I was pondering all the little things that make me special. Not unique, just special.

So I think I shall share a few of these with you in case you have something 'special' about you and you are worried you're out there all alone.

The first special thing about me that comes to mind is with food.

My food should not touch each other on my plate. Now this isn't an issue if it's a casserole.. but when it's individual items, they should not be allowed to mingle. I really try not to make a big deal out of it. This is especially true if one of the items is Lima beans. I never allow Lima beans to touch anything else on my plate. Lima bean juice should be carefully controlled, too. This can be difficult to do and especially awkward when dining out or at a friend's home. They don't know about your 'specialness' and may prepare something out of your comfort zone.

Be polite as you prop your spoon under the opposite side of the plate causing the Lima Bean juice to stay with the beans. Ask for a slice of bread to soak up any remaining juice and leave it on the plate.Next would be macaroni and cheese.

This is one of those items that is so great all by itself nothing is even worthy to share a plate with my macaroni and cheese. Except maybe ham. Ham would be ok.

The next thing that makes me special is the way I shop for things like cars. See my hub on "life lessons". What I am facing now is that since my wardrobe is going more yellows and browns that is leaving a car color choice dilemma.. The only one automobile that will go with this color scheme is a light yellow Vista Cruiser with faux wood paneling. Ewwwww. So that leaves white, or maybe maroon. I can live with white since it shows dirt less.

The only way I shop for a car is to get all the car catalogs and cut out the driver's side window, then place a favorite snap-shot of me behind this cut-out... "how do I look behind the wheel?" Kinda like "how would I look to a policeman?" Choosing the right picture will help here... something between mug-shot and Cosmo layout will probably appropriate for this. Especially if the policeman is a policewoman... we know how they look in a uniform and we don't want to aggravate the situation by being all, you know, glamorous and sparkly! Keeping it simple is always good advice. I like pictures where I'm smiling and if I have one where my hair is blowing back a bit, this gives the illusion of driving down the Pacific Coast Highway with the sun on my face and the wind in my hair. Is this the car for that or would I be better with the red sports car? I shall buy different color clothes for that car, then.

I have a problem that if someone shares something extra funny, I have been known to almost stop breathing I get to laughing so hard. It usually happened at dinner. My folks used to just sit there, roll their eyes and say "well there she goes again" and wait for me to inhale. If this should happen to you, just cover your face with your hands and enjoy the endorphins. You'll be right as rain in no time at all. Be careful you do not have a mouth full of fluid, or it will cover the person opposite you... (so sorry Uncle Cecil, you didn't deserve the milk-spray-bath so many times!) He was such a good sport. Handy since he was usually the one with the jokes. In my family we are "wash and wear."

I will leave you with these "special things" and I will ponder some more... no, not obsess.. that is a different column for a different day.

Be Special... Be Proud (I'm proud of you!)