I've been told that when I was a child, I couldn't stand to be dirty. I'd insist on changing 3 or 4 times a day. Apparently, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Ella has taken to meticulously inspecting her clothing periodically. If there are any crumbs or, God forbid, something wet like juice, she immediately strips and brings them to you, declaring "it's messy" or "it's wet." As if to say "This has become soiled. Please burn it." It was cute at first, until she started doing it while company was over, or playing outisde with the neighbor kid, or while standing in line at the bank... Speaking of not falling far from the tree, the other night she fell out of bed. Man was she pissed. This one she didn't get from me, as I've always slept like the dead - but Giuia's parents tell me she was never allowed to use the top bunk as a child...

Among the books on my office shelf, I keep two in particular within arm's reach: FM 21-100 - Military Leadership, given to me when I made Sergeant, and a 1937 edition of How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, given to me by my stepfather. If you've ever worked with me (let alone for me), you may be surprised to know that it's the latter I reach for when I'm dealing with a real ass at work. Why? Because it's heavier, and much more likely to leave a bruise when thrown.