FRIDAY FAST ONES

1.)   Had a discussion about fraternities before our book club meeting got onto the book discussion (those packs organizations.  I was very happy that my son, actually, I was also glad my daughters had no interest in "Greek Life."

of you in a book club know how THAT goes...) and there was agreement that the boys act like tools when they get together in these

It seems like the kids in those groups fall into negative and sexist roles at a time in their lives when they should be opening up and looking at each other as individuals and equals. 

But of course we can't get away from the sexism even as "grown-ups."  Witness Bloomberg's Businessweek:  the magazine's website recently asked readers to vote on which business school had the most attractive female students.  Geez.

The good news is that they were shamed into taking the poll off their site after a few days.

2.)  I was in REI to pick up an order and there was a mom with 1 little  boy strapped to her back and another one, about 4 or 5 years old by her side.  I didn't catch the whole interaction but the boy was asking (probably for the umpteenth time) about where his backpack was. 

Mom turned to him and said "Look at my eyes.  Now calm down.  Let's take a deep breath together."  He looked at her and they both took a deep breath.  Then he said "Let's take a deep breath together." And they did.  She finished the transaction and off they went.  Wow.  What a great lesson she is teaching her son.  So much better than drugging him up.

3.)  Speaking of sons, I want to say how proud I am of mine. He is going through a difficult time in his personal life which has caused him such heartache and thrown his plans for his future into turmoil. He is handling the situation with a grace, thoughtfulness and kindness that just amazes me.