One of my favorite Christmas gifts this year came from my fabulous step-sister Tracy, who recognized my need for appreciation on several fronts. Never a boy scout, I have always coveted the coterie of colorful badges that grace their uniforms, evidence of learning and accomplishment, of station and standing.
Now, thanks to Tracy, I can feel a bit better about myself when I walk the streets of Chestertown, on account of my urban merit badges (by artist Julie Alvarado)
See if you can guess what each of these is for. The answers are below.
The question is, where do I put these? My only “uniform” these days is my trusty pair of flannel pants.
I need to get in touch with Julie about a few additional badges that would help me flaunt my proudest accomplishments:
1) 10,000+ diapers changed
2) 1,000+ blog posts written
3) 100+ sun buns consumed
4) 100+ consecutive hours in (flannel pants) uniform
the dog poo badge is a bit reminiscent of ‘Thing’ from the addams family, but i guess a badge with poo wouldn’t be much very wearable
Are “flannel pants” different from pajamas?
Hirsch: Of course. Pajamas are for sleeping in. Flannel pants are for working comfortably. That they look and feel so similar is sheer coincidence.
True to my Type A personality, knowing that there is a badge for flossing makes me want to floss more. Truth.
Heather: How about this? If you floss to your personal satisfaction for a full week, let me know and I’ll send you the badge. In spite of best intentions, I do not now, nor never will, deserve it.
A WEEK? You’ve got to do better than that, Heather. Floss for a MONTH (and keep us updated) and it’s yours. Though Matthew will send it to you after a week, I have the power to muck up our delivery service. Aim high!
FIE on Robbi. It’s my badge and I’ll decide the terms of its bestowing. Heather, if you floss just once today, provided it’s a good, thorough floss with no skimping, I’ll send you the badge. None of us can live up to Robbi’s exacting standards.