Why do we torcher the kids? Have you ever listened to the words of Santa Claus is Coming to Town? You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout I'm telling you why.... (no crying?) He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, he knows when you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake! (creepy) He's making a list and checking it twice, gonna find out who's naughty or nice... (ummmm, opps)

  For over 13 years I have been writing a blog on Monday nights. You’ve all heard me talk about how my family runs away as I sit down to write for fear of being the topic when I am looking for one.

Television is getting very confusing. First there was basic television, channels two through thirteen. Then basic cable came along which added several more channels. After that we got premium cable which added about eight hundred more channels (although I still can’t find anything to watch on cable) as well as pay per view movies and events.  

A busy weekend ensues. It started when we gathered with some good friends; most traveling a good distance to join us nearby (to us) on Long Island for dinner than a show; Shelly posted about it on Facebook. Day two required us to cross two rivers (pass through two tunnels) to gather with Shelly’s family for a (pre-) Chanukah gathering hosted by our niece.

I had the distinct privilege of having dinner last night with my book club at Tiro a Segno, the oldest Italian organization in the United States (1888).   It was unique experience having a gun range in the basement where patrons can eat their main course, go shoot (.22 rifle, single bolt) and come back for coffee and cake.  

Power is the ability to direct or influence the behavior of others. Over the course of my life I’ve observed and absorbed instances of others, big or small, wielding power over me. By small I mean ordinary every day people and by big I mean influential, rich or important people.

We were talking about layering. Layering clothing. Fashionable. And a way of keeping comfortable as temperatures cool.

Recently, I was asked to sit on the board of a non-profit in Center City Philadelphia. Anticipation was plentiful. I was thrilled at the opportunity to learn more and help solve a few issues during my term. The board room was full of eager people. 12 overacheivers sharpening their proverbial pencils. With introductions complete, the first question posed to me at the meeting was "Carly, would you like to host a party for all of our donars that contribute at the $5,000 mark or higher in the spring?" "The purpose of the party is to fundraise for the organization.