Do Not Pass Go, Do Not Collect $2000

This past Tuesday afternoon, I went over to the convenience store next to my office to get a pack of gum. As I was leaving the store, I noticed a guy that was walking across the parking lot from the bank next door. He proceeded to walk across in front of me and into the parking lot where my office is located. As he got into his van, I heard a voice from behind me yelling to get his license plate number. The van was about 30 yards away from me, and moving further away. Somehow I was able to focus and get his license number. When I turned around, I saw a bank employee running across the parking lot. She was on the phone with E-911. The man had just robbed the bank. I told her to tell them the license plate number and the direction the van was headed.

Later that afternoon, I received a visit to my office from the FBI. They wanted to get my statement. They also said thanks because the man was caught at his house. He had driven straight home, and the police were there to welcome him home. They found the money ($2000) and the threatening note all in the van. Anyway, the thief turned out to be an ex-deputy with the Sheriff's Department.

Hey, who knows, the bank may thank me with a toaster, duffle bag, or something like that. On second thought, I'd better not hold my breath.

An Oldie, But Goodie

How do you write a birthday tribute for the queen of birthday tributes?

Well, Boss's technique is to paint herself as the mean sister, while exaggerating others' virtues. But Boss also has this motto: "Why ruin a good story for the sake of a few facts?" So, on her 30th birthday, let's set the record straight.

I remember Boss's 14th birthday. It came just 8 days after my 16th. My sweet sixteenth birthday had been exciting--by virtue of the number, if nothing else. But I didn't get the surprise party I had always wanted. On Boss's birthday, Michael took me to the mall to pick out a present for Boss. And what do you know, when we got back to the house, all of my friends were there. It was a party for ME on Boss's birthday! And I couldn't have been more surprised. Turns out, Boss was the one who spearheaded the whole thing, ignoring the fact that it was her own special day. That's just one example of how Boss brings happiness and joy to the lives of those around her.

Remember her Happy List? It was a list of the simple things that made Boss happy. (circa 1993?) But the list itself made a lot of other people happy. Each item on the extensive Happy List was written in a different color marker. And though I don't remember very many of he actual items, the zest for life she displayed as she recorded her favorite things is unforgettable--and contagious. It inspires me still today.


Boss also has a great sense of style and creativity, which I've always admired. When we were sharing a room and a clothes closet, it was not the younger sister asking the older one for advice about fashion. Quite the opposite, actually. I was the one usually borrowing her clothes and style ideas. The creative talents of the Boss range from fashion, to decorating, to writing, to cooking, to scrapbooking, to photography, to painting, to drawing, to sewing, to storytelling, to babymaking! (Have you seen what a cute kid she made? --With a little help from Coach)

But, of course, every Rose has it's thorn--and this one is no exception. In Boss's case, the thorn is the razor-sharp wit. Fortunately, unless you have landed on the Boss's list, this thorn is not likely to hurt you. Oh, your sides may ache a bit from the laughter her humor induces, but you will enjoy every minute of it, and leave begging for more.

Wish I could be eating cake and laughing with you today, Boss. Hope you have a very happy birthday! I love you!

MJ loves Peanut

Yes, it was Aunt Peanut who came and spent Labor Day weekend with us. We all enjoyed the visit, but perhaps no one more than little MJ. Usually shy around strangers, friends and extended family alike, MJ warmed up to Peanut in record time--even before Peanut broke out the candy! The first morning after Peanut arrived, MJ asked for her while she was still in the crib. Before I knew it, Aunt Peanut was MJ's chosen source of comfort whenever mommy said 'no.'

I Guess You Could Say We Climbed on the Bandwagon

I'm pregnant.