Fancy Friday: Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah?

Every year it becomes more and more complicated to wish someone glad tidings during this time of celebration for many cultures.  

I believe we must be sensitive to other's beliefs, however,  December 25th is Christmas for me and my family: a day to commemorate the birth of what Christians believe (as do I- being a Christian) was the day of Christ's birth on this earth; Christ being my Lord and Savior. 

Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar.  the Menorah has many symbolic meanings to the Jewish culture that are beautiful and spiritual.

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration held in the United States (and more recently, Canada). The celebration honors African heritage in African-American culture, and is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving.  Much more is said about Kwanzaa here that is profound and meaningful.  

My point in writing this post is to point out that we too easily get offended when one person says to another (perhaps of different beliefs) Merry Christmas, or Happy Holidays.  I do not wish to take CHRIST out of Christmas, the very opposite.  This is a time for my family that is very sacred to me, that I love and cherish every year.  

I do realize (for all of you out there reading my blog) that this is an etiquette and manners blog, which is precisely why I am writing it.  I think Emily Post herself would roll over in her grave.  At no such time was there a belief that having good manners meant rolling over and playing dead so someone could walk all over us.  I certainly am tired of doing that and refuse to allow it any further in my life.  Call a spade a spade and lets keep it moving!

The fact that the White House called the Christmas Trees "Holiday Trees" this year is insulting.  The very symbolism of the tree is for Christmas.  Have A Menorah, symbols for Kwanzaa, different symbols for different cultures, but why call them Holiday trees when they are clearly Christmas trees?  Does someone think they are not offending anyone by calling them holiday trees?  I'm sad.  The green nature of the tree represents evergreen- everlasting life- Christ.  Missing the point? 

I simply wonder if we must be so politically correct all the time?  Yes, we do need to help others feel comfortable.  But the other day I was speaking with my husband about a specific ethnic group of people and I couldn't even remember what the newest PC name was to refer to them by.  

We did we become such and offended culture?  One where perhaps when we are in the wrong, we seek fault in another to help ourselves feel better.  My hubs was telling me about a HS basketball game the other day where a team beat another by some extraordinary number (107-2) and people were angry with the winning team for poor sportsmanship. 

We are in an age of entitlement.  I found it, I keep it.  You deserved it.  It's all about me.  I deserve a trophy for showing up.  

I believe this sense of entitlement not only contributes to the moral decay of our society, but prevents people from learning how to treat others kindly, have good manners, and just plain be good members of society.  

Please, during this time of year...no matter what you do or don't believe in; there is a special feeling in the air.  Take time to reflect upon your actions, not the actions of others, and see how you can improve. Respect others and don't worry about being offended so much.  Be proud of what you believe in.  

I find it so sad that we live in a world where someone takes offense in how we greet them during this time of year.  Find joy in the fact that they have beliefs wish them well.  Faith is a blessing, not a curse.

Treat others as you would want to be treated.  Be kind, be charitable, be sincere.

My two cents.

Excuse me?

I was asked a great question a few weeks ago and am finally getting around to answering it.  I am grateful that people often ask me questions about what they would do in a particular situation and I love trying to figure out what should happen.

In this particular instance, a wedding invite had been received and at the bottom it said, "registered at XYZ bank (paraphrased)."  I don't think that was any better than saying "cash only" or "cash preferred," in fact, it might be even more tacky.

Now listen, I live in a state where a lot of people get married, and my culture as a Mormon promotes marriage heavily- so I know I'm going to be invited to many weddings, etc.  I also understand that there is an element of convenience that is associated with including where one is registered for ease of the guests and to maximize what the couple receives (things they need and want).  But....big But... I do not think that this information should be included in an invitation (lets remember what an invitation is...a welcoming note to ask someone to join you for a special occasion, not a place to ask for stuff).

My amazing sis in law included information for her wedding without divulging this information in the classiest way I can think of: she included an insert that had a web address with their wedding website.  The website (which was really a host website for weddings, and I'm sure it was free or next to nothing to set up) included information on where to stay, directions to different events that revolved around the festivities, and it also happened to have a tab that you could click on if you were interested in getting them something from a store where they were registered.  I happened to use that link and buy Alissa and Jeff something that I thought they would both use and want.

The main beef I have with this is that you are telling others what they should get you...gift, money, or otherwise.  The fact that your family or you are spending an obscene amount of money to celebrate your wedding has nothing to do with your guests and the only reason they are there is to share in your joy...not to give you stuff.

We live in a technological age where there is no justification in including where you are registered in print.  I, however, got married in 1996 and there were not websites available to set up.  I simply refrained from putting where I was registered on my invite.  I still got things from my registry when people would call my family or my husband's family if they wanted to know where we were registered...key word being IF.

I think what people don't understand in this "All about me" era is that it really isn't all about them.  Manners and making others feel comfortable is so important.  How comfortable would you feel having a birthday party for yourself (as an adult) and writing a list of what you would like for gifts and including it with your invite to minimize what is brought that you don't want/need.

Bottom line is that we need more gratitude and less attitude.  I Love my one-liners (toot my own horn).
Please, please, please brides and grooms to be (and parents of the bride/groom)- buy a wedding etiquette book- preferably one that's been around for more than 5 years (could be in it's 5th addition in that time) and read it!  Here is a small section about invite do's and don'ts.

I'm curious to know what you've observed on other's invites or perhaps what you either plan to do, or have prepared for your own invites-good, bad, and ugly.  I am always learning and don't profess to know it all- but on this point I am firm.  No store (or bank) names should be printed on any piece of paper you send out with your wedding invitation.  

The exception to my rule would be a shower.  I still think it's more tasteful to include an insert and possibly a website or blog with this information- but if this is impossible- than I say "okay if you have to," but I still think that providing a phone number or email where your guests can obtain this information would be more appropriate.

My Two Cents

Tips for a Happy Turkey Day

We are all busy today either making dishes, traveling, or spending time with loved ones.  It's a time to be grateful for what we have.  In reflecting upon the things we do have, we can also be aware of how we can make those around us the happiest and be as considerate as possible during this busy holiday season.

-consider your dress.  If you are attending someone's home, step it up a notch, it shows respect for your host letting them know that you appreciate all the effort they went to on your behalf.

-Say thanks.  Of course we will all say this during the meal, after, many times perhaps.  But remembering to write a note, a text (if you must-at the least) or a phone call after the fact to let them know how much you appreciate all the work they went to, is so appreciated and thoughtful.

-Be punctual.  Arrive and leave on time.  When your host tells you the time to arrive, pay attention and respect it.  There is a reason they have told you that time and it shows respect to be punctual.  We all run into traffic, snags with family, work, etc.  But if you do, call to let them know you are running behind and that you will be there shortly.  Know when it's time to leave.  If you are staying at your hosts home, agree ahead of time when you will be leaving and don't overstay your welcome, no matter how badly your host begs...there's always next time.  It's better to be wanted than to overstay your welcome.

-Avoid awkward and painful topics- especially in families.  This isn't family therapy.  It's not the time to talk about how you wish mom hadn't worked when you were little.  It's a time to talk about what you're grateful for and leave your problems at the door with your coat.  Pick another time to talk about things that are heavy, group gatherings are not the time.

-Offer to help clean up.  Most of the time the host has gone to a lot of work to prepare; cleaning, cooking, etc.  Offer to pitch in and do some dishes.  Roll up your sleeves and dig in.

FOR THE HOST:

-Assign tasks.  Don't be afraid to ask people to bring something.  Or if you are cooking the meal yourself, have your guests help with taking coats, setting the table, lighting candles, last minute details.

-Leave distractions in your room or office.  This is not the time to text or have the game on.  Turn off the TV and FB.  Be the gracious host I know you can be and enjoy the guests you have invited over, sit down, be engaging, ask more questions and listen more than you talk.

-Be aware and flexible.  If you are inviting a larger group of people and someone says, "I would come but Jim is spending the holiday alone."- say, "well bring him with you!"  Be gracious, it never hurts to invite one more, but you will always regret not doing so.

-Say thank you.  Your guests if you look around, are your loved ones.  Thank them for taking the time and effort to come and share time with you and loving you.  Always thank them.

-Have a flexible menu.  You may have gluten free requests, people who want to bring things even when you have the entire menu planned.  Be prepared to allow for those things and don't be so stringent.  Accept all offers for special diet accommodations.


Above all the holidays are a time to celebrate, to forgive, to come together.  I personally am not one who likes to hold grudges, have arguments that I cannot resolve, or problems that I cannot fix.  I love the feeling of peace and joy that the holiday season brings knowing that I can come together with as many loved ones who will have me and celebrate all that we have to be grateful for.

I hope that this holiday season brings all of you the same peace and joy and I look forward to bringing you some more fun tidbits here and there as the months continue.

My two cents.

Oh Baby!

Let me just say that in the last few hours I have never had so much hate enter my life.  Thank you to all who have taught me how to properly tweet a hate message, how to Facebook a hate message, and how to email a hate message; I appreciate the education.  For the rest of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, let me share.  I was asked to appear on my local TV station, which, if you are a follower, you know I do once in a while.  But this was different.  I was asked by the host of the normal morning show that I appear on if I would to a special piece called "Family Focus" that was to air on the 5:00 news- goin' Prime Time baby!  Of course I was thrilled at the prospect and would never turn Brooke down (loves her).

I went at 12:15 (which is the middle of the school day and Liza was getting out early from a field trip so it was an extra special effort to make it up to the big city).  We chit chatted a while and when it was finally time to film, we did a couple of takes for my first "faux pas" of pregnancy etiquette- which was all based on a Today Show Producer who as up in arms over people touching her tummy while she was preggers.  I agree that it's a violation of her privacy and asked people not to do that as part of my top three no-no's.  Next I suggested that people stay away from asking couples or single adults when they will start a family (contentious I think) because it's no one's business!  Third I tackled what was obviously a beast and possibly the cause of future panic attacks- Breastfeeding in public!


Being a mommy of four and having nursed all my babies until well after one (almost two for most)- I'm an advocate and thank my mom and sisters for leading the way...but I have to say, I don't think I ever saw their goods, even though I was around my sister all the time when she was raising her five children.

Anyway, I suggested (as you can see in the video that I LINKED TO HERE) that I suggested that ladies should cover up.  OH BOY (yes I yelled)- this was a huge misjudgment in wording I suppose.  I don't know if I would have said it differently?  I guess I could have said "be discrete" but I probably would have gotten just as many haters.  You would have thought that I had just said that I hated all moms who breastfed, that I thought they were all awful for showing up in public, that they should be ashamed of themselves, and never again show their faces (isn't that what I said?)- Oh wait- NO!  I said that WE should cover up when in public places and when others besides immediate family (or others close to us- who I'm sure we can gage) are around in order to not make others feel uncomfortable.  I was speaking from personal experience.

Not too long ago we were with friends in Hawaii and while waiting outside for a table for dinner, I turned around to see a woman taking down the spaghetti strap of her dress to pull out her melon (watermelon) sized bare breast to feed her child in front of about 65 of us all waiting for this sushi place to open (you know the one I'm talking about on Maui?)- She was completely bare chested- there was no place to turn, she was on display for all to see.  There were several other benches in that strip mall, I know because my friend and I had just checked out a few of the other shops.  I did not wish for this sweet woman to be ashamed of her body, her baby, or breastfeeding, I just wanted her to take it somewhere a little more intimate so that just her and her baby could enjoy it.

That is all I'm saying people!  If you're wearing a sweatshirt already and you can't see anything, then you don't need to cover up, do you- which is why I said in the article, figure out what's best for you- I'm not the breastfeeding manager of you all!

I don't think I'm asking too much here or that it's bad manners.  I think it's good manners to make others comfortable.  Etiquette is simply more formal customs, so it doesn't really apply, but manners do.  When thinking of good manners, I will not give up my life, but I will consider others when making a decision on whether or not to expose my body in front of other people to feed my child when to solution is simple and when I know that will make other people feel uncomfortable, I am more than happy to retire to a bench more secluded in the mall, a restaurant booth, or one of many other locations.

I'm not saying it's easy and I'm not saying it doesn't take practice, but when I am accused of being discouraging to women who may want to breastfeed, or my words keeping them from breastfeeding altogether- I find that accusation harsh, unfounded, and unjust.

That's my two cents (and that's all it is!)

Janine

Happy Independence Day

I cannot promise with summer and four little ones keeping me on my toes that I will be posting on my one year "anniversary" (which is on the 10th of July) but I am going to try. I would, however, like to wish my fellow Americans a Happy Independence day. I say Americans only because I know I have readers all over the world whom I very much love and I hope to continue to learn more about your holidays and traditions that I might be able to celebrate them as well.

Today's post is simple. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! I have made past 4th of July holidays so busy that by the time it's over, I'm so exhausted, I can't even remember if I had fun. I'm to the point in my life where I do still love to entertain, but I have limits on how far I'm willing to take that. For example, my crowd will be just as happy with chicken and burgers as they would be with filet mignon rubbed with a homemade rub and homegrown potatoes slow roasted with homegrown herbs. I laugh as I write that because we do have an extensive garden thanks to my husband so some of those things happen anyway, but only out of convenience, I promise!

I have a post I did a while ago for Fancy Friday (ahhh, I miss Fancy Friday...let me get my kids back in school, we'll get there again, I promise)- on Flag etiquette. Maybe you'll learn something new, I know I did.

Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take time to enjoy!

"I'm in the hospital for a baby" etiquette...?

Yes, I do realize the title of this post is not grammatically correct (disclaimer), but it works for my purposes.  

In honor of a dear friend who just had a baby, I'm going to talk about Hospital Etiquette when someone is going to or has had a baby.  I realize this is a sensitive subject and everyone is so different that there is no possible way to appease everyone, but I will try.

For the Mom's to be:

• This time is about your experience, your laboring to bring a life into this world.  It's a time that cannot be re-created or re-experienced.  You get one chance to spend time with the ones who are caring for you during labor and then with your sweet baby after delivery- remember that.
• It's okay to say no.  There is no cause to be rude.  Although sometimes we have people in our lives who are pushy or overstep their bounds, we can plan ahead, thus helping to minimize the "drama", let me explain:  the day you are in labor is the wrong day to discuss with your mother-in-law that you'd rather she not be in the room as you're delivering your baby.  Think ahead of people who you need to discuss this with and have a candid conversation with them.  If you are unable to do so in person (because of fear or logistics), a sweet email, filled with excitement about the new baby and a clear invite or boundary given, will help ease that tension.
• You need your rest:  This is more than an etiquette tip, it's advice from a mother of four.  I so enjoy company and love people, but the 48 or so hours we spend in the hospital with a newborn baby combined with the annoying (but necessary) interruptions of the hospital staff, do not create a restful environment to begin with.  Mix in all kinds of visitors and you're even more exhausted when you come home even if you thrive on people like I do. 

For the Visitor (family or otherwise):

• Please respect that it is not the end of the world if you are not there for the actual labor and delivery of your grandchild.  Although I understand it may feel that way, it's simply not the time to be imposing on another person.  I remember my sweet mother-in-law and I having conversations about this when I was pregnant with my first child and I remember her being so respectful of my wishes.  I actually wanted her there just after, and we told the family we'd call them.  My husband's family as well as mine respected that and we had all of our family around us within hours of my son's debut into this world.  
• Please don't ask if you can be there during labor and delivery- and don't just show up.  Again, this is a private thing, a painful thing, a wonderful thing.  There are so many emotions wrapped up into this event that make it special.  It should not be intruded upon by someone else, no matter who that person is.
• Don't get your feelings hurt.  My wise mother always says, "remember it's not about you, it's about them".  I am a tender-hearted person and I wear my heart on my sleeve, so I understand getting my feelings hurt, but this is not about you, this is about the person who is holding that little bundle of joy...remember that.
• Don't assume and bring children.  It's always best to not bring children to the hospital for so many reasons.  They press the call buttons, run around, bring germs along with their sweet faces...none of these things are appreciated.  A visit can always wait until they get home from the hospital so you can find someone to tend to your children to go and visit the baby and mother.

This by no means covers all things, but here are a few ideas.  I love to hear all about your experiences and the suggestions that you have to help.

Fancy Friday-our Flag

The Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. They are:

The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard
The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

I got all this information US Flag.org there is more information available here in regards to the flag and how to treat it.  

My 100th Post- Spa Etiquette-the Fanciest Friday yet!

Going to the spa can be a luxurious and wonderful experience, but it can also be a little scary and intimidating if you don't know what to expect or if you are surprised by something you don't expect to see.

I found a lot of good advice on Spavelous.com and although it's still a little shock for me to walk into the women's spa area and find a woman completely naked in the hot tub, apparently, it's up to the spa's individual etiquette and rules and your comfort level, but ladies...if we can wear a suit in the tub, please do. When in the sauna, it's understandable that you would only want a clean towel on, and in other areas, please use the robes and slippers provided. You'd be surprised what can be passed along (disease wise) when you don't wear the proper foot wear so make sure you're going to a reputable place that cleans its equipment properly, it's okay to ask. Never shower without footwear, that's not okay. If there are only locker rooms and no private dressing rooms, you may either choose to dress under your robe, dis-robe and dress right there, or pick a bathroom stall and take your clothing along. Check out that link above for a complete list of things to remember and think about...and remember, it's not selfish to take care of yourself. We made it to 100 posts together!

New Year's Party

Here are a few tips for any party, but I think with the ensuing new years festivities, we could all use a little reminder/refresher course on our party etiquette.

Greet guests at the door.
Be cheerful and pleasant at all times.
Introduce everybody to each other.
Keep the food and drinks coming.
Keep circulating making sure everyone is engaged.
Have at least one planned activity.
If children are coming, have kid friendly food and an activity planned.
Pay attention to your guests needs.

Naughty or nice etiquette tip ten

Don't start decorating for the holidays until after Thanksgiving. Once Santa has passed by in the Macy's parade, you're good to go. Earlier than that, and it may seem as if you never bothered to take anything down from last year! This tip will be helpful for the upcoming year when I want to start listening to Christmas music in July (just kidding). Its true though, as much as Christmas is a wonderful holiday, we really as Americans need to give Thanksgiving the respect it deserves. I have, however, seen "Halloween" and "Thanksgiving" trees...whatever floats your boat. This year I did actually put up my decorations two days before Thanksgiving because we were leaving the state and would be gone for over a week and I knew I'd be coming home to holiday madness. My point is that there are always extenuating circumstances!

Merry Christmas to you all, have a wonderful holiday!

Janine

Naughty or nice etiquette tip five

When you receive horrible, wrong-size or duplicate gifts, smile, say something polite, extend a thank-you...let's say its a "collectors" plate of Yosemite (not that it's a bad thing for all people, that may be your thing)! You can probably come up with something appreciative to say: "This is so thoughtful! You know how much I love the outdoors." But being gracious about a gift doesn't mean you always have to keep it. Yes, if the item is one of a kind or homemade — like a painting or a knitted scarf — you need to keep it. Otherwise, you can take the item back to the store and exchange it for something else. And when your friend asks how you like your new hand blender? Don't lie. Say, "I love those so much, I already owned one — so I didn't think you'd mind if I exchanged it for a food mill. Thanks for making my life in the kitchen so much easier, that was so thoughtful of you!"

It's so much easier to be polite and honest than to lie and then sneakily do something behind their back. When you're the one who's given the gift that the other person returns or doesn't want, make sure you don't take it personally. Also, remember it's the thought that counts. If you put a lot of thought into your gifts for individuals and families, you'll be able to find something that is meaningful and useful. Good luck, it's always a sticky thing isn't it?

Naughty or nice etiquette tip four

I feel that I've slightly been neglecting my readers and I apologize. That is why I'm breaking my rule and posting on the weekend. I have been so busy with some other things that I literally have not had the time to post...but I'm learning how to do that from my phone...coming soon to a blog near you!

On to the tip! If gift giving with your relatives is getting too expensive, it's okay to scale back — as long as you discuss it with them well in advance. Ending gift escalation is not as hard as you think, if you're willing to be frank. Months before the holidays, bring up the idea of alternative giving schemes. Some options: drawing names, limiting presents to a specific dollar amount, giving gifts only to kids and not to adults. Others will probably be grateful that you were brave enough to start the discussion.

Naughty or nice etiquette tip three

3. When Aunt Irma, feeling inventive, brings her cucumber-banana gelatin mold to Christmas dinner, accept graciously (no eye rolling, please). A good host responds to an unexpected — and perhaps unwelcome — contribution with aplomb. Thank your aunt and serve her creation with your spread. You might think cucumber and banana is a disgusting combination — but now's not the time to tell her so, and you'd hurt her feelings if you failed to offer it to your guests.

The great thing about a large holiday dinner is that there is only so much room on your plate and everything is passed around, we all take turns serving ourselves each dish. If an unexpected dish shows up that you are not pleased with, you can always serve "buffet" style and allow your guests to stand and serve themselves whatever they like.

Naughty or nice etiquette tip two

2. If a guest gets drunk at your home, stop serving him alcohol and see that he gets home safely. Refusing to pour more liquor for an inebriated guest may be awkward, but it's necessary. Tell the person in private why you're cutting him off. Then ask another guest to take him home. If no one is able to give him a ride, call a cab for him (and pay for it if need be). Or, simply provide him with a bed for the night. Never, never, never let a guest drive away intoxicated. Sure, he may be embarrassed or insulted at the moment, but at least he'll be alive in the morning.

Naughty or nice etiquette top ten

I'm going to post one of the ten tips every few days. These are straight from Peggy Post (Emily Post's daughter and a foremost authority on etiquette), I hope you enjoy and hopefully don't see yourself too much in these situations.

1. Don't invite both members of a divorced or separated couple to a holiday gathering — unless you know they're on good terms. Most people who split up prefer not to see each other, at least initially. Bringing the two together could make them — and possibly others — uncomfortable. Instead, plan to see them separately over the holidays. That will be more time-consuming, but it'll be worth the effort if you want to stay friends with both parties.

This can also be true of blended families that do better...not so blended. It is wonderful to celebrate the holidays with family, but you can either spread your time among the families, or simply state that it will be an "immediate" family gathering (meaning spouse or significant other and your children if you have them), that takes the pressure off of you in trying to create a harmony that you are not necessarily responsible for.

The Arts

I am a huge fan of fine arts. My husband works in this industry and I grew up performing in fine arts...I love all things that will enrich the culture we live in and things that are uplifting and thought provoking. I remember being little and going to events, I was so filled with excitement and passion for the music, that I wanted to clap every time they paused! Certainly our children should be taught these "rules" but you can't help but smile when your child jumps to their feet to applaud at the wrong time...I love that! Back to "Fine Arts etiquette"-

1. Do not enter during a performance. If it is impossible to be seated before a program begins, wait quietly in the lobby or entrance aisles until a number has been completed or until intermission. Turn off cell phones...please please please!
2. Do not leave during a performance. If necessity demands your leaving early, do so between numbers or at an intermission, and do it as inconspicuously as possible.
3. Do not bring food or beverages into the theatre or concert hall unless your venue allows it. When consuming food and drink in the performance hall, please remove wrappers before the performance begins so that noise is minimized.
4. Do not show disrespect for performers by reading, writing, talking, or placing feet on the chairs in front of you.
5. Do applaud according to the dictates of the type of performance. For example, it is appropriate to applaud jazz soloist immediately upon the conclusion of the solo as well as for solos in musicals, but it is not appropriate to do so between movements of a symphony or sonata (the conductor or performer will usually stop and bow or curtsy so that you know when to applaud).
6. Do be tolerant of performers who may make an error or who may not share your talent and/or opportunity for expression. Assume that each performer is doing his/her best - for indeed, most of them are - and that each one needs your understanding and support.
7. Do refrain from taking flash pictures during a performance. Pictures that do not involve a flash may be taken only with prior approval of the faculty sponsor.
8. Do make every effort to attend performances in art areas other than your own. Each is directly related to the other. None of us can consider ourselves to be artists or educated citizens if our knowledge and experiences are limited to those of only one discipline.
9. Pay careful attention to the "rules" at your venue; if there are no children allowed, find out the age requirements. If there is no smoking, please refrain until you have exited the building.

An Oddity

I never post during the weekend, it's precious time with my family, but it's a special occasion for me, it's my anniversary tomorrow so I wanted to talk a bit about anniversary "etiquette" or manners if you will.

I think it appropriate to say that it is crucial to remember this special date. This is something that should be celebrated whether by a small simple dinner (like what we are doing tonight) or by a big trip... If we have to put it on our phones, calendars, email reminders, homing pigeons...whatever we need to do, we must remember this day and make it special. "It's the thought that counts" is a true statement. When you take the time to think about what you will do, that's what matters. It may be something as simple as flowers or as elaborate as diamonds, but if thought went into it and it came from the heart, it matters.

Happy Anniversary Darling!