Don't underestimate what you say.

Way, way (way) back in my "previous" life, I waited tables. In that life, I saw LOTS of people every day. And most of them said *something*, and for most, I don't really remember what. But there are three things that have stuck with me through all the years:

1. "Smile more. It makes people wonder what you're up to." This came from an older gentleman, dining alone, and he and I had been having a nice little waitress/diner chat as he ate. At the end of his meal, he asked if he could give me some advice, and that's what he said.



2. "You're savvy." I don't know that I actually *am* savvy, but a couple who owned another restaurant in the same town, one day thought I was. Not sure why, but it makes me happy.



3. "Sheeeew-eee, baby! You our waitress?" My response was "No" and I walked away to get the manager. It was the only time I ever refused to wait on a table. I should add that I am not now, and was not then, *H-O-T*, they were probably intoxicated.

So when you're out there, talking to the waiters and waitresses, cashiers and baggers, friends and family, and everyone else you come across in your daily life, think about what you're saying. They just might remember it. And for the record, any variation of "Shew-ee, baby" is never a good idea.

Don't Underestimate SNOW! (in NC)

Yes, I've been gone. Both from home and from blogging, but a lot longer for the latter. We got through the holidays (next year, I think I'll just sign off from November 30th until mid-January) and last week, we had a short vacation in Saint Augustine visiting my parents.

We arrived home last night to discover that it was going to snow! To put this in perspective for all you northerners, the last accumulation even worth mentioning was February 2004. Today, it was only about two inches here, and is almost all melted this evening, but it was the first "real" snow for both the kid *and* the younger dog!

Since we don't actually have snow-appropriate clothing here, we spent a good bit of the morning getting the kid in 2 layers of clothes (like getting him in one isn't hard enough) and then we went outside and played in the snow for about the same amount of time it took to get him dressed. But it was worth it. And for the record, if you're three years old, a cookie sheet *does* make an excellent sled.