Johari Window

It is not often that I put myself out there for comment. Hmmm...other than the regular posts on blog and, er, every time I request an evaluation form after a presentation... Ok, so actually, I seem to put myself out there for comment on a regular basis. This Johari Window seems neat. I found it on a girlfriend's blog and was interested to see that it creates a graph of similarities: comparisons of how you perceive yourself and how others perceive you. Only compliments are available. Who can ask for anything more than a stream of compliments???

I have taken a crack at how I see myself. Once you pick the 5 - 6 words, you get to see how they compare with how I hope that I present to the world.

Liams Gunna Kill Me

So, this is the post where my eldest son looks back and wants to die out of embarrassment. You see, we went through his Valentine's last night. While completely stripped of anything edible, many of the cards had not yet been opened and given the decent viewing they deserve. And many of them were from girls.

Liam is lucky. Unbeknownst to Todd and I, we have somehow :-) created a visually appealing version of ourselves. Yes, we too are shocked at times. Liam, you see, is hot. In an eight year old, still picks his nose kind of way.

And the Valentine's that he received showed that. There were curly cues and smiley faces and hearts with 'I love you' written on the inside. The only things missing were the promises of marriage and the dowries of candy. Which, when I explained it, seemed quite interesting to him. Hmmm....the completely self-focused boy asks, do you think I could get a guitar? Or a pair of healeys if I promise to marry them?

Sigh. The only difference as he ages will be the content of the question, not the nature of the question. So, uh, mother, do you think Suzie's family will buy us a lambourghini if we marry? A cottage in the poconos? Nice to know that I have created a kind and conscious kid...

Wasn't that a Party

So a week or so back, we had a party at our place. Six couples, no kids, costumes and murder mystery and sangria. Whoa sangria. Things got a little out of hand and, if the one with the pictures would EVER download them, I could prove it. In the spirit of the moment, I am including a recipe for hangovers - and pretty much anything else - that really should be known by all.

Tequila

Do you have feelings of inadequacy? Do you suffer from shyness? Do you sometimes wish you were more assertive? If you answered yes to any of these questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist about Tequila®.

Tequila® is the safe, natural way to feel better and more confident about yourself and your actions. Tequila® can help ease you out of your shyness and let you tell the world that you're ready and willing to do just about anything. You will notice the benefits of Tequila® almost immediately, and with a regimen of regular doses you can overcome any obstacles that prevent you from living the life you want to live. Shyness and awkwardness will be a thing of the past, and you will discover many talents you never knew you had. Stop hiding and start living, with Tequila®.

Tequila® may not be right for everyone. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use Tequila®. However, women who wouldn't mind nursing or becoming pregnant are encouraged to try it. Side effects may include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, incarceration, erotic lustfulness, loss of motor control, loss of clothing, loss of money, loss of virginity, delusions of grandeur, table dancing, headache, dehydration, dry mouth, and a desire to sing Karaoke and play all-night rounds of Strip Poker, Truth Or Dare, and Naked Twister.

A Letter to the Teacher

Dear Mrs. Bergeron

I regret that I am having to bring a case of obvious bullying to your attention. You see, Aiden has come home with scratches, albeit small and sometimes invisible, every day since school resumed after Christmas holidays. I am told that a little boy named Noah is a self-assigned bully and has been responsible for torturing Aiden, among other children, in the classroom.

I understand from speaking with other parents, then corroborating the story with my son, that Noah is actually NOT in my son’s class and does not come into contact with him, well, ever. Aiden is fully aware of this and yet, this terrible little boy somehow manages to push and scratch my son, without ever having to be in the same room. This just speaks to the awesome powers that this child has. He is a super hero bully.

Aiden and I have talked about coping strategies. Yes, I used the words coping strategies with him – he is very smart you see. But, I am at a loss in teaching him how to cope with his invisible aggressor. Somehow, my advice to use your words is lacking in force when the aggressor has no visible ears.

Aiden assures me that he has brought this situation to your attention repeatedly. However, in speaking with you, you remember nothing of the conversations and do not have Noah in any of your classes. What are you trying to hide??? Who are you trying to protect???

I would appreciate you invoking special security measures in your classroom, akin to a HazMat scene. According to my only source (Aiden), this is the only thing that will stop this other child.

PS. Please do not call social services.

PPS. He seriously believes this to be true and has even come home from school crying about the issue. I have heard kids can have imaginary friends. It just never occurred to me that I would be dealing with an imaginary enemy.