No Blow Dry

Yesterday's column told of how my teen needed a last-minute ride to school early in the morning, a need that really changed the tone of my getting ready for work time by a good half hour. For me it meant that I couldn't take the time to wash and dry my hair. This actually worked in my favor as for some reason I tend to get complimented more on days I go without washing it. I know it has something to do with the natural oils in my hair, but I digress.

Some of my friends are of the belief that I should have not given her a ride, that she should continued to wait for the bus because the school district rule is if the kids arrive to school on a school bus they will never be marked tardy as the bus is an official board of education vehicle. I'm of the belief that the older a kid gets the less chances there are to show them that you are really there for them. If a kid asks for help and you are able, do it, otherwise they will seek it elsewhere and that's a whole other counseling session if you know what I mean. Plus, I did not want her stating her day with the stress of being late to class. This is what I signed up for.

Most moms are wired to accept changes like this; their day ebbs and flows by what their families needs. If a kid is sick, misses a bus or can only get an orthodontist appointment during her lunch hour her schedule will mold to it, as will she. This is not to say it's not stressful, it can be. Her life is not like "The Cosby Show" where Claire Huxtable bounced through every dilemma impeccably dressed while Dr. Huxtable ( Bill Cosby) made the situation hilarious. However this would be a great rerun to suggest as she's recharging her batteries for more flexibility.

She buzz words

• Cranberry
• Pumpkin bread
• Fold-out couch
• Down Comforter

Right now she could be:

• Putting flannel sheets on her bed
• Dusting her mini-blinds
• Looking for a puppy to purchase for Christmas
• Napping

She could be a:

• Ambulance driver
• Restaurant hostess
• Camp counselor
• Painter

She Vocab

"Momversation" is a site where moms blog, con- verse, and video their real feelings about parenthood, husbands, and the like. These ladies take no prisoners and tell it like it is. She can use the site to vent, laugh, commiserate, or do research. www.Momversation.com

She serves and saves lives...

She can sign up to be a blood do- nor and receive texts or email messages when her blood type is needed in her area at the site www.takesalltypes.org.

She Fit

Don't wait till the new year to lose those few extra pounds. Get immediate incentive at www.weightview.com. After uploading a picture, she can see what she'd look like after she's reached her weight goal.

She quote

"Too much of a good thing can be wonderful." - Mae West

She Pet

Pet photos are very popular this time of the year. Many portrait studios and pet stores have special times set aside to accommodate families who want to include their pet in their family portrait or offer special solo pet-sitting shots.

She's surprised

Bottled water may seem healthy and necessary but it comes with a huge ecological price tag. The oil that is needed to make a year's supply of plastic bottles equals enough to fuel 100,000 cars for one year. 85 % of these bottles end up in the trash, and will take 1,000 years to biodegrade. (Source: ELDR Magazine)

She Fun

"Stewardesses" is the longest word typed with only the left hand. "Lollipop" is the longest word typed with your right hand. (Bet you tried this out mentally, didn't you?) No words in the English language rhyme with month, orange, silver, or purple.

She'd be queen for a day if...

Rooms would paint themselves

She's totally ready for...

• Pumpkin pie
• Sweaters
• A change in seasons
• A good report card from her child
• Green Bean Casserole
• Rudolph and Clarice at Build a Bear; available for a limited time

She's a parent

Internet use and children can cause immediate stress for parents. A safe, reliable and kid-friendly site that allows surfers to design a web page, add games, and other fun things can be found at www.dolliecrave.com

She test

There is a new product that allows her to test to see if her child is doing drugs. HairConfirm analyzes hair samples to determine if a substance such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, PCP, or codeine has been used in the last 90 days. Results happen in 24-48 hours and can supposedly de- tect how often (if ever) a drug was used. www.confirmbiosciences.com

She Phone starters

Would she use HairConfirm if she suspected someone in her family was using drugs? Would she tell the person she was testing or remove hair from the suspect's brush? What would she do if the results were positive?

She allergy

An allergy to peanuts is the most common cause of death due to foods. People who are allergic to peanut butter must avoid it, which can be difficult because peanut oil is used in many products. Read labels, whether for food, medicine, cosmetics, creams, or ointments to see whether the product contains any type of amount of peanut. Many schools have designated pea- nut-free tables in the school cafeteria so kids with this allergy can stay safe. www.myfoodallergies.net

• Get more She Prep at www.ShePrep.com