There comes a point in every mother-of-a-daughter's life when the little girl you desired becomes a covetous alien rather than the sweet, cuddly child of one's dreams. Every mother hopes that to postpone that inevitable change, but hormones are beyond anyone's control.

Unfortunately in today's media society, the change often comes sooner rather than later. In my case, it really became obvious recently when my nine-year-old daughter came down for breakfast wearing one of my sweaters.

When I looked at her with that you-better-not-have-taken-that-out-of-my-drawer look, she fake-innocently replied: "I found it in my drawer so I figured it was mine." I don't doubt that she found it in her drawer because my cleaning lady isn't Solomon, but the rest of her logic left me baffled.

It's not surprising that she covets some of my clothes. Even though her closets are busting at the seams full of tons outfits, somehow my clothes seem more interesting to her. And while we are not the same size, I know she is already thinking ahead to the days when my cashmere sweaters will be hers. One of her favorite lines is: "when you're dead, I want that (fill in the blank with an item of clothing)."

Part of the problem is that she is the only female child in our family of six. Therefore, she has pretty much laid claim to every last female item in the house in anticipation of my pending death. The crystal, my jewelry, my clothes, my shoes, and anything else that she has rationalized will one day be hers. More than once I have considered hiring body guards just to keep her at bay until I have time to grow old gracefully.

The most worrisome part is that she is not a particularly covetous child. Or at least not yet. Many of my friends have teenagers daughters who cannot be left alone in the house for precisely this reason.

Two years ago, I was at a special event with some friends. All of a sudden I noticed one of my friends look over my shoulder with a look of consternation on her face. "Those are my new shoes!" she said. Since she was talking about shoes I turned around to have a look as well. And there were her new shoes -- shoes she had not yet worn -- walking into the room on the feet of her teenage daughter! And the best part was that her daughter wasn't even being coy. She just thought it was natural.

I realized then and there that that is the normal course of life. When your daughter turns a certain age you have to run for cover with every material thing you love.

No more hanging clothes on hangars. No more folding things nicely and putting them in the drawer. If you have an ounce of self preservation then you better be prepared to sleep with your favorite items under your mattress. Or, there is always Plan B -- 1-800-NOT-OUCH Bodyguards.

I wasn't born yesterday.

I had a life before I became a writer. I was a small town kid from Eastern Canada. I went to university. I liked it so much, I went to university a second time. After that, I had had enough university, so I decided to find a job. I always wanted a job that came with a hard hat and I found one in Hamilton, Ontario. I worked for a steel company where hard hats were a must. The hard also came in use once when I had a bat stuck in my living room.

Unfortunately the thrill of hard hats didn't hold me too long, so I set off to Toronto where I became a public relations professional. Apparently that was going too smoothly, because one day my husband decided it was time I made good on an old promise to move to Israel. It's hard being a person with a sense of integrity at moments like that. In other words, I moved to Israel where we still live today.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kendall_Wigoda

When impersonating famous people, there is a right way and a wrong way. The right way is of course, to have been a fan of the person and can at least, somewhat act or copy the person in some way. The wrong way is to simply take advantage of the celebrity as a simple look alike and ride their coattails to fame and glory. Considering that impersonating is the most sincerest form of flattery, one should at least be able to play the part too. Unless of course, one was hired this way simply as a decoy in some fashion.

Impersonating famous people has been around for centuries. Often it was the kings and queens who were the most impersonated and usually not in a very good light. Although, with the advent of Hollywood and the star persona, this has been followed with the impersonations of many different folks.

Sometimes, these impersonations can be quite accurate. For example, Rich Little was absolutely great at impersonating many famous people and more recently, the television show Saturday Night Live has always fared well with their versions. Especially, Tina Fey, who did the Sara Palin impersonation and it literally made her an overnight sensation.

Then there was the movie "Catch Me If You Can" and starred Leonardo Di Caprio as a man who impersonated many not so famous people such as an airline pilot, and would literally get away with it. Therefore, his impersonations would have had to be exquisite in their own right.

Regardless, does one have to choose specifically a famous person in order to properly impersonate? For example, there are many clowns that will usually be available for birthday parties and such. Does this mean that these clowns have to be famous clowns such as Emmit Kelly of Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey fame. Of course not, we all have our perceptions of what a clown is supposed to be and many times, it is the goofy and funny clown that we usually think of and expect when we order that special delivery for little Johnny's birthday party. This is a generalized version of impersonation.

Now, on the other hand, if one is playing Elvis, then one is expected to look and act, as well as probably sing at least somewhat like the original king of rock and roll. That is our expectations and we will accept no less. This is where the clown has at least some leeway in improvisation and where Elvis will not.

Therefore, simply an attempt at impersonating famous people is considerably different than impersonating famous people including their persona. One would most definitely require having at least some type of so called talent in order to properly do so.

Be sure to let your true talent shine. Get sincere opinions from close family and friends. You may well be a true star in waiting. Have real fun with your true talent

Martin Jeszke
www.impersonatorsforfun.com

Live in the UK currently, married with Italian wife, 2 grown up children both attending university. I have been involved with Personal Development for several years both in the corporate world and now ongoing training.

My mentors are Brian Tracy, Jim Rohn and Stephen Pierce.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Jeszke

Barbie, that American icon and paragon of perpetual youth and beauty, just celebrated her 50th birthday.

I "talked" to her recently in a conference call set up by Mattel, Inc publicist, GI. Joe.

It went something like this.

Me: Hello, Barbie. Or should I say 'Ms. Doll'? Which do you prefer?

Barbie: Well, I really don't have a last name, so Barbie is just peachy.

Me: Great. Barbie, I must say that you look marvelous as you enter into the A.A.R.P. membership zone. How do you do it?

Barbie: Why thank you, kind sir. Actually, my secret is that I'm 100% non-biodegradable. Plastic holds up really, really well, you know.

Me: Yes, and speaking of shape, yours has been the subject of great controversy over the years. You've been accused of "creating unrealistic expectations of womanhood and even spurring eating disorders in young girls," according to some sources. How do you respond to that?

Barbie: I am what I am. Or at least what the toymakers make me. I have changed over time, actually. Less, shall we say, "top heavy", and more rounded in other regions. As to eating disorders, well, don't you remember the Barbie Kitchen? I guess I was just blessed with a fast metabolism.

Me: Let's move to another subject. Being 50, you are most likely not considering motherhood. Does that bother you? Does Ken want children?

Barbie: As you know, I have recently been reconciled with my long-time boyfriend, Ken. After nearly 43 years together, we decided to take a break, but I am happy to say we are again an item. As for having a family, I feel like I am part of nearly everyone's family.

Me: Which brings me to finances. Reports are that you rake in $3.1 billion in sales annually. Do you get a piece of that?

Barbie: Have you seen my wardrobe? And I always have the latest in vehicles. So yes, I do very well, thank you.

Me: Back to your looks, if you don't mind. You have always been so glamorous with flawless skin and bushels of hair and always on top of the fashion scene. But through it all you have maintained a certain innocence. How are you able to pull that off?

Barbie: Here's the thing. I am in millions and millions of homes, sometimes many times over. I see that as an incredible responsibility. I have always maintained high standards and try to keep my reputation beyond reproach. For example, there has never been a "Barbie and Ken Spring Break Vacation Special" or anything that may have even the slightest hint of impropriety. I hope these young women-to-be can see that, and possibly model their lives after that.

Me: Nice, Barbie. Along those lines of role model, how about those many careers you have had. Over 100 jobs from teacher to surgeon to flight attendant to soldier. What's the deal, can't you keep a job?

Barbie: (laughing.) Very funny! Those have all been volunteer positions, you see. Remember the 3 billion we talked about earlier? Besides, why shouldn't a girl be able to do anything anyone else can do?

Me: Two more questions if you please. One, your most recent look has you sporting a butterfly tattoo on your shoulder. Is this a sign of a more edgy Barbie in the future?

Barbie: Why, no, silly. It's just one of those wash-off decal thingies. Just for fun.

Me: Okay, last question. One that a lot of guys out there want to know. Of all the cars you have had, which one is your all-time favorite?

Barbie: Oh my, that's an easy one. It would have to be my flamingo pink Ford Mustang GT convertible, of course.

Me: Thought so. Thanks for your time and "Happy Birthday, Barbie".



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Anselm