The flower of Midlife sifted through faith, family and heaping helping of southern fried chicken.

BrainRush.

Heard of this show on Cartoon Network? Recently I sat down with my kids in front of the television.

My daughter asked, “Was this game show on when you were a kid?”

It places kids on roller coasters with a host asking them questions for money. The idea being that their brain is so head-over-heels jumbled up, it’s hard to think straight and answer questions. 

Some questions from a recent episode… 

“Who played James Bond right before Daniel Craig?” I panicked couldn’t answer. Neither could teen. (Pierce Brosnan.) 

“Lead singer for Coldplay?” Got that one. Chris Martin. 

“Is Joaquin Phoenix a place or person?” Got that one. Person. 

That’s fun in all, and great for teens making thousands of dollars — but what about those of us who survived nine weeks with three children on spring vacation. Talk about BrainRush. Where is the guy with the money asking me questions? 

I came home recently to screams coming from the back door. Found all three children on the floor. My daughter said, “It’s okay, we’re wrestling for money.” I was so braindead by this point in summer vacay amusement ride ~ I let them play. Screaming and laughing.Then I saw my 15-year-old giant son pinning wee five-year-old son. I called that one before it got too ugly. 

Alas, I remembered it was recycle day. While I toted used plastics to curb, daughter runs out to me tears streaming down her face. I knew it. I should have stopped it.

She was sobbing because 15-year-old declared 5-year-old winner of the tournament. The winner received $15. Fifteen dollars? I don’t have $15. This is insane. 

Where was the guy, standing next to me in my driveway with sobbing child (after losing family WWF match) asking me the questions for money? 

“What’s Your name?” I donno.

“How old are you?” I donno.

“Which of his contemporaries did Charlemagne attempt to arrange marriage of his eldest son and the other’s eldest daughter?” Offa of Mercia  

I studied lots of Medieval History. 

Yes, where is the guy offering me money while I navigate just another summer day home with the kids? 

Tomorrow might be good day for family trip to Six Flags.

This is about like my day today….

Today is my birthday!

I shall start this morning off with some introspection.

July 13… the birthday of Julius Caesar, Harrison Ford and me. (Though not in same year)

Oh dear. Another year has passed. Water under the bridge. And here I sit.

Somethings never change. The house is a mess. Haven’t done my homework for class today. Neurotically wondering when I will squeeze exercise into busy day.

But as always on birthdays, I try to be reflective and thankful for the years since my birth.

I am thankful for a wholeness in mind, body and spirit.

For cheesecake, whipped cream and blueberries, and broccoli and hummus.

I love laughter till you cry — for laughter so hard that Coke squirts out your nose (and hurts terribly).

For fluffy baby ducks. For a dad that used to take me every morning to feed the ducks.

For humidity so warm, so thick, it coats the skin and you hate it. But secretly inside you are so thankful that it is not mid-January, grey and 31 degrees.

I  love scary lightening storms — when nothing scary really happens.

I am thankful for a quiet house. And am thankful that it will not be so quiet in a few hours.

And now to list all that I want to see and do before July 13, 2010 rolls around.

Must keep that secret. Must go start day with swim.

July 13, 5:30 a.m. –

Must go start the rest of my life.  Have great day!

Happy Birthday to U!