My Daily Walk 5/31

Ok, I try to walk every day, but sometimes other priorities get in the way and I don't get a chance to go for a really good, long walk. Yesterday, however, I was able to get about 4 miles in, basically around the neighborhood. I live in a very suburban area with literally blocks and blocks of family homes on nice level streets. The grade and middle schools are very close by, within walking distance for most kids, so it's a very nice middle-class, family-oriented neighborhood.

Anyway, it was an absolutely gorgeous day...mid-high 70s, not a cloud in the sky, low humidity. Just beautiful. But you know what I noticed? There were absolutely zero kids playing outside. None. No kids riding bikes, playing ball, or walking the dog. I usually find this a normal observance during the week which makes sense. Even during the summer, I figure kids are probably in some kind of day-care situation with mom and dad both working. But this was a Sunday, for god's sake. And it was about 1 pm, the absolute height of a perfect day outside!

So, I want to just say to all parents out there....send your kids outside, get them away from the TV, computer or nintendo because:

1. Playing outside promotes social skills. I'm no expert, but finding someone to play with outside (whomever happens to be handy) helps kids gain skills they will need later.
   
2. Fresh air is GOOD FOR YOU.
3. Sunshine is GOOD FOR YOU (albeit with the proper sunscreen product). Something about Vitamin A or D...but it just feels good!
   
4. Exercise is GOOD FOR YOU and burns calories. Nothing sadder than an obese 8 year old.
5. Plus it gets the kids out of the damn house and out from under foot!

When I was a kid, I used to run around outside all day long during the summer and on weekends. In fact, my mom hardly knew where I was most of the time, I just had to be home in time for supper. During the summer, I'd go outside again after supper until the street lights came on. If I'd come home and drag a friend inside for a drink of water or Kool-aid, my mom would usher us out as soon as we had our drink. Now, I know that makes me sound like some old fogie, and I totally "get" the fact that times are different and the world is not a safe place. I am not saying that parents should just let their kids run wild all day because there are crazy people out there. But I honestly believe that playing outside with my friends taught me much more than I realized at the time.

So that's my rant for today. Actually for yesterday. My rant for tomorrow will be for today. Does that make sense?

More about my job-hunting tomorrow. Ugh, I know everyone wants to hear about that.