Archive for the ‘Family’ Category

Lessons In Dining Out: Grandparent Edition

Saturday, February 20th, 2010

Going out to eat with people is usually pretty fun. Going out to eat with your grandparents is even better. Recently, I went to a seafood restaurant with them. One thing I learned – my grandmother doesn’t mess around when it comes to soup. The first clam chowder they gave her was deemed too salty. The next bowl was decidedly warm. The third time, thankfully, my grandmother deigned to eat, so potential soup disaster was averted. Meanwhile, my grandfather was engaging in an animated, lively debate with himself over whether or not he wanted salmon. Later on, our waitress was on the receiving end of a lesson in how much ice is the proper amount, which I’m sure she appreciated. Plus, she’ll never forget the dessert menu again, as she had to repeat the six options more times than I remember. By the time we were leaving, with both my grandparents’ pockets literally stuffed with complimentary mints, I had enjoyed quite a night.

- Will

Swept Under the Rug

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

This past month I’ve started watching the Real World: D.C. because as a teenager I thought that was the normal thing to do. I was wrong. Much like the Winter Olympics, no one watches the Real World anymore. I started watching the show two seasons ago and the fact that I got so angry from the show compelled me to continue my viewership. I just love to watch people from different worlds living in one house and try to get along. Then I have realized that everyone in the house got into huge arguments and then acted as if it never happened. This really doesn’t help since the problem still exists and it just is buried underneath the surface. Eventually, as with every season, the anger builds, and things get out of hand. This is exactly what we should not do in Our Real World, where the fights can be with family and lead to really bad situations. Remember to talk it out when you have a problem, and if that seems too hard at first, just call the National Runaway Switchboard at 1-800-RUNAWAY for help when trying to resolve those sticky situations.
-Ruben

Holiday Family Time

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Even if embarrassing moments and silly comments ensue, gathering together with family members for a grand holiday celebration is a privilege. Not everyone may have that privilege. Due to various circumstances, there are those who cannot be with their family during the holidays. One of my friends have moved out away from her family and is unable to have a gathering with them because of a family dispute. There are also runaway youth who may not be able to gather together with their family either due to their family situation not allowing them to go back or having no means of returning home. There are also those who have been abandoned by their family and are homeless for the holidays. If you know anyone under these situations, tell them don’t be afraid to call 1-800-RUNAWAY; our trained volunteers can direct them to local shelters for a warmer holiday or set them up to get home, free, with our Home Free Program.

- Vivian

Road Trip Fun!

Friday, October 30th, 2009

This Saturday I went on a little road trip to a Japanese supermarket at Arlington Heights with fellow members of an organization at my school. Although it isn’t as extensive as what would consider a road trip, it was a new experience for me because my father, who is the designated driver in my family, is usually not adventurous enough to go out into other areas for trips with the family. I remember him trying once for the graduation party dinner with the rest of my family… didn’t work out too well. He got lost, and me being me, had no idea where to go either. We accidentally missed the toll and had to repay it online — it was just a disaster. This time though, it was a lot better. The driver knew where to go, fortunately and the trip was a fun new experience overall. It allowed me to see new areas that I haven’t explored before and introduced me to an amazing place that I think I would venture to once my driving skills get better — hey it’s new motivation! I’d like to encourage parents to bring their children out to explore more!

- Vivian


Switched-On :: Blog is proudly powered by WordPress
Entries (RSS) and Comments (RSS). 16 queries, 0.268 seconds.

Copyright © 2009 all content property of switchedonmag.org. Sponsored by the National Runaway Switchboard