1. It’s about time they contributed to the cost of their kibble, rather than while away the hours leisurely napping, eating, playing and wee-weeing (not necessarily in that order).
2. Belt Rex into the passenger seat and use the car pool lane.
3. For once you can go through an entire day without wondering if someone is on the sofa who shouldn’t be.
4. You have a 140-pound Rottie and that bully in Accounting that you can’t stand has a prissy little pocket dog…well, ‘nuff said.
5. The dog really did eat your homework, er, past-due report.
6. You are able to immediately spot the sympatico who will let Fifi slobber-kiss – a true dog-lover for sure.  You will file this information away for future use.
7. You’re tired of those accusing where-have-you-been-all-day looks when you get home (even if you only went to the mailbox); now they can see for themselves.
8. It’ll be a great way to meet new friends, lick new faces, sniff new behinds (‘course, you realize we’re talking about the dog here, yes?)
9. You get to finally reap the rewards of all those hours spent training Scooby to sit…and stay.
10. Tinkerbell needs more frequent breaks throughout the day (psssst…that means you get them too!).

So break out your traveling pooper scooper, collapsible water bowl, some puppie snacks and their favorite blankie and off you go.  It’ll be a great workday with your faithful companion by your side!

Today is Let It Go Day (also known as Easier Said than Done Day).  It’s also National Pink Day, Typewriter Patented Day and National Pecan Sandy Day.  Come on – which deserves the kudos?  How does one pick from these gems?  Oh, the pressure!  Speaking of…I believe I just made up my mind.  According to my research, “Resentment, stress and worry can make you feel unwell.  Letting it all go, through positive thought, yoga and meditation, or the realization that in the grand scheme of things whatever ‘it’ is, is not worth worrying about.”

I’ll buy that.  So – here’s what I’m letting go of, starting immediately or sooner:

Stress (hmmm, I’ll try, I really will, unless I stress too much trying not to, er, stress…)

Bangs

Puce (love the color; I’m just not going to call it Puce anymore)

Reality TV (OK, well, can’t exactly say I’m going to as it has irritated and confounded me since Day One, but call it wishful thinking that everyone else will let it go and it’ll disappear!)

Lima beans

Snarky comments (received)

Nosebleed high heels

Zero calorie designer bottled water (how gullible are we?)

Coveting my neighbor’s perfect lawn

Snarky comments (given)

My lifelong crush on Larry King

And last but not least…Scrunchies

OK, wish me luck – now you…share…

Um, say again?  What is, and how exactly do we celebrate, Baby Boomer’s Recognition Day?  To save you grueling hours, I initiated a comprehensive search on the subject.  And since I still have no idea when it started or how the observation manifests itself (resources are conflicted), let’s see what we can come up with, shall we?

First, we need to find them.  Since most sources put Boomers’ age between 47 and 65, you could start at the shuffleboard court, the retirement home or the rocking chair, but you’d probably come up empty.  Boomers are parents and grandparents, working and retired (or a combination of the two), active and relaxing, homebodies and travelers.  That’s the greatest thing about being a Boomer in this generation…there are no rules, no standard protocol.  Even if we’re facing location, physical or financial restrictions, we’ve found a way to move around them and still live our lives on our own terms.

So here’s this Boomer’s idea:  I “recognize” and celebrate all the other amazing Boomers out there…may we keep learning and challenging ourselves, have a ready supply of hugs on hand, treasure friends and family, and laugh at least once a day, yes?  Groovy!

H – is for all the hours of Homework help, and for never once making us feel stupid
A – is for all of our kiddie ‘Artwork’ you so proudly displayed on the fridge
P – is for all the Praise you heaped on us, no matter how big or small the accomplishment
P – is for Paying the bills, so we could just be kids
Y – is for our great back Yard, in which took place some of the best barbecues ever

F – is for being a Friend as often as you were a Father
A – is for pretending to act like an Adult every time Mom got mad catching you being as goofy as we were
T – is for wearing – with a big smile – every single one of those tacky Ties we gave you as presents over the years
H – is for stapling the Hem of my dress that time in the third grade when it ripped and Mom had already left for work
E – is for Eating every bite of our culinary experiments, no matter how many antacids you had to the pop afterwards
R – is for teaching us to Ride a bike – a major rite of passage
S – is for the extraordinary Strength you displayed as you handled life’s ups and downs

D – is for telling us to never give up on our Dreams…anything is possible
A – is for all of the wise, witty and wacky Advice you gave over the years…still fondly remembered
Y – is for the You-and-Me time – we are who we are because of that special bond.

Dad, your guiding hand on my shoulder
will remain with me forever.
(Author Unknown)