Greatest Hits, Volume 1

I'm often asked by the two people who read this blog (thanks mom and dad), which are the most popular entries.

That got me thinking: I need a greatest hits list. I know, don't you have to have a hit to have a greatest hit? But, as calculated by me, these entries have generated the greatest response.

1. For the love of Geese. Hands down, the blog I get the most feedback on. If you're a stay-at-home or working mom, you can probably relate.

2. Super! Perfect for after Thanksgiving, this entry details my thought process after learning my hubby weighs less than me.

3. When Glam Girls Camp. If you're a girly-girl, you'll cringe. This blog recaps our family hiking trip to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back.

4. Bravo, Tim Gunn. You might think I'm a stalker after reading this letter to Tim Gunn where I ask, okay, beg him to be my friend.

5. Financial Summit. I wrote this last entry to vent but I've been surprised to see it's actually helped some.

Enjoy these entries recapping the last two years. And, thanks for letting me share my take.

From the mind of a small biz owner

As the leaders of the big three automakers descended on Washington last week to beg for government -- rather, taxpayer -- funds, one thought kept surfacing: What about me?

It's selfish. I know. But, what about me? The small business owner who doesn't have an executive dining room but reinvests nearly every dime she makes back into her business.

The auto execs flew to Washington on private jets. Is this the part where I'm supposed to feel sorry for them? Where I'm supposed to dig deep in my pockets so they don't have to fly home coach?

This is not easy stuff. I know that. Thousands of retired autoworkers who gave their lives to these companies now rely on them for pensions and health insurance. And, all of sudden, they're at-risk.

But, when does it stop? First, it was Fannie and Freddie. Now, it's cars. If I, or any other US small business goes out, will the government bust out its white cape and save us? Or, will it be up to us to navigate the downside of capitalism and entrepreneurship?

I think I know the answer. And, the auto companies should be held to the same standard.

Why should I believe you?

I was a huge fan of Tim Russert. I watched politicians on all sides of the aisle sweat under the hot lights of his show. He was thorough. Did his research and I perceived him as fair.

After his death, I was really impressed with the poise his son, Luke, showed. Clearly he's intelligent, mature and well-spoken.

But, is he qualified to be a political commentator for MSNBC? I saw him on the cable outlet this week discussing which states the presidential candidates were likely to win. Does he really know the answer or did some MSNBC staffer feed him the data?

I know this happens in newsrooms across the country. Journalists can't be expected to know everything. But, what makes me bristle is the fact he's being painted as an expert. Luke just graduated from college in May with a degree in history and communications. Is he really qualified to speak with authority on the presidential election?

I'm not slamming Luke for being young. I wish him success. And, if he aspires, I hope he reaches the level his dad did. But, his lack of experience raises a good question: In an era of bloggers and a 24-hour news cycle, at what point do we take a critical eye to the experience of those reporting "news?"

Duh, Dyson

Dear Dyson:
This may shock you but it's not 1952. And men, they vacuum too!

So, why, in your ad I saw last night while getting my "Friends" fix, does it only show women vacuuming? And, here's another shocker: Most women (people) don't vacuum in heels.

For a company that touts the latest in vacuum technology, it seems you have an antiquated view.

Gotta run. The boss is calling. Time to get his coffee and pick up the dry cleaning.

You're so lame, you probably think this song is about you.

A special thanks to Carly Simon for that song and to Ryan for reminding me that it's a "sequins dress" not a "sequence dress." (See Revelations)

I'm so lame.

(Regardless of how you spell it, I still want the dress. And, I will wear it to Home Depot.)

The Undecided Network

For the five Americans left who have yet to make up their minds about the presidential election, I have a proposal.

Let's create a special cable channel called The Undecided Network. At TUN, these five folks can listen to as much rhetoric and watch as many political ads as they can stomach.

And, the rest of us can get on with our lives.

Revelations

Last night's Tina Turner concert revealed one thing to me: I need a sequence dress. Not want. Need.

I already have the high heels and red lipstick. I just need the dress.

Where would I wear it? Church. Jiffy Lube. The library. Home Depot. Everywhere.

I need a sequence dress.