Because I'm too tired to create my own clever thoughts . . .

I was reading an article on CNN.com today; the author, Lisa Kogan, describes, from her vantage point in life, “[g]ood reasons to put on a little lipstick and venture out (or at least put on clean pajamas and raise your window shade a couple of inches)”into the world—in other words, reasons to get out of the bed when the world at large might seem vastly unappealing. Here are four items from her list of eight:

• Junior high is just one long daisy chain of nonstop mean, and you have officially survived it. That's right, my friend, you may have to face locusts, drought, and World War III, but you can now go forth secure in the understanding that seventh grade is over. [Since I vividly remember 7th grade, with my Dorothy Hamill frizz, my big, square glasses, and my top two front teeth that were turned sideways, I can heartily amen this one.]

You will never have to read "Beowulf” again [well, this one doesn’t apply to me], or feather your bangs again. The enormity of this revelation must not be underestimated.
[I would also add that you won't ever have to read Moby Dick again--ack--or wear leg warmers--big ack.]

• My delightfully decadent friend Stephen Whitlock recently discovered a recipe for bacon ice cream (DavidLebovitz.com), and get this -- the first step involves candying the bacon! Let's all take a moment of hushed reverence to contemplate this. [OK, I don’t get this one. Bacon ice cream? What a waste of perfectly good ice cream.]

• Mabel, a 14-year old beagle. Mabel suffers from a chronic greeting disorder that manifests itself as follows: I leave the room for 10, maybe 12 seconds. Upon reentry, Mabel welcomes me with a level of enthusiasm usually reserved for soldiers returning from three years in a POW camp -- a one-dog mariachi band of pure, unmitigated joy. There's something to be said for a bit of good old-fashioned, uncomplicated affection, even when it comes from a shedding, slightly incontinent 14-year-old beagle. [No dog at our house, but we do have 2 delightful children who provide plenty of pure, unmitigated joy.]

So many more things--fun and slightly more serious--that we all could add to Lisa's list. What would you like to add? Please--send my way!

Blessings on you all!
Jana