Image Up Advertising & Design

14 OUR YUCAIPA | APRIL 2014 OUR YUCAIPA | APRIL 2014 15 The Middle of the Road: By Randy Peters, a middle-aged, middle-income, middle-school teacher There are four types of sentences in the English language. They are the declarative sentence which state information, the imperative sentence that commands, the exclamatory sentence which shows excitement, and the interrogative sentence which asks a question. I actually have a favorite sentence type: the interrogative sentence. Now that doesn't mean the other sentence types aren't effective. In fact, I'm using many declarative sentences right now. It's just that when I use the first three types I'm giving information to others. But, when I use interrogative sentences I can get information from others. Instead of telling what I know, I can find out what others know. Isn't that what learning is all about? (Notice that I threw in an interrogative sentence right there. It's a good writing trick that gives you, the reader, a chance to ponder about what I've said.) Some questions are life-changing; especially the ones that involve diamond rings. Answers to other life-changing questions I've learned over the years include: How big of a house do we need? Just who is going to take care of that dog? Do the kids need anything? Is that the best price on the car? Do we really need the warranty? Did the doctor say I had to take that? There are a lot of things in and around Yucaipa that I don't know about. I like to learn new things. So, perhaps if I use more questions, I can find out more. Here are some questions I've had lately: Why do we put the newest drivers in the city's worst traffic conditions when the high school gets out in the afternoon? Are the freeway walls paying tribute to the Yucaipa fly on a fly swatter? Why do we need all the drug stores? When are the summer concerts going to start again? Will uptown succeed with all the great antique stores? Will I spend too much time at Jersey Mike's? Am I the only one that really likes the outdoor sculpture? Living life this long provides a reason for more questions. My teenage students think I've lived so long that I should know everything by now. I don't. I tell them I don't. Some questions I have are even about them and their generation. Why is the doctor, firefighter, pilot, police officer, president, etc., so young? Why do I insist on telling people about the music I listened to during my teenage years? Is it too late to go back to college and major in subjects just for fun? Whose hair is that in my sink? Did I lock the door and turn off the lights? Where are my keys? Why are you people putting more holes in your ears and face? Do you know that everyone else thinks your 'water dragon tattoo' on your leg looks more like a moose? Some of my teacher friends tell their students that there is no such thing as a silly question. They are wrong. There are plenty of silly questions that are not worth answering. Some questions are best ignored: Is this from the dog? What's the best religion? Do these pants make me look fat? Is the Hokie-Pokie what it is all about? Can you smell that? Do you want to go out to dinner with my family on your day off? Would you look at what I found in the garbage disposal? Do you have your credit card on you? I did some research on the best questions to ask someone. It's a great way to get to learn about others, even people you think you know well. If you had a "redo" in life, what would you do over again? What is true? If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be? What super power would you want? Who do you want to thank? How would you spend your perfect day? As you go through this month living your life from day to day. Ask yourself, "What is the one question I want answered?" Then ask as many people as you can. It's a great way to learn something new. Keep your eyes on the road. What is the one question you want answered? Whose hair is that in my sink? Why are you people putting more holes in your ears and face? Is the Hokie-Pokie what it is all about? Do these pants make me look fat? 5% Military Discount (former & current members) Ask for the Jarhead! 909-965-8404 Since 1985 Licensed & Insured DON'S TREE SERVICE • Ornamental Beautification of Trees • Preventative Maintenance from Wind Destruction • Correct Pruning, Trimming Skills • Tree Removals, Stump Grinding • Tree Planting/Transplanting 3rd Generation Painter Contracting For Over 30 Years Minor Repairs: Exterior Wood & Stucco, Interior Drywall, Wood Trim Thank you in advance for the opportunity to give you a free estimate! 909-208-6142 Lic. #423807 Bonded HIGH QUALITY HIGH STANDARDS INTERIOR & EXTERIOR yucaipa Winter special 10% off interior painting ! Offer good with ad until May 1, 2014

• Cover