St. Patrick's Day Traditions

Good Wednesday morning!

The Gallery Pic today is from Roxie and Mikie's night on the town last Saturday. As I said earlier, they ate at Bonefish Grill (Roxie's favorite), and had a wonderful time. Not the most professional shot, but it shows a happy Dad and a happy teenage daughter. In my book, that makes it a great photo!

RANDOMNESS - I think I am finally getting LOST. It isn't supposed to be like real life, is it? Black smoke monster... time travel (back and forth, back and forth)... Kate's hair always looking fabulous even though she's living in the jungle... Hurley never losing weight even though there's never time to eat... a man who lives in a giant stone foot... Well, it's all making perfect sense to me now!

Special Guest - ANN GRABER - Part Three - Alas, this is the last of our interview with Ann on A Simple Life. I appreciate her willingness to "help me out," and I've enjoyed getting to know her better!!!!!

22. How many times have you moved in your life?

I have moved 13 times.

23. Name one thing you love about each season.

WINTER... the crisp cold, the pure white snow and SNOW DAYS!!!! SPRING... warm sun, new growth, great smells!!! SUMMER... vacation and swimming!!! FALL... marching band!!! (Here come those exclamation points again!)

24. Are you a "glass half-full" person or a "glass half-empty" person?

I am a glass half-full person. Unless it has Diet Coke in it and then generally the glass will be empty... Yum!

25. If you could be someone else (past or present, real or fictional) for a day, who would you be, and why?

If I could be someone else for a day, I would like to be my husband so I could look at life through his eyes and understand him better. (I have never thought of this one before. I have always wanted to be Meredith on The Today Show because I think she has a great job. I need to stop being so shallow, I think.)

26. What is your most difficult daily struggle (patience, time management, organization, road rage, etc.)?

Time management and chores. Ugh.

27. What are you reading right this minute?

I am currently reading Sarah Palin's Book. I forget the actual title.

28. If you could have anyone play you in a movie, who would it be?

I would have Kristin Chenowith play me in a movie. Look her up and her past roles. She is perfect!!!

29. What is your current obsession?

My current obsession is my children!!!!!!! (LOVE this answer.)

30. If money and family and friends were not an issue, where would you most like to live in the world?

I think I would live on a horse farm with all my friends!!!!! (I like how Ann skirts the "friends are not an issue" part of the question. She'll just take everyone with her. I hope I get to go.)

31. What instantly brings a smile to your face?

LIFE!!!! It's hysterical!!!

32. Name one or two of the top “Ah-Ha” moments in your life.

My AH-HA moment would have to be the day I realized that every person does not think the same way I do. It explained SO MANY THINGS!!!! (I had that exact AH-HA moment myself not too many years ago.)

After looking at the answers to these question, I have decided Ann and I could definitely be half-sisters. I don't play the trombone. I don't know how to milk a cow (yet). I don't want to live on a horse farm. But we do have a lot in common... hatred of beets, current obsession, AH-HA moment. Yeah. We could definitely be half-sisters!

This is the last bit of Ann I'll share. This is the note attached to the bottom of her answers. "BELINDA, I am officially tuckered out!!!! I hope this works okay. If you need anything else, just HOLLER!! I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of your blog!!! I feel so special!!!"

I have thoroughly enjoyed you being part of this little blog. Thank you, Ann!!!!

50 Ways to Tell Your Child "I Love You" (Without Saying the Words)

21. Honor your child with a "Just Because" Party ("Just because I love you") and invite his or her friends.

22. Have a family slumber party in the den in front of the fireplace (complete with treats and classic movie DVDs).

23. Buy a children's crossword puzzle book, and do one puzzle together each night until you complete the book.

24. Cut out pictures from magazines and make a collage illustrating your child's talents, interests and favorite activities.

25. Let your children sleep in your bed with you when your spouse is out of town.

26. Build and fly kites together.

27. Give your children positive nicknames. (Is Pookie Baby positive or negative? Hmmm.)

28. Buy a pack of chewing gum to give to your child, but first slip a note inside the outer wrapper of each piece. In each note, list one of the qualities of your child you most admire: "I love you because you are so ________________."

29. Leave a note of encouragement inside your child's favorite pair of shoes.

30. As often as possible, let your child hear you tell your spouse, "I love you."

I'll have ten more tomorrow!

Wednesday Wisdom - I was a little ahead of myself. Last week, I shared Dr. Suess quotes, but today is his actual birthday! So in honor of Dr. Suess' birthday, I will share Bill Cosby quotes. (I know. It makes no sense whatsoever... but I like these quotes, too. Happy Birthday, Dr. Suess!)

"Women don't want to hear what you think. Women want to hear what they think... in a deeper voice." (Very funny.)

A word to the wise ain't necessary. It's the stupid ones who need the advice." (Very practical.)

"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody." (Very wise.)

"Old is always fifteen years from now." (I wish!)

St. Patrick's Day Traditions

1. Check out a local St. Patrick's Day parade. The annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Birmingham is traditionally held rain or shine. The parade travels along 20th Street to the delight of both the crowds who line the streets and the folks in the office buildings that tower over historic downtown Birmingham. It is scheduled for Saturday, March 14 at noon.

2. Watch a St. Patrick's Day movie. These are old, old, old, but they are rated G and suitable for little ones (The Gnome Mobile and Darby O'Gill and the Little People). If you have trouble finding them at your local movie rental store, try looking in a library with a large DVD section.

3. Don't forget to have a green dinner that evening. (We still do this just for fun.) Breakfast foods are very easy to "turn" green. (Eggs, milk, biscuits, gravy, etc.)

4. If you have little ones, add a few drops of green food coloring in their bath water. I promise they will not come out with a green tint. We did this for years for every holiday. (I got this idea from Tish Boyer YEARS ago, and my kids thoroughly enjoyed every minute they spent in a "colored" bath when they were small.)

I'll have a few more ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day next Wednesday, but I wanted you to start thinking like a real Leprechaun today!

Have a lovely Wednesday. Tomorrow's date is simply FABULOUS, and I have a little Blog Linkage for you to read in your spare time. I also have a funny two-part story to share with you from one of my favorite authors.

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda