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Sunday, July 31, 2016

OH, I Wish I Was A Fishie in the Sea!

I'd go swimmin' in the nooodie, without any bathin' soooootie!
Hiya, Big People!  Happy Sunday to you!

Hey.  I've recently adopted a new philosophy on life that is described by a new song I've just recently learned. 

It goes like this: 

Oooooooooooh, I wish I was a fishie in the sea!
In the Sea!
Oh, I wish I was a fishie in the sea!
In the Sea!
I'd go swimmin' in the nudie 
Without any bathin' suitie!
Oh I wish I was a fishie in the sea!
In the Sea!

Now that I've been a'swimmin a lot this week, I think it would be wildly convenient not to hafta put on a bathin' suitie to go jump in the water, and it'd be even more wildly convenient not to hafta take off a wet bathin' suitie after the fact.

I think ya know just what I'm talkin' about, Big People Friends!  I think you know I've hit the nail right on the dang ol' head.

But. 

Daddy says no.  No swimmin' in the nooooooodie without any bathin' sooooooooootie for me.

So I guess that's the end of that. 

Saturday, July 30, 2016

Fairyball!

Yay for our side!
Hiya, Big People!  Happy Saturday to you!

Well, ya know,on Saturdays, I like to participate in sports, real and imaginary. My favorite sport to cheer for is the hockey, of course, but in the summertime, I like to cheer for and play Fairyball. 

Fairyball is kind of a cross between volleyball, basketball, soccer, Quidditch, water-skiing, American football, hockey, water polo, billiards, Connect Four, bowling, and Razz-ma-Tazz, which is another game I'd need to explain to you on a different day, but just trust me.  It's pretty fun to play.

So anyways, when I play Fairyball, I'm usually the ringer.  That means I ring the bell and score points for my team.  But I like to cheer for other Fairyball teams, as well.  I've got so much spirit, yes I do, that I have spirit to spare.

When I'm participating in Fairyball, it isn't about who wins or loses, or even who cheers the loudest.  It's all about just bein' around my friends and having a great time.  Camaraderie, I think is what you Big People call it.

Anyways, you try it this Saturday.  Either Fairyball or one of your sports, or cheering for someone!  It's so much fun!  I love ya lots, and I'll see ya tomorrow!  Muah!

Friday, July 29, 2016

Splish! Splash!

I'm not takin' a bath; I'm SWIMMIN'!
Hiya, Big People!  Happy Friday to you!

Well, ya know, with all this hot weather, I sure do love swimmin' in my pool.  I have quite a luxurious setup set up, too, Friends.  My pool's on the gazebo, and it has a roof over the top of it, so I can swim in the shade. 

Sometimes, the water's a little cold.  I mean, I hafta fill my pool outta the hose, and that water's really cold, but it's okay.  Eventually it gets warmed up, and also, it's been so hot that I don't even mind the cold water!

What I love the most about swimmin' in my swimming pool is that I can imagine that I'm visiting my pal Ariel the Little Mermaid when I'm in the water. 

The other thing I love most about swimmin' in my swimming pool is that it sits up high, so I can watch the traffic go by from my lofty height, and also cool off in the water.  It's pretty much like havin' a rooftop swimming pool, except that it's right on the gazebo. 

Trust me, you wouldn't wanna put a pool up on toppa MY roof, Friends!

Hey.  I gotta go reapply my SPF.  I'll see ya tomorrow!  I love ya lots!  Muah!

Thursday, July 28, 2016

This Is HUUUUUUUUUUUUGE!

Cars have horses in 'em, givin' 'em POWER!  Whoa!  I mean, go!
Friends!  Hiya!  Happy Thursday to ya!

Well, ya know, Friends, yesterday for Wishing Wednesday, I wished for a pony for my room, and as it turns out, that didn't happen.  I didn't get a pony.  And I'm probably not going to get a pony.

But I have recently learned something HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE!  I've recently learned that under the hood of every automobile, there's something called 'horsepower,' which is the power of horses.

There are cars right in my driveway, Friends!  So I've had pretty much an entire STABLE of horses all along!

I gotta go, so I can stock up on carrots, and oats, and hay and SUGAR!  Horses LOVE sugar!  I'll see ya tomorrow!

I love ya lots!  Muah!

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Wishing Wednesday!

I'm wishin' for a pony in my room!
Hiya, Big People!  Happy Wishing Wednesday to you!

I'm calling today "Wishing Wednesday," on accounta it just seems like a wonderful idea, you know? 

There are a lot of things that can be declared for a Wednesday, but my heart is really set on Wishing Wednesday this week.

The thing I'm really wishing for the most right now is a pony in my room.  There's a TV show I was watching with my Mommy, and the lady's always talking about "a Mercedes, sauna, and room for a pony!"

Well, ya know, I don't even know what a Mercedes even is, so I'm not sure I would wish for one.  A sauna is equally as mysterious to me, but it sounds pretty boring.  But a pony?

Now you're talkin' my language!

I even have the room!  As part of my Living Here package, I have a room, all of my own, in my house.  All it lacks is a pony.

So that's what I'm wishin' for today.  A pony, to be in my room with me.  I have a good feeling about this one, Friends!

I love ya lots, and I'll see ya tomorrow!  Muah!

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Throwin' Some Shade in My Shades

I love the way sunglasses can hide a multitude of eye-rolls, Big People!
Hiya, Big People!

Hey, have you ever tried wearin' sunglasses?  I have, and I just love 'em!  Wanna know why?  Well, I'll tell ya!

I love sunglasses because I can be doing anything behind 'em, and nobody will know.  I could be rolling my eyes at a lame Mom Joke (Dad Jokes get all the bad rap, but obviously, none of those people have ever heard my mother's lame jokes she thinks are hilarious), I could be smiling with my eyes, as per Tyra Banks' instructions, or for all anybody knows, I could be right the heck asleep. 

Plus, sunglasses help protect my eyes from the sun!  There's really nothing for me to hate, and only things for me to love about sunglasses!

I love ya lots, Friends, and I'll see ya tomorrow!  Muah!

Monday, July 25, 2016

Merry Christmas in July!

In Australia, they're celebrating Christmas, so don't be mad at me!
Hiya, Big People!  Happy Monday to ya!

Well, did you even know that today is July 25, five months away from Christmas? 

And did you even know that in Australia, insteadda havin' summertime right now, they're havin' wintertime?  So they have a Christmas in July celebration, which enables them to experience the Europeanness of a wintry Christmas.

So what's an Australian Christmas like?  Well, I'll tell ya.  I know, because I just read a book all about a year in the life of Australian kids.

On actual Christmas in Australia, it's summertime, and it's really hot, so they do the regular Christmas things, except adaptated for Summer.  They get to go surfing on Christmas in Australia!

The thing that really makes Australian Christmas and Christmas in July appealing to me is that by celebrating Christmas in July in both Australia and here in the States, we all get to experience a bit of Christmas from the other's perspective.  That's what makes life amazing, Friends!

Hey.  I love ya lots!  I'll be seein' ya tomorrow!  Merry Christmas in July!  Hahahahaha!

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Bang! Zoom!

I'm goin' to the Moon!
Hiya, Big People! 

Well, ya know, sometimes even your pal Zoe likes to get away from it all.  And sometimes, the only way for me to get away from it all is to leave the planet completely.  Blast the heck right off!

Sometimes, I get all harnessed into my rocket and blast off to see the storms on Jupiter.  Or I go for a ride on a comet. 

Today, though, I'm on my way to the Moon.  I got an invitation from the Little Green Men who live right on the Moon.  They keep themselves busy, occupied, and employed by mining bleu cheese, which everyone knows is what the Moon is made out of. 

Those Little Green Men invited me up to see how the bleu cheese mining operations work, and also, we're gonna visit while I'm up there!

I've been looking forward to this for a very long time, Friends!  So without further ado, it's Bang!  Zoom!  To the Moon with me!

I'll see ya tomorrow!  I love ya lots!  Muah!

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Prayin' for Rain!

Please let it rain like inside the car wash, except outside!
Hiya, Big People! 

Well, ya know, I can't help but notice that it's been very dry this year, and my grass has gotten all brown and crunchy.  This didn't usedta bother me before I could walk, but now that I like to walk on the grass, I don't like it to feel like walkin' on crunchy toothpicks!

So I've been prayin' for the dang ol' rain.  Even though today's Sunday, and usually we like to do fun, outside-y things on Sundays.  We've had lotsa nicey sunny days to do fun, outside-y things, and I hate to say it, Friends, but I wouldn't mind if it'd just rain the heck right about now.

In case it does, please don't gripe about it and scare the rain away.  Maybe if we're nice to the rain, next time it comes, it'll be nice to us by rainin' all night long, when we're all asleep, or rainin' when everybody has to be at work anyways. 

The thing of it is, we need the rain, Friends!  Water's pretty darned important!  We need it to drink and make the grass not crunchy, and for the flowers and vegetables to grow!

Rain or shine, though, Friends, I sure love ya lots!  I'll see ya tomorrow!  Muah!

Friday, July 22, 2016

Sendin' a Big Buncha Love to Ya Today!

You're pretty great, Big People Friends!
Well, hiya, you beautiful Big People! 

Am I sure happy to see you!  Not for any particular reason, other than I just love ya lots, and I think you're special!

Sometimes in this world, it's difficult to tell if you're appreciated.  And I sure appreciate you.  Because here I am, just a Little Kid, and you stop in to read about my adventures and misadventures pretty much every day.

That kind of thing makes a Little Kid feel like a Big Cheese!  And the thing I've come to realize is that sometimes you Big People need to also feel like the Big Cheeses that you are!

I think what impresses me most about you Big People is all the amazing things you can do, like they're just nothing at all.  Things like cooking on the stove, and makin' brownies all by yourself, and getting to drive the car.  And really decide what gets boughten at the grocery store.

You might think those things are trivial, mundane, and even a pain, but I'll tell ya what.  To a Little Kid like me, those are the coolest things ever, and you grownups are the coolest ever. 

I love ya lots, Friends, and I thought you oughtta know just how cool I think you are.  I'll see ya tomorrow!  Muah!

Thursday, July 21, 2016

I've Got the Power!

Breathe easy, Friends.  I've got this.  All of this!
Hiya, Friends!  Hey.  Did you even know that I'm a superhero in disguise out in the open?

It's true.

You see, I don't go wanderin' around, advertisin' my status as a superhero in disguise out in the open, because I'm afraid that would cause certain pandemonium around the place. 

Plus, how could people even concentrate on their everyday lives if I'm runnin' around in armor and brightly-colored tights and a cape?  They couldn't, is the answer.  It would be highly disruptive.  Nobody would get anything done, and civilization would crumble, and I'm pretty sure that causing civilization to crumble is the opposite of what a superhero in disguise out in the open is all about. 

So the thing I do is I just go about my business, bein' a superhero.  Puttin' out fires.  Lightin' fires where they're needed.  Not literal fires.  That would be dangerous.  I'm only four.  I'm not even allowed to use the microwave by myself, so fires are definitely out of the question.  Figurative fires is what I deal with.

I think that if I really had to hone down and describe what my superpower is, what justifies me callin' myself a superhero is that I can make people's days a little brighter.  Not Mommy's.  Mommy is what you'd call an arch-villian, and I'm not all about makin' her day any brighter.  But people in general.  I like makin' people's days brighter in general, and I'm pretty darn good at it, too. 

So anyways, Friends, you go ahead and relax.  Breathe easy.  Your pal Zoe, the superhero in disguise out in the open is here, takin' care of stuff.  I love ya lots!  I'll see ya tomorrow!  Muah!

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Believe

Be cynical if ya like, but I choose to Believe!
Hiya, Big People!  Happy Wednesday to you!

Well, ya know, I hear a lot of you Big People say that you'll believe something "when pigs fly," or that something else will happen "when pigs fly," and I understand that you take it to mean that it's impossible for pigs to fly, so the matters in question are equally as impossible.

Friends, I hope that when I grow up, I don't start thinkin' like that.  Wanna know why?  Well, I'll tell ya.

You see, it's so much fun to believe that anything's possible.  Take my friend Believe the Pig here, wings and all.  You tell her pigs can't fly, and she'll just prove ya all kinds of wrong.  You know why?  Because Believe believes she can fly, and that's half the battle, right there.

It's something I call "magical thinking."  If ya look for the magic in the world, Friends, I truly think you'll find it.  The sun comin' up every morning, the moon changing all the ways it does, flowers coming out in the spring, and the leaves changing in the fall.  Sure, those things can be explained by science, and rational explanations, but isn't there also endless wonder wrapped up in the scientific, too?

I don't know, Friends.  I'm not here to tell ya how to live your life or how to think your thoughts.  But I think it's more fun for me to navigate through this world believing in the Wonder of it all, and even believing in a little flyin' pig.

I love ya lots, Big People!  I BELIEVE I'll see ya tomorrow!  Hahahahahaha! 

Muah!

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

I've Got Hustle, Yes I Do!

All I need is a dream and a scheme, Big People!
Hiya, Big People!  Happy Tuesday to you!

Well, ya know, I'm a kid who loves Christmas, and reminding people when Christmas is, and counting down to Christmas.  I mean, Little Kids and Christmas were practically MADE for each other!

Apparently a lot of Big People do not share my enthusiasm and zeal for the Big Holiday at the End of the Year, however.  They'd rather just live through the spring, summer, and fall months, blissfully unaware of how close to Christmas they really are, and then panic as soon as December rolls around. 

This has given me an Idea, Friends.  A business venture I'd like to try out.  You see, as I am already very obsessed with all things Christmas, so how's about I gather Christmas essentials throughout the year, pre-wrap them, and then sell them to you Christmas-countdown-averse Big People, come December?  That way, I do all the worrying over Christmas shoppin' for ya, and in return, you pay me a reasonable (to me) convenience fee.

I think that once you really think about it, Friends, you'll find that I'm really Onto Something Here!

Hey.  I have a business plan to write up.  I love ya lots, and I'll see ya tomorrow, Friends! Muah!

Monday, July 18, 2016

Manic Panic!

I think I'll sport a a semi-permanent teal braid when I'm older, Friends!
Hiya, Big People!

Well, ya know, my Mommy was a teenager a long time ago.  Way back in the Nineties, and one of the things I think is so fascinating about the Nineties is that they had this stuff called Manic Panic, which was crazy-colored hair dye that eventually washed out.

Well, Manic Panic was crazy for the Nineties, apparently.  Nowadays if we see someone with magenta hair or blue hair or purple hair or shockin' green hair, we tend not to think much of it. 

In the Nineties, though, they were just coming out of the frosted blond feathers in the 1980s and were deeply entrenched in Grunge.  So bright pink hair raised eyebrows.

As for me, I love the idea of Manic Panic.  I love the idea of havin' an unconventional haircolor. 

In fact, I have a plan.  I wanna have a bright teal micro-braid when I grow up, just like the one in my picture today, except with it being my real hair inteadda a fake clip-in from the Barbie aisle at Toys-R-Us.

By the time I'm big enough to have this done to my hair, I bet havin' a bright teal stripe in my hair will seem pretty darned tame, compared to what my wilder peers are doing.  In fact, I'm banking on this, Friends. 

Anyways, I'm gonna go experiment with some other clip-in hair-colors, just in case I find any more that I might like to incorporate in my plan for my future hair!  I love ya lots, Big People!  I'll see ya tomorrow!  Muah!

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Ketcha Whiffer-Whaffer By the Toe!

I don't know what a whiffer-whaffer is, but I bet he's ornery when ya catch his toe!
Hiya, Friends!  Hey, have you ever heard the song:

Eeeeeena-meeena anna mina-mo!
Ketcha whiffer-whaffer by the toe,
An' if he hollers-hollers-hollers
Let 'im go!
I'm singin' eeena-meeena, anna mina-mo!

It got me to wonderin' what a whiffer-whaffer is.  Apparently they have toes, and they holler if ya grab 'em by their toes.

You know, I'm the same way, Big People.  My feet have garnered a whole lotta attention over the course of my life, and I get annoyed when they're touched too much.  Perhaps I am a whiffer-whaffer, then.

Whiffer-whaffers must be important beings, Friends, to feature in this song.  There are other verses to the song, but it always comes back to the whiffer-whaffer. 

If you know what a whiffer-whaffer is, Big People, can somebody please let me know?  I'm off to eat so many pickles, the juice'll run down my legs!  Hahahahahaha!  It's from the song, but also so apropos to my life right now! 

I love ya lots!  I'll see ya tomorrow!  Muah!


Saturday, July 16, 2016

Cleanapalooza!

Step away from my baby toys, Mommy!  Leave those toys alone!
Hiya, Big People!  Happy Saturday to you! 

Hey, did you even know that my Big People think we're surrounded by way too much stuff?  It's true.  And it's set off an unfortunate chain of events in my house on the hill.  Stuff's been getting put into boxes, left and right, for something called a "yard sale." 

This was all well and good.  My Big People DO have way too much stuff, takin' up space that I could use for my toys, and I completely support them gettin' rid of stuff they don't use anymore.

However, it is Definitely Not Cool that now the Big People have started putting their mitts on toys they think I've outgrown.  If they sell my toys that they PERCEIVE that I've outgrown, what good does it do for them to clean out their stuff.  I mean, what good is all that empty space gonna do, without my toys there to fill the void? 

It makes no sense, Friends.  Which is why I am prepared to defend my toys to the end!  I will chase off my Big People with my pelican broom if I have to, to preserve my way of life with all my toys I've ever had my whole entire life!

I don't like change, Big People!  I don't like it at all!

Friday, July 15, 2016

Do You Mind?!

Say whatchya mean and mean whatchya say, Big People.  Lordy.
Friends, the more I interact with you Big People, the more I think I know, but the more I realize I have a lot to learn and come to understand. 

Most notably, I just get confused as all get-out when one of you asks me if I mind about something.  It's so confusing. 

"Zoe, do you mind if I eat one of your cookies?"

"Yes," I say, meaning go ahead and eat one of my cookies.

Then I get a funny look, and an "all-righty then!" and the other person walks off in a HUFF.

Or, "Zoe, do you mind if I put some sunscreen on you?"

"No!!" I say, clearly backing away, while the well-meaning Big Person comes at me with my Sparkle SPF.  Animosity and fighting ensue, and I wonder if said Big Person is stupid, because I clearly said NO!!!! to the sunscreen!

No means no!

Except, it doesn't.  Upon further study, apparently when you "mind" something, you don't like it.  I MIND taking a nap, apparently.  So if I answer in the negative, that I don't mind taking a nap, I think I'm just saying no to the nap, when in fact, through some kind of jabberwocky-falling-through-the-looking-glass logic, I'm giving permission to be put down for a nap.  And when I answer in the affirmative, if I mind if someone shares my blanket with me while I sit on the grass, I end up lookin' like a blanket-hogging selfish little jerk.

None of this makes sense, Big People.  I'm about this close to abandoning my pursuit of speaking the language of the Big People and going back to Babese.  At least nothing was ambiguous when I spoke Babese full-time.  Nothing was left up to interpretation or debate. 

Those were the dang ol' days.

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Sing Like Nobody's Listening...

...And you wanna make 'em wanna hafta make 'em listen!  La-la-LAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Hiya, Big People! 

Hey, you know that saying about how you oughtta dance as though nobody's watchin' and sing like nobody's listenin'?  I think it's all about livin' your life without caring what anydarnbodyelse things about whatchya do.

Thing of it is, I think it's most brave and beneficial to sing as though nobody's listening WHILE people are, in fact, listening. 

That's like sayin' "I accept who I am, and you're gonna accept who I am, too!  How the heck right about THAT?!" 

That right there is confidence, Friends!

It takes a little practice to get there, though.  Maybe start out pretendin' nobody's watching or listening, and then just throw abandon to the wind and be yourself, once you're good and comfortable. 

You know I just love ya, Big People!  You keep on bein' you!  I'll see ya tomorrow!  Muah!

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Restaurants Are Where It's At!

You know it's a classy joint when they have buckets of peanuts on the table!
Hiya, Friends! Happy Wednesday to you!

Well, ya know, I'm a kid who likes the finer things in life, and one of the finer things in life is eatin' in restaurants.  I like lots of different restaurants for different reasons. 

For instance, I like the Red Lobster because they have lobsters in a tank in the waiting area for me to make friends with!  But I like Red Robin because they give me a balloon on the way out of the restaurant.  And of course, my heart is always at the Texas Hot in Downtown Wellsville!

But the restaurant that stands out in my mind right now is Texas Roadhouse.  I must have a thing with Texas.  But this reason's because they have buckets of peanuts right on the table that you can eat while you're waiting for your food.

Truth be told, I could sit there eatin' peanuts the whole time!  They're so good!

Friends, I'll tell ya what.  No meal at home is as wonderful and magical as eatin' a meal in a restaurant.  If you give me the choice between eatin' at home and going to a restaurant, I'm on my way out the door in a heartbeat!  Restaurants are where it's at!

Hey.  I'll see ya tomorrow.  I love ya lots, Big People!  Muah!

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

National Ice Cream Month!

Chocolate, Strawberry, or Panda Paws; When it comes to ice cream, I love 'em all!
Hiya, Big People!  Happy Tuesday to you!

Did you even know, Friends, that July is National Ice Cream Month?  Well, it is.  And if you'll let me be completely honest, if I have a choice between a free Slurpee from 7-Eleven or ice cream, I'm pretty much gonna pick ice cream, even if I hafta pay for it.

Askin' me to pick which flavor of ice cream is my favorite is like asking me to choose which wildflower I love best in the field: I have definite favorites, but overall, I like 'em all!

It just depends on what I'm in the mood for.  For a milkshake, nothing beats Strawberry or Chocolate.  There's a new flavor out from Perry's that's called "One Buffalo," and it has all kindsa wonderful things in it, including fudge swirls, sponge candy, and pretzels!  It's like a meal suspended in vanilla ice cream!  Panda Paws, Black Cherry, Butter Pecan...  They're all just wonderful, Friends!

And this is the month we celebrate ice cream together, as a Nation. 

I love ya, Friends!  Celebrate National Ice Cream Month!  Celebrate the daylights out of it!  It's the patriotic thing to do!  I'll see ya tomorrow!  Muah!

Monday, July 11, 2016

It's Neither Here Nor There To Me!

I'm gonna celebrate Free Slurpee Day by enjoying a homemade cherry cola sno-cone.
Hiya, Big People!  Hey.  Did you even know that in addition to being Monday, today is Free Slurpee Day at participating 7-11 stores?  Because it's 7/11.  Isn't that clever?!

To be honest with ya, Free Slurpee Day is neither here nor there to me.  I've never had a Slurpee.  While I wouldn't turn down a free one, I'm okay not having one. And I checked, and it's quite a drive to the nearest 7-11.  Something tells me it isn't worth an hour's drive just for a free Slurpee.

You know what would be worth an hour's drive?  Donut Dude Donuts.  Even if ya have to pay for 'em. Or...the hot bar at Wegmans.  I love that food.  You know it's gonna be good when it's $8.95 a pound!

But I'll probably just celebrate Free Slurpee Day with a homemade sno-cone with cherry cola syrup poured over-top. I like those.  And I won't hafta get all gussied up and in my carseat to enjoy it. 

This sounds like a solid plan, if I say so myself!  I love ya lots, Big People, and I'll see ya tomorrow!  Muah!

Sunday, July 10, 2016

Zoe Blake, FanGirl!

Friends, can you believe it?!  Daniel Tiger and O the Owl!
Hiya, Friends! 

Well, if you've been following along for a little while, you'll know that I am a fan of Daniel Tiger and his whole neighborhood.  Daniel and his friends teach me valuable life lessons with every new episode, but the most valuable life lesson I learn from each episode is to be myself.

You see, Daniel Tiger is kind of an everykid kinda character.  Daniel doesn't always wanna pick up his toys.  Daniel sometimes has to be encouraged to try new foods.  Sometimes he needs to be reassured that his grownups will come back for him.  He's a protagonist that doesn't always have all the answers.

I like that!  It makes him easy for a Little Kid like me to relate to!

His pal O the Owl is a Rule Follower, and he also likes quiet pastimes.  Big on the rules.  Very, very big.  And he loves books, which is great, because his uncle X the Owl is the librarian in the Neighborhood of Make Believe!  Sometimes, though, conflicts between O and the other Neighborhood children ensue, because they DON'T follow all the rules.  They get on O's nerves, and sometimes O gets on their nerves.  Also, O the Owl does not like carrots, because their crunching is too loud.

Miss Elaina is just a bundle of exuberance.  I think I can relate most of all to Miss Elaina.  I, too, am exuberant, which means sparkly and fun.  However, sometimes Miss Elaina's exuberance wears thin on those around her.  I can relate to that, too.  There are times when Miss Elaina needs her space as well, though.  She also does not like tomatoes, because they're too squirty for her.  She REALLY didn't like Mom Tiger's Veggie Spaghetti, so she got to eat plain spaghetti with salad on the side.

Prince Wednesday is Prince Tuesday's younger brother.  Prince Wednesday is a good-hearted little nerd, honestly, Friends.  Kind of like O, but different, too.  Prince Wednesday's thing is he collects rocks.  I bet if the Neighborhood had a chapter of the Moss and Lichen Appreciation Club, Prince Wednesday would be president.  Every so often, I harbor a crush on Prince Wednesday, but if you tell him, Friends, I will deny it. 

Katerina Kitty-Cat likes to dance, but she can be a little spoiled.  I don't know what this is like at all.  When I spazz out because Miss Elaina picked the triangle when I wanted to pick the triangle, it's totally different than when Katerina spazzed out for the same reason.  Katerina is also quite nurturing.  When the Neighborhood Kids play house, Katerina is always the Mommy.

Even though the neighborhood kids can all get on each other's nerves, they each retain their own distinct personalities.  They learn how to live and work and play together, despite them each being their own selves. 

That's what I love about each and every one of 'em!

And I got to meet them all in Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood at the Pittsburgh Children's Museum!  I got to sort letters in the Post Office, and play musical instruments at Music Man Stan's.  I got to work on a clock in the Clock Factory.  I got to hang out in Daniel Tiger's own living room!  And I got to play with Trolley!

If you think I geeked out, you bet I did! 

I am a FanGirl, after all! 

I'm your fan, too, Friends!  I love ya lots, and I'll see ya tomorrow!  Muah!

Saturday, July 9, 2016

My Swimmin' Ool!

There's no "P" in my "Ool," and I've been advised to keep it that way!
Hiya, Big People!  Hey, did you even know it's Saturday?!

Well, it totally is, and I could not be more thrilled.  Saturday is a special day of the week, since it only occurs once in every seven-day segment of time, unlike Monday, which sometimes rears its head two or three of the days in a seven-day segment of time. 

So anyways, we got out my Ool yesterday.  I was under the impression that it was a "pool," not an Ool, but Daddy set me straight on that. 

Because there is no "P" in a swimming Ool, and I've been advised to keep it that way.  I think my folks really mean it this time, too, Friends.  So I will do my best.

But you know what?  The water in the Ool comes straight outta the outside hose, and that water's COLD!  I didn't do anything, though!  I played in that Ool until my lips were blue and chattery yesterday, and then came inside to go to the Poilet.

Hahahahaha!

I'll see ya tomorrow, Friends!  I love ya lots!  Muah!

Friday, July 8, 2016

"S" Is For Swimmin'!

My arms are in the shape of an S for Swimming!
Hiya, Big People!  Happy Friday to you, Friends!

Well, ya know,if there's one thing I love to do in the summer, it's swim.  It's as though summer and swimming were made for each other.  They both start with the letter S!

I'm hoping to do some swimming in my inflatable swimming pool this summer.  It isn't my mushroom swimming pool, which you might remember.  I outgrew that swimming pool and have since found a creative, non-pool-related use for it.

Nope, Friends, I have moved the heck right on up to a larger inflatable swimming pool! I got to swim in my new pool once last year, on my birthday, but I sure hope I get to swim in it a lot more this year!

So, Friends, let's all think of the wonderful letter "S" and how sweet swimming is in the summer!

I love ya lots, Friends!  I'll see ya tomorrow!  Muah!


Thursday, July 7, 2016

Smiling Is Contagious

Smiling: Fake it 'til ya make it, yo!
Hiya, Friends! 

Well, ya know, I'm a kid who experiences all the moods, but Happy is definitely my favorite.

When I happen not to be in Happy, like I'm not in Happy when Mommy and Daddy and I are arguing over minutiae, or when I'm stuck in a stupid grownup store, or I'm in a restaurant I didn't wanna go to, I hafta find a way to get back into Happy. 

Sometimes, the best way for me to get back to Happy is to flip the heck right out and throw a tantrum...

Wait a minute.  That is definitely NOT the best way for me to get back to Happy.  Throw it in reverse. 

Sometimes, the best way for me for me to get back to Happy is to just grin and smile.  It's true, Friends.  Smiling is contagious.  Try it out on somebody who's frowny today. Smile at 'em.  See if their face doesn't eventually light up, maybe after a while, after they get the frowniness outta their system.  And if you're the frowny one, smile at yourself.  Fake it 'til ya make it, and when ya make it, you'll find your way back to Happy.  I promise you!

I love ya lots, Friends!  I'll see ya tomorrow!  Muah!

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

When Olive Oil Attacks!

At least olive oil is nourishin' to the dang ol' skin!
Hiya, Friends!  Happy Wednesday to you!

Well, ya know, I really like to help out in the kitchen, and I get especially excited when I get to help take something from one bottle and put it into another bottle for easier dispensing.  I mean, I really get a dang ol' kick out of that whole entire scenario right there!

So yesterday, while Mommy was gettin' dinner around, I asked her if we could put some of the olive oil from the big jugs into the glass bottles we use by the stove, and Mommy said 'Sure!' so we got out the bottles and a funnel, and she poured the olive oil from the big, unwieldy jugs into the nice, extremely wieldy glass dispenser-bottles.

But bein's how the funnel empties faster than the bottle can fill, or some such paradox, what happened is that the bottle got filled right up to the tippy-top, and when we put in the stopper, some of the olive oil squirted out of the dispenser spout, flew up into the air, and landed right on the toppa my head!

DROP!  *SPLAT!*

I believe that the lesson I'm supposed to learn is that you don't wanna overfill the glass dispenser bottles, but the point I'm takin' away from it all is that olive oil is marvelous for a conditioner!  My hair is so nicey soft and silky today, I might hafta have a few more "mishaps" with the olive oil!  How about that?!

Hey, Friends, I love ya lots, and I'll be seein' ya tomorrow!  Be careful in the kitchen.  Seriously, though!  Muah!

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Tuesday Follies!

It's fun to laugh, Big People!
Hiya, Big People!  Happy Tuesday to you! 

Well, ya know, Friends, do you ever have where this happens to you, after a long holiday weekend, it comes around to bein' Tuesday morning, and you're a little bit disorientated, since you're a little mad at the morning, but you can't put your finger on why, because it isn't Monday, but something definitely doesn't seem right, and then you realize you're mad because Tuesday has taken the place of Monday in the week, and it's bad enough to fathom, but then you also realize that your wonderful long weekend has come to an end, and it's now back to the same-ole, same-ole?

That's right the heck about where I am today, Friends!  After four days in a row of feelin' like it was Saturday, this Tuesday morning has slapped me right in the face like a piece of soggy bologna.

To combat this sad feeling, I've decided to make today full of Tuesday Follies here at The Daily Zoe.  I won't tell ya how to fill your day fulla follies, Friends, but I will leave ya with a wonderful thought to contemplate.  It's an oldie but a goodie.  One of my favorites.

Okay.  Here goes:  Friends, why was Six afraid of Seven?  Do you know?  Well, I'll tell ya.  Six was afraid of Seven on accounta Seven Eight Nine!

Get it?

Seven Eight Nine!  It's funny because "eight" is a homophone for "ate," and if Seven ate Nine, that would be a really good reason for Six to be afraid, and it would also make things hilariously awkward on the Number Line!  How about that?!

It's fun to laugh, Big People!  Even on a Tuesday morning!  I love ya lots!  Muah!

Monday, July 4, 2016

Happy Birthday, America!

From the bottom of my heart, America, I wish you a Happy Birthday!
Hiya, Big People!  Did you even know that even though today is Monday, it's the Fourth of July?  It's true!

It's the Fourth of July because yesterday was the Third of July and tomorrow's the Fifth of July, but it's a holiday today on account of it's America's birthday.

To be more accurate, it's the two-hundred fortieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence from England.  Have you ever read that, Friends?  I have, many times over, in my Little Big Board Book of the History of All Things.  If ya read the Declaration of Independence, ya start to realize really fast that the King of England at the time, George the Third, along with Parliament, was just about the most controlling, tyrannical stage parent the colonists here in America could ever hope for!  And the Declaration of Independence was America's way of sayin' "I'm movin' out and taking my talent with me, so there!"

I pretty much think it was a good call. 

So today, from the bottom of my heart, my fellow Americans, I wish our country the happiest of birthdays!  Here's to hundreds more!  Muah!

Sunday, July 3, 2016

Followin' Up with the Weather Woodchuck

Even the Weather Woodchuck needs to be thanked, every so often!
Hiya, Big People!  Happy Sunday to you!

Well, ya know, the other day, I was on my commute on the Bingham Underground from Center City Bing Station, up around the Llake Lloyd Lloop, the Crossroads Connector, a swing through the Bingham Centre at Bingham Center, Bingham West Hub, and back to Center City Bing Station.  I realize it's a ridiculous commute, but Donut Dude pays me my mileage to and from work, so it's all good.

Anyways, while I was on my commute, I ran into the Weather Woodchuck at the Llake Lloyd Lloop platform.  How about that?!  You might recall that while Punxsutawney has Punxsutawney Phil, in the Bing, we have the Weather Woodchuck.  And you might recall that the Weather Woodchuck predicted that we'd have beautiful weather this summer.

Well, people gripe a lot about the weather, and about woodchucks in general, so I figured that Weather Woodchuck could use some nice words, so I told him I appreciated all his work on predicting the weather.

Don't you know that made the heck right outta that Weather Woodchuck's day?!  Boy, howdy did it ever!  Big smile across his woodchucky face!  Eyes lit right up.  Boy, makin' Weather Woodchuck happy made your pal Zoe happy!  And then I realized I'd better share this information with you, Friends!  I want you to be happy, too!

So here's whatchya do- talk to somebody who's often over-looked today, or who might have a thankless job.  Let 'em know you notice that they're there, and you appreciate them. Tell 'em you appreciate their work.  Give 'em a smile!  I bet it'll just make the heck right outta their day, too, Friends!

I love ya lots, and I'll be seein' ya tomorrow!  Muah!

Saturday, July 2, 2016

Christmas Donuts in July!

It's Summer, but I'm already developin' Donut Dude's Christmas Donuts!
Hiya, Big People!  Happy Saturday to you!

So!  How's your Holiday Weekend going?  Mine's going great!

Actually, I'm thinking of Christmas, and not for the reason you'd think!  See, as Director of Donut Development at Donut Dude's World Headquarters, it's my job to stay a few seasons ahead of the game and develop donuts for the future. 

While you were sippin' your minty hot cocoa back in December, I was developin' our Peeps Donuts for Easter.  While you were eating conversation hearts by the handful, I was figuring out how to make Donut Dude's Firecracker Frenzy line a reality.  Hint: a little hot pepper in everything, so the flavor bursts in your mouth like a patriotic fireworks display!  Have a Little Heat with the Sweet, as we say!

So today, as we're all duded up in our summer duds, here I sit at my donut drawing board, trying for the life of me to figure out a way to make a donut coating that feels like a frosty blast of wintry air when you nite into the donut, but then a warm, gooey center that warms you right the heck back up.

Havin' a dream job isn't easy, Friends, but I manage somehow.  You have a good day!  I'll see ya tomorrow!  Muah!

Friday, July 1, 2016

A Four-Day Weekend!

This is my face I make when I'm SO EXCITED!!!
Hiya, Big People!  Happy Friday to you!

Did you even know it's a Holiday Weekend?!

It's true.  On Monday, it's Independence Day!  I plan on celebrating the day by being as independent as I can be!  Just as the American Colonists flung off the tyranny of King George the Third and England's rule, I plan to fling off the tyranny of Mommy and her ridiculous, arbitrary rule. 

But that's neither here nor there.  You keep that just between us, mmmmmmkay?

Anyways, what I'm really excited about is that this weekend is a four-day weekend for me and Daddy!  How about that?!

I love weekends where Monday is included in the weekend, too, Friends!  I hope you have some good plans for the long weekend!  I love ya lots, Friends!  I'll see ya tomorrow, to ketchup with ya about what you're up to this glorious weekend!  Muah!