Freaky Friday

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I confess, I saw this on another blogger's site and now cannot remember which one! I think it's pretty appropriate for a Friday, where frankly, sanity is overrated!

Ways to keep a healthy level of sanity:

• At lunchtime, sit in your parked car with sunglasses on and point a hair dryer at passing cars. See if they slow down.

• Insist that your e-mail address is: Xena-Warrior-Princess@companyname.com or Elvis-the-King@companyname.com

• Every time someone asks you to do something, ask if they want fries with that.

• Encourage your colleagues to join you in a little synchronized chair dancing.

• Put your garbage can on your desk and label it "IN" or "INBOX"

• Develop an unnatural fear of staplers.

• Put decaf in the coffee maker for 3 weeks. Once everyone has gotten over their caffeine addictions, switch to espresso.

• Reply to everything someone says with, "That's what you think."

• Finish all your sentences with "In accordance with the prophecy."

• Adjust the tint on your monitor so that the brightness level lights up the entire work area. Insist to others that you like it that way.

• Don't use any punctuation

• As often as possible, skip rather than walk.

• Specify that your drive-through order is "to go."

• Sing along at the opera.

• Go to a poetry recital and ask why the poems don't rhyme.

• Send email to the rest of the company to tell them what you're doing. For example, "If anyone needs me, I'll be in the bathroom, in Stall #3."

• Put mosquito netting around your cubicle. Play a tape of jungle sounds all day.

• Call 911 and ask if 911 is for emergencies.

• Call the psychic hotline and don't say anything.

• When the money comes out of the ATM, scream "I Won!", "I Won!", "3rd time this week!!!"

• When leaving the zoo, start running towards the parking lot yelling "Run for your lives, they're loose!"

• Tell your children over dinner, "Due to the economy, we are going to have to let one of you go."

• Every time you see a broom, yell "Honey, your mother is here!"

Where's Aesop when we need him?

It's no secret in our family that Sweet Son #1 could win an academy award for his performances is a bit dramatic at times. True to his boyishness, he likes to wrestle with Diva Husband and The Manimal. Unfortunately, he's usually the one screaming for mercy as The Manimal does his best John Cena impression.

He's never actually been HURT, as in blood, guts, broken bones or anything like that, but from some of his protestations, you'd assume that he'd just been body-slammed in the MMA fight of the century.

We've had multiple chats with him about "The Boy Who Cried Wolf". For those of you who aren't familiar with the little guy, he was a shepherd boy who, in his boredom of watching the sheep graze, kept crying "Wolf!", whereupon the villagers would come running to his aid, causing some excitement in his otherwise dull day. He did this multiple times, until the villagers, getting wise to his ploy, quit coming.

You can guess the ending, can't you?

Yeah, when he showed up, the wolf had a really tasty lunch.

Anyway, it must be sinking in, that wolf story. SS#1 has toughened up over the past few weeks. He still would rather his little brother not use him as a punching bag or jumping mattress, but the tears flow less often.

Maybe it's because the old fable's been on mind so much lately, but it seems to me that at some point, the NFL and media are going to tire of the pseudo-retirement claims of a certain quarterback for the Green Bay Packers New York Jets Minnesota Vikings.

"There's no believing a liar, even when he speaks the truth."

And now, dear graduates...

I figure over the course of my own academic and professional careers, I've heard no fewer than 30 different Commencement speakers. Some were really good and some, well, were not. I suppose it just goes to show you that professional success does not mean that you could wow the room at the local Toastmasters!

Bill Gates recently gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.
Regardless of whether you consider yourself "Mac or PC", he sure hits the nail on the head with this!

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!
Rule 2 : The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.
Rule 3 : You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.
Rule 4 : If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.
Rule 5 : Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.
Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.
Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time..
Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

Life Lessons

Last month, the boys and I, along with Diva Nana took a trip up to the North Woods of Wisconsin (aka "God's Country") to see the Queen Mum (my Grams). She's nearly 88 years old, but she still lives in an apartment by herself. She has aches and pains to be sure, but for the most part, she's sharp as a tack, and an active, independent woman. She's seen so much in her life and has taught her family (4 children, 9 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren) lessons beyond measure.

I love spending time with her, and once (or occasionally twice) a year is not enough. I'm thrilled, though, that my boys will know their great-grandma, and remember her, just as I remember mine (I come from a long line of long-living women).

I found this over on Becky's blog, and I had to share it. What lessons have YOU learned?

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

The Four Seasons

I'm a learner. I generally like to know the whys and wherefores of things. I make lists and files to help me stay organized when accomplishing tasks. I love doing logic problems in those puzzle books. Pro/Con lists to help me make decisions? Yeppers.

Get the idea?

So when I awoke this morning, June 11th, to a forecast of a balmy 67 degrees here in the not-so-sunny-somewhat-Windy City area, I needed a plan to wrap my brain around this question...

WHERE IS SUMMER?

Signs that Summer has indeed arrived on the Third Coast:

• Most schools are out of session.
• We've instituted our Summer Flex Time at work.
• We've had several beautiful 80 degree days.
• We've also had our share of summer thunderstorms.
  
• Colleges have begun their Summer 2009 terms.
• The ice cream truck circulates through our neighborhood every.single.evening.
• Local swimming pools are open for business.
• The calendar says it's June.
• Stores are stocked up on shorts, t-shirts and swim apparel.
• Sweet Son #1 has mowed the yard three times already.
• The local farmers' corn is 6" (or so) high.
• Our first summer conference group has come and gone and we're expecting our next wave tomorrow.
• New student orientation for the college class of (gasp) 2013 is taking place.
• Six Flags Great America is running some serious summer discounts.
• Ravinia has released their summer schedule.
• Folks are talking about Taste of Chicago.
  

Now for the opposing viewpoint...Signs that summer is running a bit late this year:

• Local swimming pools are open for business, but are pretty much empty, due to rain and unseasonably low temperatures.
• OK, so perhaps we've had VERY few 80 degree days.
  
• SS#1 wanted to wear jeans all week to summer camp.
• Today SS#1 is wearing sweatpants and a fleece to summer camp.
• We're more likely to need an umbrella and jacket than sunscreen and sunglasses.
• The calendar says it's June 11th.

I do realize that logic would indicate that Summer has indeed arrived.

Clearly, however, logic is out to lunch.

That coupled with the fact that, according to the calendar, Summer doesn't really arrive until June 21st leads me to conclude that logic is not only out to lunch, but may have moved out of the area entirely.

I know this, because here I sit, at the computer, wearing jeans and a fleece. In June.

Six Word Saturday

On a college campus, comings and goings are par for the course. This time of year is all about the going. Lots of Commencement speakers talk about how the word symbolizes a new beginning, the start of something big, so to speak. But for a lot of the students (and faculty/staff), it's a bittersweet time...

Commence: to end and begin again.

Champagne Wishes and Peanut Butter Dreams

Like so many others, our family's been impacted greatly by a depressed economy. The Diva Husband's company closed in December and being in retail management your whole working life does not bode well for the current job market. With many folks going back to school (in lieu of being able to go back to work), my position is relatively stable.

Of course, this means, like so many others, frugal living is in the forefront of our minds.

I was listening to NPR yesterday on my frugal search to find a burning bush plant and a reasonably priced belt for Sweet Son #1. They were discussing the January/February 2009 issue of Elite Traveler Magazine.

Now, before I go any further, I feel some background info is necessary.

Prior to yesterday afternoon, I'd never heard of Elite Traveler. This is most likely because, even when my husband and I were BOTH employed, our income was a drop in the proverbial bucket, compared to the "private jet" target audience of Elite Traveler.

The average household income (that would be the "mean" income for all you statistics buffs) of the readers of Elite Traveler is $5.3 million.

Five point three million dollars per year.

We don't come anywhere near the "point three" part.

But I digress.

The focus of the story was the letter that Elite Traveler's President and Editor-in-Chief Doug Gollan writes for each issue. More specifically, the letter that he wrote for the January/February issue. With the economy in such a slump, apparently the ultra-wealthy have felt chastised by the mainstream media for continuing to spend, apparently frivolously.

Gollan writes:

"It's only excessive if you can't afford it. At least that's my belief. As we enter 2009, it's amazing how the general media has tried to shame wealthy individuals into not spending. The fact of the matter is that the economic slump was not caused by the wealthy; it was caused by aspirational consumers who took out bigger mortgages than they could handle, leased cars that they couldn't afford and took vacations that they shouldn't have."

In my business, I know that perception is everything. It doesn't matter if you're a budget conscious event planner or a budget conscious mom. Planning a successful meal often means getting the most "bang for your buck", so to speak. The special event and hospitality industries have seen a major downturn with the depressed economy as people look for ways to save money.

Good for the budget. Bad for the industry.

So why in the world should anyone feel that they have the right to chastise the ultra-wealthy for spending their own money on perceived luxury? Don't get me wrong. Part of me wants to say that there are far better ways to spend that money. Charities could use it. Churches could use it. Schools could use it. I know of a little village on the southern peninsula of Haiti that would be blessed with even a small portion of that money.

That being said, Gollan makes a very good point. One that is often overlooked. When those ultra-wealthy plan big parties, they rent properties. Hire caterers, decorators, florists, entertainers. And all of those people hire people.

Still don't get it?

Substitute "pay" for "hire".

Gollan says "according to the (New York Magazine), spending by the top 1% of earners in the Big Apple supports 153,000 service jobs and 50,000 government employees.

That's a lot of people and a lot of pay.

I say more power to them. They can have their champagne and caviar, and I'll plan them the party of the century. Then maybe in a few years I'll be able to afford a few more niceties of my own.

Six Word Saturday

In my job, there are times that I have to work unusual hours, evenings and in some cases, weekends. This is one of those times.

Live to work, not other way.

Six Word Saturday

Today's Six Word Saturday seems to be an oxymoron, yet it's pretty descriptive of how I try to live my life. I don't want to miss anything. Sort of a "life is what happens while you're busy making other plans". I don't want to miss life, but I'm a planner by nature, so it's how I roll. For more Six Word Saturdays, check in with Cate at Show My Face.

Anticipating future, living in the present.

Consistently Inconsistent

One of my blogging buddies, C.Beth, recently wrote about blogging with discipline. Basically, rather than "taking a break" when she feels she has nothing to say, she plows on through and tries to write a little something every day. Writing intentionally rather than, as she says "waiting until a perfectly-written post is already floating around in your brain."

I like this idea a lot. Other than my NaBloPoMo posts for November, I've been guilty of some "writer's block" periods of absence from blogging. Don't get me wrong. I lovvvveee to write. I worry, like a lot of my fellow cyber-writers, that if my posts aren't pithy, well-written, humorous or touching, no one will want to read them.

So other than November, I end up posting consistently inconsistently. I write "when moved by the Spirit", so to speak. This says a lot about my life, though. I tend to be enthusiastic about projects or activities in the beginning, or in spurts, but when the enthusiasm wanes, so too does my commitment to the project or activity. It's not that I don't WANT to be wholly committed. The desire is often there, it's just not strong enough.

Or perhaps my reasons aren't right. I recently heard an interview on NPR with one of my favorite performers, Kristin Chenoweth, where she spoke about her participation in pageants, and how in her quest for the Miss Oklahoma title, she never finished higher than second runner up. She said something to the effect that she decided she never won because she wanted it "for the wrong reasons".

Rationale aside, I like blogging. I enjoy writing. Comments, while not my sole purpose, thrill me to no end, because it means that people actually took extra time when reading my words. Sort of like receiving an unexpected postcard from a friend who went on vacation... "Hello from the Blogosphere, wish you were here." Writing is a way to open my brain, pour out my heart, exercise my mind and vent my frustrations.

All good things.

And even better if I try to write a bit every day. Even if it's just to tell you things like SS#1 lost another tooth yesterday and decided to leave questions for the Tooth Fairy. Like how old she is (634) and how many teeth have been lost over time (a lot).

And how The Manimal is officially potty trained. And that I know this because he gets out of the bathtub to pee, then gets back in to finish playing taking a bath.

Consistently.

My thoughts are so scattered...

...I need a border collie to gather them.

--Drew Hastings

Well Said

My blogging friend June shared an absolutely wonderful quote on her blog today. If only we could all have this attitude!

"Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders and says, 'Oh no. She's awake.'" (anonymous)

Rose Colored (and Raspberry-Scented) Glasses

I've noted before that our church is involved in New Life for Haiti, a mission organization. Our focus is the village of Marfranc, which is on the southern peninsula of Haiti, in the Grande Anse River Valley. Although I've not had the privilege of being on one of the work teams (yet!), I (and many of our community member) feel a strong connection and pull to bring God's love to these beautiful people.

If you've followed news over the past several months, you've probably heard stories about the devastating economic conditions of Haiti. The poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, the average family income is $300 (USD). Rice, which is normally a staple of the Haitian diet, has become so expensive, that many Haitians have taken to creating "dirt cookies", where they mix mud and let it dry in the sun. Evidently, there is some minimal level of nourishment in the dirt, which quells the hunger for a brief period of time.

I mention all of this because I came across a post on another blog that spoke to my heart. We in the USA are in the midst of serious economic issues. Food and gas prices are through the roof, home values are plummeting. And yet, in the midst of it all, most of us can still afford to put food on the table every night, and take a raspberry-scented shower...

"Well, I thought it was my imagination... I opened my new pack of ladies disposable razors before getting in the shower the other day, and could have sworn I smelled raspberries.
"Nah," I thought, but put the handle under my nose and drew a deep sniff anyway. Sure enough, it was coming from my razor handle. It smelled like raspberries.
Not real, fresh, edible raspberries; more like something scented like raspberries that has no business being scented like fruit at all- like Play-doh, or markers, or nail polish. More like a cross between rubber, paint, and raspberries. With wax mixed in.

I grabbed the package in confused astonishment and search for an explanation. I looked at the front, I saw nothing. I looked at the back- nothing. Just:
"Triple blade comfort."
"Aloe and vitamin E."
"Soft feel grip."
Then, in the corner where I had ripped the package open, as if put there as an after thought, it read: "New berry scent."

Now I've seen everything.

Apparently, Bic thought my bathroom needed yet one more smell. All the shampoos, all the conditioners, all the shower soaps, hand soaps and mousses and hair sprays- it just wasn't enough, you know?

It wasn't enough even when added to my deodorant and body lotion. And toothpaste. And all other manner of scents I layer on daily just in the process of normal hygiene. No. My razor handle should be -must be- scented as well. Because they are not in the business of selling a good shave anymore. They are in the business of selling a good shaving experience.

One razor company actually advertises that we should use their brand razor to "release our inner goddess."

Come on.

Sometimes a razor is just a razor. Or at least it should be.

All of this is right on the heels of the National Day of Prayer; traditionally for me the one time of year where I am quite sure the end must be near. I may not think of end-times all year long, but when it comes to this one day set aside to pray for our country and it's leaders, I get confused as to which direction I should pray.

I am caught between asking God to heal our nation and asking Him to "bring it on and Jesus come quickly." Grim, huh? I thought this blog was called "The Beauty of it All," Suzanne.
Yes, I know, but indulge me this one dark and gloomy post, if you please. You see, as I roll up my sleeves to plan out my children's curriculum for the coming year, I usually ask myself these two questions:

What would I teach my children if I didn't have to worry about reporting to the state? and
What would I teach them if I only had one year left with them?

These two questions serve to bring me back to what's most important, to simplify everything and to calm my concerns that I might not have the right grammar program or something.
This was combined with a disturbing piece of reporting I caught on the world food crisis- did you know we are having one? You might not, because America is busy following the democratic primary race and scenting razor handles.

But apparently, Haitians are eating dirt- and have been for a while. So long, in fact, that I'm not sure they're even complaining about it. I almost cried.

But even after the sobering report, the pundits went right back to their usual speculation about whether or not we will really enter an economic recession. I just sat there thinking, "It's Rome all over again."

You see, I would rather the best and brightest minds got together and found an alternative to foreign oil, rather than just try to out-do one another in disposable razor sales. But they can't, because our nation is drunk on it's own prosperity, to the point that's it's unaware of it's bankruptcy.

Don't get me wrong- I'm no stoic. I like a good chocolate bar and a long, hot shower just as much as the next person.

But I don't think I'll be having that great, shaving experience hoped for by my razor company. That raspberryish scent will remind me that someone, somewhere, is eating dirt. And I will wonder how we will avoid fainting should a day of adversity ever come to us."

Amen.

It's All Good

From fellow blogger, Darcee's blog:

”When someone asks you to think about ‘what Jesus would do’, remember that a valid option is to freak out and turn over tables” — Unknown

The Simple Woman's Daybook--June 9th

FOR TODAY

Outside my Window...a sunset with strangely beautiful clouds.

I am thinking...of the wonderful time I had on my mini-vacation, seeing my parents and my dear sweet friend and her family, and of my very busy and stressful upcoming week.

I am thankful for...the prayers of dear friends.

From the kitchen...looking forward to making bread in my new (to me) bread machine!

I am creating...my crafts for Miss Sandy's "I Remember Laura" Art Swap.

I am going...back to work tomorrow after four days off.

I am wearing...brown t-shirt, khaki walking shorts (traveling outfit!).

I am reading..."Such a Pretty Fat" by Jen Lancaster and "Believing God" by Beth Moore.

I am hoping...that everything goes well on Friday.

I am hearing...Husband and The Manimal playing downstairs.

Around the house...The Dog Who Thinks She's a Human is running around like a sugar-hyped toddler, so excited that we're home.

One of my favorite things...sleeping in my own bed.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...starting plans for our New Life for Haiti benefit gala, finding "just the right gift" for Husband's birthday.

Here is a simple picture thought I am sharing...With SS#1 spending the week at his grandparents, I'm down to this many children in the house!
Hope you know the drill by now--go see Peggy!

Tips and Tricks

Are you like me, always soliciting advice about various projects? Then, boy oh boy, do I have a website for you! Check out TipNut for everything you could ever want to know about homekeeping, cooking, crafts, DIY projects and more.

Warning: You will likely get sucked in, so make sure you've got a few minutes (or hours).

Go Ahead, Make My Day!

Swiped this one from ClemsonGirl. Totally fun, and while Heather would argue (legitimately) that I read WAY more than five blogs every day, these five of my faves. You all make my day, girls!

1 & 2. Badger Meets World & Make Your Own Damn Dinner: OK, so I realize that this is actually two blogs, but if you're a mom who's ever been faced with the dilemma of children refusing to eat what you cook, you must read up on Badger's solution in "MYODD". Her regular blog is just as hysterical.

3. A Study of Schoolbooks & Shoes: Libby makes me want to pack up, move to Boston and go to law school. Hope Fate is kind to you this time around, Libs!

4. Barely Keeping It All Together: Sasha and I both have a Wild Child in our lives, and share many other similarities. Love reading her kiddie posts, as they remind me that sanity is relative.

5. JourneyMama: Rae is amazing. There are no other adequate ways to describe her, so go check out her blog before she heads off to India with her husband and three-soon-to-be-four children.

So girls, if you're reading this, and are willing to accept your award, please "pass it on" by doing the following:

Write a post with links to five blogs that make your day.
Acknowledge the post of the award giver.
Display the “You Make My Day Award” logo.
Tell the award winners that they have won by commenting on their blogs or emailing them the news.

Loving on Leap Day

So I couldn't let today go by without some sort of blogging. I mean, I won't have another chance to blog on February 29th for FOUR WHOLE YEARS. Who knows where my life will take me by then?

In celebration of Leap Day, I decided to share some things I'm "Loving on Leap Day":

1. TurboTax

Yay! They're done (our taxes, that is) and we ARE getting a refund. Now, I know the fine folks who do this financial thing for a living will tell me that I shouldn't be letting the government "borrow" my money for a whole year, only to return it to me without any interest paid, but seriously? Getting a refund makes the whole income tax filing thing a bit easier to swallow.

2. Winter Clearance Sales

Yesterday the zipper on SS#1's (yes, he's over the Mr. Poopyfacepants stage--for now) winter jacket broke. I can't complain, as the jacket has lasted two winters. However, we in the Windy City area are still getting snow, so the boy had to have a winter jacket. I decided to purchase one in "next year's" size and found great deals on clearance, so now BOTH boys have new winter jackets--for less than $20 for both! I was wearing the Bargain Diva tiara yesterday!

3. Spring Break Camp

Our park district runs a day camp for elementary-aged students during the school district spring break. Bonus for us work-away-from-home parents who would otherwise be tearing our hair out to find alternative care for our munchkins. Bonus is that my workplace is closed on Easter Monday as well, so I get a REAL free day! :)

4. The Dripping Sound Outside My Window

Because it means the snow is MELTING. Of course, I can't get too excited since the snow that is currently melting just fell last night, and it's only the end of February. We've been known to get that occasional freak snowstorm in April. But for today, Leap Day, the snow is melting!

5. My Hair Salon

Where I will be on Thursday, taking care of my scary greys (Seriously people, I'm not 40 yet. My mom finally gave up the battle and has the most beautiful silver-grey hair. I'm just not ready yet to completely turn into my Mom.) before my hair turns on me. I love this salon and my stylist, because she can take care of my scary greys without completely breaking the bank.

6. Spring Forward

Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 9th. Losing that hour is oh-so-worth-it to me. Why? The first fall that I was in Chicago, none of my Ohio friends believed me when I told them it was DARK at 4:30 in the afternoon. As we inch toward March 9th, there is more daylight in the afternoon. Thank goodness!

7. Easter

Because I am so excited to celebrate the Risen Lord, but also because my baby, Sweet Son #1, will be taking Communion for the first time that day. No big ceremony like in the Catholic Church, but the kids get to take Communion with their parents. He's not nearly as excited about this as I am, but it is bittersweet, since it is another milestone, reminding me that he's not really my baby anymore, but my big boy.

8. Vegas, Baby!

I'll be headed out west for a Conference in March. By myself! Grandma and Grandpa are coming to stay with my boys and the dog-who-thinks-she's-a-human. I'll be gone for five whole days. In a hotel. Alone. Bliss.

9. Great Blogging Friends

Like Libby, who posted just the right thing, at just the right time. I feel your pain about the cold, dearie. Beantown and Chi-Town both seem to be unable to escape the white stuff. Take heart, though, the sun shines brightly today, and I'm willing it your way!

10. Bloggy Babies

Cheers to soon-to-be girlie moms, Cloggsy and TulipMom. Hope both of your deliveries are blessedly uneventful and quick! The Preppy blogworld can't wait to meet both of the little ladies. :)

That's all on this Leap Day. Kiss a frog today and have fun!

Mr. Snottyfacepants and the Pig

As I alluded to in a previous post, Sweet Son #1 has been temporarily renamed "Mr. Snottyfacepants".

Why, you ask? Well, if I tell you that he's 7 1/2 years old, those of you who have children who've reached or surpassed that age will completely understand. For those of you who don't have the slightest clue about the situtation, one adage says it all.

"Never try to teach a pig to dance. You just get dirty and it annoys the pig."

Simply put, seven year old boys are always right. They know everything. Moms are never right and they know nothing. They are the ultimate contrarians. If I told him we were going out after dinner to get ice cream, he would whine and say he wanted a milkshake instead.

And oh, the whining! His bedtime is 8:30. I generally start the warnings around 8:00:

8:00--"Bedtime in a half-hour, buddy."

8:15--"You've got about 15 minutes left, big guy."

8:25--"OK, why don't you go upstairs and brush your teeth."

This last one usually gets the first response.

Him: "WHAT?! Why do I have to go brush my teeth?"

Me: "Because you only have five minutes until bed."

Him: "WHAT?! You didn't tell me that!"

Me: "Right. The previous warnings and the fact that 8:30 is ALWAYS your bedtime didn't give you a clue."

Him: "But WHY do I have to go to bed in five minutes."

Me: "Well, now it's really three minutes because you've wasted two minutes arguing."

Him: "But I'm not tired."

Me: "Go brush your teeth."

Him: (sounds of stomping up the stairs, slamming the bathroom door, etc.)

I consider it a victory if he makes it to bed by 8:45.

Unfortunately, as I understand it, this stage of child development can last anywhere from a few months to ten years.

But by gosh, that pig will know how to dance by then.

Word of the Day

Pecuniary

Pronunciation: \pi-ˈkyü-nē-ˌer-ē\
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin pecuniarius, from pecunia money
Date: 1502
1 : consisting of or measured in money
2 : of or relating to money

Came across this word in a document today. Had NEVER heard of it before. Just thought you should be as baffled as I was!