I made what is hopefully going to be an improvement to the blog by removing the Disqus commenting feature. I had heard from quite a few people that it wasn’t working right, and from my end I noticed that about every fifth comment would disappear for no apparent reason before I could reply. Not deleted, just gone. So I hope if you found it frustrating to comment before that you will do it now. Okie dokie?
This change to the blog got me thinking about other life changes I and others could make. Vivi has been trying to quit the thumb-sucking habit for some time now. Her most recent goal was to quit by her fifth birthday so she could wear nail polish. When that day came and went, she announced “Oh well! I guess we can try again next year.” Noooooo!! We’ve been told by just about every child development professional that we should avoid negativity where the thumb is concerned and make only gentle reminders, but Reader, it is so hard. Any advice here is heartily appreciated.
In return for my gentle suggestions to Vivi, I’ve allowed her to comment freely on my slouching problem. Who knows if it’s a habit developed from my embarrassment over being the tallest by a foot in eighth grade, my desire to go unnoticed in the public school system, or if I just have weak stomach muscles or something, but I slouch…A LOT. If you know me, you are already aware of this problem, along with the fact that I have a funny gait. I saunter, in fact. Imagine, if you will, a mash-up of Goofy and Meg Ryan, and maybe throw in a dash of Olive Oyl. Can you picture it? That is my amble. I am not in any hurry, and I’m pretty sure I couldn’t be even if I wanted to.
Some people have notedly tried to help me out with my funny walk by offering me some tips:
“Stick your chest out, like you want men to notice you!”
No thank you.
“Try pilates!”
Um, what?
“You have shin splints because you run so damn weird.”
Thanks, Coach.
[When discussing silly walks, are you already picturing Monty Python? Me too!]
So yeah, I could stand up a bit straighter. I think that will be my new self-improvement project. Where’s Henry Higgins when you need him, amirite ladies?
Oh, and I’ll also add “Stop yelling in the tone of a shrill siren wail” to that edification list. It is so un-lady-like and generally embarrassing. What would you change about yourself if you could?
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| Reading a book with a grandparent while sucking her thumb might be her all-time favorite activity. |