Dumb Ideas

Have you ever heard about something and thought "That is just about the dumbest idea I have ever heard!"? I have a couple of those I just can't keep to myself any longer. If these things didn't keep coming up I could ignore them and move on, but since they do...

My roommate just got off the phone with his brother. He picked up this idea from him of running barefoot. So about every time he goes for a jog he leaves the shoes behind. The other day we went to play some soccer with friends. As we were wrapping up he asked me to take his stuff home for him, including his shoes. Unsurprisingly everyone asked me, "He's doing what?" I could only shrug my shoulders and say that I think he's crazy too. He says he does it because it lessens the impact on his knees and because its fun. I think he does it because it makes him feel like a man. So today I come home to find him limping around the house. He had just got back from a run and, surprise surprise, he had some painful blisters on his feet. I've already told him my mind. I'll just try to close my ears when I hear him talking about it in the future.

As for the other dumb idea, in the school newspaper I am continually albeit unwillingly updated on the progress of a family on a pioneer trek across the United States. This family decided they would go back in time, but not really. The last update had a picture of their 3 or 4-year old son sitting exhausted in a lawn chair. Poor kid! Apparently they are walking across the Great Plains pulling a handcart, but they still get to stop at the local gas stations for a shower and a bite to eat. At times I like to reminisce on and smile about the family road trips I went on as a kid; this family can do the same with their pioneer trek. What were Mom and Dad thinking! I suppose I shouldn't judge. After all, it could be that this is a family-saving outing. I can't help but think though of any number of alternatives that could be just as beneficial to a family without making your kids march for an entire summer. So when I see these updates I'll just shake my head and try not to let it get to me.

I don't know why these ideas bother me so much. It's not me that's risking my bare feet or suffering from the crazy idea of my parents. So why does it get under my skin? What do you think?