Dear Kid,

Once again, there was soccer. Women’s World Cup Soccer to be more specific.

The other night the US women won their game against Germany.

And while they may have won, they didn’t exactly play to Dad’s standard. I know this because of the string of “No, no, NO! What are you thinking!?!” and “Cross! Cross! Aw, come on, you gotta play better than that!” and other similar comments snarls bellows.

Dad also found it necessary to comment on the officiating. “What? Are you kidding me? How can you not call that?” and “Nope, nope, nothing there, play on, good no call.”

Frankly, I’m amazed he didn’t lose his voice.

Last night was the Japan/England game. I’m not sure if Dad didn’t care as much or whether he really had lost his voice, but there was a lot less couch coaching.

The next game will be Saturday, USA versus Japan for the World Cup Title.

I’m off to buy earplugs.

Love, Mom

Dear Kid,

I’m a little concerned that you are missing a critical part of your education.

I’m not sure you know to say “Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit” on the first day of every month. And tomorrow is the first day of the month.

Not everyone agrees that you’re supposed to say “rabbit, rabbit, rabbit.” Some people think you’re supposed to say “White Rabbit.” Some people think one “rabbit” is sufficient. Everyone agrees that the capital letters are optional.

There are many other variations of rabbit-ness. Some people say you have to say it up the chimney (no word on what happens if you live in a fireplace-free abode). Some people say you have to say “Brown Rabbit” the night before (right before bed) and then “Rabbit, Rabbit” when you wake up.

According to My Friend the Internet, the tradition of saying something lapin on the first day of the month goes back to the 13^th century. This of course is before anyone you know was born, so we don’t really have an ear-witness account. But if MFtI says it’s so, who am I to argue?

The tradition apparently started in England, so it might help if you say it with a British accent.

Most of the “experts” on the internet seem to feel that the reason for saying “rabbit, rabbit” (remember? the capitals are optional) is so that you will get a present before the end of the month. This tends to be most effective when you choose to say “rabbit, rabbit” the first day of your birthday or anniversary month. Or December.

Some people say that you’ll have good luck (and perhaps monetary fortune) if you say “rabbit, rabbit, rabbit” first thing on the first day of the month.

I believe that you won’t get the plague if you say it (I, personally, have never gotten the plague, so it must be true).

Some children say you’re supposed to wear pajamas inside out and say “rabbit, rabbit, rabbit” right before going to bed to ensure a snow day the next day. Those children generally had school they next day so I wouldn’t rely on it as a get-out-of-studying technique.

Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit (I like the capitals).

Love, Mom