Fringe [list] Benefits

When I got out of the shower this morning, Ben was awake (as opposed to me having to practically shake him by the shoulders while offering bribes of jelly toast and a cartoon).  When I went over to his room, he had "made his bed" (which entailed flattening out his blanket atop the fitted sheet).  When I asked him about it, he said it was because he noticed that I'd been doing it every morning and he "wanted to do that too."  CUTE!

Now I just need to convince him to make mine too.  (wink, wink)

While I'm here, a few more updates:

#4 Vote in all city and county elections.
I had an interesting experience during yesterday's election.  Long story short, I made my selections, pressed 'cast ballot', received an error that said 'ERROR, ballot canceled, see pollworker' and an ejected card, then saw the pollworker who then argued with me that my ballot was in fact cast. With 3 kids, I wasn't able to argue long. Evidently I was not the only person to receive an error after voting.  I thought about it all night long, and contacted the Board of Elections this morning.  I felt terrible for not pursuing it further on the spot.  I feel selfish for admitting it, but I just didn't have the energy with the kids in tow.  Now I feel slightly vindicated for at least reporting it.  To make matters more exciting, the race was so close (there was no majority won) that there is a runoff on December 1st.  I'll have another chance to make my vote count.  This time, I think I'll vote sans kids.  (But pat on the back to myself for taking an interest in local politics and being a responsible adult!)

#29 Convince my mother to schedule her mammogram.
This might well be the most difficult one on the list.  I know that she does not respond well to badgering, and unfortunately that's the best idea I have.  Last week, I sent her a heartfelt plea in the mail last in an attempt to appeal to her emotional side (if not for yourself, do it for your family, blah blah blah).  It wasn't a guilt-trip AT ALL.  ;)  No appointment made...yet.

#40 Begin and maintain a prayer journal.
I started it on Monday night.  I'm so looking forward to seeing how my prayers are answered.