Come on people...

Here's the story. Me and the kids were on a walk, and decided to pop into Quiznos to grab a sandwich to take back home for lunch. I sat the kids at a table, and then went to the counter to order. I had my back turned to the kids while I was carefully choosing cheese, when I hear "You're just gonna let your kid climb on the table like that? People have to eat here." I knew the comment was meant for me, since I am almost always the only one around with kids, so I turned and saw Halle on the table. I quickly walked over, snagged her off the table, and went back to finish my order. Only now, my face is starting to feel hot and I am on the verge of tears. This is a TINY Quiznos, and the guy who yelled at me made sure to say it loud enough so EVERYONE could hear...so now everyone is uncomfortable and the worker behind the counter is smiling, I'm not sure if he's trying to make me feel better or trying not to laugh at me, but all I can think of is I gotta get out of here before I cry in front of everyone. Halle is screaming cause she wants to get down and go sit with Jack. My tears are closer to the surface now and I'm all flustered. There are a million things in my head that I would love to turn and say to this guy, but instead I grab my sandwiches and kids and get out....just in time to cry all the way home. WHY? Why am I like this? Why can't I stick up for myself when I feel like someone is being mean? Ugh. The fact that I didn't say anything isn't even what bothers me the most...it's that so many people here do not value children, or at least that's the feeling I get from them. They can let their dumb dogs run around every store and restaurant, but heaven forbid my kid touch anything. It's funny...in Utah a lot of people are scared of dogs...but here, a lot of people are scared of kids. There have been so many times when Jack would say hi to a stranger walking past him, and they act like he doesn't exist. He would say "Mom why did they not say hi to me...people in California are mean". Thankfully we have run into some nice people along the way, that took the time to acknowledge him.

The bottom line is if you expect me to not be offended when your dog sniffs my crotch, don't be offended when my kid says hi to you, or climbs on a table in a restaurant. I'm doing the best I can people...give me a break. And say hi back. He's harmless, really...