What not to wear

This morning I pull from my dresser drawer a summery sort of shirt that's all wrinkly from being balled up in there for about a year. Really, I do fold clothes when they come out of the dryer, but they never seem to remain that way for long. I'm not sure what happens to them, but I assure you it's not my fault.

Anyway, it's one of the shirts I'm not sure if I really like or not. Seems like the trends nowadays are toward clothing that's so hideous it's fashionable. I'm not keen enough to tell the difference. I've got no time for this foolishness, anyway, but you know, I still want to look "good". So I put on the shirt and walk into the kitchen where the kids are and hold out my arms and say, "Waddya think? I'm not sure about this shirt. Does it look ok?"

The kids are staring at me.

David: "What do you mean? You don't like it?"
Me: "Well, I can't decide if I do or not."
David: "Well I think I would think it's cool if I was you."
Me: "Yeah? You think it looks good?"
David: "Yeah! It would make a really good undershirt."
Me: "Oh. I guess I'll go change."

David is a very kind and gentle critic, but sometimes I just want the plain, non-sugar coated truth. It would at least save me some time.

Will you be stimulated?

Ernesto and I have had this back and forth on the whole "stimulus package" the government has set up and I am thinking it will have little, if any effect on the economy. I am predicting a brief rise in consumer spending and then back to the dreary status quo. Obviously I am no expert, and not even seasoned economists can say for sure what will happen and believe me, I would certainly like to see a positive outcome from this, but I don't think it bodes well.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still happily accepting this money, even though it is borrowed from ourselves and/or China, who we already owe about a trillion dollars to. Who cares, right? I'm guessing there are people who will make some purchases and lots of other people who will use the money to pay off debts, like all the oil bills incurred over the brutal winter, or some will stock it away to pay for gas for their cars. It ought to last a couple weeks, anyway. Ours is going to help pay for private school for our eldest. If we were good Americans, we'd use it for a vacation or a big TV or I could buy twenty pairs of really good shoes. I wish we could spend it on something really fun or lavish, but we've got a mortgage and three kids, so there you go.

How will you be stimulated this summer?

So good I took the time to write about it

If you really appreciate good coffee like I do, then I know you aren't drinkin' Maxwell House. I'm always looking for a good deal on grounds and I saw this Ugly Mug on special at the local Shaw's and was suckered in by the good packaging and fair trade angle.

Can I just say- it's very, very good. I am enjoying some right now. No one paid me to say this. But anyone can feel free to do so. I gladly accept small and large bills. Or you can just send me some more of this coffee.