The Long & Winding Questioned Paved Road
by Gina Valley
I’m exhausted.
We, my sons and I, went on a 1 hour car ride that took 4 hours today.
I’ve always found long drives exhausting, particularly when they’re long because of our famous Los Angeles traffic.
But, today I figured out that it’s not the drive nor the traffic that causes the exhaustion.
It’s the questions. Or, more accurately, the strain on my brain that results from answering the questions.
Today, my sons launched into the questions before I’d finished buckling my seat belt:
What did people figure out first, inches or centimeters?
When did we start using metrics?
What comes after a trillion?
Why do tornadoes stop?
Could we make a tornado if we crashed hot air into cold air?
Do we [meaning The United States] have a tornado machine?
How much gas does a huge FedEx plane hold?
What is the difference between gasoline and jet fuel?
Why don’t we [the world] run out of water since people drink it all the time?
How does the water we drink get back in the water cycle?
Do we [our bodies] lose like a quart of water each day?
Washington is the best state; can you guess why?
How much is the Lotto up to?
What do they do with the Lotto money?
How come the winners don’t get all the Lotto money?
What does the state spend all the money it gets from taxes on?
Is this Maroon 5?
How come in X-Men people want to get rid of the mutants?
What kind of mutant would you want to be?
Do you know who I want to be?
Do you know that teleporter guy?
Do you know who Magneto is?
Do you remember that guy who can adapt to anything?
Wasn’t it cool when he made gills to breathe underwater?
How tall are the tires on a monster truck?
If you drove a monster truck on the freeway, would you be allowed to drive on top of the other cars when there’s traffic?
What does street legal mean?
…..And then we backed out of our driveway.
Laugh Out Loud!
-gina
Heard any good questions lately? Asked any? Shoot me a comment. I’m looking forward to hearing all about it!
Argentum Vulgaris
July 25, 2013What can one say, inquiring minds…. Having raised twelve, I have been required to answer many such questions. But I must say that it’s better than having them start a brawl in the backseat.
AV
gina valley
July 25, 2013You are absolutely right, AV. At least they weren’t fighting! As we continued our journey, I did see that my 2 youngest boys were playing the “I’m not touching you” “game” by putting their hands very close to each other’s faces. At least, as you said, it didn’t degrade into brawling! ;o)
I think it’s both wonderful and impressive that you raised 12. My aunt lived down the street when I was little, and she had 12 kids. She was an amazing person. She still is! She gives great advice when I’m struggling with my pack.
Vinny C
July 25, 2013MY ANSWERS:
Inches.
After inches.
A trillion & one.
Eventually, they get tired… and dizzy.
Maybe, if we did it really fast.
They never told me.
Enough to get where they’re going.
Their names, for one.
Because we pee all the time.
Refer to previous answer.
Refer to answer before previous answer.
It is?
Which one?
Normally they try to give some of it to one or two of the people who buy lottery tickets… and jelly beans.
To teach them that nothing in life is ever what you expect or hope.
More jelly beans?
Yes, but don’t tell anyone you heard it playing in our car.
Haters gonna hate.
Who says I’m not one already?
What? You’re not happy being my minion?
Not personally. We run in different circles, I guess.
Gandalf.
Sigh… I remember when I used to be that guy.
I don’t remember doing that.
I never asked them. Monsters are scary.
Oh, I wish.
It means it’s illegal when it’s indoors.
I got this parenting thing in the bag!
gina valley
July 25, 2013Vinny, you are totally ready!
Let me know how Mrs. C takes the news. ;o)
steve shapiro
July 25, 2013So, how crummy! Why is washington the best state?
No answers?!!?! Geezy peezy.
gina valley
July 25, 2013Steve, he likes that it has wilderness and skyscrapers. Plus, his grandparents live there and their home is a grandkid paradise., which seals the deal for him.
Susan Cooper
July 25, 2013I remember the days of the never ending questions. I take it as they think we know everything. This is until we know nothing. 🙂
gina valley
July 25, 2013You are so right, Susan!
Seems like they hit the teens and think that all of our intelligence fell out of our ears over night!
Amanda O.
July 30, 2013Funny! Thankfully my son is only 2 so I haven’t started getting any of the tough questions yet. Your kids really give you some doozies!