Those who know me may be surprised to hear this...but some days the highlight of my day is picking up the kids from the elementary school in our carpool. I know, I know spending twenty minutes with six screaming kids in a 5x10 tin can, I mean minivan, can be overwhelming after a day of alone well cultured bliss. But after day of said peace every once in a while I can really use some kid-friendly belly giggles. I mostly enjoy that their little lives are so simple yet their stories about their school day can be so exciting. I mean seriously, besides the tough question these kids face each morning: pack a cold lunch or go for the ever popular (mystery) meat ball sub, life doesn't get any more elementary.
So today, Mac plops into the front seat of the super-van, the gaggle of kids follow slowly behind her. Once settled I see a blue folded note hanging out of her pocket. I gently grab it knowing full well this could get ugly and at any time she is going to rake it out of my hands, start crying and turn bright fuchsia from embarrassment. Did I successfully score the first "love note" of her elementary career? Hell, it is her fault she kept it in such a conspicuous place.
However she doesn't stop me and instead a cheesy grin washes over her face. I realize that I have stumbled head first into her trap. This so called love note was instead a website that you log on to adopt orangutans...yes ORANGUTANS. So we spoke in great deal the remainder of the drive, how not only can you adopt orangutans, but you can also adopt blue whales, gorilla and even a star if you want.
Maybe it is the car that holds the magical key when it comes to a good conversation. For starters there is nothing like having a captured audience myself included. At least in the car I actually listen to what others are saying. Unlike my normal life when I am trying to do ten things at once. Be it a gaggle of kids or our modest family of four car conversations are just that "conversations".
Come to think of it,some of our most meaty conversations have been in the car. We have addressed religion, our beliefs or disbelief (based on who you ask)in ghosts & UFOs, racism and even life choices. Admittedly, I have even considered having the birds and bees talk with Mac from the front seat of my mini-van. Just look at the pros: automatic door locks (no escape), limited eye contact (most of the conversation can be via the rear view mirror), and for learning aids I can utilize the side mirror being sure to explain that images in mirror are actually "larger than appear to be". Plus I can actually use my lap for my written notes and no one will be the wiser. As for cons: I really don't see any.
I mean Seriously, Why Can't I?
