Rude Parents

Rude parents – I think in anything competitive you will deal with rude kids and parents, they come in all shapes, sizes and colors. It’s hard when your child is on the receiving end of comments whether from the opposing team or their own coaches. I learned years ago to let the coaches do their job but I have also walked away when I thought they were unfairly targeting a kid who simply made a mistake. In all the time I spent watching my daughter’s softball I have only critiqued her maybe twice. I figure she knows when she did something wrong, and she hears it from if not one coach, more than one, so I am just the mom there to support. Plus the fact that her dad is one of her coaches so I am not needed to point anything out. Now that being said, you also have to deal with parents. Its one thing to have your child’s peers say something but when an adult joins in it is just immature on their half. If you want to say something, use positive phrases for your team not negative for the other. If you’re a coach, I don’t think yelling at your player in front of the entire group of spectators is an effective way to improve their game. Speaking to them with calmness would probably have much more of an impact.

Daytona

Marine Science Center, Ponce Inlet, Fl – a must see, especially for those that love marine life. Visiting a place like this needs for you to take time and learn. I found a volunteer who walked and talked with me telling me lots of cool facts about what is found in Florida waters. True to life size replicas of Manatees, whales and many other creatures are on display, diagrams comparing sizes of different species of whales to humans is shown, they have tanks with live turtles, crabs, fish, coral, and so on. A lab room gives you some hands on things to do, while the rehab for sea turtles was where I spent lots of time. Xrays of things found in and on some of the rescued turtles shows just how much we contribute to marine problems. One turtle had it’s stomach pumped – out came cigarette butts, straws, a 6-pack holder, balloons – lots of balloons. The turtle died, but that could have been prevented. Also on the grounds is a bird sanctuary, and they took around an injured screech owl, which are really cool looking birds.

Daytona

Lighthouse – the Ponce de Leon lighthouse is a great stop, for any lighthouse fan or just someone in the area. The first thing you notice is the orange color which is a nice contrast against the sky since this thing towers; it is extremely tall, one of the tallest ones in the US. It is also one of the cheaper lighthouses to visit, I paid $2. The grounds also showcase some original buildings that you can go through or look into – with some good a/c! It gives a great history on not only this lighthouse but others around the world with an interactive computer screen. The climb is rather stifling with warm air blowing around but it has many landings that you can catch your breath if needed. The stairs are against the structure not in the middle like the Key West lighthouse, so at least you have a wall on one side during your long climb to the top. Once there you have a great view of the ocean and river.

Daytona

Daytona – the area we were in reminded me of an old fishing village with a touch of Key West color. I would love to spend more time there one day. It wasn’t touristy like the raceway or beachy vibe when you think of Daytona, but more calm with a slower pace.

Hurricane Numbers

List sent in an email, I thought it was great and worth posting

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Out of state point of contact
Red Cross Brevard Disaster Serv.(321) 632-0881
Brevard Shelter/Food(321) 723-7141
Emergency Management Offices Brevard County(321) 637-6670
Brevard Emergencies(321) 633-1728
National Weather Service Information Line(321) 255-0212
Florida Power & Light(407) 723-7795 (407)631-2000
Bell South 611
Orlando safe destination phone
Alternate safe destination phone
Florida Department of Insurance 1-800-342-2762
KSC/CCAFS Hurricane Info. Hot Line(321) 861-7900(866) KSC-HURR
Humane Society Cocoa(321) 636-3343
Melbourne(321) 259-3400
Brevard County Animal Control(321) 633-2024
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(321) 267-8221