Blame It On The Rain

Dear Merriam Webster’s Dictionary:

I would like to propose a new word for inclusion in the next printing of your dictionary: rainbrain.

Here’s a suggested layout:

Rainbrain (noun) /rayn-brayn/ • n. a condition that occurs simultaneously with water falling in drops condensed from vapor in the atmosphere, creating a membranous coating of the brain resulting in procrastination, delay of scheduled events, lack of inspiration, impairment of decision- making skills, and general malaise. Can sometimes result in overwhelming desire to drink warm drinks such as cocoa or coffee throughout day, consume foods including mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese, and in particularly acute cases - crawling back into a warm bed for a nap.

This new word warrants inclusion on so many levels – I mean, it would really explain a lot. It could help explain a number of embarrassing outbursts this past week. There were rain delays at the US Open likely resulting in Serena’s rainbrain, and I think it was raining in New York when Kanye joined Ms. Swift on stage at the VMAs, and I’ve got to assume there’s a ton of rain in Washington D.C. Those politicians always kind of look gloomy, no?

Personally, I might blame the rain on dining out several times this week instead of cooking dinner, lack of physical exercise the last 7 days, and possibly for some spur-of-the-moment shopping.

Regards,
Amy Mac

This Little Piggy Stayed Home

"Mom, I don’t feel good.”


“You’ll feel better once you get to school.”


“I don’t think so. My stomach’s been hurting really bad since last night.”


“Hmmmm. Let’s try some Tums!”


“Mom, four people are out in my class with Swine Flu.”


“Okay, go back to bed!”


Usually I’m not such a pushover. Especially when I have a business meeting that’s been on the books for weeks. Around our house, if you are not aflame with fever or having some very serious intestinal distress you’re not staying home.


Except of course when H1N1 (who comes up with these names? H1N1 sounds like an algebraic equation I never learned in school) is alive and well in the schools. The fact that my daughter’s friend who was at our house late last week is out with the swine flu was enough for me – I caved and let my daughter stay home.


The nightly news reports the economic impact of H1N1 (maybe we could call it Porky’s Pandemic– that has a nice ring) could be serious. Companies are preparing crisis plans for significant numbers of absentee staff.


No matter the size of our business – or if we’re simply running a household – it's time to get our crisis plan ready. Discover your email program’s auto reply function. Find a colleague who can step in to cover your urgent tasks. Become an expert at determining what absolutely must be done in a given day (for example, getting an important business proposal out the door … or feeding your family) and what can be delayed until you’re feeling better (web site updates, cooking intricate gourmet-type meals.)


It’s lunchtime, so I’m going to check if my little piggy wants roast beef, or if my little piggy wants none. But if anybody tries to go “wee-wee-wee” all the way home, I’m taking them straight to the doctor.

Just May Feel Like Singing Autumn Song

I love Autumn. Everything about it makes me happy– the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg, the nip in the air, the glorious colors of the changing leaves, fall festivals, carving pumpkins, red and gold mums placed carefully around the front porch and the back deck.

So yesterday when I needed a light jacket while playing tennis (on the first day of Sept. in Atlanta, trust me – that’s unusual) I realized it was time to pack away summer things and prepare to usher in the sights and smells of fall.

Which meant coming straight home and lighting every single summer-smelling candle that I own. Out with the “Bob’s Flower Shoppe” and in with the “Pumpkin Spice.” I spent much of my afternoon shouting out warnings – “Don’t get too close to that candle!”

I am a big believer in every season having its’ own distinct “environment.” I do not like to see bathing suit displays in January (unless of course I am packing for a tropical vacation.) Heart-shaped cookies in October take away from such confections in February. Christmas music in July is akin to wearing your clothes backwards – you can do it, but it just isn’t right.

So whether you create wonderful jewelry, concoct art-museum-quality pottery, or just endeavor to create a certain atmosphere in your home … now is the time to decide how to use the season to your advantage.

With college football kicking-off this weekend, Halloween around the corner, and Thanksgiving and Christmas just beyond … opportunities abound for small business owners. I’m thinking of using the “It’s a Treat to Work With You!” theme and sending an assortment of candies to potential and current clients.

The trick will be to package the treats and get them out the door before they are gobbled up by the turkeys at my house!

As we like to say south of the Mason-Dixon line … Happy Fall, Y’all!