We have had a dilemma over the past couple months with Cohen writing his name upside down and backwards. He would prefer to read what the teacher and I write upside down. The daycare told us to wait for a while before we really become concerned, so we did...Until today.

Cohen was looking at Bob's Toyota hat. I asked him if he could tell me what it said and he just shrugged it off. A little while later when he thought we weren't paying attention, he read it...however, it was upside down and backwards. So, I googled it. Can you believe there were 4.5 MILLION results for this?????? Anything from dyslexia and dysgraphia to dyscalculic. Haven't heard of all of those, but I started reading a couple of the blogs. People were doctors, CEOs, all kinds of intelligent...and they could all read upside down and backwards. Some could write in mirror images, however, most of them could not do math in the same fashion.

So, of course, I had to try it. You know something...my mom and I both read better upside down & backwards than normal!!!!!!!!! In some situations, it's a hereditary condition linked to ADHD and such. So, now I'm going to start on Monday contacting the local district to see what we need to do to get him ready for school.

Interesting finding: Leonardo daVinci used to write in his journals backwards!

I was in an impromptu meeting this morning with a taxpayer. It dawned on me that I may be his "pay-it-forward". If you haven't seen the movie, you must. It makes the absolute most sense. Anyway...he had fallen on some hard times, fell behind on taxes and such; this is my second encounter with the same person (the first time I turned him away). After listening to his story I realized this was my opportunity to right a wrong, to help out a member of society that may actually have to go under or shut their doors because of me. It was very disconcerning to think a man working 40 years in the same place would have to stop what he loves doing just because I couldn't comp a few fees.



Next week is Thanksgiving and I believe this is truly the first year I have thought about what it means. Even as a child making the pilgrim and indian paraphenalia in school, I don't think I thought deeply about it. This year I look back on all the preparation (we're using a map as the tablecloth; making turkeys from pine cones, feathers, and pipe cleaners; making Mayflowers out of construction paper and tooth picks) not to mention the food, but that's not my area. My favorite Great Aunt is coming down from Ohio this year (she's 85 and this may be the last time I see her). I started thinking that my family has never gone around the table to say what they are thankful for, so this year is going to be the beginning of a new tradition. I want the boys to appreciate what types of people they have in their life. Love people for their differences as well as their sameness. Be giving of support and you will receive more than you ever imagined.

Benjamin was laying in bed Wednesday night and said innocently enough, "If Obama gets in the White House, he's going to put in a basketball court." My jaw dropped to the floor!!!!!! I have a two-prong theory on this...ONE: I minored in Peace in college and had my mom for a mother, so my days of seeing color have not even started, TWO: Once I moved to Alabama, I am convinced my father was of-color. The hair, the rhythm, the love of music, etc. Not that it makes a difference, except in hair care products (I have finally found my happy place with curls with the help of ethnic hair products).

Anyway, here I am appauled at the reference wondering if the school is making racist remarks to my impressionable little boy. (Yes, there are some areas racism runs rampant down here.) Anywho, then he starts spouting off the requirements to be president, the requirements to vote, asking Bob and I questions as if my mouth could drop open even farther. The child is in FIRST grade!!! He asked if we were going to run for president when we were old enough, if we are going to vote since it is our obligation to our country, who we're voting for and why!

HELLLLLLLLOOOOO!!!!! You are 6! He proceeded to tell us that John McCain's daughter wants to put more art in the White House if he's elected. They both have two daughters and are married. I have sent a note to his teacher inquiring about the remarks and also suggesting they should have a mock election. He asked if could go into the booth with me when I vote so he can "experience the freedom bestowed upon us by the Constitution". Good grief...

By the way, he's decided he would vote for Obama, but he's confident McCain is going to win. If he's right, he and I are playing the lottery on the 5th!