Sunday, April 20, 2008

helmets

Yesturday afternoon, I decided to go on a short bike ride. I was getting the bike, jacket and iPod together and I needed my helmet. David and I looked all over the house and garage. We asked the boys if they took it and hid it in their room. Finally, I called the library and work, which were the last two places I went with my bike. It turns out that I left my helmet at work. I rode to the libary and back to our house without a clue that I did not have my helmet.
We never wore helmets while bicyling when I was growing up. I also never suffered a head injury from a bicyle accident or know of anyone who did. I know someone, somewhere did and that is why we use helmets now. When I was getting all the stuff for my bike, I thought for a moment...I don't need a helmet. Then I thought about how the kids are required the wear helmets and what a bad example I would set if did not wear one too.
So...yesturday, I took a ride on the wild side and rode down to Starbucks, picked up my helmet, enjoyed a latte are read a bit of the New York Times and returned home with my helmet on.
I timed my ride down and even taking back roads, it took 13 minutes to get down there. It takes me about seven minutes to drive. There is not much difference in times.
I watched Letters from Iwo Jima last night. This a movie Clint Eastwood made with Flags of our Fathers to tell the story from the Japanese perspective. It was the most depressing movie. Needless to say, almost everyone dies. When we look at the big picture it is easy to realize that the battle was a futile joke for the Japanese. They were going to lose the war. I don't know how realistic the portrayal of how the Japanese approached battle is in the movie, but I don't think that running across an field where the enemy is shooting at you - yelling "Banzai" is a military tactic many would suggest. I also don't understand why retreating was considered so bad by many people. The Americans retreated during the early days of the war, re-grouped, and went on to win the war.
Here is a layout I did using some of Gretchen Tripp's Designs.
Kit: Fruit of the Spirit - Self Control (I thought I might get some if I scrapped with it)
Photo Templates 7
Chrome Words
Funky Mats 12x12 by Lucky Smith

I did this layout for the Flip It, Flip It Good Challenge at Elemental Scraps
Lindsay Jane Designs has a New Kit...Fresh of the presses. Bugs N Grubs, available at Scrapbook-Bytes. I just downloaded it and will be back later with my layout.

11 comments:

Nancy said...

Isn't it amazing what we survived as kids, no bike helmets, no seatbelts, play outside all day with no cell phone... :-)

Kiki Halbert said...

That reminds me...I have to get a new helmet this year!

BTW, I'll be visiting all over Oregon. PM me on DST and maybe we can chat about my trip.

Juliana said...

Good example to set for your kids, about the bike helmet! It isn't comfortable but it's the safest way to go.
Ages 17 & under have to wear a helmet where I live - I don't know if it's just California or if it is the law everywhere.

movefearlessly said...

yep, it's hard to imagine, but those helmets are very important. love your layout!

Amy Eileen said...

My man and I were discussing buying bikes this year. I know I make my son wear his helmet on his bike, his ice skates, his roller blades. lol I guess I am protective of him. My brother had three bad bike accidents as a kid so I know why helmets are important.

Unknown said...

Great name for a kit - self-control!

Char said...

Glad you found your helmet. And I had to laugh out loud at the self-control comment. Maybe I need to get that kit too. :-)

AfriDigiDiva said...

I have several helments too. It's like I have to get a new one everytime my dreds grow an inch.

Tiffani K said...

I actually hit a car head on with no helmet and contrary to what my kids ~~and sometimes my husband~~~~think I still have all my sense. Maybe..lol...but I knwo what you mean about being the good example. I do tell my kids that sometimes I am the good example of how to do things and sometimes I am the prime example of why you shouldn't or how you shouldnt do somethings!!! LOL

RefreshMom said...

I had a funny experience with bikes and helmets and head injuries just this week! I was going to load up the car with older son's bike and younger son's scooter. I had Bug's helmet in one hand and his bike in the other, trying to steer it out to the car. Somehow I got tangled in my pants and training wheels and as the grass rapidly came toward my face I was wishing that helmet was on my head and not in my hand!

RefreshMom said...

PS--I'll have to show the pics of Christians new bike to Bug; we just got his first real bike last weekend.

Recently at school he had to answer the question "Who is your best friend?" He answered that Christian and Benjamin are his best friends. It's been a year and a half but you guys are still in our hearts.

Mary