Monthly Archives: December 2009

Live and Learn

Posted on by authorcarriecox

My blog this week is short—a carry over from my “Never List” last week. One of my readers (hello, cousin!) wanted to hear about number six: NEVER leave a bag of bird seed outside over-night. This is something I’ve learned within the last few years, yet still temp fate with when I’m forgetful (see number four on the previous post.)
I’ve been living in the deep south for thirteen years but I’m still learning the local culture and rules. One big thing to remember, yes do write this down if you are older than twenty-five, is that night life in the south is active. I live within in the city limits—suburban, residential with surrounding businesses, but there are a few pockets of wooded areas and a creek nearby. Opossums and raccoons are frequent nocturnal visitors. Both make short work of a plastic bag of bird seed. They especially like the premium seed, with the nuts and berries. I don’t like paying good money to feed over-sized, rat-like critters.
Don’t even get me started on the daytime issues with squirrels… they can chew through the lids of five gallon plastic paint cans!
There is still time to comment on the list from last week and sound off on your own experiences.

A List of all Things NEVER

Posted on by authorcarriecox

A List of all Things NEVER

Whenever I say never I usually break my own rule or find an exception to the rule but the following are pretty much set as absolutes for me now.
1.NEVER trust people who name “Lucy” as their favorite Peanuts character.
2.NEVER judge a parent because his/her child is screaming/etc in a public place. If you feel the need to judge, check how the parent is REACTING to the child.
3.NEVER leave pens unattended—even for a few seconds—while a toddler is in the room.
4.NEVER rely on your memory once you hit twenty-five—write everything down.
5.NEVER allow your checking account to get below $10.
6.NEVER leave a bag of bird seed outside over-night.
7.NEVER walk for a prolonged period on cement in the summer while barefoot.
8.NEVER assume your husband will feed the children while he’s babysitting.
9.NEVER forget that the habits you despise in other people are usually those you have, too.
10. NEVER go against a Sicilian when death is on the line.

Okay, so I borrowed the last one. I just love that movie… if you don’t know what it is you’re missing something!
Tell me your experiences regarding these topics and add your own, too. Be sure to let me know if you want me to expand on any of these on future blogs.

Visions of clutter danced in her head…

Posted on by authorcarriecox

Why is it that whenever I try to organize my desk I end up with more piles of stuff to go through than before? I’ve allowed the papers and books that need filing and sorting to pile up over the last few weeks. Because of the clutter I’ve avoided my desk the last five days. Sunday night I decided to tackle the issue after I got the kids to sleep. I’m down to three semi-orderly stacks.
On top of the regular mess are stacks of Christmas cards, Christmas stationary, and Christmas coloring/activity books for the kids.
I remember the days when I’d have all my Christmas envelopes addressed before Thanksgiving. I don’t even have a great picture of the kids to order prints from. And I can’t decide if I’ll be doing standard cards or Christmas letters or photo cards.
About the photo experiences I mentioned last week—my high hopes were shattered. A toddler is harder than an infant needing support! Plus, when I’d say someone’s name to get them to look at me the other two would look at the one I called, not at the camera. At least I know they all can smile and look at the camera… just not at the same time!