follow
Adults love breaking the food rules they had to follow as kids
Coincidentally, related to the topic of rule following, the Oldest got to see the content of Article #2 in action this past week. We watched a live webinar about all the anticipated rules associated with moving to, and living on, her college campus in the time of covid-19 (or “the ‘rona”, to borrow the term used by the teen who bagged and carried my groceries). For every rule, there was a request to be the exception.
Rule: Only one person can assist the student during their move-in time slot.
Question: Can we bring two if one of the two people PROMISE not to get out of the car?
Answer: If that person doesn't mind not being able to get out to pee or breathe fresh air or stretch their legs, wellllll, I guess if you're okay with that. But you absolutely under no circumstances are allowed to get out of the car.
Rule: The recreation center will be open by appointment only. Check the website to reserve a time.
Question: Can athletes still have access to the recreation center?
Answer: Yes. By appointment.
Rule: You must move-in during your allotted half hour slot. No exceptions.
Question: Can we come early? Can we come late?
Answer: *eye roll, but only after the staff person switches off their video.*
Rule: Due to the pandemic, you can't change who your roommate is.
Question: Yeah but, what if...
Answer: No buts! (In a nice university staff way.)
After awhile, the Q&A moderator transitioned from responding with fifty versions of "No, you may not," to an automated response: This question was addressed live.
On the other hand, maybe I'm not such a Goody Two-shoes after all, because when it comes to treats and sweets, I will be the first to raise my hand and confess grown-up cheating as per the third article about adults and food rules. Ice cream for dinner? Of course. Cereal three times a day? Hello! Double yes! I do, however, insist on a side salad when serving up frozen pizza. I can eat on the couch, but the kids can't. And we have two stashes of chocolate in the house and anyone with any amount of experience with kids knows why.
On This Day
Happy Birthday to You!🎶
Remembering You
Kim
Love the rules "discussion." I should make up my own list for doctor visits. Ha! Thanks for this post!
ReplyDeleteMove in in a half-hour time slot? WHAT? It takes at least that long to find a friggin' parking space close enough to the door! Does that include going up three flights of stairs both ways? Finding the right room in the right building on the right side of campus? Meeting your roommate -- at all?
ReplyDelete"Ma, What kind of name is 'Ima EndMaker'? That's an awfully big bed. Can't be regulation? Has there been a fire in this room? Look at the walls and ceiling -- Look at the curtains . . . er, curtain!"