Book Signings for Lessons In Stalking

Wanted to mention a few final book signings I'm doing before the holidays.  Priced at under $10 (okay, a nickel under $10, but it still counts), Lessons In Stalking makes a great gift or stocking stuffer.  I've had people buying in bulk.  My allergist bought 8 to give to friends and family.  I'd say the book is appropriate (as in, they'll "get" the humor) for ages 10 and up.

So, if you'd like to catch me in person to sign a few books, I'll be at THE PAINTED PLATE at 2001 N. Church Street this Wednesday, Dec. 14th from noon - 1:30 pm.  They are hosting a shopping boutique staffed with local artists and, aside from my book, it's a great chance to pick up some unique gifts crafted by local artists.  I'll be at a table with Linda Santell, my book's illustrator, who will have some of her Whimsical Wisdom work for women handy as well. 

I'm also planning on stopping by The Fat Cat in Madison the weekend before Christmas to do a signing.  Right now, I'm planning on being there from 11 - 1 on Saturday, December 24th.  All you last minute shoppers, buy a gift book for your wife, husband or significant other and keep them laughing Christmas Day as they kick back to enjoy it.

I look forward to seeing you at these two events!

Sock 'Em Boppers

Did anyone ever play with Sock 'Em Boppers as a child? These were among my favorite toys.  I remember receiving them when I was 4 years old and we lived in the duplex next to my Grandma and Grandpa.  A picture from childhood shows me and my Dad, both in our robes, with Sock 'Em Boppers slipped over our hands, aiming these huge rubber cylinders at each others chins.

I wasn't sure they even made them anymore because, really, a toy that encourages kids to beat the crap out of one another is probably not the most P.C..  But I received a call from my sister yesterday who, out doing Christmas Shopping, had happened across Sock 'Em Boppers.  "I was so excited, I just bought them!" she said.  "We're giving them to Jake (her 2-year-old son) for Christmas."

Apparently, Nicole and her husband Grant had Jake over at a friends house the other day and the friends 4 year old son had a set of Sock 'Em Boppers.  They slipped one over Jake's hand and POW!  He nailed the 4-year-old.  Nicole said Grant turned to her and said, "I feel oddly proud of him."

How funny is that!  We were laughing that football helmets and judo training can't be far behind.  "C'mon son, wipe that blood off and get back in the ring." 

Men and their toys...

So much for not working...

Blair and I had declared yesterday (Saturday) a non-working day for both of us.  He had a rare day home from the office and I didn't want to look at anything even remotely resembling a keyboard.

However, I did have one little appointment to go to in the morning for Tire Tracks, the weekly featurette I write for the News & Record on people who have interesting, unusual, or unique cars.  We had our 8:30 appt., then started running errands. 

Driving around, we passed a Volkswagon dealership and Blair said, "There's your next Tire Tracks piece." A psychadelic-painted convertible bug was parked in front. We did a 180 and I ran inside to ask who owned the car.  I did a quick interview in which I found out the owner and sons strongly suspect the car sitting outside was the car in the 1999 Austin Powers "The Spy Who Shagged Me Movie."  The salespeople were having a ball and everyone was walking around saying, "Groovy, baby!" 

Then, as ran into PetSmart to grab some food and kitty litter, I did a 3rd Tire Tracks interview with a pet groomer who had a cool car out in the parking lot.  Again, so much for not working.

But what an incredible day. Tire Track stories are hard to come by so knocking out 3 in one day--especially with the Austin Powers car find--felt great.

I hope I can keep up the momentum today, Sunday, which is a working day for us both.

Christmas Cards - Keeping Count

Every year our Christmas card giving gets more out of control.  I blame myself.  I don't like leaving people out and hey, everyone likes to get mail, right?

Blair has advocated for the last couple years that we cut back our list.  "We never hear from these people," he'll say, handling an envelope ready to go out.  "When was the last time you talked to this woman? Five years ago?"

Maybe.  But it seems cruel to cut people from the list, especially if they made the list the prior year.  "Yeah, sorry, we decided you just don't have what it takes this year. Buh-bye."

This year we probably sent out around 120.  To date--and it's early, mind you--we've received about 10.  I line them up in front of the mantle in our front room.  Blair came home the other day and stood in front and counted, moving his finger from one card to the next.

"One, two, three... That's it!  People better start sending cards or," he made a cutting motion across his throat, "they're off the list!"

He was kidding and we were laughing as he said it.  I know more and more people who aren't going to the bother and increasing expense of sending cards and I don't hold it against anyone if I don't receive one.  It is a hassle.  Oddly, for someone like myself who gripes about putting up the tree and pouts for three days when I'm forced to decorate the house, I actually enjoy the whole Christmas card process.  I love writing the annual newsletter and reviewing the year and I get a sense of satisfaction as I watch the completed "to be mailed" envelopes grow in a pile beside me.

So for those friends and family who chose not to send cards, fear not!  If I have my way (and isn't it cute the way I write "if?"), you'll still make next years list.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS ! ! !