Free No More
The bad economy must be hitting the malls pretty hard this year. At least that is my guess for why they now charge for a mall stroller that was once given for free to use. I haven't been to the mall since this change had occurred and so, yesterday I did as I always do when going to the mall. I parked, got the kids out of the car with Audrey walking and Cole on my hip and then walked into Borders. With Cole still on my hip I ordered some coffee and once I had the caffeinated beverage in my hand I headed towards the stroller distribution desk where I knew I would finally be able to put my son down. Only this was not the case the polite woman behind the desk informed me. "We only have strollers for purchase now." She then pointed to a row of them off to the side.
Okay ... I thought. I could manage paying a dollar for a stroller is this meant I would be able to release Cole from my now aching arms. I walked over and gaped at the price ... 7 dollars. There was no way that I could reason spending that much on something like stroller use. I don't even think airports charge this much for carts to carry around luggage. So, I stood there debating if I should head back to my car and pull out Cole's semi broken stroller from the trunk or head towards the kid's play area and just suffer through the heaviness of my nearly 14 month old in my arms. I decided on the later and began my journey to the other side of the mall. Only I realized to late just how difficult this task would be. Twice I had to stop and reposition my son, because he was either slipping from my tired grasp or my coffee was dripping on his coat (balancing a child and coffee is not as easy as it may look). All the while my 4 year old was trailing behind and had to be reminded of her whereabouts (Ooooo shiny toys for sale, mommy!). All three of us finally made our destination and I collapsed on a bench satisfied that for awhile at least there would be no more walking.
Thankfully my husband surprised me as I was about to attempt part to of the journey that would take me back to my car. He showed up unannounced at the mall and I couldn't have been more happy that I now had someone to carry my son for me.
So, now I know ... never count on anything being free anymore.
Okay ... I thought. I could manage paying a dollar for a stroller is this meant I would be able to release Cole from my now aching arms. I walked over and gaped at the price ... 7 dollars. There was no way that I could reason spending that much on something like stroller use. I don't even think airports charge this much for carts to carry around luggage. So, I stood there debating if I should head back to my car and pull out Cole's semi broken stroller from the trunk or head towards the kid's play area and just suffer through the heaviness of my nearly 14 month old in my arms. I decided on the later and began my journey to the other side of the mall. Only I realized to late just how difficult this task would be. Twice I had to stop and reposition my son, because he was either slipping from my tired grasp or my coffee was dripping on his coat (balancing a child and coffee is not as easy as it may look). All the while my 4 year old was trailing behind and had to be reminded of her whereabouts (Ooooo shiny toys for sale, mommy!). All three of us finally made our destination and I collapsed on a bench satisfied that for awhile at least there would be no more walking.
Thankfully my husband surprised me as I was about to attempt part to of the journey that would take me back to my car. He showed up unannounced at the mall and I couldn't have been more happy that I now had someone to carry my son for me.
So, now I know ... never count on anything being free anymore.