I've been thinking about the playground issue and I'm going to ramble a bit to work it out. This is not directed at any particular post anyone made, just some thoughts.

There are certain areas that are delineated for specific population use. Playgrounds "reserved" for children and their caregivers and/or guests, certain clubs or resorts "reserved" for adults. I think that both address a need/want - one for parents/caregivers to feel somewhat safe in knowing that there aren't potentially dangerous people hanging around and one for couples to be able to vacation without the sometimes disturbing presence of children.

However, as both a parent and an adult, I don't really like the idea, or at the very least the way this particular incident occured, of being not allowed somewhere either because I have children with me or not with me.

Before I had children, I loved hanging out at playgrounds. Sometimes I watched the kids play, but mostly *I* felt safer there than maybe in the middle of the park where, in my mind, there was more danger. I wanted to read my book, have my lunch, or whatever? I liked to go to playgrounds.

(I should interject here that in Michigan and in LA, park and playground were interchangeable.Parks were the playgrounds and vice verse.)

Like others, I *get* the rules and why they are there and I even to a degree like them, but at the same time I also feel like behavior should dictate the need for law enforcement intervening. Shithead teenagers skateboarding everything and bothering/hurting the little kids? Yeah - take em away. Random Empress eating a turkey sandwich? Praise her name and give her a tiara.

Again, this is based on my experiences with parks/playgrounds where the playstructure wasn't gated and probably there weren't a lot of other seating options.

And I'm pretty sure Cash I just said exactly the same thing, but she was, as is often the case AND the style of the time, more eloquent and smarter than I.

For a total change of pace, check out this brilliant dog:

[link]

That move she does? Is called a chimney. Color me impressed.

I don't go into a stall to change, but when I'm at the gym, it's not social for me. I want to get in there and get back out so I can pick up some groceries and go home and maybe eat dinner before 9pm. The idea of engaging in naked small talk time? I'd prefer it if you gave me a paper cut and poured lemon juice on it.

I am a prude. I am an enemy of fun.

Before I had children, I loved hanging out at playgrounds. Sometimes I watched the kids play, but mostly *I* felt safer there than maybe in the middle of the park where, in my mind, there was more danger. I wanted to read my book, have my lunch, or whatever? I liked to go to playgrounds.

Yep, that's how I feel too. But as I said, I get the desire for parents to feel safe. It just makes me sad.

So, I'm going to be looking for part-time digs for the days I am out of town at Grad School. A church friend knows someone right by campus who is looking for a roommate and sent an introductions email.

What would you want to know about a potential roommate?

There are plenty of playgrounds/parks where there aren't restrictions. And where someone reading a book or just sitting getting some sun while watching the kids play wouldn't raise an eyebrow. It's not a universal thing, especially outside of really urban areas.

Yep, all very true.

Debet, I'd want to know what kind of hours s/he keeps, guests, pets, etc. Mostly I'd want to get a sense of his/her personality.

What would you want to know about a potential roommate?

What their hours are; are they at home all the time; do they travel; what kind of music do they listen to; is there a bf/gf who would stay over often; do they have pets and what are they; is there a truly common common space; are they willing to share some foodstuffs or do you have to buy everything on your own including basics (milk, flour, cheese, etc); do you get your own bath and if not when do they use it; whether they'd be willing to go in on a housecleaner every few weeks so neither of you ends up getting resentful about unequal distribution of labor.

signed, I have had too many roommates.

There are plenty of playgrounds/parks where there aren't restrictions. And where someone reading a book or just sitting getting some sun while watching the kids play wouldn't raise an eyebrow. It's not a universal thing, especially outside of really urban areas.

I sure as hell hope it doesn't become a massive national trend. My visceral squick is just that strong. Speaking as a parent.