Sunday, January 14, 2018

Bathroom Etiquette ~ May the Flush Be Ever In Your Favor


 
Here We "Go" Again
by: M.B.Varville-Rodriguez
 
  
OMG I just read another post about the transgender bathroom dilemma. Guess where I saw that comment? My goal this year as a writer and advocate is to become the nicest TROLL ever. 


T - Teach
       R - Respect
         O - Observe
        L - Listen
          L - Learn


In this particular case, people were off on a tangent thanks to one person's comment. Time for a little humor, so here's what I posted in the most respectful, funny way in an effort to divert the feed. 


Here's my comment:


 
" Dear Lord, it's the bathroom dilemma again? The truth is, if the ladies room is full and there's an empty stall in the men's room when I have a bathroom "emergency" then guess what? I don't care where it is...that stall is for me versus having another type of disaster. (Some of you probably know what I'm talking about.)


When you have a situation where your digestive system is not cooperating, you'll decide pretty quick the significance of where you need to go. Aside from that, many of you have most likely been in a rest room with someone who is transgender and you'd never even know it. Many places of business now have "family" rest rooms too. We can discuss worse case scenarios all day and never reach an agreement on this one.


Travel to other areas of the world or find yourself in a situation where you need to relieve yourself by the side of a road because there's no bathroom at all. Perspective, self awareness, a good dose of mind your own business, and get out of the restroom quickly can go a long way. And for goodness sakes....I expect better than name calling here. If you wanna hear some really disturbing bathroom tales, me and my horrible digestive system can entertain for hours."


Sigh. There will never be total agreement on this. But let's be honest. We just need a place to go when it's time to go.


Additional Comments added Saturday, 01/14/2017


UPDATE: Ironic that this would happen shortly after I posted my article, but here is what actually happened yesterday while I was shopping with my 3 children in WalMart. I went to the customer service area at the back of the store to use the restroom. A WalMart employee was standing guard near the women's restroom and two other women were standing in line as if waiting. They looked at me and said "The restroom is closed." I asked, "What about the one at the front of the store?" I was informed, "That one is closed too and we were told to come back here." So basically, there were NO women's restrooms available. I looked at the WalMart employee and said, "Are both the restrooms back here closed?" She replied, "No. Just this one (referring to the women's)."


Without hesitation, and with the utmost of confidence in my mission, I declared, "I don't care which bathroom this is; I have to pee." I proceeded to enter the men's restroom and secured a stall where I quickly did my business, got out and washed my hands, and exited just as another person was entering the restroom. The individual didn't even blink, question me, or stop on their way to a stall. End of story. I had to go, there was only one option, and I did what needed to be done without disturbing anyone else. Of course, the women who were waiting before I went in were not around when I came out. Perhaps they found another option. Each of us will have to comes to terms with our comfort level regarding this topic. 

The main point is:  You need to exercise the same level of awareness and caution as pre-transgender bathroom rights.  There will always be extreme examples and concerns to cite as credible concerns for some individuals.  The reality is that we all need to look out for each other, be vigilant of variances in safety, consider our surroundings, and exercise good judgment when your gut tells your something isn't comfortable. 

Regardless of how someone identifies, each person deserves respect and a sense of security within their community.  If you have time to be worried about verifying the accuracy of who uses public bathrooms, it may be time to reconsider using restrooms outside of your home and invest in your own port-a-potty.  Just out of curiosity...who really looks that closely at each person during their time in the bathroom?  Surely I'm not the only one who just wants to go in, do my business, and exit after washing my hands.  

So there you have it.  Just another perspective on the bathroom agenda.  Hoping you all make good choices in what you choose to support.  Encouraging you to be respectful, aware of your surroundings in each circumstance, and use discernment before passing judgment on what you do not understand. And wherever or whenever you decide it necessary to relieve yourself, may the flush be ever in your favor.


 Kindest Wishes,
Mary
 





Thursday, November 23, 2017

Thankful for...






1. Family and Friends (Sometimes there's no difference.)
I am grateful to immediate family and to the 
friends who are family in my heart. 


2. The children who continue to challenge the heck
out of me and push me out of my comfort zone.


3. The awesome professional resources I trust to
 advise me regarding the physical, emotional, social,
 and spiritual components of parenting my children. 
 They are my "Team" and I appreciate their insights.


4. The ability to share, collaborate, and process
the many aspects of my life as a writer and parent
with some incredibly talented, inspired, and creative
writers, parents, and other professionals.




As our Thanksgiving 2017 begins to wind down,
and the dishes from the last load 
in the dishwasher are put away,
 I'd like to thank everyone who has taken a moment to...


1. Read a post, tweet, or article.

2. Write a comment or compliment.

3. Like, follow, or share something you've read.

4. Offer encouragement and inspiration.




This writer mom acknowledges all who contribute to my
inspiration, my sanity, and my interest in learning more
about the individuals with whom I share life's adventures.


Sometimes the adventures keep me close to home,
and sometimes those adventures provide insights far away;
but the best part of any adventure or journey includes
expanding your knowledge base.


 Each day is an opportunity to become 
a better individual with an appreciation for
those who are less fortunate, disenfranchised, and in need
of a resource for which they have yet to discover. 


Please consider what resource you can contribute, whether
it is a skill, talent, or donation. I'd love to learn  
how you share your gifts with your community. 
We each have opportunities to either
enhance our interactions with others or
create discord. How will we celebrate and
contribute as 2017 comes to a close?


Notice: The graphics is this article are not my own. If anyone knows the sources 
please contact me so I can properly give credit and/or remove
 if the artist prefers I not use them.  The photos are perfect for the message
 I wanted to convey and I apologize for not knowing their sources.





Wishing all of you a week of adventures, 
solutions to your challenges, and
 answers to your prayers.


Kindest Wishes,
Mary

 
c.2017 World of Writer Mom


 
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