Your Mom Called She Arrived Home Safe

The other day when I came home from work, my sitter pointed at the notepad.

"Your mom called," he said. "She arrived home safely."

My mom died six years ago.

My first thought was wonder and amazement at how she had done that. Although really I knew he was talking about my mother-in-law who had just left for home that day.

But for a moment, I paused and didn't answer. I let myself roll around in my head the thought that my mom had called. My mom calling me from the other side. It felt magical, like a sign that for a brief moment, I had felt her near. And I thought, what a beautiful message for one to leave from the other side. And that's just what she would do.

"I'm here. I arrived safe. All is well."

And though it was just a misunderstanding, could there be something miraculous in it? It was the strangest thing. And I'm glad.

"Thanks." I told my sitter. "That's good to know."

Great Gift Idea for Girls

My friend Janice at Heavens to Betsy Handicrafts, makes these awesomely adorable aprons for girls and they're a great price.

If you're looking to simplify all the birthday party gifts you have to get for the year, purchase a set of five. Then wrap them individually. Voila. Party gifts simplified.

For a really nice family gift, Janice also makes these super-cute matching Mother-Daughter aprons. Visit her site and check out all the great gifts.

You can shop her store at Etsy's http://www.etsy.com/shop/heavenstobetsy. If you are looking for an heirloom quality gift for your daughter or family member, a memory quilt is a very special keepsake.

Swine Flu Paranoia Gets Out of Hand

My sister sent me this funny image. Don't know who owns it. Very funny.

Swine Flu Paranoia Gets Out of Hand

He Said She Said

Walking home from dropping the water bill to the city last night with the kids, my daughter said, "The moon is about a half full."

Very knowledgeabley, my son said, "I think they call that a quarter moon."

I said, "If it's half full, I think they call that a half moon."

"Whatever," he said.

At Least I Wasn't Wearing My Pole Dancing Outfit

Last Saturday, I ran out of gas, literally. This is the type of thing that should not happen to a fully functional adult, but there you are. I pushed the yellow light with two trips downtown and one small trip to the soccer field. One roll of the dice too many.

Early Saturday morning, we'd raced to my daughter's last soccer game with not a minute to spare for gas. Or so I thought.

But the game was starting late and I wanted one more cup of coffee. So, I grabbed the car and started for the bakery--not the gas station. Good priorities.

Almost immediately my car started losing power. I turned into a parking lot for the pizza shop and was able to roll into a spot before it died.

Darn.

I was out of gas. I laughed my head off at the ridiculousness of the situation. The "I told you so" from my husband would just be too much. I figured I had an hour to solve this problem on my own if I wanted to keep it secret. (And I sorta did.) I thought of calling a friend but that would be too much of an imposition. The police could probably help, they always help when I have a dead battery. But that felt too much like being a helpless damsel in distress. Not cool.

So I got out of the car and walked a mile to home. I grabbed our other car and a gas can from the garage. After a shot-gun-like race to the gas station, I filled the little can. I sped back to my car and filled it. Hid the gas can in a shopping bag and raced for the end of the game.

I made it before the game was over. All in all, a task that would normally take ten minutes took me about an hour. I felt like a moron. And my secret was discovered. First of all I had the second car to retrieve. My plan to do this was sketchy at best. Secondly, when my son got in the car he said "Mom, why do you smell like gas?"

Great.

My husband had a good chuckle at my expense. And his mom did too. He couldn't wait to get on the phone to tell her. Anyway, I really don't think it is right to keep secrets from the hub. Just thought it would be fun to try.

Here is the bright side. On the next day, I ran into my friend Megan at church. Turns out her car broke down too. She is a mom of three and teaches dance classes and Zumba classes in her spare time. She also takes... pole dancing classes. Yes, pole dancing classes. Mild mannered mother of three takes pole dancing. (Can't wait to see the Google Ads this post picks up.)

Turns out she was coming back from a poll dancing class in FULL pole dancing attire. I guess this means gaudy makeup, tight clothes and the works.

She was standing out on the major road of our very mild mannered town in full pole dancing attire. She saw several of her neighbors and many of her friends.

Perfect.

So the bright side: I may have done something ridiculous, but at least I wasn't stranded on Main Street, USA with my pole dancing outfit on. Things are looking up.

You're Doing What Under the Bleachers?

We met our friends the Guests at the local Homecoming High School Football game last night. It seems our 10 year-old has developed a crush on their 10 year-old daughter Maddie.

We met for the Homecoming Parade, 5 floats and 2 bands, on the corner and watched the parade go by. After my son said, "I'm so excited for later."

Maddie's Mom, Alex and I asked why, of course.

"I can't wait to go under the bleachers with Maddie." Alex and I both raised our eyebrows and said nothing. At 10, I don't think they mean what that means... Ithink... anyway,, I'm relatively sure.

But during the game, Alex and I both did shifts taking a walk-by under the bleachers to the concession stand.

#4 Ranked Marketing Book Free Chapter

Today, my company, Bridge Worldwide, is having their annual offsite.

As part of the festivities, we’ve been divided into teams and are competing in a Marketing with Meaning competition.

Think the Apprentice but without the Donald.

Our Chief Marketing Strategist, Bob Gilbreath, recently published a book called The Next Evolution of Marketing.

For every person we get to download the free chapter of the book, we’ll earn a point. You can be a part of our team’s success.

Please download the free chapter today, October 6, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Just follow this link to Bob’s blog, and click the download link on the right: http://bobgilbreath.blogspot.com/