Though it’s only July, I am indeed thinking about Christmas. This isn’t an attempt to contribute to “Christmas creep” (the phenomenon of retailers exploiting the commercialized status of Christmas by moving up the start of the shopping season); it’s an attempt to avoid a chaotic Christmas season so my family and I can maintain focus on the … [Read more...] about Christmas in July: Why Plan for Christmas Early?
Reflecting on Life
It’s the Little Things About Summer
Summer 2013 officially begins today! It’s the little things about summer that gladden my heart and put a smile on my face. Going barefoot. I’ve set my feet free from their shoes. I can feel cool grass tickle them and moist soil give way to their prints. Not only does this feel great, but there’s less laundry to do because we use fewer … [Read more...] about It’s the Little Things About Summer
Countering TV Commercials’ Portrayal of Dads as Incompetent
It’s common to see TV commercials portray dads as blundering and inept. The following commercials for Eggo Waffles and T-Mobile are examples. Though an uncritical perusal of these ads may provoke laughter, are they all in good fun or could they be harmful? Let’s consider this question in honor of Father’s Day. (Keep in mind, though, … [Read more...] about Countering TV Commercials’ Portrayal of Dads as Incompetent
Breaking Little Habits that Hamper Productivity
Catalyzed by my post on battling laziness, I’ve been focusing on some tasks that I’d previously avoided because I just didn’t want to work on them. Guess what? I'm making progress! I finally took care of the stacks of assorted documents that rendered my desk unusable. While focused on these tasks, I’ve realized that my productivity is … [Read more...] about Breaking Little Habits that Hamper Productivity
Ridiculous Lawn & Garden Gadgets
My husband and I spent last Saturday morning working in the yard. It could really use some improvements, so we’ve been contemplating various options and pricing the materials we would need. In the process, I’ve come across some outrageous gadgets for the lawn and garden. Hose Clothes – Do you have an unsightly garden hose? Camouflage it … [Read more...] about Ridiculous Lawn & Garden Gadgets
Name That Egg
As I was looking up information on the nutritional benefits of eggs, I realized that eggs are pretty pervasive in American popular culture. Check out Name That Egg to see what I mean. Name the egg or eggspression that corresponds with each definition The egg laid by the goose that met an unfortunate end because of its foolish, … [Read more...] about Name That Egg
It’s the Little Things About Spring
Spring 2013 officially begins today! It’s the little things about spring that gladden my heart and put a smile on my face. Warmer weather. How pleasant it is to step outside and be comfortable in a light jacket! The need for a coat, gloves, hat, and scarf has passed. I feel like I’ve been freed from bonds that had me constrained all … [Read more...] about It’s the Little Things About Spring
Password Security
The need for passwords for online accounts has become nearly ubiquitous in our society. There’s email, online banking, social media sites, online retailers, payment websites for utility companies, etc. (Just now I attempted to count how many usernames and passwords I have, but I gave up once I reached two dozen sets…and I know I didn’t cover … [Read more...] about Password Security
