For Spots

1. Because seeing stars gets tedious after a while.
2. If Spot doesn't run, then who will?
3. Spots of dirt means that the children didn't wash their hands.
4. Chicken pox just wouldn't be the same without them.
5. A dalmatian without its spots would simply be a blank pup.
6. How can an X mark a spot if it wasn't there?
7. Because connect the dots wouldn't work without those little spots.
8. Spots let you know when you've spilt food on your shirt.
9. Well, they are a lot of fun to draw.
10. Because stripes were so last year.

Joys of the Hunt

Terror stalked the night, waiting for his chance to strike.
The hour was late, and the streets were deserted. Yet Terror would not concede defeat, for he knew something would happen soon.
For the nights had been too quiet.
The flicker of a streetlamp made Terror pause. Could this be it?
No, Terror shook his head, It is merely a dying bulb.
Leaping onto a wooden fence, Terror stared up at the smiling moon. What prize had it gained, to be so smugly illuminated?
The soft patter of paws made Terror's ear twitch, and he turned toward the sound. It had come from a lawn overgrown with honeysuckle, its sweet stench clogging Terror's nose. Still, he noted the rustling of movement within the mass of oval leaves and pale flowers.
Careful calculation dictated each movement as Terror prepared himself. He would have only one chance, and it would not be wasted through haste.
One last twitch from within the honeysuckle, and Terror leapt with claws outstretched.
Warmth crumpled as his weight pinned it in place, and a swift bite ended the struggle before it could really begin.
Terror lifted his head, tilting his face to the sky so the smiling moon could see his prize. Let it smirk from so far above, Terror thought, Nothing with so pale a smile could possibly know the joys of the hunt.

Favorite Family Desserts

1. Pecan pie.
2. Lemon cake with lemon curd filling.
3. Homemade vanilla ice cream.
4. Lemon squares.
5. Rice crispy treats.
6. Cherry crisp.
7. Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.
8. Dark chocolate brownies.
9. Apple pie.
10. Oatmeal cake.

Dragons' Dominion

It was a programming error that released the dragons. Just one line of code, mistakenly imputed, somehow broke the ancient binding spell.
The dragons were swift, mercilessly targeting those with any aptitude for magic. For it had been mages who locked them away, and so the dragons desired a world without mages.
The dragons hadn't expected the world to have forgotten how to use magic, nor to have transforms their ancient enemy into a creature of myth.
But the dragons didn't complain. Such behavior merely meant that there was no one watching for the dragons' return, nor were there any who were prepared to face the dragons in combat.
No, the fools had spent there time making dwellings that stretched so flimsily into the sky.
Such things were begging to be burnt back to the ground.
The dragons were cunning, and took note of all that their weak opponent tried to use against them. Some things, like the metal shells somehow filled with a strange kind of dragon-fire,  were surprisingly dangerous.
Yet despite the danger, those metal shells were laughably easy to beat with a carefully aimed blast of real dragon-fire.
It wasn't very long at all before the skies were once again ruled by dragons, and the land would soob be theirs as well.
For the the weak creatures of the world were on the run, scattering at the briefest glimpse of a dragon's shadow.
Without the aid of magic, nothing could stand against the dragons' dominion.

Packing Tips

1. Make sure the bottom of the box is securely taped. If you plan to fill a box with heavy objects (like books) make sure that the bottom of the box is taped in such a way that the tape won't give out when you pick up the box.
2. Don't overload boxes. If a box is too heavy for you to comfortably carry, then you might want to make it lighter. After all, you might not have the help of stronger friends later on when you need to move that too heavy box.
3. Bubble wrap is your friend. Have something fragile? Wrap it in bubble wrap. Have this one empty spot in the box that none of your stuff will fit in? A piece of bubble wrap can fill it in so your stuff won't shift.
4. Don't pack empty containers. If you have little knick-knacks and containers like jewelry boxes, why not combine the two? The knick-knacks gain a safe place to travel in that means they won't get lost, and you'll feel better about packing your cute box collection.
5. Label the outside of each box. If you don't have to open a box to know what is inside it, then moving the boxes into the right room of your new home will be so much easier.
6. Keep a packing list. What have you packed? Did the crystal monkey get put in the same box as the kid movies, or is it in with the stand mixer? With a packing list, you won't have to wonder where that crystal monkey is.
7. Work on one room at a time. Packing up a house can be a daunting task, but if you break it into smaller chunks, and focus on one chunk at a time, then it will help you keep from being overwhelmed.
8. Have a plan. As startling as it may be, plans can actually work. If you stick with it, that is. Don't change from one plan to another without sufficient reason, for darting about from one plan to another willy-nilly will only add to your stress.
9. Donate what you no longer need. Or more accurately, donate anything you mo longer use. If you haven't worn that shirt in seven years, perhaps it is past time to give it away. For anything you aren't using (and will probably never use again) is simply extra baggage that you don't need to waste resources packing, storing, or moving.
10. Take time to relax. Frantically rushing will only leave you exhausted. Take time away from packing up to remember what fun, food, and sleep are.

Opportunity Awaits

When the road is long, how far will you go?
When the path grows steep, will you make the climb?
When storms rage and shelter seems so far away, will you still trudge through the wet muck?
Will you stick to your course, no matter what trouble may arise?
Will you be the strong back, friendly shoulder, and outstretched hand to others in need?
Will you stand tall through each trial, when they come your way?
Do not delay.
Do not shrug and say, "Another will do it, so it needn't try."
"Maybe tomorrow, it will be easier to get by."
Do not wait for the maybes, though they are tempting to hear.
For "maybes" breed "sometimes", and "when I get the chance".
The opportunity is now, right this moment you see.
And it won't wait for you, for it is already free.
Opportunities must be seized, before they escape.
And put to good use, through each tough time you face.
Through long roads, steep paths, and countless storms every day.
Opportunity awaits.
So make no delays.

Road Trip Necessities

1. A toothbrush. Because fuzzy teeth are no fun.
2. Extra socks. For you never know when you'll need another pair.
3. Snacks. A snack makes the long road seem a little shorter.
4. Cash. Because no every place accepts a card.
5. A planned route. You'll want to know where rest stops and gas stations are.
6. A buddy. They can help keep you awake, pass out snacks, and make sure you don't miss too many turns.
7. Enough time for unexpected delays.
8. The proper chargers for whatever electronics you bring.
9. Water. Because stating hydrated is very important during long trips.
10. Comfortable shoes. Your feet matter, so be kind to them.