Greek, Secret Codes and Disney June 2009

Greek, Secret Codes & Disney Each day I read manuals to learn how to make everything in the RV work. I have decided the manuals are either written in Greek or some secret code. Somehow I am supposed to actually know what is being talked about. Who knew there are different hoses each with its own name and use and that they are to be connected to something somewhere in some way? I would normally ask why I should care but I need to know how to work the shower after I figure out how and where to put the water. There is water and grey water and black water. Are they actually those colors? I cannot believe people know how to do such things or even how to read the manuals. Manuals are written by people in the industry who have a clear understanding of how things work. It is much like taking math from a mathematician. He/she knows and understands math so well that he/she is unable to teach those who struggle with the subject. The mathematician cannot break down concepts and then slowly rebuild then in a way all will understand. I think people like me should be test readers for manuals. If I can understand them then anyone can. At the start of each section would be a glossary of terms. After that would be a numbered or bulleted list of steps in the order they are to be taken. I would also include LOTS of pictures, drawings, and diagrams. I am beginning to really understand I am not going to fit everything I want to into the RV. I knew this already but still foolishly had hope. I am looking at what I need as opposed to what I want. At times I think I should stop looking in boxes and just seal and store them. There is also the issue of weight. This is a good incentive to diet. The less I weigh the more I can carry and the happier I would be. Fortunately the combined weight of the three dogs is under 60 pounds. It would be less if Princess was not a ball. I have again moved the departure date as I have faced the fact that I am not a miracle worker. There are still boxes and furniture to go into storage and all the things I am hoping to fit into the RV; then comes securing everything. And of course there is trying desperately to understand the manuals! Disney Television shows to help preschoolers learn in order to be ready for kindergarten. This is in place of running outdoors, chasing grasshoppers, or wondering at the feeling of cold mud as it squishes threw their little fingers. Phineas and Ferb is the only daytime cartoon. Candace spends her days trying to bust her brothers and nursing her crush on Jeremy. the little girl has a crush on Phineas while he has no clue. The remainder of the day is filled with preteen shows such as The Suit Life of Zack and Cody, Zack and Cody on Deck, Wizards of Waverly Place, and Hannah Montana. The girls have long luscious hair and wear makeup. So, there is preschool and preteen programming. So what happened to the amazing years in between? What happened to the years spent in playgrounds playing hopscotch and jacks? What happened to the years of snowballs fights, kickball, little league, and dress-up? What happened to the endless stream of asking “Why?” and “How come?” That happened to little girl and little boy laughter? It is no wonder children are growing up so fast, wearing make-up over their perfect skin, and exploring each others’ bodies while popping their parents’ pills. Their childhoods have been packed up without a ribbon and put away on a high shelf they cannot reach. Adulthood lasts so long while childhood is over in a blink of an eye. Childhood is so very precious. Please Disney, give it back. 10, 9, 8,…1 Ground control to Major Tom, “Commencing count down; engines on.” I will be on my way Sunday or Monday. All the furniture and boxes will disappear on Saturday. The car is sold. The RV is done “enough” to leave. I will be moving things around in the RV for some time as I live in it. Stay tuned! The excitement is about to begin!