The Impounding Lot

I have not been blogging much lately because our old computer finally died. We've realized how much it hurts to be suddenly disconnected from our electronic friend! Fortunately, we can plug in Scott's computer at night and conduct our business. We are getting all Dave Ramsey and waiting until April when we anticipate that we can pay for the computer with cash. Anyway, that little blurb had nothing to do with the Impounding Lot, but it does explain the scarce posts lately.

We have children who seem to shed coats, shoes and backpacks like a snakes molting. I got tired of it and announced that from here on, all stuff that was not picked up would be "impounded" in a box, and the owner of said items would have to pay to release their possessions. Today, Zac sidled up to me.

"Mom," he said, "Seth left his stuff on the floor over there."

Sure enough, he had. I know Zac tattled, but I had to follow through with Seth.

"Seth, I'm impounding your stuff. But I'll give you a break the first time...$0.25 to get your coat and backpack out."

He made a bad attitude comment and then got slapped with the full fee: $0.50. He paid it promptly in the cup and got his stuff back.

Turning to Zac (who is historically my worst offender), I said, "Zac, what motivated you to pick up your stuff? The money?"

He grinned and said, "Yes."

We'll see if the motivation holds up.