Knittas rockin'.

Last time I mentioned I was running the Komen race in October and asked for donations.  Less than 48 hours later my (modest) fundraising goal was achieved, and I felt all warm and fuzzy and supported and loved.  And recommitted to training, so I ran 3.25 miles on the treadmill (well, 0.25 miles of that were warmup and cooldown) to make sure I could do it. Well, and because I was behind on the training program I was supposedly following and was supposed to have upped my run to 40 minutes by now.  Which I did.  Oh yeah, I did it.
Anyway, don't avoid donating, if you're inclined to do so, because you reached my goal.  (In fact, my goal was to finish the race, and I feel confident that I can do that, now.)  Iffin you wanna, do go donate.  In honor of someone you know who has had breast cancer, or in thanksgiving that no one you know has.

A PSA

That's right, a public service announcement for the betterment of our nation.

If you work in a service industry, like, say, a restaurant, do not bring your child to work in lieu of childcare.
If you cannot avoid bringing your child to work for some inexplicable reason, ensure said child has plenty to keep her entertained and QUIET.
If you do not, ensure that she does not make herself at home at a customer's table when said customer walks in, hot and tired and overhungry and CRANKY.
If she does, ensure that she does not say, "Excuse me, that's my seat" when the customer returns from the bathroom, so the customer stands at her own table waiting for explanation from her husband and wondering who the fuck the annoying kid is.
If she does, when the customer asks her son what he wants for lunch, ensure that she does not answer as though the customer is providing her food.
If she does, ensure that her bossy self the annoying little brat the rotten little beast the adorable child does not tell the customer's 2 year old that he's coloring his picture wrong and demand he do it differently.
If she does all of the above, do not TELL the customer how cute the child is and ask if she is being a bother. ASSUME she is being a bother, and take her away from the table immediately.
If the customer finally succeeds in communicating to you that the child is a bit of a bother and the customer and her family would like to eat in peace, restrain the child and avoid allowing her to run past the customer's table multiple times, whispering and teasing the customer's child.
If she does, make sure when the customer takes her son to the potty, your child does NOT scold the customer for bringing the boy into "her bathroom".

These tips should help you avoid having customers want to return with a tranquilizer gun and deal with the problem themselves.

Soft hearts make for sadness

This time of year is particularly difficult for lots and lots of people, here and everywhere. The weather is bad, the holidays are coming, the usual family crap happens (or doesn't) and breaks hearts. The DH has been asking me what I want for Christmas, and aside from a few books, I can't think of a single thing I want or need. It was frustrating, really. I mean, who doesn't like to flounce out of bed on Christmas morning and open up all sorts of shiny new presents? I couldn't even think of anything the Bug wants or needs. (Except more candy, and more socks. That kid and his socks are a force of nature.) Anyway. I wanted this to be the next in a long list of perfect Norman Rockwell Christmases for the boy, with the twinkling lights and the homemade (Mexican) hot chocolate and the perfect presents, but I couldn't think of one single thing to get him.
And then I got the email for our company's Holiday Family donation thing. A list of things wanted and needed by a family that we will donate to. And I was shamed. I remember as a kid making huge long lists of things I wanted from Santa, or later, my parents. Excess. Spoiling. And I always got that, and much more. This family... The father? Needs a belt, and wants a baseball cap. A BASEBALL CAP! A simple freaking baseball cap and this man is happy. His two young daughters need long sleeve shirts and want dress-up clothes. His boy wants a NIGHTLIGHT. His wife wants a beanie and gloves. I can't even put into words what I'm feeling. (Of course, I will try, because I am nothing if not wordy.) Partly, I'm thrilled because, my god, a few of us here can help this family have wonderful new things. Partly, holy crap, my family is so lucky and we don't even realize it. (Partly major guilt because one time ten years ago I took an angel off a giving tree and didn't actually go buy that kid the toy she wanted. Yeah, still beating myself up over it, and no, I'm not gonna stop. The guilt pushes me to do something now.)
Anyway, the emotion bubbling up here is going to make me cry in my office, so we can't have that. What I want to know is: what is the world's softest superwash wool with the most beautiful colors? Where can I get a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles nightlight?
How do I make sure I teach this kid to make the world a better place?

A favor please, y'all

In the past week or so, I saw the picture of the start of a patio or walkway, using prefab tiles that had curved edges. They appeared to be random, but they all fit together nicely. I think they were pinkish or terra cotta. I have searched all my blogroll for that picture and can't seem to find it. If it was you, or if you know the blog of which I speak, would you please point me to it again?

ETA: Nana knew the answer!!! YAY NANA! Thanks! It was here.