Choices

Everyone has them, few make them count. We try, but sometimes fail. So that makes us all human, right?

What to wear, where to go.

What to eat, who to help.

When to try, how to ask.

Why we should - if we should!

Who to love, who to leave.

When to say no, when to say sorry.

When to walk, when to run.

When to start. When to stop.

It's time to choose. Or not?

Lazy Days of Summer?

Summer is normally considered to be a time for a slower pace in the southern part of the country, where I spent most of my childhood and teen years. As summer comes to an end, I must say that it felt like anything but slow. Where did it go? Now I realize that summer in Wisconsin usually lasts no more than 6 to 8 weeks, but this year, we really seemed to have some great weather that actually matched what the calendar told us. So how can it possibly be over?

Fall is officially here today, and all of a sudden I feel like hibernating! The weather is still warm and sunny, but something feels different. Maybe it's the arrival of football season - hard to believe we are heading into the 4th week of the season. Or perhaps it's the birthday I just celebrated. All who know me well are very aware of my penchant for things warm and sunny - beaches, boats and UV rays. So it does seem a bit ironic to have been born on the last day of summer, like some cruel joke that gets repeated on a yearly basis. Regardless of the explanation, I find myself in mourning on this September 22nd, and feel motivated to consider a winter vacation already!

50 is the new 40, is the new 30, is the new 20. What does that say about 20?

September has always been a full birthday month in my life, including my own. January must be a good month for getting cozy with someone special (combination of Xmas gift afterglow and New Year's Eve, I suspect). I have an abundance of friends who celebrate the spirit of Virgo with me every year.

As a fellow celebrant and I were discussing the approach of a new year on this planet, we bantered about the notion that "40 is the new 30" - happy 40th, Shereen! This has been a popular topic of cultural debate for many years, and as I creep closer to 50, I must say that I am curious to see how accurate the concept may be.

When my parents were my age (47), all 4 of their children were over the age of 20. That worked well for us as a family - during our childhood, Mom and Dad were the cool parents on the block (though hardly the only young parents back in the 60's and 70's). Everyone wanted to be at our house, and all of my friends wished they had such young parents. Of course, I didn't see what they were seeing, and thought that they surely were smoking something funny (will save that for another day).

Now, I look at my own life. My children are 2 and 3 (ok, 2 years, 4 months and 3 years, 6 months). In other words, when they are in their early 20's, I will be 64. Yes, 64. In high school I had a friend who's mother was older, in her 60's. She had white hair and wore old lady clothes, and I felt sorry for Jen because everyone thought it was her grandmother. I was so glad my parents were young.

So now I wonder, will people think I'm Charlie and Belle's grandmother? I know that answer, because it has already started to happen. Initially, I was quick to correct people (usually Walmart greeters, for some reason). But then I decided it was easier to just smile and nod and keep walking. One time, I didn't even have the kids with me - I was buying a toddler mattress and the woman at the checkout counter commented on buying a bed for my grandchild. I didn't smile and nod. I paid and left. I If it's happening at 47, what will it be like at 60?

Perhaps by that time, 60 will be the new 40? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, I'll just smile and nod.

Happy Birthday Virgo!

Some Days, I Just Wonder...

FRIDAY, Sept. 5, 2008, 1:05 p.m.

Falls officials seek stolen ceramic pigs
Menomonee Falls - Three not-so-little ceramic pigs created by local businesses to help promote a community event have been stolen.

The search is on for Hambo, Petals and In Sync the Swine, life-size pigs that were taken from downtown Menomonee Falls.

"I just couldn't believe it - who would go and try to steal a life-size ceramic pig at 3 a.m.?" said an organizer of the event.

For more on the stolen swine, visit MenomoneeFallsNOW.com.

If you know me well, you know this....

What Lois Wood Means

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.
You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.
Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life.
You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you.
At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong.
You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know.
You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do.

You are very charming... dangerously so. You have the potential to break a lot of hearts.
You know what you want, how to get it, and that you will get it.
You have the power to rule the world. Let's hope you're a benevolent dictator!

You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row.
You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace.
People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality.