On a Roll......

I must be getting old.  Yes, just yesterday the calendar told me I was another year older, but I feel like I'm 50 years older!  I'm starting to sound like my parents and grandparents did when I was young.  WHERE IN THE WORLD IS THE COMMON DECENCY AND JUST. PLAIN. RESPECT. FOR. OTHERS?????????

I went to a local dance recital yesterday (Am I that creepy lurker person?  Or is it acceptable to just enjoy culture?).  Anyway...during the recital a CRAP-TON of people wandered free and used their cell phones--when they were directly asked not to.  I totally understand the moms who need to hop up and go change their young kids' costumes and hair.  I get it.  What I don't get is when the ENTIRE family gets up after a dance.  Really???  You know those other people sitting around you...they have kids dancing, too!  This is what I would do if I were in charge--and most of you will be thankful that I'm not.

1.  Have a section at the back of the theater roped off for moms and dancers.  This is a place where people can sit and pop in and out and not bother others.
2.  Have different seating areas for different groups of people--the front will be the "No distraction section".  Any one sitting here will be guaranteed to have no one walking in front of them, talking on phones etc.  If any one sitting there does not follow the guidelines--FINE THEM.  Do not let them back in. EVER if necessary.  Another section could be set up for those who might need to leave for a restroom break.  The show wasn't even 2 hours long.  If you can't hold it that long--sit where you don't bother others.
3.  AND, DO NOT BRING BALLOONS!!!!!!  I do not want to bob and weave because you wanted to bring a balloon.  Keep it in the car!!!
4.  Cell phones should implode immediately when used in a theater--of any kind!!!  I am not talking about those who would use the light to read the program during the transitions--they want to know who they are looking for.  I'm not even including those moms and dads who are video taping their son/daughter dancing.  I'm talking about the ones who play games, text and talk during the performance.  Really????  Your child is the only one who deserves respect on stage.  I. DON'T. THINK.SO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5.  Yelling out is NEVER acceptable.  How would you like to be on stage and hear 3 names being yelled over and over and over--and it's never yours????  How does that make you feel????  All of the dancers worked their tails off to do well.  That is why you applaud for them!!!!!

Ok....My ranting is over for now.  I have to get ready to finish off my birthday weekend celebrations....I'll try not to be in bed by 8:00 and will resist the urge to yell at children playing in my yard.  But, I can't promise not to go on the warpath again.

GET IT TOGETHER, PEOPLE!  YOU ARE NOT SPECIAL!!!!!!!!