I got a request from my cousin not long ago to participate in a project for her daughter’s second grade class. They are learning about the “50 Nifty States” and she asked if I could write about Ohio.

Of course, I said yes.

I got the letters from the teacher – and one of my favorite second graders – a couple days ago and set to work. They wanted to know interesting things about Ohio, our weather, and what crops we grow here. I did a little research and put together a response. I’ll drop it in the mail tomorrow morning on the way to work, but I have a link to an online version.

It was fun to do and I hope they enjoy it.

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I’m often referred to as weird, silly, eccentric, or – my favorite – whimsical, but when it comes right down to it, I’m actually really practical. Especially when it comes to large purchases. Ok, yes, I did buy a pointer hand today when I was at Staples, but the comedy opportunities are well nigh endless and I couldn’t pass it up. I mean, you start with nose-picking and go from there – the sky is the limit.

But the big stuff always gives me pause.

I really “want” a laptop. Just think, I could blog FROM ANYWHERE! Well, anywhere with WiFi. But I don’t really “need” a laptop. I have a very nice desktop in my office at home – and a somewhat crappy desktop at work. I don’t need another computer.

I also really “want” a playstation 4. I really don’t need this – I mean, I really don’t need this. My playstation 3 works just fine and while I’m more of a PC gamer at this point it also plays movies just fine. But, oh, a playstation 4… I just want to rub up against one. But not in a weird way.

So, conflict in my head. A lot of conflict. I’ve price shopped and compared features on both of these many times – but haven’t gone ahead with either. The practical side will keep winning until the parameters change – i.e. my playstation breaks or I get a syndicated writing column and/or my desk computer breaks. Eh, two of out of three…

And while that practicality is kinda boring, my bills are paid. And that feels pretty good too.

Not as nice as rubbing up against a new playstation 4 – again, not in a weird way – but still pretty nice.