Page 36 - Pat Brown (1)

Bitchin’ & Moaning Tape Bubbles

By Jennifer Foultz
Crazy Days of Summer By Judith A. Habert
Tape bubbles were the way to go. When you have terribly
entitled new neighbors that go around kicking other people’s
things, one must resort to tape, specifically tape bubbles.
In times gone by we all looked forward to the “lazy days of summer,” and many of
us still do. That is unless you are a driver in San Diego during the summer months. A morning work-out at the Coronado pool, keeping my core
Some things cannot be helped, like the influx of tourists who visit each year to revel muscles tight while watching boats float by on the bay, is the
in our beautiful city. But the one thing that has come to be true is that the lazy days most peaceful way to see that the rest of the day’s choices
of summer have become the "crazy days of summer." It all starts in June with the will be guilt free - starting with a huge mocha and spinach
San Diego County Fair in Del Mar. Do not even attempt to go anywhere near the and egg omelet bagel. This work out and caffeine combo
Via de la Valle exit on the 5 freeway - especially the first weekend or on July 4th leaves me on a relaxed high and smiling, I deposited my
closing day. One year, having realized that the fair had almost passed us by, our water shoes by my front door and entered my apartment.
family decided to visit the fair on the 4th. A huge mistake… We spent 2 hours trying
to get off at the exit, had to park in Peru and had to wait 35 minutes to get a shuttle This feeling clung to me as I puttered through my to-do-list
and was almost out the door again to do a little shopping
when I looked down and stopped short. My shoes had
been kicked over to rest right in front of my door. I looked at
the spot that I had left them to see if they had blocked my
neighbor’s door or entrance, but they hadn’t. Giving the newly
arrived strangers the benefit of the doubt, I didn’t want to
automatically assume that they were the type of people that
are fine with going around and kicking decent, hard-working
people’s things, I picked them up and moved them back.

Upon returning home, through a handful of bags, I saw that
while out and about my shoes had been beaten up a little
more and were right back in front of my door. I moved them
back.

36 As I headed out for the third time, on my way to see a friend,
I was amazed to find the shoes had been further assaulted
and shunned to the center of my doorway. All the way to the
Balboa Park art studio I mentally wrote imaginary notes to
to take us to the fair. When you finally breathe a sigh of relief you hear the horns my neighbors explaining the many issues being displayed
sounding and see the hats going by, and you know it is time for opening day at Del by their shoe-kicking obsession. Who kicks other people’s
Mar Racetrack. Once again all businesses in the surrounding vicinity become off shoes? Especially, shoes that were innocently set aside and
limits and you need to restructure your life around the race days and times. That in no way blocked their door. I played out scenarios where I
leaves part of the Coast off limits - and then it gets even worse. Comic-Con arrives kicked their car and said, “When in Rome, do as the Ro-
and the downtown area is infiltrated by Captain Americas, Avatars, Harry Potters, mans.” I even tried to imagine laughing as I said this and the
the Green Hornets, and Mr. Spocks. Not the real ones of course, but the many whole time just madly kicking away.
devoted fans that travel from across the country to pay homage to their favorites
at this star studded event. The costumes are scary, but what is even scarier is the Tape was a much better solution. My artistic, mischievous
traffic. In addition there are various downtown summer time events including the friend listened to my frustration and suggested that I tape the
LGBT Pride festival that took place at Balboa Park in mid July, which had its own shoes down to their rightful spot next to my door. If nothing
list of popular personalities in attendance. I must admit that this year the gas prices, else, they would have to put more effort into the whole thing.
which traditionally go up each summer in Southern California, have actually gone On a high note, the force of their issues might have them fall-
down this year. But is this because the price of gas just couldn’t possibly get any ing all over themselves when the water shoes didn’t move as
higher? easily as the previous times.
Being originally from the East Coast there is one thing I never quite understood:
With the weather rather consistent year round here, why is it that no one in San I decided on tape bubbles to add an element of surprise.
Diego will do any “summer” type events once the summer is technically over? You After rolling up packing tape and sticking eight tape bubbles
go to the beach in July or August and you can’t find a parking spot. Go to the same on the bottom of each shoe, the shoes were then placed
beach the first week of September and it is like a ghost town. So if the weather carefully back in their spot. I must have checked on the status
and conditions are good year round, why couldn’t some of these special events be of those shoes five times throughout the evening, but found
spread throughout the year and make our life a little easier? no satisfaction until the morning. I was rushing out to my
Recent news reports told of the oncoming “Carmageddon,” in Los Angeles. The classroom when I noticed the tape bubbles spread around
closing of the 405 horrified the LA area and everyone stayed locked up in their the carpet between my door and the neighbor’s. The shoes
homes to avoid being stuck in traffic. It turned out to be nothing at all since hardly were moved, but had only made it about half way to my door.
anyone was on the road due to the warnings. Perhaps the locals in San Diego I laughed aloud all the way to my car. Tape bubbles.
need to follow Los Angeles’ lead and stay home during these high traffic months.
After all we have all year long to enjoy the great weather.