A couple of weeks ago a friend mailed me a late Christmas present, generous portions of chocolate, and a couple penguins: a stack-the-penguins game and a penguin wall calendar. A wonderful combination, in my opinion.
"Why penguins" you ask? Well, it's become a bit of a tradition between my friend and me. I'm not sure how or when it started. It may have started when I began using the expression, "colder than penguin snot" to describe some of the brumal winter walks I endure. Or it may have started when I read Daniel Amen's "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life", a wonderful book on brain health. It explains in great detail, but not difficult to understand language, how the brain works when it is healthy, and when it is not, whether due to injury, illness or addiction.
In one chapter he tells of the day he and his son watched a penguin performing stunts at an amusement park. Dr. Amen, frustrated with his son's behavior, asked the trainer how she got the penguins to follow all her directions. The trainer replied that unlike people, she noticed and rewarded positive rather than negative behavior. Shortly thereafter Dr. Amen started collecting penguins as a reminder to himself to notice good things about people.
Now, I'd not intended to start collecting penguins. For years I had already been collected frogs, turtles and Snoopys. But whatever the impetus, my friend sent me some penguins. I retaliated in kind. And every birthday and Christmas since then has included a penguin or two.
As for the chocolate... well, you don't need a brain book to be reminded how good the person who gave you chocolate is.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Cookies and the Recession
Today I read proof that for whatever gains the country's economy has made, the recession isn't quite over.
The Girl Scouts of America has announced that the price of their cookies will be going up to $4.00 a box.
I'm sure I'll buy just as many cookies as I have in years past.
It's important to do our bit to stimulate the economy. It's important to support programs such as Girl Scouts of America, who this year is celebrating 100 years of helping build girls of strong courage, confidence and character. It's vital that such programs exist, empowering girls through enriching experiences, community service, cultural exchanges and environmental stewardships. It's an American Institution. It's a pivotal part of women's history. And yes, I did steal - um, borrow - these phrases from their official website. But I totally agree anyway.
Plus the cookies are yummy.
Not to mention the fact I for one have absolutely no resistance to cute little kids ambushing me the second I step outside a grocery store. All attempts to avoid eye contact with them have proven futile. They're worse than the Borg.
The Girl Scouts of America has announced that the price of their cookies will be going up to $4.00 a box.
I'm sure I'll buy just as many cookies as I have in years past.
It's important to do our bit to stimulate the economy. It's important to support programs such as Girl Scouts of America, who this year is celebrating 100 years of helping build girls of strong courage, confidence and character. It's vital that such programs exist, empowering girls through enriching experiences, community service, cultural exchanges and environmental stewardships. It's an American Institution. It's a pivotal part of women's history. And yes, I did steal - um, borrow - these phrases from their official website. But I totally agree anyway.
Plus the cookies are yummy.
Not to mention the fact I for one have absolutely no resistance to cute little kids ambushing me the second I step outside a grocery store. All attempts to avoid eye contact with them have proven futile. They're worse than the Borg.
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