words we love

In light of my other post, I thought I would write about words I love. Here’s my Top 10:

1. Phlegm (if it didn’t mean what it means,we would probably have a child named Phlegm)

2. Crack-a-lackin’

3. Stupendous (my son Zak laughs every time he hears it)

4. Viscosity

5. Diatomaceous (I learned this word last year when I bought some stuff for our garden)

6. Beef (it’s what’s for dinner)

7. Epidermis (Your epidermis is showing!)

8. Swashbuckler

9. Malbec

10. Anthropomorphic

I could probably come up with more. What would you add to the list? Why?

words we love to hate

I read a blog that gave my wife, Tara, and I quite a few laughs. It was about having an aversion to certain words. So, I was thinking about the words I really don’t like saying or even reading. These words make the muscles in my neck tighten up and cause me to get annoyed. I’m not quite sure why. I hope thinking about this will make you laugh too. Here’s my top 10 list:

1. Whimsical (and Whimsy)

2. Pus

3. Moist

4. Salmon (when people pronounce the “L”)

5. Gender

6. Dungarees

7. Icky

8. Pop (it’s ”soda”)

9. Pimple

10. Pew

What words would you add to the list? Why?

Injustice, Martyrdom, and Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day’s origin is shrouded with mystery and myth, but some believe that the primary origin dates back to a man named Valentine in the 3rd century. He was martyred for his opposition to injustices imposed by Roman Emperor Claudius II. Also, there was the Christian reclamation of a pagan holiday named Lupercalia celebrating a fertility goddess named Faunus on February 15th.

Combine these two tidbits of history with some clever marketing by jewelers, Hallmark, and chocolatiers and you’ve got yourself a holiday! Like we need a reason to buy chocolates, lobster, and diamonds.

 

You can read more on History.com or Catholic.org.

Nate’s First Performance

My eldest son, Nate, participated in his first school production today. His role was to recite “Sing a Song of Sixpence”.

 

The best part of your day…

As a man who approaches coffee with an undeniable snobbishness, I am convinced that if the best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup you lead a sad existence.  I would, however, like to think that I approach my days with excitement and gratitude.

My wife instituted a dinnertime ritual this year of asking each person at the dinner table, “What was the best part of your day?” My boys have grown to love this ritual and approach it with great expectation as they display great joy in announcing the best parts of their days. 

I have thoroughly enjoyed this ritual as well because it helps us focus on how truly blessed we are, even on days that are difficult. I picked up a book recently called “Today we are Rich” by Tim Sanders. It is a book about perspective. If you have enough to share then you are rich. If you have life itself, then you have a “best part”, an opportunity, a moment, something, to be grateful for and something you can share. 

What was the best part of your day?