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WITandWISDOM(tm) - January 2, 2006 ISSN 1538-8794 ~~~~~~~ THOUGHTS: Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go. - Brooks Atkinson Submitted by B. B. ~~~~~~~ SPECIAL THOUGHTS: One summer McKenna Friedman of Westlake Village, California, decided that she'd had enough of her long hair; she wanted a shorter cut. Her mom, Marlene, agreed, and wondered if five-year-old McKenna would want to donate her chestnut tresses to a good cause. "Why don't you give your hair to kids who don't have any?" she asked. They decided to send the hair to Wigs for Kids http://wigsforkids.org a not-for-profit group based in Rocky River, Ohio, that makes wigs for young people who have lost their hair to illness, burns or chemotherapy. But McKenna would need to let her hair grow for another whole year. "Can you wait that long?" her mother asked. McKenna nodded. In the spring McKenna walked into a neighborhood salon. She was happy with the cut they gave her. She was even happier with the luxurious 5-inch ponytail she and her mother put in a box. "I know that some little girl out there has a wig made from real hair - my hair – and that makes me feel good. Patricia Bryan, Hills Dale, New Jersey Source: Guideposts, Copyright (c) August 2004, http://www.guideposts.org ~~~~~~~ THIS & THAT: A Mom's New Year's Resolution By Lisa Barker, Jelly Mom™, © Copyright 2005 This year I resolve to... Leave the house on time and keep all my appointments. (Flashback: Mom in the van revving the engine, hollering out the window as three kids hop to the van pulling on their shoes, "You better be in this van by the time I count to three or I'm leaving you in the dust!) Make nutritious dinners that nurture the family as well as nourish them. (Flashback: Kids wrinkling noses at spinach salad and broiled fish and mom saying, "You eat what I cook--it cost me money!) Support my kids at the school in all their activities. (Flashback: Mom on the sidelines shaking her fist and arguing with the referee while the kids melt away, mortified. "What do you mean that's out of bounds, what are you a moron?!") Take my kids to the museum and expose them to culture. (Flashback: Tiny tot pointing at David's 'appendage' clinically labeling it at high volume and explaining to all within earshot what the difference is between boys and girls.) Lead my family in good health and fitness. (Flashback: Attempting to power walk down the sidewalk while three-year-old runs toward street and two-year-old runs through gardens.) Plan fun and interesting family outings. (Flashback: Family packed in van with the baby crying non-stop for thirty miles. One wants a drink, another has to go to the bathroom and the third is going to be sick. "Are we there yet!?") Teach kids about their heritage and family. (Flashback: Aunt Helda pinching the littlest one's cheeks and the oldest child making faces and crying out, "Ack! She smells old! Do I have to kiss her?") Be a cool mom and let kids have more sleepovers. (Flashback: Lying in bed at three o'clock in the morning while a chorus of pre-teen girls giggle all through the night.) Make sure all cats have clean bill of health. (Flashback: Curtains torn to shreds, artery on left wrist slashed, cat wrapped in a towel with bugged-out eyes spitting out wormer pill for the fourth time in a row.) Make more time for myself. (Flashback: Soaking in the tub by candle light while kids line up to pound on door. "Are you done yet, Mom? What are you doing in there? I think she's asleep. Are you asleep, Mom? Want me to get, Dad? I smell something burning. Maybe we should call the fire department.") Eat fewer sweets. (Flashback: There was Johnny's birthday party at school, the reception after Sally's dance recital, Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's, St. Patrick's Day....) Teach the toddlers more words and prepare them for preschool and kindergarten. (Flashback: Telling off the idiot that backed into you at a stop light...only to have the little ones share the 'new' words they learned when you greeted the minister at church the following Sunday.) Hmmmm. Maybe I'll just tear up this list and have a little chocolate from my stash. This resolution business is for the birds. By Lisa Barker author of Jelly Mom™ which is syndicated through Martin-Ola Press /Parent To Parent and is available for newspapers, websites, e-zines and newsletters. For more information and details, please contact mailto:editor@parenttoparent.com To get the Jelly Mom™ column in your email box every Thursday - something fresh and new before anyone else, visit: http://www.jellymom.com Lisa’s book, "Just Because Your Kids Drive You Insane... Doesn't Mean You're A Bad Parent!" will be available in January 2006 http://www.jellymom.com ~~~~~~~ KEEP SMILING: A little boy took the chair at the barbershop. "How would you like your hair cut today, son?" asked the barber. "Oh, do it like you do Daddy's, with the big hole at the back." ~~~~~~~ TRIVIA: Use Google to search Microsoft related sites: http://www.google.com/microsoft.html Submitted by David Source: LangaList, http://langa.com/join_langalist.htm