The futility of arguing with me

It's almost the end of the month, which means I need to pick up another pair of shoes to keep my New Year's resolution on track. It's a cruel joke, really, when you want to buy something, but nothing meets your criteria of comfy, cute and cheap. What's a girl to do?

This girl headed to accessories, where I found this. Love it! I know my male readers are thinking what the hell, who wants to hear about a purse? Just come back tomorrow, I'll talk about sports or something.

It was love at first sight. I thought it was pink, but now I think it's red, but either way it's not black. And it's got a great long strap, a must have in my book. The icing on the cake was that I got a great deal, but only because I argued my point with the salesclerk. It was on a table with a sign that read "25 percent off ticketed price." In my mind, that means 25 percent off the ticketed price, which was $38.99. Not according to the clerk. Her theory was that the price, $38.99, already reflected the 25 percent off. But that wasn't what the sign said. She finally gave up. With my bonus 20 percent coupon after that, I picked that baby up for $20 odd dollars. But don't ask me the exact price. Who knows? Math was never my strong suit.

It's a Mike Monday

You can tell spring is in the air by the number of birds hanging out in the front yard this weekend. I know there is only one bird in this picture - you, bloggy friend, are a stickler for details - but that is because I'm a bad photographer. It was like a Black Friday shopping mob out there.

The humans weren't the only ones who noticed. Mike was mesmerized and stood on two paws watching for longer than you would think a cat could. He seemed so hopeful, watching and waiting for an opportunity. Occasionally he'd let out a pitiful meow, leaving no doubt that his house-bound status was cramping his cat style.

Eventually he gave up and went back to his new normal routine - shooting toward the door the second he senses it about to open. Like a cat that's been cooped up too long. Ahhh spring . . .

A Hallmark moment

Carly left me a message this morning on the floor of her room. The beads in the middle spelled out "love," although by the time I took this picture someone had moved them. But you can clearly see the red heart and the "you."

She can now have whatever she wants for the rest of her life.

I am so glad that my kids feel comfortable expressing how they feel. It is the thing I do least well. A direct result, I think, of growing up with a parent who should love you, but who leaves without a second thought or a phone call or a visit or anything. I learned at a young age that life hurts more when love is involved, so it's better to keep emotions and people at arm's length. (Although I am sure my life coach would have a thing or two to say about why this doesn't work.)

And I'm smart enough to know it doesn't. So I've tried really hard to help my kids feel comfortable with emotion and affection, so that my issue didn't become theirs. When they do something like this, I think - at least for today - I must be doing something right.

Pinky always had the better hair

Remember Leather Tuscadero from Happy Days? I'm pretty sure I got her haircut today.

I asked for a few layers and ended up with something resembling a shag. Not exactly what I had in mind. And then I had to pay for it. Nothing like rubbing salt into the wound.

It's a tricky situation. It's too late for a redo, so do you say anything? You know the stylist is going to offer to "fix" it. Give me a second to think about that. Ummm, no.

Carly took one look after school and said, "Did you get your hair cut? I don't like it. It's . . . (pause) . . . ugly."

Really? I hadn't noticed.

2011 Father-Daughter Dance

A great time was had by all.