Replacement Parts

There's a delicate balance between being self-serving and using real life on the air to garner a response. Relating a situation with the hopes that it will stir up a pot of responses is how most jocks toss out a topic. Some hope to find a solution to a particular problem; however, a 'solution' not a 'favor'.

Someone, (I honestly don't want to know who) in my family decided to over stuff a refrigerator door shelf. Smashed in between a jar of pickles, mayonnaise and dijon mustard, and amongst tubes of tomato paste and garlic spread were bottles of salad dressing jammed in and forced to fit whether they wanted to be there or not. When I went to pull out one of the bottles the entire shelf collapsed to the floor break, its plastic rim along with a jar of apricot jelly falling victim. The shelf is now unusable. The clean up was the easy part; finding space in the refrigerator for the extra items is kind of hard but not as difficult as the time takes to try and find a replacement shelf. I called manufacturers numbers and went on the web site to order one, but would only be allowed to order three. I even called the guy who sold me this particular model, but he was already gone for the day (sure he was).

I still haven't ordered the part. But I did talk about it on the air. My so called topic was "dumb things I've got to do today". My hope was that others would call to tell me what was at the top of their list of dumb things to do that day, and I did get a few of those. Yet, I actually heard more from owners of appliance stores and employees from Lowe's and Home Depot who both offer a special replacement parts center. I had one listener go so far as to call the manufacturer to get all the information I needed in order to expedite my order. She emailed me a full blown report complete with order form. The passion behind helping me fix my problem was crazy, as I had not presented this as a "woe is me tale". It's that simple everyday life connection that can really encapsulate a listener. I'm going to fill out the order form kindly sent by a hard-core P1 listener who probably already has a station t-shirt but I'll send her another anyway just to show my appreciation. And, as soon as this shelf arrives my kids are getting a lesson in how to put food away properly; while I'm at it I'm going to revisit how to load a dishwasher properly.

She buzz words

• Saran Wrap
• Duffle Bag
• Tankini
• Sangria

Right now she could be

• Working with a disabled child
• Filling out and insurance claim
• Researching a legal case
• Bathing her dog

She health

The latest trend in plastic surgery is targeted directly at moms. "Mommy makeovers," or mom jobs," are packages that offer to fix her post-baby body with lifts, tucks, and liposuction. A recent poll in Working Mother magazine showed 66% of moms would have this surgery done if money were no object, and 34% would not.

• Moms are replacing their pedometers with a strollometer. It straps onto any stroller and keeps track of how far she strolls. Google strollermeter; they're everywhere.
• She's doing double duty when her diaper bag can also serve as a cool-looking purse. Fleurville has the latest in stylish, cleverly designed bags in all prices ranges. She can check them out at www.fleurville.com.

She can remove her name from junk-mail lists and receive fewer sweepstakes offers when she logs onto www.Greendimes.com. This company will also plant trees on her behalf and monitor her list.

• Summer's way too short. What didn't she do that she meant to do this summer?
• Should Congress control the amount we spend or borrow on credit cards?
• How much is she spending on back-to-school supplies?
• Does she really like her hair?

She'd be queen for a day if..

...her kids would turn their dirty clothes right side out before putting them in the hamper.

• Get more She Prep at www.ShePrep.com