Skate girls rock!

I have officially become a steward of the Vashon Skate Park.

Officially, because I donated some food and t-shirts for a fundraiser at the skate park today.

Officially, because I was asked to become a steward of the skate park. What does a steward do? I asked. Stick up for the park, basically.

I asked if there were any boring meetings. I was assured there was only 1 boring meeting during the year. Ok. I can handle that.

It all started when they began promoting a Girls Only skate day. Thursdays. No boys allowed.

It was the deep of winter and interest was high. It seemed like good clean fun. Seasons have changed and interest is still up there.

They are a little steadier on the skates, have taken some basic strides on the skate board and continue to be scooter aficionados.

Shea even! I know, he is a boy but he cruises around while I chat and he has gotten good at scootering.

Honestly, most of the time all the kids just run up and slide down the ramps but they are exercising, having fun, staying out of trouble and supporting a local park.

I don't get to see the big kid, hot shot skaters much but they are pretty impressive the times I have seen them.

These guys have a focus while they skate that I wonder if they give anything else in their life that much attention.

I like the idea that we can keep this little skate park going. There are not many things for teens to do on this island. And, if you aren't a real "team" sport person, the skate park can be a god send.

It is the poor step child of all the parks on Vashon and doesn't get much attention or funding. Hense, the fundraiser.

Hot dogs, corn, fruit salad and greens from my garden. Graffiti t-shirts to make. And, of course, skating a plenty. It was a success. And, the future of girl's skate day is secure. In fact, it could be an institution by now.

Big boys, little boys and their toys

I know this is common and in no way unusual; boys of all ages still loving their toys.

My big boy, Jake, is on a Motorcycle kick. It started with a good healthy interest in scooters and as gas prices soured so did the interest level. Being handy, having an engineer's brain and a shop full of tools, Jake has been able to buy "fixer" scooters and sell them on Craigslist for a considerable profit. As the purchases, sales and inventory expand we are beginning to call it Scooterville. A somewhat tongue in cheek nod to the collection.

Ok, so I guess that was getting too easy. Now, comes the motorcycles. Please understand, I have no interest or knowledge in motorcycles. In fact, I have a good healthy fear of them! But, I am the one that has introduced him to the wonders and joys of Craigslist therefore I encourage the hobby. As long as every single anal retentive safety measure is taken. He complies willingly.

This could be one of those examples that "they" always suggest about healthy relationships; let your partner follow their bliss. Well, Jake's bliss right now is somewhat rare Honda motorcycles and he is in good company.

Shea has realized that this might just be really cool. His toy joy is predominantly of the 4 wheel variety (trucks, cars and more trucks) but 2 wheels are good in a pinch. When Jake is working on his motorcycle, they bring Shea's little bicycle over and "work on" that too with the wrench family. Need I explain? The 4 smallest wrenches are: Dad, Mom, Ya-ya and Shea and are treated with the tenderness of adored dolls. Many an afternoon can be wiled away in such "mechanical" pursuits.

I hate to be sexist and gender specify and I may get in a little bit of trouble for writing this but boys sure seem to like to work with their hands, manipulate tools, take stuff apart and try to put it back together. In my experience, they just seem to come out that way. I would call it hard wiring if I dared. I know there are plenty of examples and stories to the contrary. And, please share them! But, Shea never had any interest in stuffed animals or dolls (except for the wrench family) and glommed onto a little toy truck before he was off the boob. Although, he does like the toy kitchen and the play food. So, maybe that shows that stereotyped gender roles have progressed somewhat.

Anyway, it doesn't really matter that much, does it? And generalizations will always get me in hot water. So, how about; Viva la difference!