School Dais

I'm a product of public school education. Hubby-Honey? He was K-12 private school-educated.

Before our children were born, we would sometimes debate the educational route we'd plan to go with them, from the vantage point of our own positive experiences. Unfortunately, I was hard pressed to make strong arguments for my case because the public school system here I was faced with defending was in a word--crappy.

So since the arrival of our little ones I've been on the verge of acquiescing to the argument that private education would be best, while still in my heart of hearts believing that there had to be something out there that would meet with my public school approval.

Today my reading of the Atlanta Magazine January 2007 issue confirmed that indeed there may be, and I've got some new ammunition for my arsenal that I think will satisfy both our criteria.

Three cheers for the IB program, and the diligent public schools that have proven themselves worthy of offering it.

For all the research that went into your highly informative article, "How to Get a Great Education for Free: Taking advantage of public school opportunities", Mary Jo DiLonardo, Education & Family Editor, you've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

He's Comcastic!

Derris, for working out my internet connection issues and making me chuckle as you repeatedly referred to me as, "Ms. Lisa", so as to respectfully play it safe and not butcher my last name, you've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

And it's OK. I've grown used to people taking a machete to it and having a field day.

Down the Hatch, S'il Vous Plait

I just savored the last swig of the key ingredient in my "Virgin Christmas Cocktail" that was a hit at dinner last night.

It's Lorina Sparkling French Berry Lemonade. I purchase my bottles from Cost Plus World Market (one of my favorite stores, as you may recall from my first post). Here's my recipe, made and served individually in chilled red wine glasses:

1 part cranberry juice
1 part apple juice
2 parts Lorina Sparkling French Berry Lemonade
1 squeeze of fresh lime juice
thin slice of lime for inside-the-glass garnish

All six of Lorina's gourmet beverages have positively tickled my taste buds on one occasion or another. They have their own recipes online that you can try, as well as suggested second uses for their attractive bottles.

Oui, Lorina! For being the perfect complement to all my festive celebrations, particularly the spontaneous private parties for one (moi), you've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

24

Walgreens. Open 24 hours. Even on Christmas day. Paper towel and aluminum foil fiasco averted. You've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

And So, I'm Offering This Simple Phrase....

to kids under one and over 92:

'Though in song
you've been dissed
many times many ways
The Thanks Ranks says
Merry Christmas
to you

Checking In

As I mentioned early on, I intend to walk the fine line of non-disclosure with this blog when it comes to friends and family encounters. Over the last prelude-to-Christmas 48 hours, that's really all I've been experiencing (it's been a splendid thing), so I haven't had much else to share in this space.

But be sure to come and visit again soon. Even if I don't know your name, as was the case with the friendly drive-through crew I came upon at the North Dekalb Chick-fil-A location around 5:30 this evening, you still, like they, may find yourself being added to The Thanks Ranks.

Ho-Ho-Oh, Forget It

To the overachiever who made winning our neighborhood association's annual holiday mailbox decorating contest one less thing I need to concern myself with this year, you've just been added to The Thanks Ranks. ;-)

Lip Service

I came across this site, firstkissproject, last night. I found it ironic because today marks the 21st anniversary of my first kiss.

I toyed with the idea of submitting my story to the project, but decided that 350 words was more detail than I cared to go into on the matter.

Suffice to say that 21 years ago today, after sending a candygram to my homeroom earlier that morning that professed his "like" for me, RH (a senior), walked me (a freshman--scandalous!) to the girls' locker room, where I was headed to change for winter track practice. He planted one on me just before I entered the door, while "Tender Love" by Force MD's played over the afterschool radio PA system. 'Twas an awkward and surreal moment that, obviously, I've never forgotten.

And yes, you read right, it took me getting all the way to high school before I had my first kiss.

Stop laughing.

Fast forward 21 years and I have no idea where RH is now, but today I did receive kisses of varying sorts from 3 out of the top 4 men in my life: Hubby-Honey, my poppy and my little guy, who I have to say, must dole out the best 2 and 3/4 year-old sugar in all the land. My #4 guy gets honorable mention because he sent his affection in another way--having a TMX Elmo delivered to his nephew this evening by the kind UPS man.

Ain't love grand?

Kisses--past, present and future--you've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

The Goods That Saved Christmas

Monday, 9:07 a.m.

"We are sorry, but this item is currently out of stock. We typically receive items back in stock within 2-4 weeks of selling out. Click on the 'email me' link below to hear from us when it comes in."

Oh, no!! This just won't do. I need it for Christmas! Nevermind that yes, I've waited 'til the last minute, you, "I started in October and got all my holiday shopping done the day after Thanksgiving," shoppers, you.

What to do? It was the perfect gift for this special person, and now, I can't even begin to think of an alternative that would also arrive in time.

Walk away, just walk away, Lis. You've got other things to tend to today. Maybe something will come to you while you're out, and you can still get it shipped to arrive in time.

Monday, 8:42 p.m.

Nothing. Nothing grabbed me while I was out. What could compare to the perfect gift I'd had in mind? Oh well, I'll just check email while I still ponder what to do.

What? What's this in my inbox?!

"The *perfect gift* you are interested in is either back in stock at the time this email is being sent or is now available to be purchased on backorder. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please click on the link below to see and order this item."

Are you kidding me?! Oh happy day! But I'm physically and mentally exhausted. Here's dinner, loved ones. I'm going to take a nap.

Tuesday, 12:50 a.m.

Hmphh... Ha... Uhh... What time is it...? Where am I...?

Baby... crying... must... feed...

Order... gift...

Tuesday, 1:12 a.m.

Baby... fed...? Check.

Gift... ordered...? zzzZZZ.....

Tuesday, 8:56 a.m.

Click, click, credit card number, send.

Tuesday, 8:58 a.m.

Whew! There it is--a confirmation notice in my inbox stating that the order has been received and that it will arrive in time for Christmas to my desired recipient. Life is uncommonly good.

Big thanks to you, Uncommon Goods. I love your ever-novel stuff. For coming through for me in a special way this Christmas, you've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

Happiness with a 'y'

If you haven't already, please go see "The Pursuit of Happyness". Or make a point to read the book for the all-encompassing true story.

If you read my profile prior to yesterday, you may recall that I already had this movie listed as a favorite. It had been on my radar for some months, and Hubby-Honey and I couldn't wait to make a "Date Nite" out of its release.

I've been so profoundly affected that I haven't been able to speak much since seeing it last night. I want you to have the experience, because I believe there is something in the film for everyone, so please, just go see it.

Feeling a heightened sense of resolve after releasing an olympic-sized pool's worth of waterworks between the two of us, Hubby-Honey and I couldn't get from the theater to my parents' fast enough to hug our children really, really tight.

Mr. Gardner, what does one say? You're causing my family to redefine what "happyness" means for us. You've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

Orange You Glad I Asked?

The perfect warm and inviting color for my family room had been eluding me--but I knew I'd know it when I saw it.

And I saw it in a HOMES section feature in The Sunday Paper, November 26-December 2.

The what I'd call burnt orange-ish accent wall in the photo of Kirkwood Station's model living room captured what I wanted spot on. I had to know if the color was a custom blend or something I could purchase.

So given the contact info provided in the article I called, planning to leave a message for but instead directly reaching

Candace, who despite the slight edge of her, "Yes? What are you calling me about? And on a Sunday afternoon?" tone was helpful in having me call

Scott (if it's one 't', Scott, I apologize), who with supreme politeness gave me the number to reach the very talented designing woman

Julie, who kindly and designer-client-protocol-properly referred me to

Julia, at a number where I again encountered

Scott, who was now starting to sound a tad bit like

Candace, but was nonetheless great in giving me an alternate number at which I really could reach the uber-friendly and accommodating

Julia, who called her

"guy" who oversaw the job and then lickety-split called

me back with the name of the color, which is (drum roll, please...):

I'm not tellin'! You'll have to contact me directly if you really want to know, so we can keep the fun going. ;-)

But I will say that I did I find out today from

Tony that the color can be purchased at any Porter Paints store.

So for your collaborative effort in connecting me with a shade that will be the backdrop for happy gatherings and experiences to come, Candace, Scott, Julie, Julia, Plinth Group/Construction Guy and Tony, you've all just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

Now about that rug... ;-)

Little Red Riding Good

For graciously granting my request to serve as MC at a spring fundraiser for a non-profit that is near and dear to my heart, Lisa Rayam, Fox5 Atlanta news anchor extraordinaire, you've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

I'm Sorry 2006

Hypothetically speaking...

If you fell, 4 1/2 months ago, into a parenting-two-children-under-the-age-of-three alternate universe...

And you STILL owed some folks thank you notes for baby gifts that were given to you in celebration of your daughter's birth...

And so much time had passed...

That your shame became unbearable...

To the point where you felt complete paralysis in righting the wrong...

You could check out the unique cards I was turned on to at bumble ink. They're just right for such a predicament.

The inside of the one pictured above says, "I was a bit spaced." Another appropriate selection would be the cute miniature vampire that simply states, "I suck".

Perfect! I mean, I guess they'd be perfect, right? Really, who would get themselves into such a thoughtless mess in the first place?

For your patience, longsuffering and hopeful forgiveness (you know who you are), you, along with bumble ink, have just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

Yeah, That Might Help...

KC has been added to The Thanks Ranks for letting me know I had my settings blocked for comments, and for being the first to add one when I fixed it. I told you I was no techie. ;-)

Here's to moving out of one's comfort zone...

Laughing Gas

Growing up in New Jersey they were called "license plates". As I moved further down the east coast they were called "tags". Perhaps similar terms are used in other regions of the country. Whatever you call them, I have always been fascinated by the levels of creativity I've encountered when observing cars with personalized/vanity/prestige plates.

I'm tickled when someone wishes to share some aspect of their identity with me in this manner on the highway. Makes the drive a little more engaging as I share a fleeting, "Hello, nice to meet you," moment with my fellow road warrior.

Today I was driving on a surface street behind 'LUV2LAF'. How cool is that tag? So I started to wonder... Is she a comedienne? Is she just a jolly person? What if I pulled up alongside her at the next light and started laughing hysterically as I recalled the triumphant wresting match climax in Nacho Libre (Hubby-Honey's and my Date Nite silly movie selection this past Friday)--would she laugh with me or look at me like I was nuts?

My better judgment won out this time, but I'm telling you, 'LUV2LAF': if we ever meet again, I'm going to pull up next to you and find out. In the meantime, thanks for the chuckle to myself. You've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

What do you think: 'GVTHANX' or 'BGR8FUL'?

A Round of Thanks to Everyone

Yesterday marked 30 days since I started this Thanks Ranks project. I've thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm heartened by all the tremendously positive feedback.

Through this forum I've heard from and connected with folks from across the country and internationally--in just 30 days! It blows my mind! What an amazing age we live in...

We're just getting started, and I'm excited about things on the horizon (let's just get through the holidays first, shall we?) that will be enhancing and expanding The Thanks Ranks' reach. I'm not a techie by nature, but I'm growing and learning a little something new each day.

So thanks to all of you who have been checking in and e-mailing me, and all of you who have given me reason to express gratitude.

I do wonder who will be the first to post a comment in this space, as that's yet to be done. Will it be you? Would you like to be added to the Thanks Ranks for the being the first person to add a comment? :-) Don't be shy. Thanks, Mom, but let's give someone else the opportunity. ;-)

Cheers!

It's a Wrap!

This past June, about a month before my daughter's birth, I asked for recommendations from my Mocha Moms chapter for a good baby sling.

I received a glowing one from Mocha Mom IT, for Maya Wrap, and purchased one soon after. The sling arrived a week before my daughter was born, but I was so caught up playing my, "Can you feel me now...? Good!" contractions game with her that I didn't watch the instructional DVD on how to tie it.

Then came the post-partum fog, and the brain cell disconnect that made being left-handed a real challenge for following the right-handed visual directions on the DVD. But I HAD managed to wash the wrap in Dreft, so I gave myself points for that.

Fast forward to today, when I'm thinking for the umpteenth time, "It would be really convenient to be using that wrap right about now..." I'm feeling mentally capable of tackling the DVD, and lo and behold, it's not working. I can't prove it, but I think my son, the mixmaster on the DVD player ones and twos, is behind its malfunction.

One 1-888 call later and it's Laura, the Maya Wraps customer service rep, to the rescue. No worries. She'll have another DVD sent out to me tomorrow.

For moving me one step closer to not having to lug around a carseat carrier that's wrecking my spine in three places, IT, Laura and Maya Wrap, you've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

Happy Birthday DC and ET!

Just Say NO to the N-word

I told myself I was going to steer clear of this fray in this forum, but oh well.

Hubby-Honey and I made the decision to give up watching television in our home for 2006. So this year (I don't know if I'd consider it cheating or not, but I've allowed it), he goes to ESPN.com for online video footage of the scores and highlights to get his sports fix.

This evening, as he was checking out who rose and fell today in the land of pigskin, I was looking over his shoulder when my eye was drawn to a photo of Michael Richards. I had to know what he was doing on ESPN's site, so we clicked on the image to find out.

Turns out an ESPN senior writer and radio show host, LZ Granderson, wrote a piece entitled, A word with consequences, that makes one say, "Hmmmm..."

Given the responses received through his surveying a random sample of non-Black folks, and the results of his own soul searching, my personal stance was upheld that EVERYONE should be uncomfortable with hearing, much less using the n-word. It's my hope that the message gets trumpeted and heeded throughout LZ's spheres of influence.

For declaring that, "this holiday season I've decided to give myself the gift of dignity by cutting the n-word out of my vocab," LZ Granderson, you've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

You Put the Time in the Coconut...

Seven years ago I dropped out of culinary school. I couldn't hack having to cook every day, so I fell back on my 4-year degree for gainful employment.

Had I hung in there for one more semester, perhaps I would have learned in my International and Current Cuisine class that not all coconut milk is created equal. Hence, the brand my mother-in-law uses for her Jamaican rice and peas, nor the kind that Goya produces would do my impromptu Thai creations any justice, despite my numerous tweakings.

Who knew?

For allowing me to finally get it right and stick a perfect '10' a la Mary Lou Retton with my yellow curry dish last night, A Taste of Thai, you've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

Thanks a Million Little Swimmers

Not much time to spare today, as I'm playing Nurse Betty, but I have ZERO complaints.

Hubby-Honey is the bravest man I know, and he's taken my love and appreciation for him to a new plateau.

Yesterday, he and Dr. Falconer cemented the deal that our nuclear family circle of Mommy, Daddy, Son, and Daughter is complete.

Hubby-Honey, you are THE MAN. Kisses, kisses and more kisses.

For personally and professionally handling my husband with kid gloves and granting me the assurance that I can freely give away my maternity clothes, Dr. Falconer, you and your staff have just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

Deck the Halls with Books and Bark Slabs

Every year, there's some random happening or encounter that inevitably ignites the holiday spirit within me.

Last year, it was my friend's gleeful preparation for her and her husband's first Christmas with their son, whose adoption was soon to be finalized. The year before, it was the purchase of a "My First Christmas" pajama set for my son. And the year before that? Hearing the line, "Great with child," in the telling of the Christmas Story, as with a month to go in my first pregnancy, the phrase had new meaning for me.

This year, it's the display of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa children's books that my little ones and I came upon at a delightfully chance visit to Little Shop of Stories in downtown Decatur, GA (hey Dave and Diane, get a website), and this e-mailed image of peppermint bark from Williams-Sonoma that was waiting for me in my inbox this morning.

To Terra, the LSoS store manager who engaged my son and informed me of all the upcoming holiday storytime parties in which he could participate; and the wickedly good food stylist and photographer responsible for the W-S bark enticement:

You are my Holiday 2006 Muses. You've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

TEA-cher's Fete

Happy Birthday and best wishes to Lisa Campbell, founder of one of my favorite Atlanta haunts, the Urban Tea Party.

In the spirit of Oprah's recent "Pay It Forward" episodes, Lisa has decided to pass on ownership of this tea spot to a worthy, altruistic applicant for $0. She's not selling the business. She's GIVING it away!

Now that's some gift. May the new owner make her proud, and continue to stock my favorite rooibos selections (peach and mango).

Lisa, for educating many in the ways of tea and introducing me to my ingenuiTEA pot whose magic still delights me daily, you've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

Hip to be Pink

I admit it. I'm a magazine junkie (note my earlier post, and rest assured, others will be referenced in the future). As probably best represented by the disparity between Vibe and Opera News, my eclectic mix of subscriptions and those mags that I buy off the newsstand would have someone visiting my home while vacant trying to figure out, "Who in the heck lives here?!" Some people buy shoes, I buy magazines (although I don't run around barefoot, and I can appreciate the fact that Manolo is a very, very brilliant craftsman).

Someone who I think really "gets it" when it comes to creating quality magazine concepts is "famillionaire" (love the term--ask her or her husband about it) Cynthia Good.

I was a charter subscriber of Atlanta Woman, her first magazine. Everything about it was fresh, clever and original. Literally, from the moment you held it in your hands, you could tell it was unique--it was square in shape, as opposed to the standard rectangular magazine dimension. For some reason I really, really liked this distinguishing feature, and I was sorely disappointed (again, I really can't explain why) when it did in later issues succumb to what was stated as reader feedback and adopt the standard magazine size. The reader argument presented was something like, "I like my magazine to fit easily into my briefcase...," to which my knee-jerk response was, "Oh shut up, you no vision-having, cookie cutter-bound whiner!" Yeah, I took it inexplicably too personally...

I don't know what went on behind the scenes, but from that point on the magazine was never quite the same to me, and I suspect it wasn't to Cynthia either, because she moved on and created Pink (go check it out and see for yourself how it represents more than a color).

Somewhere in the midst of having babies and not being a part of the traditional full-time workforce, I missed Pink's 2005 launch. And while it caught my eye for the first time on the newsstand this past summer, I was being distracted by other things at 9 months pregnant (ahem, finding Borders' restroom and keeping my toddler son from lifting a "Thomas The Train goes to Breakfast" DVD), and I didn't get back to buying a copy.

Fast forward to a routine doctor's appointment yesterday, and lo and behold, to my delight, there sat on the coffee table the October 2006 issue of Pink.

I devoured it as hastily as I could before being called. With compelling articles and visual construction that made me say, "Yes... yes!", Pink is another winner (don't just take it from me--apparently Pink won the 2006 Grand GAMMA Award from the Magazine Association of the Southeast).

And the kicker? The magazine's dimensions are a palatable compromise between standard and square! I'm subscribing today.

Way to go, Cynthia! For staying true to your own path and encouraging others to make a difference, live their dream and realize their potential, you've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

Cheese Whiz

Over this Thanksgiving holiday I've had some photos taken of me that have come out pretty good, if I do say so myself.

I've been using a tip I found in freelance writer and documentary film-maker Jessie Knadler's piece, How to Look Great in Photos, in the November 2006 issue of InStyle magazine (p. 357). I'm going to share it with you. Ready? Here it is:

"Do as the models do and place the tip of your tongue behind your top front teeth as you smile; this helps relax facial muscles and avoid wrinkling. (And it also helps lift the lower part of your face so you don't get a double chin.)"

Head over to the nearest mirror now. Do your normal smile, and then smile as the tip recommends. See the difference? If not, try it out the next time you have your picture taken. It's subtle, but I guarantee you will see the difference.

For this priceless tip that has produced photos of me I actually like, and given me a newfound fearlessness in facing the camera's flash, Jessie Knadler, you've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

Global Thanks

For being my year-round passageway to international cuisine and culture, and my go-to friend particularly now during the holiday season (I've got the most awesome stock of spices in my pantry because of you), Dekalb Farmers Market, you've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

A HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL! Remember: everything in moderation.

See you on the other side of the turkey... Give thanks!

Monday Drive

Whenever I drive north on I-85 from the direction of the airport, as I did this afternoon, I always get a little goose-pimply when I see the downtown Atlanta skyline come into view. It never fails.

When indeed I have been traveling and I'm en route to my home from the airport, it's at this point on the road that I start feeling like I'm getting a big "welcome back" hug. I've also often noted that when I'm picking up friends and family who are visiting, it's at this juncture that their conversation and voices become REALLY excited, as if innately they sense, "My Atlanta visit starts... NOW!"

Yep, when I see the afro'd So So Def guy on his billboard perch, I know be it ever so humble, there's no place like Atlanta.

To all the architects of my beloved Atlanta skyline and these photos' photographers, you've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

"Celebrity" Wedding

Here a Kat, there a Kat, everywhere a TomKat! You just can't escape the news of the Tom Cruise/Katie Holmes wedding. All the hoopla has me waxing nostalgic about my own destination wedding.

Hubby-Honey and I were married five years ago on the beautiful island of Barbados. We aren't celebrities, but you wouldn't have known it by the way we and the 25 of our nearest and dearest who made the trip were received by the island's fine residents. Barbados is only 167 sq. miles large, so when something is going on, almost everyone knows about it. Our wedding seemed to be no exception.

And every detail was tended to by our wedding planner extraordinaire, Luisan. At the time of my engagement, I was employed as a special events planner with a large non-profit organization. So let's just say I was no Bridezilla, but I was, er, particular, about how I wanted our wedding package customized.

But via email and telephone, Luisan was expertly with me every step of the way. And from the "high church" wedding to the horse drawn carriage to the photos along the shoreline to the most incredible island fare feast to the dancing beachside under the stars, she made our day everything we wanted it to be, and more.

God willing, Hubby-Honey and I are planning to return to Barbados in 2008 with more friends and family for a celebration we're calling "The Seven-Year Itch". I'll be in touch, Luisan. I'm a lot more relaxed now, so this should be a walk in the park. :-) But as Tiger Woods has also since married on your fabulous island, I do have a few ideas...Hahahahaha!

I know whatever we decide upon, you'll make it happen. We've got the fairytale memories to prove it. For that, Luisan the lovely, you've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

Nothing Like A Mother's Love

Hubby-Honey and I gave up watching TV for 2006. To reward ourselves, we enjoy "Movie Night" on Fridays, courtesy of Netflix.com.

Our film tastes are eclectic. Last week we watched a British import, Kinky Boots, and loved it.

As the credits rolled, we were both struck by a cheeky tune with much attitude entitled, "In These Shoes" (click on the player below to listen, and see if the song doesn't stick in your head all week long like it did with ours).

When we began playfully using the phrase in response to situations where we knew we wouldn't do or allow something (i.e., Me: "Hey Love, do you know they're charging $1360.00 for this advent calendar?!" Hubby-Honey: "In THESE shoes...?"), I just had to get more info on the song.

After a brief online search, I was unexpectedly faced with a tragic story that moved me.

I learned the song was written and performed by a talented British pop singer-songwriter named Kirsty MacColl. Sadly, she was killed in 2000.

While diving with her family off the coast of Mexico in waters where boats were prohibited, she saved her son from being hit by an oncoming speedcraft, at the expense of her own life. A good deal of controversy surrounded her death and the justice (or lack thereof) that was handed down from the courts. Consequently, Kirsty's mother, Jean MacColl, launched a campaign, Justice For Kirsty, in pursuit of someone being satisfactorily held accountable.

As a mother this story struck a particular chord with me, as I did indeed put myself in both their shoes. I'm compelled to lend my support.

I am delighted to have met Kirsty through her music in which she lives on, and appreciate her and her mother's example of supreme maternal love. They've both just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

No Jive Turkey

Ron C., for including my family in your exclusive number of 30 who will receive one of your world-famous smoked turkeys to enjoy on Thanksgiving Day, and almost more importantly, on the glorious leftovers pickin' days to follow, you've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

Not-So-Fair Weather Friends

Yesterday four people in particular at Kroger brought me sunshine as I braved the torrential rainy elements to grocery shop (well actually, it was to buy diapers, as baby girl just runs through them, and I figured, "Well since I'm here...")

Barbara, who cooed at my snoozing daughter and told me her name was beautiful.

Alina, the apparently "new girl" at the checkout who brought a smile to my son's face by giving him a sticker.

The gentleman who bagged for us and left just enough space in the cart for my son to sit.

And the good Samaritan with the BIG golf umbrella who without a word jumped in stride with me and escorted me to my car, helping to keep my babies dry as I shuttled them into it.

You, my kind souls, have just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

Green Fits Me to a Tea

This past Sunday afternoon I met with some mom-friends at Panera Bread. I experienced the sublime pleasure of ingesting Panera’s Iced Green Tea beverage for the first time, and the experience has been weighing so heavily on my mind that yesterday I went to Panera's website to see what more I could learn about the drink. Learning that it was, “infused with passion fruit and papaya,” and discovering its other nutritional facts, I just had to contact them for more info, and see if it was possible to buy it in bulk—like by the gallon.

I sent an e-mail through their customer care channels, and received this reply today:

Dear Lisa,

Thank you for contacting Panera Bread and sharing
with us how much you enjoy our Iced Green Tea. I
will be happy to note your request to make larger
portions available, so that the appropriate
decision-makers will consider your suggestion. 

Our green tea is a blend made exclusively for
Panera Bread bakery-cafes, so you will not find it
anywhere else. However, our tea supplier, Republic
of Tea, also sells excellent tea blends to consumers.
You might want to check out their website at
www.republicoftea.com.

Thanks again for contacting us. We appreciate your
business and value your comments.

Sincerely,

Pat

Customer Comment Coordinator

Pat, I'm glad you appreciate my business and comments, as I appreciate your speedy responsiveness.

Sherrill at Panera Bread #923, you were the one who introduced me to this cup of SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL as we shared a laugh, so you and Pat and have just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

Panera "appropriate decision-makers": I'm puttting you on notice as I see what honorable mention Republic of Tea has to offer me, Josephine Consumer. ;-)

Living Room

In celebration of my daughter's birth, a friend recently gave me these words matted in an absolutely darling, girly-girl frame that I've yet to mount:

If a child lives with criticism, she learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, she learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, she learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, she learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance, she learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement, she learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise, she learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness, she learns justice.
If a child lives with security, she learns faith.
If a child lives with approval, she learns to like herself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, she learns to find love in the world.

--Author Unknown

For bringing me to the final decision to relinquish my home office so my daughter can grow in her own space, your words gracing a wall--Author Unknown, you've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

Make room for me downstairs, Hubby-honey. I'm coming with a computer and paint chips. ;-)

Birthday Bliss

Today, a dear friend of mine, Julie, is celebrating a birthday.

A little over 5 years ago, armed with her inherent love for seniors, Julie got the inspired idea to interview African-American couples who'd been married for 30 years or more. The result of her work was a book entitled, Standing the Test of Time: Love Stories Of African American Elders.

It's a terrific inspirational resource for anyone who is married or hopes to be. Between the pages of the 20 couples she interviewed you find a collective, "Been there, done that," that can encourage any couple in the midst of marital challenge and further uplift those in the throes of wedded bliss.

For the gift of your friendship and the way you positively impact others through your brilliance, Julie, you've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

Put It Down on Paper

Though I'm new to giving thanks online, I have been keeping a gratitude journal for what will be 10 years come this January, at the prompting of my friend Pamela, who introduced me to author Sarah Ban Breathnach's concept at a New Year's Girls' Gathering. I took the idea and ran with it, and this morning I started volume #12.

I'm a Borders Rewards customer, so inevitably you'll find me in Borders every weekend buying something, because, well, I get rewarded. I just can't get enough of books, mags, music and film, so they've got me hooked for life. This weekend's purchase at 20% off: Journal #12, manufactured by Paperchase, a stationery company in the UK that I love. Their sumptuous paper quality makes their products almost edible--almost.

In an earlier post I suggested that you check out Daryn Kagan's new website launching today. I did (it's great, by the way--I'll be going back daily), and in poking around its pages, I came across the Between Me and You Relationship Keepsake Journal series, and the story of how it came to be by its creator, Winston Simmonds Jr.

If you're one who cherishes your relationships, and the idea of documenting them through written word appeals to you, you’ve got to check out these journals. With the tagline of, "A Few Things I've Been Meaning to Ask," you're covered with recording the details for a MOM, DAD, HONEY, GRANDMA, GRANDPA, SISTER, BROTHER or 'REUNION' relationship. And it's stated that there are more editions to come.

I've got a family reunion coming up in July 2007, hence I'll be purchasing the Reunion journal, among others. The two for my parents to complete for my children are a given. Merry Christmas, Mom and Poppy. ;-)

For friends old and new who encourage my need to scribe to keep memories alive, Pamela, Sarah, Borders, Paperchase and Winston, you've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

Weekend Round-Up

I haven't yet determined how much disclosure will be given when it relates to my family and friends in this space. I love the idea of publicly acknowledging them, but I don't want folks to start feeling uncomfortable about their exchanges with me for fear that all or a portion of our encounters' details will be relayed here.

We're talking friends and family, and as I see it, all interactions aren't meant for public consumption. So while I take a little more time to determine how I'm going to maintain a delicate balance, let me just say this:

Hubby-Honey, it goes without saying I'm grateful for you everyday. But I'm saying it now for all to see and know. Through thick and thin, you're my cherished partner in life--thank you infinity.

And to you, BD, CD, THS, RS, ET, BS, KC, ND, TBW, 'LB, DH, DS, CB, RM, DH, GA and LO:

You did or said something that meant a lot to me this past week, and I appreciate it. You've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

Raising Some Eyebrows

For the last two weeks, every time I look in the mirror, I smile.

I keep my eyebrows tamed through threading. For the last four years I've gone to an Indian beauty shop and had the procedure done for $5. I'd been happy there until the technician I was going to left, without a forwarding address. Her replacement was kind and well meaning, but she just didn't have the hand or skill of her predecessor. For too long I tried to convince myself that she did, and unfortunately my brows and overall visage paid dearly for it.

About a year ago I suppose, I came upon Saylah Threading & Day Spa. Curious, I walked in and asked for a price list. I wondered when I saw that threading here cost $16, if there really could be that much of a difference in someone taking strands of cotton and yanking out wayward brow hairs.

Well, two weeks ago I gave them a try and found out that yes, indeed there is.

Cue in Sonia, who guides me through the soothing sounds of waterfalls and tropical rainforest chirpings to a private room that's outfitted with a pristinely dressed massage table and elevated headrest. Inhale, exhale, the fragrance caressing my nasal passages is delightfully intoxicating.

Instead of understandably shrieking, "Who jacked up your eyebrows?!!!" as I take my reclined place on the table, Sonia examines them in their current state and calmly asks me about my preference for their shape and thickness. It's as if she knows intuitively that perhaps I'm not meant to walk the earth with one short, thinned brow and another extended, full one.

She listens as I explain the state to which I'd like to see them return, nods, and with her magic spool gets to work. All the while, my five senses are being catered to in the gentlest of ways, sharing together in a collective, "Aaaahhhh..."

Before I know it, she's completed her work, prescribed a nightly castor oil treatment, given my temples a revitalizing rub and I'm looking in the mirror at a face that's been lifted for a mere $16.

And now, two weeks later, the effects are still noticeable. I just can't help but smile. For that, Sonia and Saylah, you've just been added to The Thanks Ranks. I'll plan to see you on $10 Tuesdays from now on, but your work is priceless.

Start Spreadin' The News

This moment, as I type, the participants of Ladies Who Launch LIVE - Atlanta are likely breaking for lunch. I really wanted to attend this event, but prior commitments have made the logistics of trying to make it today darn near impossible. And my 3 month-old isn't yet keen on being separated from my breast for extended periods of time, despite my earnest effort to have plenty of pumped milk on hand for the kind souls who attempt to give me a break here and there so I can pursue "me time" and keep my wits.

I would have particularly enjoyed hearing from Daryn Kagan, one of the scheduled speakers. This former CNN reporter and anchor is launching a new endeavor at www.darynkagan.com that's going to put a new, inspirational spin on news. I'll take some of that--how about you? It goes live this coming Monday, on November 13th. You can find an interview detailing the project and her journey here.

I applaud Kagan's bravery to strike out on her own and engage in work that holds special meaning to her. There are always the naysayers who can't imagine leaving perches where one seems to have it all, but they will never know the liberation that comes from following your heart and seeing where it leads.

For being an example and courageously setting out to prove the world is a good place, Daryn Kagan, you've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

What's My Motivation?

I belong to a MOSAIC group. We've been meeting for just over a year now, and this month it was my turn to facilitate our discussion.

At our last meeting I had charged the group to view the movie Finding Forrester. Given our diverse backgrounds, I believed a number of the film's themes (i.e., friendship, race, socio-economics) would make for meaty material from which we could share our perspectives.

My original intent was to play scenes from the DVD and have us dissect them. But honestly, my two year-old navigates the scene selection functions better than I do, and I had a feeling trying to do this was going to be a recipe for disaster that would only detract from what I was trying to accomplish through discussion.

Then I got the inspired idea of having the different members of the group read the scenes instead--assuming the roles of the characters that seemed to be least like them. How fun, yet powerful, could that potentially be--this group of grown women expressing the words and thoughts of, say, a 16 year-old 'round the way homey named "Fly", as though they were their own?

But that would require a script...

Enter Drew's Script-O-Rama. I find this guy after an online search (gotta love the web), and lo and behold, he's got the entire screenplay painstakingly transcribed. Yeah, it's not perfect, and for some explicable reason anything pertaining to numbers--actual figures--is missing. But whatever. It works.

With a somewhat painstaking effort of my own, I fill in the numeral blanks, make a few corrections, and voila! I've got some choice dialogues condensed to one page apiece. Perfect for our "readings".

Our group met this morning. Given the feedback, I believe everyone really enjoyed their turn at being an actress for a day, as we truly had an enlightened conversation around it all. It was made easy because of Drew's obvious passion for film.

Drew at Script-O-Rama, I don't know why you'd choose to do this, but I'm glad you did. You've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

Joy to the World

I love Cost Plus World Market. I particularly love it during the holidays. I feel like such a global citizen shopping there, and I really do experience a "Peace on Earth" vibe that just makes me happy.

Every year since I've been married, I've bought a Christmas tree ornament from CPWM for each member of my family (first my husband and me, and for the past two years my son, and now this coming year for my baby girl). I'm all about creating family traditions, and this is one that I was able to jump on early.

This morning I was talking to a friend of mine whose husband recently got hired on as a manager at a CPWM location nearby. She told me she had some "Friends and Family" savings certificates she was going to pass my way. Whoo-hoo! As if I needed yet another reason to shop there... I'm so excited!

Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Cost Plus World Market--you've just been added to The Thanks Ranks.

Get out today and vote!