Today’s Gripe: The Lack of Sidewalks in Southwest Atlanta

I drive on Cascade Road, located in southwest Atlanta every morning to take our boys to school. It never fails that there is someone walking along the busy street and tiptoeing on the edge of the road and grass, trying not to step to close in the road and get slammed by a moving vehicle.

An article written by Stephanie Ramage a couple of years ago, "Sidewalks, not Streetcars," indicated that "much of Atlanta remains without sidewalks, and many of those that exist are in dangerous disrepair." Some of the city's busiest streets don't have adequate sidewalks only giving pedestrians an option to walk on the road.

A few years ago a young girl was killed in a hit and run accident in southwest Atlanta, due to the street not having a sidewalk. I've walked our boys on southwest Atlanta streets with inadequate sidewalks before, and my heart raced trying to protect them and myself from oncoming vehicles.

According to Answer.com, "5,600 pedestrians are killed every year and 80,000 are injured each year. 50% of deaths occurred when pedestrians crossed or entered at or between intersections and over one half are under the age of 15."

A change has to be made to repair inadequate sidewalks in our city. The Pedestrian Advocacy Group (PEDS) is a nonprofit, member-based advocacy organization dedicated to making Metro-Atlanta safe and accessible for all pedestrians. Visit their site and learn more about how you can help making Atlanta a better place to live.

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Featured on MyAtlantaMoms.com.

The Help movie premiere! 5 STARS!

"The Help" FIVE STARS! Viola Davis is amazing!

"Ever morning, until you dead in the ground, you gone have to make this decision. You gone have to ask yourself, "Am I gone believe what them fools say about me today?"
— Kathryn Stockett (The Help)

Confessions of an Atlanta Mom: Working and Breastfeeding. Holy Cow!

I have always been strongly committed to family but also pursuing my professional goals and a successful career. Working full-time, being a wife, raising two boys and on top of all of that pumping at work has its challenges, but in the midst of it all I still have time to laugh. Below are not only some tips for stay-at-work nursing moms, but hopefully information that will provide a good laugh and some “Uh-huh’s” from “The Amen Corner. ”

1. Never wear white to work. NEVER! Milk stains and will create funny-looking circles on your shirt.

2. Bring a separate bag to work just for your nursing supplies. Spilled milk can stain the inside of your purse and cause a strong odor.

3. If nursing, pump in a private and quiet room to allow your milk to flow. If distracted, bring a picture of your child to allow your milk to come down.

4. If you feel comfortable, you can tell your colleagues that you are nursing  and throughout the day you will need to be excused to pump. Involving them will create a support system.

5. Eat solid meals and drink lots of water throughout the day, not only to maintain your energy but to keep up your milk supply!

At my previous job, my colleague and I returned from maternity leave about the same time, and I found it difficult to pump in the ladies’ room.

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Fox 5 Atlanta Host Blogger for My Atlanta Moms!

Good morning Everyone! 

For the last several months, I have been anticipating this very exciting day! I have been selected as one of Fox 5 Atlanta's Host Bloggers for My Atlanta Moms!  


 


Please meet my fellow Host Bloggers below: 

Meghan
Blog: http://www.jamonkey.com
Blog: http://atlmomsonthemove.com
Twitter: @jamonkey

Lorraine
Blog: http://runwifeyrun.blogspot.com
Twitter: @AskWifey

Krystyn
Blog: http://www.reallyareyouserious.com
Twitter: @SeriousKrystyn

Please follow my blog: sojournermarablegrimmett.blogspot.com, on twitter, like me on Facebook, and visit My Atlanta Moms!

MyAtlantaMoms.com: Join the Conversation: MyFoxATLANTA.com

My dad, Dr. Manning Marable passed away on April 1, 2011. I have been extremely heartbroken by his passing. He was an exceptional father and an extraordinary human being. As well as, my mentor and hero. I learned so much for him, and he lived life everyday to the fullest. I will be forever grateful for him and hold so many special memories close to my heart. He was excited to learn about my new blogging opportunity. I look forward to sharing my latest articles with you and engaging in meaningful conversations. Thank you.