First Field Trip

She didn't quite understand the concept of a field trip, this being her first one. So when we turned down a different road on what she knew as her ride to school, Liv pitched a fit like no other, insisting I turn the car around as we were going the wrong way! Not until she spotted her teacher and BFF J at the entrance of the pumpkin patch did she comprehend it was a "special school day."

The kids were allowed free time to play amongst the different playgrounds in the courtyard and pet the farm animals in their petting farm area.

The tractor ride took us to a patch filled especially with teeny pumpkins like this one. Liv spotted hers right away, stepping into the field several feet and zoning in on a bright orange one.

We didn't stay long. I'd like to say it's because she would have been bored anyway, but really, I chose to wear a hoodie that day and I was starting to sweat buckets. But, all in all, it was an excellent first field trip and a perfect way to bid farewell to the autumn season.

Go ahead, TSA, TOUCH ME!

If absolutely necessary, anyway. I am REALLY getting tired of all this bull about "invasive" pat-downs and revealing body scans at the airports. So many people have complained about these mandatory searches and I have had it!

Sure, if you have concerns about the radiation levels of a scan, you have the liberty to opt out of it and subject yourself to a body patdown. But are people really worried about the x-ray levels here? Or are they just worried that others can see the silhouette of their unattractive physique? Maybe your junk isn't so impressive and you don't want these security guards to know the limitations of your endowment....Or the thought of strangers knowing exactly how many spare tires you have around your middle sends chills up your spine.

And then you complain about the extent of those pat downs, TSA's manhandling your "treats." Really? You opted out of the scan that leaves you unscathed, and then you feel violated? Your choice, buddy.

My choice? Do whatever you need to, TSA! I'd rather let these guys, who won't remember me anyway, get a little chuckle out of the disproportionate body of my fat little midget self than have to worry about my plane going down in flames because they missed a terrorist who hid a firing pin in his ass crack.

It seems to me America has forgotten 9/11, or refused to acknowledge that they are NOT the exception to security measures. So, TSA, here is a grateful American, giving you the invite to do what you will to keep the skies safe. I'm sure you won't enjoy touching this body anyway.

Perfect Planner!

In my exhaustive search for the perfect planner, I think I have found one, or a near-perfect one anyway. The size of a smallish notebook, it is large enough to fit all of my notes and to-do's, but small enough to fit in my beloved purse. I love the colorful contemporary designs available, and mind you, they are available for customization. There is a perpetual calendar for important dates in the front section, followed by a two-page yearly calendar which then continues onto the monthly calendars. My favorite is the weekly layout, divided into morning-day-night sections, with most pages containing a "to-do" and "goals" area in the margin. I also appreciate the included sticker labels that I use to identify set appointments. The spiral binding isn't the most attractive element of the package, but I am relieved to be able to write on the left-hand pages without the book suddenly shutting on me. Instead, the book sides lay flat.

My only big complaint is the writing surface of the stickers themselves, most having too much of a plastic-esque sheen that leads to smudging if you don't write with a ballpoint pen (I have an extra fine point Sharpie pen). I would also want to move the pocket page to the inside front cover instead of in the back, making it easier to access.

But, all in all, SO much better than a Franklin Covey any day, and SO much cuter as well! Check it out! www.erincondren.com