It's Friday morning.  I haven't had coffee (yet).  And I just read a parenting article (what the heck ay?!). 

.

Today is the birthday of a very important man in my life.

He helped teach me how to read. Well, more accurately, how to memorize what words went along with what page. And how to make my mom think I could read.

Nonethless, a very special man indeed.

And I would read his books in the deep. And I would read them in the dark. And I would read them with some tea. And I would read them with no feet. And I would read them to a dozen little children who like to scream. And I would read them all alone, just me.

Yes, Sam, I would read his books anywhere.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss

You helped me grow into the strange (creative) creature I am. Who lives with Who's and Thing One and Thing Two's. Who tries different foods and see's wisdom in fools.

ps, I blame my common disconcern for 'done' hair, on you. You taught me early, straight up is cool. ;)

Last night, I flossed for the 30th night in a row. :)

Habit established.


As I drove home, thinking about how I was about to floss for the 30th time and thereby meet my goal, I suddenly pictured a little calendar covered with stickers. My childhood. Oh yes, lists, and stickers and check-offs! That is what you get when you are raised by one extremely organized (definitely OCD) parent and one early-childhood education professional.

And I wondered, is that why we are this way?

Kim, Kristin and I are all addicted to to-do lists. Kim prefers to type and color-code hers, Kristin and I are both big fans of the handwritten (always with a box next to it to check - I love making the little boxes!). There are worse things we could be addicted to. And at least we are all very disciplined and productive driven individuals, but perhaps too much?? I'm not sure. It's just interesting to me how parents' good work in establishing good habits in their children can actually turn into extreme OCD behaviors.

So, I'm curious- you fellow TDLAA's (To-Do List Addicted Annonymous)- did your parents raise you with little charts and sticker's- some form of a reward system based off of how good you were at your daily and weekly tasks?