Firsty, though, thank you for your level-headed concern and advice with respects to me being the lone adult. It was actually my conern too...not because I didn't want to share the pool with the kids, but because I really was terrified that I was in no way physically equipped to perform any form of life-saving measures should they be necessary.
As for the predator risk...my mind never went there, but it's a sad reality that I need to pay better attention to the fact that I'm not some cartoon character chubby friendly spinster...I am a stranger and need to remember that it's just not OK to engage a kid without his adult present.
I did talk to the complex manager today. Turns out that the group of kids that caused all of the commotion doesn't actually live here. They were somehow related to a friend of a grandparent (?) who basically dropped them off for the last few days. The resident that lives adjacent to the pool had already been in several times to complain, and the maintenance guy reported all of the damage that had been done, so everybody was aware.
(FYI...the pool rules are cleary posted. No lifeguard on duty. No swimming alone. No children under the ago of 14 without an adult. Non-swimmers and children must always be accompanied by an adult.)
Finally...I really hope that I didn't mislead anybody with respects to my feelings about being around little kids. As a matter of fact, my very favorite sound on this planet (right after Stewey barking at his Doozie ball) is the sound of children laughing, playing, and having fun.
But these kids were't doing that. They were screaming and acting poorly and causing a problem. Period. And because I have the personality I do and am apparently incapable of confrontation...I did the best I could.
Today's outing was the exact opposite of the last few days, and believe it or not, still involved children. This time, my swimming companion was my new friend Emma, her infant brother Owen, and their mom Jessica. Emma is three and wears a pink polka-dot bathing suit with matching hat and sunglasses, and she gets so excited that's she's swimming that she laughs and giggles and then swallows half of the pool water as she does so. I gotta tell you, though...this kid is a trooper because no matter how many times she coughed up a lung, those giggles never stopped.
Owen had some kind of gizmo that allowed him to float around in the water with a little sun shade over him. I think the thing even had a drink holder on it! Can you imagine the possibilities if they made those for adults?! Add an Ott light and a chart holder and I would physically MOVE to the pool.
In closing...I'm really not sure how to reply to the comment about me being ungrateful. That cut deep. It really did. It makes me wonder if I am somehow failing to express just how thankful I am for my happy life. I keep my spiritual side pretty private, but I do pray, and I promise you that they are...every night...prayers of gratitude for this life of mine. The blessings of my past and the promises of my future overwhelm me, but I know that as sure as I'm sitting here in this beautiful apartment with that beautiful pool with all of that money sitting in the bank for when the time comes to head to Indy...I'm here and glad of it. I'm sorry that you felt it necessary to call me out on it "Unknown"... but message received loud and clear.
(But as for the "Crankypants" part...I reserve the right to crank every now and then, if you please. I am a 51 year old woman standing on the precipice of menopausal hell and I've managed to get here with very few casualties. So in the spirit of compromise, I promise to hereby emit a warning siren when my post is going to be a "rant" instead of a glitter-covered unicorn dancing on a rainbow. Deal?)
So that's the Friday report, Dearies! Laundry is sploshing and I am contemplating a stitchy movie night. Here's hoping that your weekend is off to a wonderful start!
I thought the book idea was brilliant. Emma and Owen sound like delightful pool buddies. Oh to be back in those days of pink polka dots.
ReplyDeleteOMG...i thought your post was hilarious and read it to my coworkers...who in turn laughed their heads off. Ppl get their panties in a wad Coni...they need to lighten up!! 💕
ReplyDeleteI agree with both of the above posts!
ReplyDeleteAlso, it is your blog and I think you can say what you choose! Isn't that sn amendment? You have been showing what my great-grandmother called "grace under fire". The fire being everything thst is,going on i your life recently.
Pink polka dotted swim outfits take me back to the days when my girls were very small!
I loved both posts and you made grwat points. Unknown needs to get off the wonderful blog and go ruin someone else's day. As far as you being ungrateful you are one of the most grateful people I can think of. Ignore or block them and move on with your day!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Rose
Coni~
ReplyDeleteDarling you are loved.
Everyone has off days
(months,years) & some days are better upside down. I think your doing a pretty good job of holding onto your sanity.
I'm 58, divorced, mother of 2 grown son's (39 & 23) have fibro, ruematoid & psoriatic arthritis, pherefiral nerapathy in both feet & memory problems due to a head injury when I was 14. I haven't been able to work for the past 17 yrs & went from earning 35k a yr to 9k on disability but it all OK the good Lord knows I'm here & loves me & blesses me in many ways (saw the prettiest hummingbird this am) with all sorts of little rainbows.
We all have trials and most of us will lend a helping hand, a soft shoulder, or a listening ear without nasty comments.
One of your little rainbows is all of us as you are ours.
I love your blog & look for to your visits
I hope this made sense
Blessings
Baa
As a pre school teacher... oh my... how I would have loved to have been pool side.
ReplyDeleteConi Rich ungrateful? Only in opposite world, Coni.
ReplyDeleteUnknown apparently hadn't read very many of your posts and by staying unknown has no right to rain on your parade. The rest of us love your honesty, love that you can share the good and the bad, and just plain love you. Ignore the haters; you're the best!
ReplyDeleteI read your last post - good for you! Even though those kids were truly brats, you spinned it around. At least for a little bit.
ReplyDeleteAs for Unknown, aka "I'm not bold enough to show you who I really am", sounds like they're wearing the Crankypants AND they're too tight!
You can change your settings to exclude those anonymous users if you want to, I know I have.
haters gonna hate, Coni - Unknown was certainly not speaking for ME ... "rant" didn't come to mind as i was reading about the Little Pool Pissers ... and, truly, No One I Know has ever shown more Gratitude or Grace Under Fire.
ReplyDeleteSchool will be starting soon, Brats should be to a minimum and back to your stitchy haven. Don't worry about Unknown...that person is, well...unknown. If that person had any character, they would make themselves known. Even if they did, don't worry what they say for they have not walked in your shoes. Keep stitching and stay happy.
ReplyDeleteMaybe "Unknown' should go have tea with Betty. :0)
ReplyDeleteMarilyn
Coni, I love you posts. Your posts are a bright spot in my day. You are full of awesome sauce. Don't let that comment get to you one bit. Stitchers stick together. Stitcher posse will ride at dawn!!! 😂
ReplyDeleteBe careful ... more than one unknown - 2012 (culprit?)
ReplyDeleteand 2015 a sweetheart..... Let us put this nonsense behind us and return to enjoying Coni and one another...
let unknown peter out for lack of attention. Hope by now, Coni, the pool is back to being a spa/.I choked on your suggested pool float equipped with the Ott, holders and sunshade...don't forget the handsome guy to serve the drinks and lather on the sun screen. Keep winking.
Coni, You are the best. You give us courage, and let us know it's ok to be not ok. You taught us how to keep on, keepin' on. And so much more. I am sad for the person who criticized you. People see the world how they are, not necessarily how it is. You are a superstar and I'm so glad to be one among many who have followed your blog. Love, hugs & prayers, Cathryn ♥
ReplyDeleteIgnore the negative - as much as is possible. Some folks are so unhappy, they want to rain on someone else's parade. If Unknown doesn't like your writing, s/he should go read some other blog. As for me, I love you Miss Crankypants!! And I sincerely wish you the best and admire you for hanging in there :-). Keep up your posts - all of them - stitchy or not - glitter covered unicorns or not. Dancing on rainbows? Really? How do you come up with this stuff?
ReplyDeletePay no heed to "unknown " another ding bat ,like the person on Facebook Stitch maynia group who complained about people drinking coffee on their floss tube videos.
ReplyDeleteIt's your blog write what you dam well like !
Don't let the unknown turkeys get you down. Sounds like someone is jealous to me.
ReplyDeleteI choked on my drink too when I read. About the pool float with Ott light holders etc for stitching.
ReplyDeleteConi, it sounds like your pool buddies today were a joy. I still like the book idea from the other day. Will it be Miss Gertie with the movie or another project? Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteConnie, they do make adult sized float chairs with cupholders. I'm afraid you are on your own for the Ott light.
ReplyDeleteHey Coni don't pay any attention to unknown they really don't matter..They criticize you and hide who they are..I can only shake my head..Poor thing must be awfully unhappy.. I Love your Blog.. I have laughed and I have cried over your postings..Just keep on being you..You are a wonderful person..
ReplyDeleteConi--- Tell old 'Unknown' to go suck a freaking lemon. Or, perhaps, therein lies the problem!! Please keep on keeping on-- you're a gem!!
ReplyDeleteUnknown can take a flying leap. It has always been obvious that you are grateful for everything in life: the good, the bad and the ugly. And everyone is allowed to crank occasionally as it keeps us sane!
ReplyDeleteNow about that idea for the pool float with the Ott light.....
Keep hanging out with Emma. Maybe you and she can share giggles. Enjoy your weekend.
ReplyDeleteAmen to all of the above! I guess God allows folks like unknown to exist for the rest of us to see what is truly just, right and real. I am grateful for you and log on everyday just to hear your sweet words!
ReplyDeleteConi, I spent 20 years of my life raising my own kids and 34 years teaching other people's kids and loved every minute of it. But if I had been at that pool yesterday trying to relax or have some exercise time I wouldn't have liked those children's behavior one bit. I have to give you credit for not tearing into them. And you gave them the gift of books, for heavens sake! How wonderful! Don't let Unknown's comments bother you.
ReplyDeleteConi, you have handled all of your recent adversities with grace and gumption. Ignore the naysayers and bullies. You are real and we all love you for it. By the way, I'm right there with you on the precipice of menopause so I completely empathize with your "crankypants" moments.
ReplyDeleteIf you could hear over the internet I'm clapping for you!!
ReplyDeleteI think you can ignore the nasty unknown and the heir petty critique. Those who have read your blog for years know your good heart. I turn into a major cranky pants myself when people don't follow the rules!
ReplyDelete'Unknown' is a troll creep. And that's all I'm going to say about that.
ReplyDeleteYou, Miss Coni, are my hero! 🤗⚘
'Unknown' is a troll creep. And that's all I'm going to say about that.
ReplyDeleteYou, Miss Coni, are my hero! 🤗⚘
Hey Coni when "ungratefully anonymous shows up again ... send them my way...I love a good word fight (English major). The kids laughter is always a healing sound. Get some rest dear friend and keep yourself in stitches.
ReplyDeleteGood Lord! What did you say that made anonymous think you were ungrateful??? I have never gotten that from any of your posts! Sheesh. The tone of your posts has always been clear to me. Keep rockin it!
ReplyDeleteRock on Coni! We love you! xx
ReplyDeleteI agree with others that Anonymous probably doesn't read your blog on a daily basis. All the gratitude you've expressed has made me a bit uncomfortable to be honest, but that's my defect--I'm not a heart-on-the-sleeve kind of person.
ReplyDeleteI suspect I'm one of the nay-sayers with regard to the books episode. But I wouldn't have pointed out that your generosity could be horribly misconstrued if I didn't care about your well-being.
Emma, Owen, and Jennifer sound like wonderful pool buddies. I hope you continue to engage with this family. (And gift many books to those kids over the years.)
HI Coni, All the regulars with login names and pictures have provided some good insight and support :)
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about one non-stitching subject. The pool. At some point the management will be closing the apartment pool for the season. True? Have you considered looking for a local in-door pool so that you could continue your exercise/therapy?
Back to stitching :) The Sunflower project made me check my stash -- and I have it !! Now I just need to get it kitted up (from the stash).
Keep on writing, I am one of your quieter followers.
M in NC
Coni...thouht you handled it beautifully. As one person already stated haters gona hate. I'm with you give them a book and maybe this time next year if they do come to the pool they'll remember you for introducing them to the fablous world of reading.... Keep stitching and love the blog.
ReplyDeleteConi, who would call you ungrateful? Only someone who doesn't actually read all of your blog posts, maybe? And crankypants? Well, we all have our bad days and our ups and downs. Maybe Unknown was having a crankypants kind of day when they called you ungrateful. Who knows? And as for not engaging a child without the permission of a parent? Anyone who abandons their child loses the right to complain about an adult that takes an action to keep the child safe or keep them from houliganism. Just sayin'.
ReplyDeleteOh sure, you are ungrateful. What???? I would sure be grateful to have to move, need a new kidney, have surgery for diverticulitis, have my beloved animal companion die, and have to struggle with those stairs to get to the new abode. Jealousy is a terrible, terrible thing and that writer has, in my mind, flaming green eyes! Keep cool, Coni!
ReplyDeleteThat commenter from yesterday sounds like she's guilty of letting her kids run out of control, getting mad when others try to correct the little "darlings" behaviour and is feeling like she's getting swatted on the nose with a newspaper like a puppy that just poo'd on the floor. Well, IMHO, people who let their kids, or any children they have been left in charge of, behave like those at the pool ARE poo-ing on the floor of society and need a swat on the nose. And yes, I do like kids, and but I also think one of the worst things you do is let them run think just because "their" adult is not around that they can run wild.
ReplyDeleteAny even semi-regular reader would know how grateful you are for what you have, Coni. You've had a lot of crappy things happen this last year, I'd be writing posts that weren't all sunshine and sparkle rainbows too.
I loved your previous post! You handled a situation that I would have run from! Anyone who thinks you are ungrateful just hasn't been paying attention!
ReplyDeleteI did wonder if those brats were from outside your complex! We have had a similar problem where I live. Even the parents think the little monsters should be able to use our amenities and were mad when the cops told them NO.
Well I did not read all the comments posted on the pool story but I think you could have been a lot "crabbier" with good reason. Hell you even bribed them and that should not be your job.
ReplyDeleteConi--Those of us who pay attention know how grateful you are for your life despite its ups and downs. No one in their right mind enjoys children run amok. Your solution was brilliant and very kind. I am grateful for you!!
ReplyDeleteDitto what Jan said. You have many, many that support you and love you and pray for you.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read your post about the pool I was just grateful they liked books! You were being very generous and solved the problem creatively. Kuidos to you. People who feel the need to point out what they consider wrong are just grumpy, ungrateful trolls. Ignore them. Delete them but don't allow them to change you. You are great and we all love you.
ReplyDeleteI think you handled a situation with creativity. By providing books you may have inspired a love of reading in one or more of the kids.
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher, I think you did a fantastic job of giving those kids something creative to do. They were probably bored. I do hope the manager or whomever, has a conversation with the responsible party. Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteI hate that that "unknown" person made you feel that way. It makes me so sad and angry that people go out of their way to make someone else feel bad. Why bother? I just can't make sense of doing that to someone. And anyone who regularly reads your blog knows how grateful and thankful you are. Please forget that mean person.
ReplyDeleteOh Connie, ugh...the "unknown" person is a cranky pants herself. We all know that you have been nothing but grateful, I'm so sorry she made you feel unloved. Please read my comment on your previous post. Your solution to the pool "rugrats" was brilliant in a kind and loving way. Don't ever change!!
ReplyDeleteI loved your book solution and who knows, maybe it will turn out to be the reason one of those juvenile delinquents - er, boys - gets into reading. As for the hateful comment, I've realized there are people who are miserable in life and the only way they can feel better is to belittle others and bring them down to their level of misery. It's sad, but it exists. Ignore them and enjoy your friends here.
ReplyDeletePs - I suggest a battery-powered head lamp for pool-floating-stitching. ��
Ok Spinster you made me dot, I don't normally comment on blogs but you talking about your swimming and exercise made me do it. Once your pool closes for the season you might want to check out the Community Colleges or Y's in your area for pool/classes. I go to a Water Aerobics class at the Community College. Very low cost and great exercise. They always tell us, do what you can, no pressure, not everyone can do it all, some can't even swim. Just a thought. Hope all is well with you today. Barb fom MD
ReplyDeleteIf you can't have an occasional rant and rave with your friends, well, then, what are friends for might I ask? I've been following your adventures in stitches and in life for quite some time and have always known you to be grateful, witty, wise, gracious, and often downright slap-your-knee-funny. Keep being you. We're here for you. Have been. Will be. (And if you ever need someone taken out....Well, never mind, but you catch my drift, right?)
ReplyDeleteI don't always read all the comments and missed the negative one. This is your blog and you aren't always going to have on your rose colored glasses because that's not reality. I'm glad you share as we're here to support you and I'm sure we all experience some of the same things.
ReplyDeleteThat whole pool experience, I just hope it's over. Emma sounds like a delightful "companion"!
Keep on being you, Coni.
Coni, I missed a few days and had to catch up. You have been nothing but grateful and graceful! I cringed reading about the wild bunch, but love Emma and Owen. Have a wonderful week, I'm planning on it.
ReplyDeleteXoxo
Susan
As a teacher, I think you did a fantastic job of giving those kids something creative to do. They were probably bored. I do hope the manager or whomever, has a conversation with the responsible party. Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteผลบอลเมื่อคืน
Coni, you rock!! You are an inspiration and a very classy lady. I love your blog and reading it is like chatting with friends. Big hugs xx
ReplyDeleteAs you should never have been put in a position of being the reappointment adult at a pool workout your full consent from the get go I think handing children some books is the least of the issues. Also books is fine and smart you could have called child services or anything like that. Your response was sensible and smart.
ReplyDelete