Yes, 13 is a big deal too.
Today Ben, our English child (born in Oxford), turned the big 1-3. So we have two teenagers.
Happy birthday, Ben!!
Now 13
Great transport idea
Sometimes you just have to get there in a car. But buying a car is hugely expensive. Even if you get an ancient beast, the repair costs can break your bank.
There’s a way around this. It’s the Occasional Car Club. You pay an hourly rate and 24c a mile, which includes gas and insurance. It’s a great thing if you just need a car for a few hours and aren’t going far. This spreads car ownership across more people than just you. If this caught on, fewer cars would have to be made.
This concept is already working in Europe. My buddy Rob, who lives in Stuttgart, Germany, is part of such a plan.
It’s not for everybody (and obviously you have to live where something like this is offered) – but it would be a great thing for some people!
By the way, the cool car shown in the above pic – and on their website – is not available for rental.
Check out 300
Social media doing what it’s supposed to
You can follow them here.
I also contacted them via their website and got this reply: “We appreciate your interest in the iQ and apologize this vehicle is not available in the U.S. Your comments and interest in this vehicle have been documented at our National Headquarters, where they remain available for review from the appropriate departments.” Sounds kind of form-letter-ish, but if it’s at all possible that some Toyota bureaucrat will actually read my message, I’m encouraged.
My message: “You should: a) Bring the iQ to the USA; b) Do a Fiestamovement thing; and c) Let me be a test driver. Thanks.”
Now 8
Our daughter Rachel turned 8 years old today. Somehow 8 seems so much older than 7.
She’s our youngest, so the passing of time in her case seems even more moving than with our other two.
Our friends in southeast Asia have a daughter named Hannah. Her birthday is also April 2nd. (Great day!) They also have a daughter named Rachel. We just got a letter from them showing her in second grade. She is going off to college in the fall.
Time is precious, friends! Your time with your child or friend may not last forever… make the most of that time today.
The mutant mint
We went out to eat the other week and I grabbed a mint on the way out the door. Indeed, it was a mint-and-a-half.
That reminded me of my dad’s coin collection. He used to love collecting mutant coins that were mis-stamped in production. Sadly, in a sibling’s divorce, that collection was lost to the errant spouse.
Takeaway: what does this mean to us? Well, a few things:
1. How can we accept the “mutant” people around us?
2. How can we not just accept them – but appreciate the ways they approach life differently than we do?
3. This brings me to why I hate the word “tolerance”. That implies just putting up with someone. Isn’t it much better to love that someone? Even if it’s really hard to love them, the rewards can outweigh the pain.
Great short films
Deidox is a new film production company. Do yourself a favor and check out the three films they have. All are about 5 minutes long and show individuals making a difference in their communities.
Deon is their latest film, just released yesterday.
Simply inspiring.
Oh happy day – MORE
Saturday was such a fabulous day! Not only did Ed send us a package, John and Amy did too!
They know what a collector I am. I fight the urge, but it brings me much joy to collect. And when the collectables take up little space, all the more joy. Thank you, John and Amy!
They live in a beautiful part of Germany, though they are American. Their amazing little town has at least one pastry shop. I can just taste it now… Sigh.
The International Toothpaste Museum is the proud recipient of another tube, and it’s already highlighted.
So why have I published two very similar posts in a row? Well, my aim is not to bore you, dear reader – but rather to highlight shiny bits of life. Both packages were full of shiny bits – and thus the thrill for me. I would guess that at some level, you must enjoy shiny bits of life – or you wouldn’t be reading this. (And thank you for reading!)
Oh happy day!
My friend Ed sent us a package.
What a joy! Many many wonderful inclusions for every member of the family. Each item reflected thoughtful awareness of what each of us might like.
The International Toothpaste Museum is the proud recipient of two tubes, which will be featured soon.
We met Ed when we lived in England. He still lives there but was over in the States for a conference. Though we couldn’t meet up, he was kind enough to send us many gifts.
Thank you, Ed! It’s great to have friends.
Details
Last weekend, two buddies and I went hiking in a forest I had never been before. We had a great time. (Hiking is a wonderful activity you should partake in, given any chance.)
One of my buddies had been there before, and he pointed out to us fruit stickers that someone had put on tree knots along the trail. After that, we noticed many more!
I was not offended by this little non-natural thing in such a beautiful natural element. I considered it art! This artist had taken something out of context to give us all a little bit of strange and unexpected fun that would not otherwise have been part of our lives.
Takeaway: what is a way you can add a tiny bit of unexpected fun to what you offer?
