New Holiday: Int'l Stay In Bed & Read A Book Day

When I got up this morning, I learned, thanks to social media, that today is Talk Like a Pirate Day. I don't know about you, but I've never been into pirates. Not even Johnny Depp could convince me that pirates are cool.

I'm not going to tell you not to talk like a pirate though. In fact, I think you should do whatever tickles your fancy. I'm all about your right to choose for yourself here. I'm Pro-Choice.

As I showered, dryed my hair, did my make-up, and made important fashion decisions for my day, I could hear many claps of thunder and the sound of pouring rain hitting my roof. I also quickly realized that although it was 7:45 a.m., it looked like midnight outside.

The thunderstorm combined with Talk Like Pirate Day got me to fantasizing about what kind of fake, but widely celebrated holiday would I enjoy and that would have universal appeal.

And thus was born . . .

International Stay In Bed 

and Read A Book Day

Here's how it works:

Stay In Bed and Read A Book Day is a floating holiday that can be used by all adults on any regularly scheduled workday. It will not count against any other paid time off you have (e.g., sick, vacation), although it is a paid day off. You get to choose when to celebrate it each year (see, more of that pro-choice thing) so that it fits best into your schedule. Children are strictly forbidden from celebrating because they need to be in school and they have too damn many days off anyway.

In order to invoke Stay In Bed and Read A Book Day, you simply need to email your employer and let them know by 6:00 a.m. local time on the day you are celebrating. You may not provide advance notice.

I recommend you choose a snowy or rainy day so that you are not tempted to get out of bed, but it is up to you. If you want to stay in bed and read on a perfectly nice sunny day, go for it.

That's really all that's required.

Here are helpful FAQs because I know you have questions:

1. Am I required to remain in bed alone? Absolutely not. If you'd like to have company, enjoy!

2. Is there a number of people I'm allowed to have in my bed on Stay In Bed and Read A Book Day? No. As long as they are all consenting adults, you can have a party, in bed.

3. Do I have to read a book or can I read my Kindle or a stack of magazines? Again, it does not have to be a book. You may read your Kindle, the newspaper, magazines, mail, or anything else you'd enjoy reading. The only thing forbidden is work related reading.

4. Do I have to read? Can I engage in other activities in bed? Of course! I encourage it. You may sleep or engage in any other activity that can be done in bed in a reclining position. You may engage in these activities alone or with the companions you have in bed with you, as long as they're consenting adult people.

5. Can I wear a costume when I celebrate? Sure. Feel free. Playing dress up is fun.

5. Is there anything else I should know? Pace yourself. The last thing you want is to over exert yourself and have to call in sick on the day after Stay In Bed and Read A Book Day. That's just bad form.

6. Can I post pictures of my celebration of Stay In Bed and Read A Book Day on social media? Yes. Use the hashtag #StayInBed and please keep the pictures G-rated.

Enjoy!

Giving Tuesday - The Way to Truly Celebrate the Season

Is it just me or is there something kind of funky and wrong about celebrating all we're grateful for on Thanksgiving and then not even 8 hours later, fighting strangers in Walmart over a Cabbage Patch kid?

Thanksgiving.

Black Friday. (Now "celebrated" by some on Thanksgiving)

Small Business Saturday.

Cyber Monday.

Three days of shopping immediately following a day of gratitude to celebrate our blessings. And this is how we kick off the Holiday Season.

It just feels a little icky to me.

Rather than hoarding $188 96-inch flat screen TVs, when we've probably got perfectly good working televisions at home, it seems like maybe a better way to kick off the holidays and to honor all that we're grateful for would be to share some of our good fortune with others who may not be as fortunate. That would truly be spreading good cheer and would be honoring what I believe Christ stands for.

What if we had a day that was focussed on giving to the less fortunate and to charities that help? Hmmmmm.

It seems I'm not the only one who thinks that charities could use a day of love.

Giving Tuesday was created this year by the 92nd Street YMCA in New York, along with the United Nations Foundation and a number of other influential businesses and non-profits. The whole idea is to create a national day of giving to charities at the start of the giving season. Whether you give of your treasure or of your time and talent, I hope you'll take some time on Tuesday to give to a charity near and dear to your heart.

What are some ways you could honor Giving Tuesday?

• Take a bag of non-perishable food to a food pantry
• Donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (read the story about the child in the logo and why I love St. Jude's) (or your favorite charity)
• Donate to your alma mater (or mine)
• Become a Big Brother (or Big Sister)
• Find a Giving Tree and adopt a child or family this Christmas (most township offices have them)
• Foster a dog or a cat until a Forever Family can be found
• Become a Forever Family to a dog or cat
• Take some cat or dog food to a non-kill shelter
• Take some school supplies to your local school for a student who needs them
• Volunteer at your alma mater (or mine)
• Make an extra donation to your church or synagogue
• Participate in Operation Santa Claus with your local post office

The list of things you can do is endless. All it requires is a little creativity.

You can even share your giving through social media. Use the Twitter hashtag #GivingTuesday, follow @GivingTues on Twitter, or like it on Facebook.

This year, let's bring the Season of Giving back into the holidays by generously giving to charities on Giving Tuesday.

Happy Pi Day!

It's National Pi Day!!!!! And we all know what that means! Pi for everyone! 3.14 rocks!

What, you're not a math geek? Only I took math classes for fun?

Well, who cares. It's Pi Day!!!!! And that means a huge celebration!

Unfortunately, the budget to celebrate National Pi Day isn't nearly what it was in 2011 when we were also celebrating Little Merry Sunshine's 1000th post. This year is more of a "do it yourself" celebration.

Pi Day requires snacks. Pie, of course. Here's a cool recipe for Pi shaped pie from Serious Eats (pic from here too).

And here are some jokes you can tell your friends (jokes from Pi Jokes):

Q: What do you get if you divide the circumference of a jack-o-lantern by its diameter?
A: Pumpkin pi.

Q: What do you get when you take a bovine and divide its circumference by its diameter?
A: Cow pi.

Q: What do you get when you take green cheese and divide its circumference by its diameter?
A: Moon pi.

Q:What do you get when you take a native Alaskan and divide its circumference by its diameter?
A: Eskimo pi.

Q:What do you get when you take the sun and divide its circumference by its diameter?
A: Pi in the sky.

Q: What do you get if you divide the circumference of a bowl of ice cream by its diameter?
A: Pi a la mode.

Of course, you'll want some musical entertainment and here are some songs you may want to sing as you enjoy your Pi pie. Songs from The Everlasting Pi.

Happy Pi Day

Happy Pi day to you,

Happy Pi day to you,

Happy Pi day everybody,

Happy Pi day to you.

(to the tune of "Happy Birthday")

Oh Number Pi

Oh, number Pi

Oh, number Pi

Your digits are unending,

Oh, number Pi

Oh, number Pi

No pattern are you sending.

You're three point one four one five nine,

And even more if we had time,

Oh, number Pi

Oh, number Pi

For circle lengths unbending.

Oh, number Pi

Oh, number Pi

You are a number very sweet,

Oh, number Pi

Oh, number Pi

Your uses are so very neat.

There's 2 Pi r and Pi r squared,

A half a circle and you're there,

Oh, number Pi

Oh, number Pi

We know that Pi's a tasty treat.

(to the tune of "Oh Christmas Tree")

Pi Day Song

Refrain:

Pi day songs All day long.

Oh, what fun it is,

To sing a jolly pi day song

in a fun math class like this. (Repeat )

Verse: Circles in the snow,

Around and round we go.

How far did we have to run?

Diameter times pi! (Refrain )

(to the tune of "Jingle Bells")

Area of a Circle

The Area of a circle is Pi r squared

Pi r squared

Pi r squared

The Area of a circle is Pi r squared

No matter what

The circumference of a circle is 2 pi r

2 pi r

2 pi r

The circumference of a circle is 2 pi r

All around the circle

(To the tune of Wheels on the Bus)

Have a great Pi Day!

Happy National Rubber Ducky Day!

You probably call today Thursday, but I call it National Rubber Ducky Day!

The Rubber Duck was first manufactured in the late 1800s as a way, I'm assuming, to make bath time easier for parents everywhere by diverting kids' attention away from the soap and wash cloth and onto the floating duck. Obviously it worked because many years later, Ernie couldn't be pried from his bath on Sesame Street while playing with his Rubber Duckie. His love affair with his Rubber Duckie is well documented in the video below.



Here's a fun fact from Punchbowl.com:

During a Pacific storm on January 10, 1992, over 29,000 rubber ducky bath toys from a Chinese company were washed off of a cargo ship. Months after the storm, about two thirds of the rubber duckies had made [their] way to the shores of Indonesia, Australia, and South America. Some of the ducks also entered into the Bering Straight between Alaska and Russia where they became trapped in the Arctic ice. The ducks slowly made their way through the ice at one mile per day and in 2000, they were spotted in the Northern Atlantic Ocean. Talk about some world traveled ducks!

So Happy National Rubber Ducky Day! I suggest you celebrate by taking an extra long bath with your favorite Rubber Ducky!

And on a personal note, Happy Birthday to a longtime LMS reader. :)

Happy 14th Birthday to Betsey & Ross!

Betsey (l) and Ross (r) in 2006 when they were 10.

As difficult as it is to believe, Betsey and Ross turn 14 on Sunday. That's right, they were born on the 4th of July and (for those of you who are new here) were born in Washington DC, which, of course, is how they got their names. Anyway, they're turning 14!

I say it's difficult to believe they're 14 because they still act like they're about 5. They run around the house chasing each other, fight with the feral cat outside (while remaining safely on this side of the sliding glass door), groom each other, love each other, jump all around playing with their toys, and with the exception of the last month, have had no major health problems. As you can see below, they're also both into politics and are big fans of President Obama. In fact, they Super Dele-CATS for (then candidate) Barack Obama and were featured on Cats for Obama.

The last month has been a bit traumatic with Betsey and worrying that she had cancer, but as of today, we know she's cancer free, has a beautiful clean bladder and excellent kidney and liver functioning. Her final diagnosis is cystitis and hyperthyroidism, both chronic and inexpensively treatable. The truth is that she's probably had both of these issues for years, but we just didn't know it because the cystitis sat dormant and we had no reason to run blood tests.

Betsey, Ross, and I have a lot of people to thank for their kindness over the last month including the great doctors at Animal ER and Veterinary Specialty Center, Dr. Jennifer Kinnavy at March Animal Hospital for never giving up on Betsey and keeping me (relatively) calm, vet tech extraordinaire (and my cousin) Andrea for dealing with my panic so well, Keefer's Pharmacy in Mt. Prospect for making up all the fabulous drug cocktails for Betsey, Dr. Donna Krochak at Alexandria Animal Hospital in Alexandria, VA for giving Betsey and Ross such outstanding care in Virginia to ensure their continued good health in Illinois, and our family and friends who have continually asked about how Betsey is doing.

Betsey and Ross appreciate that everyone takes the weekend to celebrate them by attending parades, festivals, backyard BBQs, fireworks, etc. They only ask that you act responsibly by not drinking and driving and also take a moment to remember that it's also our country's 234th birthday. The rest of the weekend you can celebrate Betsey and Ross.

Here's a great soundtrack for the weekend thanks to NPR.

You probably also want to listen to the Declaration of Independence as read by the broadcasters at NPR. When was the last time you listened?

St. Patrick's Day

I know that everyone loves St. Patrick's Day, but I've just never gotten into it. I'm not Irish, so that doesn't tie me to it. As for going drinking in a bar, I like to have a beer every now and again, but I've never really enjoyed going to an overcrowded bar to drink til I'm drunk, which is what seems to happen a lot on St. Patrick's Day. And I don't own any green clothing. It's not that I'm trying to be curmudgeonly, St. Patrick's Day just isn't my thing.

Over lunch today, a number of women were sharing their family traditions on St. Patrick's Day. Some of them were Irish and had corned beef and cabbage waiting in the crock pot and had spent the weekend making loaves of soda bread. One woman shared that in her house, they were having corned beef and green mashed potatoes because she's got little kids. Last year, she made green mac & cheese for dinner. St. Patrick's Day isn't my thing, but I love her enthusiasm for the holiday and how she made it fun for her kids. If I had kids, I'd probably do that too.

That reminded me of the St. Patrick's Day when I was about 5 or 6 and came out for breakfast only to discover that my mom had made us green scrambled eggs and green milk. I was so grossed out at the sight of green eggs and green milk that I don't think I've eaten eggs or drank any milk since.

Needless to say, my St. Patrick's Day celebration tonight consisted of a meeting at Lake Forest College, a visit with one of my favorite professors, a quick trip to the beach (where I did not park my car, although I did send a text message), a client appointment, and a quick Italian dinner with a good friend capped off with green frosted sugar cookies. I was going to go grocery shopping too, but why do today, what I can put off until tomorrow?

What did you do to celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

It's National Hugging Day!

It's National Hugging Day! In honor of this important holiday, because physical touch is important, and because I can't be there in person to hug you, cross your arms across your chest and pat yourself on the back a couple of times. You've just receive a hug from Little Merry Sunshine.

Don't forget to hug your co-workers, teammates, kids, spouses, friends, strangers on the street, clients, pets, in-laws (yes, even the ones you don't like), frenemies, mailman, garbage man, neighbors, store clerks (yes, even the grumpy ones and maybe especially the grumpy ones), professors, police officers (it probably won't get you out of that speeding ticket though) . . . . everyone you come in contact with today.

Hugs will make your day (and theirs) just a bit brighter.

 

A Season of Gratitude

I just love this idea I read about in the Chicago Tribune this morning.

Can you imagine what would happen if we all spent the next 37 days celebrating gratitude and being thankful for the richness in our lives? No matter what our individual circumstances, we all have more to be grateful for than we realize. I know that for a lot of of people, the holidays are a time of vast loneliness and sadness, but by focusing on the positive and reaching out to say thank you, I think that seasonal depression could be cured.

What I've learned about gratitude over the years is that thanking people and showing appreciation makes others happy, but it also enriches my own life beyond measure.

A commenter on the Tribune's story says there is a website called ThankingOfYou.com. I just visited it. Go and be uplifted. Post your own story or just read others. You'll leave happier for all the kindness in the world.

Calendar of Gratitude: 37 Days of Thanks
How about celebrating the holidays by giving thanks, one day at a time?

By Barbara Mahany, Chicago Tribune, November 22, 2009

It's the season of too, too much. Too much to do. Too many places to be. Too much for just one run-ragged soul.

Well, here's Plan B.

How about transforming this into a Season of Gratitude, one in which you put into practice the daily habit of being thankful, and doing so in ways unmistakable?

We've created a get-you-started game plan -- actions you can take or thoughts to consider -- that stretches from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day. Give 'em a whirl. Or invent your own.

Nov. 26 Sure, it's a crazy day in the kitchen, but try to carve out some time to take a walk anywhere you can hear birds sing or the crunch of leaves beneath your shoes. Whisper thank you to the Earth for all its bounty. And while you're at it, compose a list of all that's been good since last Thanksgiving.

Nov. 27 (Eid al-Adha) Make this One More Day of Giving Day. Take some leftovers to someone who could use a lift. And a turkey on rye.

Nov. 28 What if you had only one day left to live? Whom would you call to thank? Start dialing.

Nov. 29 Track down and thank a beloved teacher. Write a letter telling her/him a lesson you learned that you've never forgotten.

Nov. 30 Talk to someone whose life is bumpier than yours and ask what she or he feels grateful for. Remember how blessed you are.

Dec. 1 "If the only prayer you said in your whole life was 'Thank you,' that would be enough." -- German philosopher Meister Eckhart

Dec. 2 Tonight is the first full moon of the month, called "Long Night Moon," "Moon Before Yule" or "Full Cold Moon" by American Indians. Take a moon walk, and consider the gift of that night light that waxes and wanes but always guides our way.

Dec. 3 When gathered with family or friends, tell each person one thing you've learned from him/her. Give everyone a turn to do the same.

Dec. 4 Is there someone at work who makes you smile every day? Write an anonymous note of praise to that person's boss. Leaving no trace of who wrote it, drop a copy of the note on that someone's desk.

Dec. 5 Teach the children in your life to say thank you. When you tuck them in bed, ask what they're most thankful for that happened that day.

Dec. 6 (Feast of St. Nick) Be thankful for the good dose of childlike wonder that can still be sparked in your heart.

Dec. 7 Before you leave the house this morning, remember to be thankful for the place that keeps you safe from life's storms.

Dec. 8 Write a letter of thanks to your parents, or someone who was your "other mother," even if they're no longer alive. Share the letter with your own family.

Dec. 9 Declare today Hold Open Doors and Yield for Traffic Day. (If you don't drive, give up your seat on the bus or the train.) Think of how warm it makes you feel when someone does the same for you, and offer up thanks to all the unsung souls who've paved your way with kindness.

Dec. 10 Consider a life without complaints. Begin today. Cut yourself off if you hear yourself starting to whine, or complain about just about anything. Recruit anti-complaint compatriots. Maybe even launch an army of non-complainers. Try to make it all day without one lousy complaint. Check out AComplaintFreeWorld.org, a Web site that aims to end complaining.

Dec. 11 (Hanukkah begins at sundown) It's the season for candlelighting. Kindle lights according to your tradition, or begin a new one. As you watch the last of the candle burn, and the smoke furl upward, whisper thanks for a wish you hope comes true.

Dec. 12 Delay dinner just long enough so everyone feels hungry. When you sit down to eat, be thankful for all the times you don't go hungry.

Dec. 13 Start a collective "Season of Gratitude" book. Leave out construction paper and supplies for page making. Have everyone in the house (visitors too) create a page of what they're thankful for. It might be in the form of a poem, drawing or words cut from a magazine. Tuck into a binder. Leave it out for everyone to enjoy.

Dec. 14 Word has it that the No. 1 most sought-after item at plenty of homeless shelters, besides coats and mittens, is deodorant. Toothpaste and soap are always welcome too. Why not donate deodorant (as well as other useful supplies) at the nearest shelter?

Dec. 15 If you spot someone in the armed forces in line for a sandwich or drink, consider picking up the tab.

Dec. 16 When you open your eyes this morning, think of three things for which you are deeply thankful. Live a grateful day.

Dec. 17 Ever think how hard it is to deliver all that holiday mail? Greet your mail carrier with a jazzy pair of thick socks. And a note: "Thanks for all your schlepping."

Dec. 18 Place paper and pencil on everyone's pillow, with instructions to write one thing that made them purr like a cat today. At breakfast, read the notes aloud.

Dec. 19 Be Kind to Your Feathered Friends Day. Grab pine cones, smear them with peanut butter, roll in birdseed and stud with dried cranberries. Tie with a loop of red yarn or plain string. Hang outside on trees or bushes.

Dec. 20 Take a walk and get a full dose of sunshine. Consider the bounty that begins with the rising of each day's burning orb of solar heat.

Dec. 21 (winter solstice) Celebrate the darkness. Gather a few good souls after sundown, or go it alone. Make a bonfire or simply light candles. Tradition has it that fires are sparked on the longest night to help the sun get its job done. Give thought to the life that's birthed out of darkness. Remember: Through darkness come shards of light. Be thankful for dark spells.

Dec. 22 Begin a perpetual gratitude list. Whenever you think of it, jot down something for which you are eternally grateful. On bad days, when you can't think of a thing to be thankful for, read your list.

Dec. 23 Is there a checker at your market who almost always makes you laugh? Write a thank-you note, and hand it over just as you're leaving.

Dec. 24 Think of someone in your neighborhood who could use a little extra cheer (or who has been superkind to you). Drop off the fixings for a grand breakfast.

Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) Sometimes on the days billed as Big Ones, it's hard to live up to expectations. Try this: Get up before anyone else. Light a candle. Look out the window and quietly count your blessings.

Dec. 26 (Kwanzaa begins/Boxing Day) Once upon a time, this was a day for gifting all those who had to toil on Christmas Day. Why not revive the tradition by thinking of someone who keeps your world afloat throughout the year? Maybe it's a bus or taxi driver. Or your doctor's answering service. Write a love note to your personal lifesaver.

Dec. 27 Send a different kind of thank you. Instead of just writing a thank-you note for some treasure you received for the holidays, take a picture and make it into a postcard. Scribble a few words about how much the something meant to you, and drop your postcard in the mail.

Dec. 28 Find a copy of "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide" (Alfred A Knopf, 2009, $27.95), by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. You'll find lists of organizations to aid needy women around the world. LMS NOTE: There's also a Half the Sky website where you'll find valuable information.

Dec. 29 Share a cup of cocoa with a beloved child and explain just why you consider him or her a never-ending treasure. Seal the deal with a boa-constricting hug.

Dec. 30 Think of something extraordinarily kind someone once did for you. Be on the lookout for someone you can gift with random kindness.

Dec. 31 (New Year's Eve) Here's your once-in-a-blue-moon chance to wind up the year bursting with gratitude. Yup, it's the second full moon of the month, so consider enlisting a Once-in-a-Blue-Moon Brigade. Gather friends, cook up a big pot of soup or chili, with all the fixings. Deliver to your nearest soup kitchen, or a shut-in in your neighborhood.

Jan. 1 (New Year's Day) A fabulous day to begin living a full year of gratitude. How about considering the blessings you bring to this world? Yes, you. If you fill yourself to the brim with a sense of how grateful you are for yourself and your own goodness, think how much easier it will be to discover gratitude all around you in the year that's just unfolding.

Yesterday Was National Fist Bump Day and I Missed It!

I'm usually right on top of holidays, especially important ones (note: someone very important is having a birthday in a mere 12 days and you don't want to be the one person who forgot!). I have no idea how I missed this, but evidently yesterday was National Fist Bump Day (and here), which also means it was the anniversary of now President Barack Obama securing the Democratic nomination.

How did you celebrate National Fist Bump Day?

Uno - The Best Christmas Gift Ever

I've previously discussed the Christmas my brother and I received our only Christmas gift (yep, just one apiece) from the local Giving Tree. After reading that post, my mom reminded me about a very important part of that Christmas. In addition to the individual gift Dave and I each received, we received a family gift.

That gift was the card game Uno. Just a simple deck of cards. Well, special cards. Uno can't be played with a regular deck. Back then, I bet a deck of Uno cards couldn't have cost more than $1. 26 years later, it only costs $3.99.

As a family, my mom, Dave, and I spent countless evenings sitting around the kitchen table playing Uno and talking. My mom reminded me that although we'd always come home from school and reply to the question of "what did you learn today" with "nothing," when we were playing Uno, Dave and I both opened up and that's how she always learned what was going on with us.

Uno isn't a complicated or fancy game. In fact, it's unbelievably simple. Maybe that was the beauty of it. Whatever it was, it brought our family many nights of fun together and kept our us together during some truly difficult and painful times.

All these years later, whenever I donate to the local Giving Tree at Christmas, I always pick up an Uno game. I hope it brings other families as much joy as it brought mine.

Generosity Rules!

You've probably heard about this story on the national news - I saw it on CNN and the NBC news tonight - but I actually read about it on Friday and don't know why it took me so long to write about it.

During these tough economic times when so many businesses are going under, many more are laying people off, and even more are cutting back or eliminating holiday bonusess altogether (note: If you're the CEO of a financial institution or one of the Big 3, you must not get a holiday bonus for the rest of your life), it's heartwarming to see an employer that went out of their way to reward their employees.

Waukegan business gives out giant bonuses
Associated Press in the Daily Herald, November 28, 2008

Dave Tiderman wondered if the decimal point was in the wrong place when he opened his $35,000 company bonus. Jose Rojas saw his $10,000 check and thought, "That can't be right."

Valentin Dima watched co-workers breaking down in tears over their bonus checks and didn't trust his emotions. He drove home first, then opened his envelope: $33,000.

Year-end bonuses are rare these days. Rarer still is what the Spungen family, owners of a ball bearings company in Waukegan did as they sold the business.

They gave out whopping thank-you bonuses.

A total of $6.6 million is being shared by just 230 employees of Waukegan-based Peer Bearing Co., with facilities in England and the United States. Amounts varied and were based on years of service.

"They treated us like extended family," said Maria Dima, who works at Peer Bearing along with her husband, Valentin, and received a somewhat smaller check than he did. "We won the lottery."

With $100 million in sales last year, Peer recently was acquired by a Swedish company for an undisclosed amount. Danny Spungen, whose grandfather founded the company in 1941, said it was a unanimous family decision to thank employees with the bonuses.

Laurence and Florence Spungen and their four children decided on a bonus formula a year before the sale closed to SKF Group, "a gamble that we would come out OK as well," Danny Spungen said.

He and other family members signed, by hand, two thank-you cards to each employee, one in Spanish and one in English. Each card was printed with all the workers' names and the years they were hired. The text expressed gratitude for "the loyalty and hard work of our employees over the years."

Nathan Spungen, who died in 1990, would have approved, Danny Spungen, 47, said. He noted the elder Spungen was generous with customers who owed money. "My grandfather was always charitable," he said.

The new owners intend to operate Peer as a wholly owned subsidiary. Workers have been told that most will keep their jobs, and life at the company hasn't changed much since the party in mid-September when the bonuses were distributed.

Rojas, who works in Peer's customer service department, said he saw fellow employees do "double-triple takes" that day. He plans to save his money for his son's college education.

Tiderman, who started with Peer in 1985 and worked his way up from the warehouse to assistant product manager, said most of his bonus will stay in the bank because of the uncertain economy.

"I do have to put some tires on my truck," he added.

Incongruously, the bonuses coincided with the nation's economic meltdown. While neighbors and friends faced new financial strains, the Peer employees could breathe easier.

"I know people who work for corporate America are not going to get treated like that. And most of the family owned businesses are not going to treat you like that," Tiderman said. "This is something that just really doesn't happen."

Valentin and Maria Dima, who emigrated from Romania after the 1989 revolution, are nearing retirement. They took a Caribbean cruise after getting their checks.

"This company gave us stability, so we dare to spend some money on such a thing," Valentin Dima said.

There was one more gesture of generosity this week. The Spungen family kept a tradition alive by pre-ordering a Thanksgiving gift for workers before selling the company.

"Everybody got a turkey," Maria Dima said.
___

On the Net: http://www.peerbearing.com/

Shhh! Don't Tell Betsey & Ross! I Found the Purr-fect Christmas Present for Them!

Admittedly, I stole this idea from Gourmet Goddess, but she has great ideas, so how could I help myself?



Just please don't tell Betsey and Ross.

I'd like it their new Whac-A-Mole game to be a surprise. Truthfully, Betsey probably won't want anything to do with it. She'll probably think it's too simplistic for her high intelligence and she'll realize the mouse is fake. Ross, on the other hand, will be highly entertained.

Inspirational Thanksgiving Story

I love stories about communities coming together to help others. My only wish is that the press would highlight these kinds of stories all year long, not just around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Obviously, this is also a very sad story, but I am moved by the generosity and kindness of friends, family, and strangers. And if you click on the story link, you'll see wonderfully loving comments by the readers of the Daily Herald.

One last Christmas for Arlington Heights family

By Steve Zalusky Daily Herald Staff
Daily Herald, November 24, 2008

It was the weekend before Thanksgiving, but all through the house, Mike and Kara Landeweer's friends gathered to celebrate Christmas.

A Christmas tree stood in the living room and decorations covered the front of their Arlington Heights home.

Even Santa Claus made an early visit Sunday.

For the Landeweers, Christmas couldn't arrive soon enough. In a bedroom, 37-year-old Kara lay in her bed, her eyes closed, oblivious to the celebration in the next room.

This is likely the last Christmas she will spend with her husband Mike, a Mount Prospect police officer, her daughter Alexis, 2, her son Ryan, 6, and her stepdaughter Katie, 17. A brain tumor will soon claim her life.

Thanks to Elke Kadzielawski, the wife of one of Mike's friends on the Mount Prospect police force, and the Landeweers' many friends, the family had one last Christmas together Sunday.
Carolers from Christian Life Church sang on the lawn, and when a siren sounded, the group began singing "Here Comes Santa Claus."

Santa Claus, Mount Prospect Police Officer Joe Morel, arrived, not by sleigh, but escorted by a Mount Prospect fire engine and patrol wagon.

He came bearing gifts from him and helpers, including a brand new bicycle and autographed pictures of Chicago Cubs players for Ryan and a Barbie doll for Alexis.

When Morel arrived, he handed Ryan a $20 bill - the money came from the tooth fairy, since Ryan had pulled out a tooth that day.

"Out of all the kids in the world this year, I decided I'm going to come to (your) house first," Morel told the children, adding "My elves have been hard at work."

It was a memorable afternoon for Katie, a senior at Christian Liberty Academy in Arlington Heights, who plans on being a nurse.

"I'll definitely be here for the kids. I love them very much," she said.

Mike Landeweer is humbled by what his friends and colleagues have done for his family.

"As horrible as this situation is, I'm blessed to have these wonderful people helping me," he said. "It's truly amazing."

In March 2007, Mike, Kara and Ryan were sitting around the family dinner table, when Kara suffered a seizure and doctors later found a brain tumor.

"Basically, it was the worst case scenario," Mike said.The average life expectancy, Mike said, was around 11 months.

Kara went on to survive surgeries to remove additional tumors, radiation treatment and chemotherapy, and even the removal of a bone flap in her skull when she came down with an infection.

For most of this year, Mike said, life seemed relatively normal. But in August, she lost mobility on her right side and her health began to slide once more.

Eventually, it was found that the cancer had spread to the frontal lobe of the brain.

"At that point, there was just nothing left to do. That's when we decided to bring her home," he said.

She is receiving hospice care now.

"We are here not only to celebrate Christmas but to celebrate Kara's life. She is a very strong, loving wife, mother and friend. She has never given up on her faith.

Kara always put everyone before herself. So to be a part of today is just a true honor," Elke Kadzielawski said.

The police department and the entire village donated money, time and gifts to Sunday's Christmas celebration.

"Kara's a great girl. and it means the world to us that we were able to give them the opportunity to celebrate Christmas," said Elke's husband, Mount Prospect police officer Ron Kadzielawski.

"To see the smile on the kids' faces makes it all worthwhile."

Thanksgiving 2008

As Thanksgiving 2008 arrives, I have so much to be grateful for. Although it's been year full of opportunities that I had not anticipated and the economy has me worried, just like everyone else, I find myself looking at all the blessings in my life.

First, in the material category, I'm grateful to have a home, car, and plenty of food. That may sound incredibly simplistic, but with so many people losing their homes and unable to put food on the table, I truly feel blessed that these are not worries of mine.

In the priceless category, I say thanks every day for my friends and family. I can't imagine being on this roller coaster called Life without any of them.

My mom is truly my hero. That may sound silly, but I know all that she has sacrificed in her life and the challenges she's had to overcome. Her strength inspires me. She is selfless beyond words. I'm blessed that my mom and I have such a strong bond. I wouldn't have it any other way.

My friends keep me on my toes. And that's a really good thing. They keep me laughing and help me not take myself so seriously. And the lessons they've taught me . . . . oh, the lessons.

Betsey and Ross surely keep my blood pressure down. Betsey is laying on my desk as I type and her purring is my favorite soundtrack.

My business and my clients are second to none.

I'm grateful for an intellectually curious President-elect. We are in the midst of terrifying economic times and our President-elect has his feet firmly planted on the ground. He is surrounding himself with the best and the brightest in all areas. He makes decisions with thoughtful consideration, something we haven't seen in almost a decade. And he's hit the ground running and will be further ahead on Day One than any president in my memory. I believe President-elect Obama has the country's best interests at heart and not simply his own agenda. He's made it cool to be smart and hopeful again.

I'm sure that over the next few days I will think of more that I'm grateful for and I'll add them to the blog as I'm able.

What are you grateful for?

Can You Help Spread Thanksgiving Cheer?

The economy is suffering and as a result more families than ever are turning to food pantries for help, especially as the holidays approach. Food pantries, however, are in a Catch-22. The need is far greater than normal (whatever that is), but donations are down significantly. And as a result, food pantries aren't able to provide assistance to as all families.

Donating to food pantries isn't just something I write about like a broken record. It's actually personal to me.

Shortly after my parents divorced when I was 12, my mom was unemployed and studying to pass the real estate test and earn her real estate license. We had no money. Child support payments from my dad were sporadic and there was no alimony. Truly, we had no money. Rather than ask my grandmother for money, my mom applied for food stamps and signed my brother and me up for the free lunch program at school. I remember I was mortified. I was terrified my friends would find out and no longer be my friends. In junior high, image was everything. I even had to work as a runner on picture day at school that year in order to get free school pictures.

My most vivid memory of that year, however, was going to the food pantry with my mom to pick up donated food so that we'd have a Thanksgiving dinner. I didn't want to go, but my mom made me. And almost 25 years later, I'm still grateful she did.

A few weeks later, we went back to pick up donated food and gifts for Christmas.

My brother and I were two of the kids on the giving tree that year. I was in 8th grade, but whomever got my name must have misunderstood because I received underwear for an 8 year old as my donated Christmas present. The look on my mom's face on that Christmas morning as I opened my present meant for a little girl, not a teenager, was one of the saddest looks I've ever seen. I could tell she felt broken, but she tried to hide it. No parent wants to feel like they've failed their children and I know that's how she felt.

Although I was momentarily disappointed at having received essentially nothing for Christmas that year, I learned the value of compassion and helping others. It was more important that someone had generously given than what they gave. And I knew that it was more important that we still had a home, had food on the table, and were together than whether I received any presents.

We only spent a year or so on food stamps and I only remember that one holiday season receiving donated food and gifts (although there may have been another year), but the memories of that year depending on the kindness of strangers will never leave me. I know it's made me more compassionate and less judgemental of those on hard times. And each year, no matter what, I always donate to my local food pantry and giving tree.

So please please give to your local food pantry, even though you may be struggling. The smallest donation will make a huge difference. You may never know the lives you will touch, but I assure you that your act of kindness will change the life of someone. It changed mine.

We Interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled Blog . . .

Note: Little Merry Sunshine has been temporarily hijacked by Betsey and Ross.

This is Ross . . . .

Betsey and I don't often get to speak, but we decided that we have something to say. Our mom isn't here right now, so we thought this would be a good time to write on her blog. But PLEASE keep this a secret . . . she might not be so happy we did this.

We just want to say "thank you" to everyone for their warm birthday wishes. And the fireworks were amazing. Do you know how cool it is to have an entire country declare a holiday and throw parades and fireworks and festivals just for you?

ROSS! What are you doing with my blog?

Mom, I'm speaking. You get to talk ALL the time. This WHOLE blog is about you.

ROSS GARDNER! We need to talk. You are in BIG trouble!

Just ignore her. As I was saying, Betsey and I appreciate the cards and notes and presents and parades and fireworks. I apologize for not issuing this "thank you" sooner, but do you know how difficult it is to wrestle Little Merry Sunshine from my Mom?

Ross, REALLY, we need to talk.

MOM. Give it a rest!

Anyway, the best part of our birthday was the presents. We LOVE the presents. Betsey's favorite is the feather boa. I've never seen her race and jump around for any of the feather toys. Usually, she lets me have them all to my self - I'm quite the gymnast. But Betsey really hogs this one! I haven't been able to play with it yet. That's ok because I love the new balls I can bat around on the floor and trip my mom with when she's wearing high heels or first thing in the morning. HAHAHAHAHA! You should see that!

So thank you for making our birthday, the 4th of July, extra special!

This is Betsey . . .

Thank you Mom for all the yummy birthday treats! I love the new feather boa. It's so girly, just like me! Finally a feather toy Ross doesn't like. Yeah!

Are you both finished? First, let me say, that although I do not appreciate that you hijacked my blog, I do think it's nice that you wanted to say thank you to everyone for their presents, cards, and birthday wishes. But I think there's something you need to know. I know I've always told you that the 4th of July parades, fireworks, and festivals were all in your honor. But they're not. The 4th of July is the day that the 13 American Colonies declared their independence from England in 1776.

Betsey & Ross in unison: WHAT? You lied to us?

Yes and I'm sorry. I just wanted your birthday to be special. And I wanted you to not be afraid of the fireworks as you were on your first birthday. But don't worry, Santa IS real.

Boy are we PISSED. We will get her though. She won't sleep tonight that's for sure.

The Declaration of Independence

One of my favorite memories of living in Washington DC was heading down to the National Archives on the 4th of July for a reading of the Declaration of Independence by the Town Crier before the annual 4th of July Parade. My first summer, in 1993, Attorney General Janet Reno led the ceremonies.

Click here to listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence on NPR from July 4, 2008.

The Founding Fathers are depicted in the painting Declaration of Independence by John Trumbull.

One Night Only!

While most people are prepping for the fireweorks, claiming dibs for the Arlington Heights parade route tomorrow, or delighting with anticipation over seeing the Little River Band, I will be at Arlington Park with Tim and Tony cheering Long John to victory in the Midwest Daschund Races.

It's going to be an exciting night, to say the least. Check out the press release from Morgan Terrace last week.

And, of course, you're all invited to join the excitment.

Long John Strives for Top Dog Status
Come out and cheer Team Long John to Victory!

West Loop, Chicago - June 28, 2008 - Weighing in at 10.5 pounds, and at 11 years old, classifying for a prime position in the Senior Sausage age category, Long John Dornacher will hit the speedway for top dog prize at next week's MidWest Dachshund Races. The races are on Thursday, July 3 at Arlington Park Race Track, beginning at 7 p.m.

"We really hope that he'll cut the mustard and more than ketchup with the crowd, but set the pace," said Team Long John manager, Anthony Dornacher.

Long John has been training, doing morning laps around the block in the West Loop.

"Now that Oprah is on summer hiatus, we don't have a gaggle of Oprah fans lining up to see the show. Their 'Ooing' and 'Ahhing' and 'Is that one of those wiener dogs?'-cooing just offered up a distraction," observed his coach, Timothy State.

Manager Anthony Dornacher is concerned about the fragility of Long John's aging spine. To counteract any discomfort, State has been icing the arch of his back, giving daily massages, and providing him fish oil capsules for lubrication.

"Everything's moving faster, and I suspect he's going to do well." said State. "I mean, this dog is all rib cage and abs, suspended under one supple spine, his bottle nose breaking the wind. I dare any Oprah fan to try to catch him. Sans their gold lamé heels."

Long John Overcomes Adversity

CUE: Jim McKay 'Wide World of Sports' Sympathy Music

Jim McKay: Having recently lost his lifetime companion, Sheleata Kanatuna, to a dreadful cancer known as feline fiber sarcoma, Long John succumbed to a downward spiral of doom -- depression. For weeks on end, he failed to get out of bed.

In March, he hit rock bottom, incessantly licking his paws while longing in the bed all day.

It was during this period that Manager Dornacher left town for for a business trip with his new job. For two weeks, he was in Macon, Georgia, with parachuting Elvi (the plural of Elvis) and Miss Georgia, where Dornacher grand opened an upscale shopping center. Irony aside, Long John was left at home to care for State.

When State forgot to eat, Long John was forced to take charge. With vivacious energy, Long John circled the block. He ran freely, ears flapping in the breeze. A liveliness not seen since before the days of Sheleata Kanatuna's sudden demise.

They say that the body heals through motion. They say that the body heals the mind. And so, through motion, he healed his mind, and his depression. Long John, he runs. He runs like the wind. To be free again.

But he had such a long way to go, to make it to the border of Mexico. So he runs like the wind.

And then injury.

While Manager Dornacher was schmoozing Georgian Beauty Queens, Long John's rear right foot was consumed by the building's entry door in a tragic morning walk accident. What was left was skin, flapping in the breeze. In a role reversal, State scooped up the hobbling wiener, whisking him away to the emergency vet where a team of medial experts patched his foot back together, ironically, by applying glue to his hoof.

CUE: Jim McKay 'Wide World of Sports' Rebound Music

Jim McKay: Long John worked through his inner depression through taking to the streets.

His hoof now healed, he's back, and he's stronger than ever. Next week, will he take the title in the Senior Sausage category? Will he achieve a dream only Sheleata could have hoped for?

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About MidWest Dachshund Races

Arlington Park Race Track - Thursday, July 3 - Races start at 7 p.m.

More Information.