After Me Lucky Charms

St. Patrick's Day - wearing green, drinking green, chasing after me lucky charms. It's all so magically delicious, quite enough to make me river dance! But as I dove into the historical pot o gold, I realized there's a bunch of blarney about this glorious holiday.

* 390 A.D St. Patrick was not Irish - he was actually a well-to-do British boy.
* He was kidnapped at age 16 and sent to Ireland to slave away as a shepherd.
* His English name was Maewyn Succat.
* He had visions where God told him to escape and that one day he would return to reform the pagans.
* He took the name Patrick after he became a priest.
* He used the shamrock to teach the trinity.
* There really aren't any snakes in Ireland.
* Leprechauns are from Irish folklore, used to warn people to stay away sacred spaces.
* Irish spring soap doesn't really smell like Irish spring.

Happy St. Patrick's Day. Life is short, live large.

With the tragedy going on in Japan, here's a note of inspiration from the Universe (by the site TUT - http://www.tut.com/resources/notes/.)
If speaking to a spiritual novice during the darker days of human evolution, one might explain God, metaphorically, as if "He" were angry, testing, and judgmental.

To someone a bit more savvy, during easier times, one might explain God, metaphorically, as if "She" were always loving, nurturing, and forever conspiring on our behalf.

And to someone on the verge of a total breakthrough, during the latter days of human evolution, one might explain God by asking them to turn up the music, take off their shoes, walk in the grass, unleash the dogs, free the canary, catch a breeze, ride a wave, dance every day, get up early, take a nap, stay out late, eat chocolate, feel the love, give stuff away, earn it back, give some more, and laugh.... Really.

Really, really.
Catch a breeze,
The Universe

Look Great Naked

With Spring just around the corner I find myself, like the Earth, leaning toward the Sun. I went outside the other day and stood in the back garden to let the golden orb shine on my face. Ahhhhhhhh. It's hard to get a little color in 40 degree weather, even lubed up in iodine and laying on a silver blanket. I was freezing my lady balls off! Since it was Fat Tuesday, I warmed up with a slushy drink and was inspired to mark the changing of the seasons. The Polish have a festival where they kick out the goddess of winter and walk around on stilts >>>. I am honoring Lent by giving up being "vanilla," meaning it's time to get real, not doing things just to please others, AND saying what I need to say. A unique pagan ritual to add some color and prepare me for the vernal equinox was in order - the spray tan.

Not only does the spray tan give you a fab glow, it takes away all cellulite, and since the winter chub has given me dunlaps disease (my stomach dunlaps over my belt), I gotta hide what fatty-my-tapeworm has not digested. And, and, and, it is safe - the only harm it can do is to your sheets IF you get the color coating. I opt for the invisible sheen so that it doesn't look like an oompa loompa died in my bed.

Now if you have never had a fake tan, keep a few things in mind. Ya gotta wear a sexy hair net. Put lotion between your toes & elbows or you'll reek of fake bake. Assume the four tan stances and turn when it is time or you'll get double sprayed and resemble a tanorexic.

Here's to looking good naked or clothed or with dunlaps. Mark the change of seasons this weekend by turning your clocks one hour ahead as we Spring forward.

The Sheen

We are rubber-necking the Charlie Sheen train-wreck and am a tad embarrassed to admit that I'm experiencing schadenfreude - pleasure derived from the misfortune of others. But in the words of CS - "I don't live in the middle any more, that's where you get slaughtered, that's where you get embarrassed in front of the prom queen." Well, I was the prom queen and let me tell ya, it's not all what it's cracked up to be. OMG, Charlie Sheen is he right about some things?!

This here is a whole lotta crazy going on and I'm high on Charlie Sheen. The rants are incredibly funny and it seems like a stand-up act. He is a comedian, right? The interviews are assembled at the bottom of this entry. As the week gets sheenier, the list will grow. Put any favs of yours in the comments.

My favorite quotes:
*"I'm grandiose because I live a grandiose life. I'm tired of being awh shucks."
* "I've got tiger blood, man." - on why he hasn't OD'd
* "Dying's for fools."
* "I expose people to magic"on sharing his drugs.
* "You can't process me with a normal brain."
* "I'm Carlos Estavez"if he calls me that, does that make him anti-Latin American." - about the Chuck Lorre/Chaim Levine rant.
* "I'm a rock star from Mars."
* "I'm gonna ask for more, tons... all their gold, their toupees." - about how much he is going to sue.
* "The goddesses - I don't believe the term is good enough...when you are bound by these terrestrial descriptions you must use the best choice available...it's a marriage of the heartS."
* "Celebrate this movement" - to his fans "I will not let you down."
* "tired of pretending I am not special."
* CBS should apologize while "licking my feet"
* CBS "picked a fight with a warlock" "Vatican assassin warlocks"
* "I'm dealing with fools and trolls."
* "They lay down with their ugly wives and their ugly children and look at their loser lives and look at me and say I can't process it."
* "Score board doesn't lie"
* "Duhh" - about not being on drugs
* "I'm on a drug right now, it's call Charlie Sheen."
* "Not gonna work through my resentments - no dude, gonna use 'em to come at ya."
* "I don't live in the middle any more, that's where you get slaughtered, that's where you get embarrassed in front of the prom queen."

Today Show - http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/41824830

ABC - http://www.masslive.com/mywideworld/index.ssf/2011/03/a_preview_of_abcs_2020_interview_with_charlie_sheen.html

TMZ radio - http://tmz.vo.llnwd.net/o28/newsdesk/tmz_audio/022411_sheen.mp3

Don't be a drag, just be a queen

I've got the vapors - tying up a tutu, putting on a wig, and glitterizing skin creates euphoria for a costume-loving, 40-something SAHM (Stay At Home Mom). Had to do it for my hang with Lady Gaga at the second stop on her Born This Way tour. Three things I said yesterday that I've never said before:

1. "Do you mind if I wear the same wig as you?"- to my friend Deb.
2. "I'll be ready in 10 minutes...I need to put on my tutu." - to the taxi driver.
3. "I hope I don't get pee on my ribbons" - tutu satin and urine not good.

I'm gaga for Gaga - she sings and dances for 2 hours in 10 inch heels AND plays the piano in a bikini and fishnets! Also noteworthy, lady was inspired to perform because she was bullied in school, doesn't lie about drinking whiskey & smoking weed while she writes, fights for equal rights, AND preaches while she performs, "don't leave here loving me more, leave loving yourself more." The 24 year old claims in the 60 Minutes interview that changing her name from Stefani Germanotta to Lady Gaga, inspired by Queen's Radio Gaga, allowed her to leave behind a massive amount of insecurities. http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7346544n Maybe I'll change my artist name to "Sizzle", which is a nickname that came about at a restaurant because the maitre d thought the "Cecil party" was actually the "Sizzle party." If I use the pseudonym, I'll honor Gaga's rules:

Don't lie about what you do when you write - there's a crawlspace involved but more on that in another entry.

Be eccentric...maybe I'll show up at the bus stop in my blue leopard pj's.

Write about provocative subject matter - The shrews in the drop-off line at school are getting a lot of air time on the town list serve.

Perform in something outrageous - At the next comedy open mic, game on! Forget the "TART" tube top. Anyone know how to make a spark-shooting bra and thong?

Until then, I'll keep workin' my skirt to live up to the words, "Don't be a drag, just be a queen...baby you were born this way!"

Five Minutes to Funny

What has been going on? Two months have passed since I last posted...been busy doing an adult swim - wading in the shallow end of comedy, treading the murky waters of joke delivery, and diving onto the stage. Many people say that doing stand-up is one of their biggest fears. For me, it is a rush to get a laugh. The "Five Minutes to Funny" class was taught at the DC Improv by comedian Chris Coccia, who sounds like a cartoon character, and should have his own show. He helped me craft the minivan into a sex machine.

It all started last year at The School of Womanly Arts* new-talent showcase. I told a cautionary tale about how I ended my "practice marriage" after I landed in the infectious and tropical disease center. The laughter was not expected. However, the laughs made me want more. From there, I took a Barbara Stanny** workshop and she asked us to do a "stretch" - something outrageous, something new. So, I did what 99.835% of the population would not do - try stand up. I'm a delusional mom thinking that the suburbs are full of humor, depending on your pov.

Here's a snipet of my "set" in the hopes that you are inspired to do a stretch and try something you never thought you'd do.

If the Odyssey's a rockin...

* Mama Gena's School of Womanly Arts http://www.mamagenas.com/
** Barbara Stanny http://barbarastanny.com/

Remember to Remember

Something popped off the TV the other day that I can't shake out of my mind. It was a story about a woman who, while on a safari vacation, wrote a desire in her journal. She noticed that the kids clothes were torn and filthy. She wrote, "I'd like to see if a women's group would like to begin to sew little dresses." The crazy part is that she didn't sew! And now she has a warehouse of volunteers stitching dresses and pants that are sent to 16 countries in Africa and the U.S.

Remember to remember. It is a line from The Secret, a book about the universal law of attraction. Remember to remember the little thoughts you have, the little desires, and signals from the universe. Rachael O'Neil listened and she is helping thousands.

Video from NBC, Making a Difference: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40153870/vp/40462050#40462050

The P Word

Pat downs! Ooooh you cheeky monkeys, you thought I was going to use the other p word right? And I will but not in this entry, although, being a graduate of the School of Womanly Arts, I encourage you to use it.

Today I'm thinking about those pesky pat downs that hundreds of thousands of people will experience next week as they travel to their Thanksgiving destinations.

I traveled through Dulles, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Miami airports last weekend hoping for a pat down. It was all in the name of research to report back to you. However, my lack of success in obtaining the airport touchy-feely is for all women who read my blog. So share it and pass this one around!

The way to avoid a pat down is to look eager for one! I had my "I'm ready" face on with a big smile for all security types. There were even eyebrow lifts and a conversation about wanting a pat down. Being forward is a guarantee they'll wave your ass through!

If only I could talk with someone at the TSA about those body scans! Homeland Security is really missing the boat by not allowing us to get a copy of our scans, similar to the system at an amusement park when you ride a roller coaster. People could pay for their picture - goodness knows we all look better in silhouette. And we could pose.

Lastly, I leave you with a quip if an airline gestapo goes up your leg to the nether regions. Tell 'em they'll have to pay you should they wish to get any closer to your "p".

Stay tuned for my turkey blog next week about the call in number at Butterball... Feeling very THANKFUL to all my friends reading Workin' That Skirt.

Few sites for travel advice:
http://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-for-a-TSA-Body-Scan-or-Pat-Down

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm (how to get through quickly)

The Winking Witch

"At first I thought you were some crazy lady.” My witch cackle filled the air. "But, nahh, you look good,” said my garbage man this morning while the white sanitation truck passed with honking horn. I was walking home from the bus stop in full Halloween regalia. My shirt says: THE WINKING WITCH…COME AND SIT FOR A SPELL.

Now here’s the thing, anyone who knows me for five minutes, realizes I love to dress up. However, the last thing I wanted to do this morning was get up and put on a costume for the kids’ school parties. Gigi has a parade and David has a shin-dig for which I volunteered to orchestrate the freeze-dance festivities. I have been in bed all week with some kind of nasty bug that included a fever, sleepless nights, and a cough that has gotten my abs in shape.

Being ill is terrible and so I pose the question: How does one work her skirt when she needs to take to her sick bed? Well, Monday, I felt the stirrings of a cold brewing and I mustered up the energy to make homemade chicken noodle soup with dill, leeks, carrots, and parsnips. Soup was on hand whenever I needed nourishment. I also slept in the cutest, coziest pj’s. I showered and did my hair every day even though I didn't feel like it. I retired to the guest room and watched countless hours of TV and read half of THE FALL OF GIANTS, which is a thousand page book. The kids came in at regular intervals to cuddle (they already had the virus).

In my weakened state, I didn’t care very much about doing things "according to plan" and realized a few life lessons. Because I didn't have the energy to be the go-between with my kids sibling rivalry, they didn't come to me. Hmmm, staying out of their disputes is my next plan of action, or in-action. Saying "no" to volunteering or to a project that will max me out was easy because I was taking care of myself. The most enlightening reward was through my son David Dean, who is 7 years old. He stayed home one day with a "sore throat,” which might have been a sympathy move, but I didn't care because he is the best hugger. We watched movies about Greek gods/goddesses, ate ice cream in the morning, and snuggled all day. He said to me something I will never forget, "Mom, you know, I want to have kids one day and you are teaching me how to act when I have kids.” I asked him what he meant as I scooped more ice cream in his bowl. He replied, "You are showing me that even though you feel sick, you can still have fun and that it is OK to break the rules to make yourself feel better.” How’s that for some crazy lady?

Got Your Number

Her face could be used in a Fibonacci diagram. You know, the ratio of phi, the golden number which indicates divine proportion. Sally Blenky-Tchassov has divine proportion and she's coming to DC soon, hailing from her competitive dancing tour and her husband Alex's teaching studio in NYC. Sally and her hubby are our guests of honor at the gala for the Noyes Children's Library on Friday, November 5th. Wanna get dressed up, hear the RKO Orchestra, and dance with Alex and Sally Blenkey-Tchassov? Go to http://www.noyeslibraryfoundation.org/ because even though the fundraiser last weekend raised 50% more than our goal, we still need $70K this year and $70K next year and I can't even begin to do the percentages for how much more we need to raise.

I'm baffled by numbers, being a creative-type. However, there's an Einstein quote that makes me laugh - "Do not be troubled by your difficulties with Mathematics, I can assure you mine are much greater." The Fibonacci material is fascinating - Mr. Fib is best known to the modern world for spreading the Hindu-Arabic numeral system in Europe. Fibonacci sequences appear in biological settings, such as branching in trees, arrangement of leaves on a stem, the floral spirals of a sunflower, the flowering of artichoke, the arrangement of a pine cone, and even the ratio of our bones. Some say it indicates beauty.

On a not so scientific note, Glynis McCants uses numbers to deal with connections we have with people. She says that everything in the universe has vibrations and when you talk with someone, you are left feeling with "that person lifted me or that person drained me." The book, Love by the Numbers: How to Find Great Love or Reignite the Love You Have Through the Power of Numerology, has exercises to calculate your life path number and then use that number to determine the type of people to work with, love with, and avoid. My life path number is 8 which she says is all about making money. Hooray!

“If you really want something in this life you have to work for it. Now quiet, they're about to announce the lottery numbers” Dan Castellaneta quotes (American Actor and Writer, b.1958)

* Love by the Numbers http://www.amazon.com/Love-Numbers-Reignite-Through-Numerology/dp/1402224494

Tin Roof, Rusty

“What a way to go, in a bubble bath with candles and a caved-in ceiling,” I thought while I enjoyed my moment. It had been one of those days with the kids fighting over everything from “her donut is bigger than mine” to “I want to carry the flashlight.” After getting those little people who call me mom, mommy, mamo, or mama down to sleep, I just wanted to settle into a nice, warm bubble bath.

But things didn’t go quite as planned. I had the water running and needed a candle to go along with the solace. Off I scurried down the stairs to our kitchen to get a match. Back upstairs in my goddess oasis (the bathroom), my feet were met with slush slush slush. The faucet had somehow wiggled around to face out of the back of our claw foot tub. It was running full force all over the floor.

Into action I went with phase I: Towels on floor to soak up the mess and down to the laundry room to wash it all away. However, on the way to the washing machine, there was water dripping out of the kitchen ceiling. Uh oh.

Phase two: Gather basin to collect drips, put out pots, pans and measuring cups. Notice that the water is rusty brown and inching closer to the light.

Phase three: Get in bath, enjoy the moment and know that if I crashed through the floor, what a way to go.

Drip, thump thump, ding, ding. It is quite musical hearing the remnants of my luxury. The ceiling of our kitchen is the original tin, 125 years old. "The insurance will cover the damages," I tell myself. Dan is about to come home from a boys weekend trip in Oregon and he's been traveling for 12 hours. What a wonderful reception for him. I wait up in my new silky gown and matching robe. Might as well look like a goddess, whether I have to run out of the house for help or into a Dan hug upon his return to our -- love shack, baby love shack. Tin roof, rusty! (How cool that I get to use that line from the B52's, in context?!)

What a way to go.
***********************************************
You've probably heard me chat about my NY city weekends to attend my friend Mama Gena's School of Womanly Arts. Now, I'm posting a blog entry about working the tools. For more "goddess" stories, go to http://www.sistergoddess.com/ There is a monthly membership fee but well worth it! Mwah!

What's In A Name?

While watching the news last night, I was tickled by name of the Chief of Defense for England - Sir Jock Stirrup. Really, his parents named him that?! With our last name, even though we love the name Will, we couldn't go there - Will Bragg! Dan knew a guy in high school named Mike Hunt. Imagine that announced at the restaurant, "Mike Hunt, your table is ready." Tee hee. He also knew a girl named Fern Forest who had a brother named Lief. You know the line from Shakespeare,

"What's in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."

Some people have names that fit their profession. The urologist who did our son's circumcision is named Dr. Dix Poppas. Then there's Harry the Hairstylist to the stars (Gisele Bundchen to Al Pacino). In my digging around, I ran across veterinarians Dr. Jeffrey Fisch (Clinton Veterinary Center) and Dr. Russell Katz (Pelham Animal Hospital); lawyer Sue Yoo (Sullivan & Cromwell LLP); food blogger Shernell Cooke (Rawexperiences.typepad.com); psychiatrist Dr. Edith McNutt. !!!!

Going a step futher, take people's professions and apply them to what car they would drive. Keanu Reeves in a Matrix. The Greek epic poet Homer would have a Honda Odyssey, and a firefighter a Chevy Blazer. An entomologist would crawl through traffic in his Mitsubishi Spyder. A meteorologist would drive a Honda Element, an astronomer would have a Mitsubishi Eclipse and an optician a Ford Focus. Picasso would paint the town in his Nissan Cube, an ornithologist would use a Ford Falcon and his lawyer would drive a Honda Civic. A warden at a correctional facility would drive up in his Ford Escape. In honor of Columbus day, Christopher Columbus might drive a Ford Explorer.

I drive a Quest minivan and since I'm on the reinvention tour, it has served me well over the last few years. However, we are going to get a new car and I want something with a little more sport and sass. I'm looking around and took a Road and Driver car quiz to find out what would work best for our needs. It said a minivan. Ughhh! But the sports car quiz based on how I feel says that I should be driving a Lamborghini. That's the name that would make me proud, but I'm not sure it will work with carseats.

quiz at - http://www.tomorrowland.us/sportscar/

Hello, Petal!

Years ago I lived in London and became fascinated by everything Anglo - love the way their intonation goes up at the end of a sentence, enjoy their subtle wit, adore the luxury of tea time, and am charmed by their Brillo-pad way of saying English phrases. "Easy peasy. Isn't that lovely-jubbly! Daft as a brush. Brilliant. Mind the gap. In a tick. Right, right, carry on." A dashing British chap nicked-named me "Petal" and I thought he was into me. He invited me to fancy dress parties and took me out for fabulous dinners but I soon realized that "Petal" is a term of endearment. Therefore, my crush became my dear friend, Davy Do Right, and I settled for a long-term love affair with tea.

The origins of Afternoon Tea can be found in the castles and English high society of the mid 1800’s. Anna, The 7th Duchess of Bedford is credited with starting the tradition of Afternoon Tea, in 1840. The Duchess was feeling peckish between meals, with what she described as “a sinking feeling”. She asked her maid to bring her a tray of bread, butter, cakes and tea to tide her over, until “high tea”, the main evening meal. Afternoon Tea soon became a ritual for Anna, and she began to invite friends to Belvoir Castle to join her.

Bringing that tradition here would require a steamroller campaign over 11,000 Starbucks stores in the U.S.** However, hosting a gathering that is not-your-granny's tea party seemed more up my ally. Thai and Toasted Brulee exotic tea leaves were acquired. Check. Finger sandwiches, scones, sweets PLUS fabulous date appies. Check. A playlist with Lady GaGa, and Bonjovi to honor the guest of honor. Check. Champers and vino. Check.

Hi, my name is Cyndy and I'm a tea drinker. Coffee is rarely a part of my day now because the caffeine is not good for my dizzy condition (See entry - Get Your Head Examined from 6/23/09 http://workinthatskirt.blogspot.com/2009/06/get-your-head-examined_23.html). Guess that makes me a tea totaler. Not really, I still enjoy a vodka. So if life seems to be giving you one thing, whether it is a unfulfilled crush or a desire to have a warm drink in the morning, explore your options. There is probably something better for you on the horizon.

Pip Pip, Cheerio, Petal!

** Starbucks store number is according to Wikipedia

Project Run-aways

It's Fashion Week in NYC and the glamazons are catwalking what we'll wear next Spring. The hemline index indicates that "skirts get longer as the financial concerns heighten."* I think this means it's time to pack up those hot pants girls in order to avoid the DON'T list. A few other "what not to wear" items came up recently that are not to be missed!

My parents were here last weekend and my dad revealed that he purchased a men's body shaper to wear under his clothes while he attended his high school reunion. (Not worry, after a little prodding, Dad laughingly gave me permission to tell all.) The man-spanx looks about as big as something my 7 year old would wear. Daddy Dean said, "I had to put Vaseline on my hips to get it on." It's a step in, pull up procedure. He also said he lost 20...
...twenty dollars, that is.

From the get-slim tee site we ventured to another "don't" item. The Snazzy Napper...
http://snazzynapper.com/
Really, do people buy these?!? It reduces street cred to a "0" but the video on their site is hi-larious.

I cringe admitting that I adorned my neck with a duck whistle last weekend. We did a DC Duck Tour and as we passed people on the street, especially intense business people on their cell phones, it was a blast to quack. Take the tour if you come to DC. However, hide the quacker when you get home, and go for a glam slam with a retro look, wearing a maxi skirt in a courageous color.

*www.nj.com/entertainment/fashion_week_designers

Back at it...

Helllloooooooo! It's been a while and I'm back at it. Yesterday, I was complaining about the drains of early morning-get-out-the-door, back-to-school, back-to-life, back-to-reality. Then I got a call from Dan telling me Discovery was in lockdown because a crazy man was wielding a gun in the lobby. As things were unfolding, he would call or send a text of his whereabouts. Then a shocker - he told me they were going up to the top floor. I was immediately transported back to 9/11 in NYC. (Sadly, the people who went up never came down.) While Dan was "Mr. Calm", I was a bit histrionic, relaying the news from CNN - "The terrorist has explosives on his back. Get out of that building!" You know the rest of the story and when I picked up my hubby/lover/buddy/best friend at the Metro, I hugged him tighter than ever before.

Sure puts my disgruntled morning diddy in perspective. Maybe it's not appropriate to mention a longing for the meandering summer we experienced after what happened. However, I've been showing signs of PTF - post travel funk. PTF* is a low-grade irritability after a trip, voyage, or prolonged vacation (i.e., Summer). Symptoms include the inability to unpack or put away laundry, reapplication of sunscreen throughout the day, longing to get to the beach early even though you are hours away from the coast, or a tendency to pick up the phone and ask for reception. If any of these traits apply, here are some exercises to help. Wear your bathing suit under your clothes all day. Or, imagine where you would like to go on your next fantasy trip and research it. Try pretending that chefs are arriving at your house to prepare dinner and when it is time to eat, go to a restaurant. Pack your luggage for an exotic vacation to determine what you are missing, and go shopping for those items.

Today when I woke up, I was incredibly grateful for the normalcy of the hustle-bustle-get-out-the-door routine. Then I reapplied some sunscreen.

* The Gist magazine, August 2010, Eric Weiner @ worldhum.com

Is the Universe Friendly?

An accident rocked my world last week and whatever I write seems inapt. Here I post a letter of gratitude and a few thoughts...

Dear Mane & Roger,
How fortunate to have brushed up against you. Since last Wednesday when I had the horrendous experience of hitting a pedestrian, my shoulders have been heavy. How quickly life can change. The gentleman who ended up on the hood of my car is physically OK, according to a police update. There's consolation in that matter. And yet I find myself breaking down in tears and searching for answers. It is an awakening to mortality.

There's a line from a Gwendolyn Brooks poem that echoes in my head, "Exhaust the little moment. Soon it dies." Life is short and this experience underscores how important it is to live the day like it's the last. Einstein was asked what he thought the most important question was that a human being needed to answer. His reply, "Is the universe friendly or not?" I believe life is definitely on my side as evidenced by your kindness and support at the accident. I'll never forget having Mane's arm around my waist, holding me. And Roger's calm demeanor was grounding.

With never-ending gratitude,
Cyndy

************************************************
This incident reinforces a way of thinking to live big because we only have one time on this planet. It is the basis for workin' that skirt. It is the reason why I do things like burlesque dancing. Or dressing up in a costume to save the town library. Or hugging people who I barely know. Or being a massive flirt with practically everyone I encounter. Or taking classes to be a better parent. Or being part of the pleasure revolution. Or Or or. My friend Jill, who happens to be a minister, calls it living full out.

It is also a reminder to be present in my life as it unfolds, in the moment, and listen to what is needed. Since the accident, my body craves some feel-good endorphins; I've been running and swimming laps. And, I've also eaten a bunch of brownies.