Since it’s spring break for most of the area schools, my boys are spending a few extra days with me. A couple days ago I had a long lengthy discussion with Dirt Bike Boy about curfew. I know most of my readers aren’t a stranger to the street light rule. It’s the same rule Eddie Murphy has talked about in Raw. It’s the same rule that has been around before I was able to play outside with my friends. It’s probably the rule that my parents lived by when they were a kid too.
For all of those who are confused the Street Light Rule is, when the streets lights come on.. you should be inside. That means it’s close to dusk. I didn’t create the rule, but I lived by it. And I’ve handed the rule down to my kids too. Of course with any rule that’s been around for years, there are the normal list of excuses of why you’re not inside.
1. The street light where I was is broken.
2. I was inside my friend’s house and didn’t see the light.
3. I was on the way home when the light came on 
4. The light comes on early (before it’s dark).
5. I had something in my eye and couldn’t see. (my all time favorite)
6. I thought I had time to score one more touchdown so I could win the game.
It doesn’t really matter what the excuse is, it all amounts to the same thing. You’re not home when I told you. And in typical Dirt Bike Boy fashion, he wasn’t home when the lights came on. I called his name a couple times from the patio and no response. So I got in my car and drove the block. No sign of Dirt Bike Boy. By the time I grabbed my hat to start walking, he turns the corner. Naturally, he has a guilty look on his face.
After spending 10 minutes shooting down every excuse that he could come up with, he’s grounded. And much to his surprise Alpha Boy said, “the street light rule is absolute… it will never die, get used to it.”
What was your best excuse for being late when the street light was on?
