With Pretzels, let the Gold lie

Of late, I've been snacking quite regularly on mini-pretzels. Finding myself at the bottom of a bag of Snyder's of Hanover, and thus in the market for more minis, I made my way to the local Safeway. Now I have been relatively pleased with Snyder's of Hanover pretzels but it had been some time since I last patronized Rold Gold's, and I remember them being the very best.

With their distinctive yellow, blue, and clear bags, you'd think I would have quickly secured my Rold Gold's and been on my way. Not so! I must have overlooked them thrice before finding them in a foreign bag of all blue (like common potato chips!). It was only my disbelief that such a popular brand would not be stocked at the Safeway that I engaged in said second and third glances.

Well then you can imagine my disappointment when I popped the bag only to find the pretzels much too salty. It is back to Hanover for me!

Top 10 things you need when playing parent to a 13 and 9 year old for a week.

10. Lots of batteries (It's funny how many things still take AA batteries. Carbon Monoxide detectors and wireless mice come to mind).
9. A fully functional kitchen preferred. Especially a dishwasher. If not, then at least a sink. If nothing else, a variety of paper plates and bowls and plastic utensils. Microwave is a must.
8. A job with flexible hours.
7. Internet access. For 9 y/o, Webkinz (trust me).
6. Video rental membership (netflix plus a brick and mortar).
5. A car that gets good gas mileage.
4. At least two food delivery services available to your house (pizza and Chinese suggested).
3. A cell phone service with an "in network" and unlimited text messaging.
2. Sleep overs AT THE FRIEND'S house.
1. Love. Or a severe lack of personal neediness. At the very least, patience. Some wisdom helps, but may not be crucial for just one week.

Not all new is bad news.

I was talking with my parents the other day about their upcoming trip to Crete. I had just heard a news segment on the island. Our exchange went like so:

Me: "So I heard about Crete in the news today."
Mom: "Uh oh, not a bombing, I hope!"
Me: "Oh my... hahahhaha, no no. It was about how nice the people are there. But it's interesting that that was the first thing that came to mind."

And so it is that some news is good news, even if you have to listen to NPR to hear it.