The Side Effects of Rushing Somewhere

This post is going to be about folks who are in too big of a hurry to get somewhere.  Of course, I am going to spout off my opinion on that too.  After all, it is my blog.

Recently there seems to have been a rash of crashes involving school buses.  I don’t get the mental faculties that cause an individual to take risks driving around school buses.  They carry our children and there are laws in place to protect them from wayward drivers.

But evidently there are some folks who don’t care about those laws or the lives of the children they endanger with their reckless behavior.

About a week ago, in Albany, New York, a guy in a BMW rear ended a school bus and ended up dangling from a concrete barrier.  He got out of his car and didn’t even bother to see if anyone was injured on the school bus.

Then just a few days ago, in Kentucky, a Cadillac Escalade tried to pass a school bus on the RIGHT and hit 3 kids, seriously injuring them.  He also wrapped his car around a tree, injuring himself in the process.

What was so important that either of them had to get to that they would risk the lives of others to reach their destination?  Did they think that laws don’t apply to them?  Do they feel that they are entitled to only obey those laws that are convenient at the time?

Okay here goes my opinions on this.

1.  You are not above the law.
2.   If you are going to be late to your destination, call and inform them so.
3.   Habitually late?  Get your effing ass out of bed earlier and leave for work earlier.
4.   In the habit of texting and driving?  STOP NOW!!!  There is Nothing, I repeat Nothing on that phone that cannot wait until you have reached your destination.

Now for my opinion on these infractions:

Not stopping for a school bus or trying to pass on the right are misdemeanors in most states that carry a monetary fine and maybe a few weeks in jail.   Maybe they should be TOUGHER.  Maybe there should automatically be prison terms of 6 months or greater  and loss of license for passing a stopped school bus.  Hitting a kid while doing so should automatically be a 20 year sentence and if the child dies as a result of your negligence, it should be an automatic manslaughter charge and possibly a death penalty.

I am so tired of seeing drivers out there who think the driving laws do not apply to them.  Karma’s a Bitch, folks.  Your day is coming.  I hope I am there to see you get your just desserts.

 

Essentials to a Good Pantry

Everyone has certain items they keep in their pantry/refrigerator to prepare meals for their families.  I am no exception.

These are the items you consider necessary to prepare any and all meals, to make those meals special.

Here’s my list:

Fresh Vegetables:

1. Potatoes – a versatile vegetable used in many recipes and as a side dish. Can be prepared numerous ways.

2.  Carrots – another versatile vegetable

3.  Celery – again, versatile in its uses

4.  Onion – used in almost everything I prepare

5.  Parsley (fresh) – 1/4 cup  curly leafed parsley (leaves only)  can make a dish pop with flavor

Canned items:

1.  Diced tomatoes – great in stews, soups, chili, marinara sauce

2.  Tomato paste/sauce – a must have for Italian and Mexican dishes

3.  Salsa – not just for Mexican dishes

4.  Creamed soups – cream of celery, chicken, mushroom, etc., make delectable gravies

5.  and of course, all canned veggies

Packaged items:

1. Rice

2. Quinoa

3.  beans/peas

4. pastas

Spices (used most frequently:

1.  Garlic powder

2. Chili powder

3. Cayenne powder

4. Onion powder

5. Paprika

6. Salt and Pepper

7. Hamburger seasoning (recipe can be found on Allrecipes.com)

8.  Bay leaves

These are just some of the items I make sure I have stocked well in order to create enticing dishes for my family.

What are some of your must have pantry items?