THE LALAMOBILE

It was back when I turned 50 that I told my daughters that I wanted to become eccentric in my old age and that was when they informed me that I was on my way.

They have even made plans for my old age!
Knowing that they cannot afford to put me in an "old folks home" they have told me to keep my mind alert
and they will enroll me at the University of North Texas, get me a dorm room, a meal ticket and even hire someone to wheel me to classes.
(See... life is good!)

So... as I approach old age (No!No! No! I'm not there yet) I am going a bit rogue.
The day I retired from nursing, I left the hospital in tears... the end of a long and much loved career, and proceeded to put a bumpersticker on the back of my car that said "Retired Nurse".

It has now been a year and a half since retiring and my little car has 57 bumperstickers!

One of the doctors told me... "Don't you know that can devalue your car?"
I broke up in hysterical laughter! What does he think I drive... a Lexus? (No offense to you Lexus drivers!)
I drive a 2001 Honda CRV with a picnic table in the back!
(Actually it came with the table underneath the mat in the back and was a positive selling point... always ready for a picnic and a good time!)

The stickers are on the back and side windows as well as the spare tire on the back of the car and also the bumper... and yes, I can still see out the back window.

To understand all of this craziness it is necessary to know that in 45 years I have not spoken out on politics, religion, and other current issues of the day.
As a professional, I felt these did not belong in the workplace nor did I feel they were appropriate to verbalize in caring for my patients.
I supported my patients and their families 100% in their time of need because that was the right thing to do. I was the first to call in the clergy and so much respected each patient.
I did not care if they were picked up off the street or if they were on the board of trustees of the hospital... they all received the same care... the best I knew how to give.

So after 45 years of being mum, it was my turn to speak out and this is how I chose to do it.
Other than my stickers, I am non-confrontational as I feel we each have a vote and have the right to believe as we choose
and all I have asked in return is the same respect for my own personal beliefs whether you are in agreement or not.

I have had both good and bad responses to the stickers and someone left a magic wand (it even lights up)
on my car under the windshield wiper with a little note saying they love pugs too and thought my stickers were "awesome" and went out and bought me the magic wand.
How cool is that?

Lots of stories to tell and it's always fun if I am sitting in a restaurant and look out the window to see people reading the stickers and taking pictures.

And one of my favorite stickers: "Happier than a bird with a french fry!"