Woman had to earn their way into things by doing the job, working hard and proving herself over and over.  Example, Auto racing. Shirley Muldowney got her NHRA license to race in 1965. Years after it’s invention. She had to prove herself time and time again.  In 1814 West Point originated.  1968 they had their first female faculty. First female cadets were admitted July 6, 1971.  Getting woman into sportscasting (NFL) was almost as big a deal as getting them the right to vote. In the early 1970’s Jannine Morris was commentating a Vikings vs Bears game (where I’m sure it was freezing) and she wasn’t allowed in the press box.  That was for men only.

The equality thing is good and all, but, I think it will be a while before we actually see a woman ON THE FIELD going for the long pass or in the NHL checking someone into the boards and I’m fine with that. I respect that.  So, in return, you gentlemen need to respect this.  CARLINE IS NO JOKE.  I realize I wrote about this approximately a year ago, but, gentlemen, COME ON !!!!!  The return back to school after the holiday was a carline nightmare.  I don’t know where the moms were, but, carline was filled with men.  They’re easy to spot.  They are the ones that cause congestion, confusion, delays and pretty much every other kind of upset you can experience in carline.  

I left a meeting at my sons school. I ran into a Dad in the parking lot who was there to pick up his daughter.  He was told she was at a certain door to be picked up.  I nicely offered “She’s in my sons class. I’m on my way there. You can follow me. I’ll show you the way down.”  In his “I’m a guy and don’t ask for directions” kind of manner he said “That’s ok.” I looked him dead in the face and said “You’re a Dad, you’ll go the wrong way. Let me help you. Follow me down.”  Sure enough he pulled out in FRONT of me, not waiting.  Turned the WRONG way into the entrance of the parking lot, entered carline going against the flow and then PARKED his car ACROSS the flow of carline, looking like this.   (——— I—- ). Ugh!

After this event I picked up my son and headed out of the school parking lot. I ended up slamming on the brakes, coming about 12 feet short of running head on into an Escalade.  Those suckers are big when you come face to face with them. “What happened?” my son asked “There’s a Dad!” I said. I didn’t even have to see in the car. I knew it.  I gave a polite wave and then saw, yes, it WAS a Dad.  Entering carline through the exit.

Gentlemen, I know you think it’s probably no big deal to go pick up the kids at school.  I want you to know, I think it’s wonderful for a Dad to want to be that involved.  But,do yourself a favor.  If you’re going to pick up your kids from school, know there is a protocol. Lay down your pride and ASK YOUR WIFE how carline runs.  I learned this the first year my son was in school.  Carline is almost as important as remembering your kids lunch. Half of the school orientation is spent on the do’s and don’ts of carline.  It’s serious stuff, dudes.  If you mess it up, you’ll be an outcast. Folks will point fingers at you and people will most definitely give you the “stink eye” at all school functions.