I’m not a person who likes to fight, even when I know I’m right. I stop and think, is this worth the argument? Case in point:

In my area, we have stores called The Dollar Tree. Everything in them is a dollar, sometimes two for a dollar. My son, the college boy who knows everything, told me that he bought a big bag of candy there, and it cost 2 or 3 dollars. I have never seen that. There are several other discount stores in the area that have the word “dollar” in their name. I suspect that he bought the candy at one of those. He insisted that he bought it at the dollar tree.

At this point, I decided to let it go. Why fight about something so trivial. I would never convince him that he was wrong, and what did it matter anyway. The discussion was over.

And I am still right.

As a parent, we often push our kids. I think of it as part of my job. But how much is too much?

My son M is in the 8th grade and plays an instrument. He had middle school contest Tuesday night. This is just a little solo contest that the kids are required to do. They are judged and given ballots. From what I’ve seen the judges tend to be kind.

As I watched him, I thought, I bet I could get M to do small group in high school. That would be nice. It’s fun to watch your kids perform in different things. When I mentioned it afterward, he said no. No uncertainty there; he doesn’t want to do it next year.

Now, I’m his mother. I could probably force him to do it. Should I?

I think Master would agree with me when I say no, I shouldn’t. M is already involved in three sports, as well as band. I already have the rule that he must do something besides sports. If he is injured and sidelined, at least he has something else he can participate in. Perhaps I am the one who likes music and fine arts and I would be forcing that on to him.

So, I’ve come to the conclusion that I don’t want to force him. If he weren’t involved in anything else, that would be another story, but he is involved. How can he ever grow up if Mommy insists on making his decisions for him?

No, not me. Nor Master Bennet. A coworker.

Cancer. Such a dreaded word. And I think its reputation is well deserved. I have seen people die of cancer; not a very pretty sight. The treatments are hell for the survivors.

I recently found out a coworker has prostate cancer. I wouldn’t go so far as to call him a good friend, but he is a nice guy. I think he does his job well and is well-liked. I have to try to remind myself to stay positive. Cancer need not be a death sentence. But I can’t help but think that he doesn’t deserve this. I am not sure of his age, but I would put him at 50-55 if that.

I feel stunned and somewhat helpless after hearing the news. Is it because he’s a nice guy? Is it because he is fairly close to my age? I don’t know, but it seems quite unexpected. I am trying NOT to think of the song “Only the Good Die Young”.

I went to a dance last night. It was a performance by the dance team at school. They performed a few routines, helped some elementary and junior high kids perform a few, and even got some teachers in on the act. It was an interesting evening.

I know this group has worked very hard. They practice at 6:00 am. I can’t really fathom that! I feel a pang of self pity if I even have to be awake that early. But these girls fit dance into their busy schedules by practicing at a time no one else wants. As I watched them perform, I am struck by the feeling that they are really enjoying what they are doing out there.

For all of that, though, that is not the reason I went to watch the performances. I know a girl who was performing. She came to show me what she was doing. When I said I didn’t know if I would go, she was disappointed. “Who will I look up into the audience at?”

So I went to the dance.

Yes, it is Saint Patrick's Day, a day for parades, corn beef and cabbage, and wearing green. March 17 is Saint Patrick’s feast day and is also believed to be the anniversary of his death. Irish immigrants brought the celebration to the United States. In honor of the day, I visited the History Channel to learn a little more about the day.

Some of the biggest Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations are found in the United States. The Celebration of St. Patrick’s Day became a show of strength of the Irish immigrants and their solidarity and political power. In Ireland, Saint Patrick’s Day was, until recently, a religious holiday. Saint Patrick’s Day is mostly celebrated in Ireland, the United States, Canada and Australia, although it has been other places, including Japan and Russia.

As toasts are often a part of the day, here are some common toasts:
There are many good reasons for drinking,
One has just entered my head,
If a man doesn't drink when he's living,
How the hell can he drink when he's dead?

I've drunk to your health in the pubs ,
I've drunk to your health in my home ,
I've drunk to your health so many times ,
That I've almost ruined my own.

Here's to your coffin...
May it be built of 100 year old oaks which I will plant tomorrow.

May God bring good health to your enemies enemies

May you be in heaven one half hour before the devil knows you're dead.

May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future.

May you get all your wishes but one,
So you always have something to strive for.

.

May the sons of your daughters smile up in your face.

An old Irish recipe for longevity:
Leave the table hungry.
Leave the bed sleepy.
Leave the bar thirsty.

May you never forget what is worth remembering,
Or remember what is best forgotten.

And, my personal favorite:

As you slide down the banisters of life may the splinters never point the wrong way.