"Make sure you get a good night's sleep!" Of all the test-taking strategies being pounded home to kids as they face state tests, this line -- with the possible exception of "Make sure you eat a good breakfast!" -- might be the most frequently uttered.

My daughter, Julia, and I are mosquito magnets. At the tender age of 9 years old, Julia is well aware that mosquitoes are not just attracted to her, they love her. All the wet weather we have been having lately, with periods of no rain, has increased our mosquito population quite a bit.

I love Corona, Bloody Mary's, and coffee spiced up with Kuhla and Baileys.

I've had a back and forth love affair with Pinot Noir and Reisling -- and pina colodas and margaritas. No, actually, my love for margaritas only drifted once. Sweet and cool Margarita, I promise I am devoted to you. 

My heart is breaking for the people of Oklahoma. I grew up in a small town just west of the now infamous Moore, Oklahoma. I remember the devastation from the May 1999 tornadoes and this storm system is much worse. I am so thankful that my friends and family are all well and accounted for. My sister is a third grade teacher and a superhero in my eyes.