I had an interesting conversation with one of my daughters this week.  We were listening to the radio, and the new Economic Stimulus package was being discussed.  My daughter listened for a few minutes, and then asked, “Mom, if money is so tight for everyone, I don’t understand why everyone isn’t shopping on Zwaggle.  After all, it doesn’t cost you any money to list your stuff, and there are some pretty sweet things on the site right now.”

Indeed.  Out of the mouths of babes, eh?

I’m not sure what to think of the whole “Economic Stimulus” thing.  On the one hand, I’d be REALLY happy if the money was sent directly to me.  I could seriously stimulate the economy with my share - $787 billion dollars divided by the current population of the United States (roughly 304 million) = about $2600.  Each.  I think.  Math was never really my strong suit.  Now, we both KNOW it’s NEVER gonna work that way - but wouldn’t it be great if it did?  In lieu of easy money being sent your way, money that we will all have to pay back through our taxes and higher cost of, well, just about everything - let’s start a Zoint Stimulus for all of us.

List what you aren’t using, and turn it into something you need - but why stop there?  We have all seen the affects of a downward spiraling economy, and no one has felt the results more than those who help others - the non profits and the shelters.  If you don’t have a need for your own family, there are plenty of families that are in need.  Look through the list of Zwaggle Charities and donate your Zoints to one of them.  Or get an item off of Zwaggle and donate it directly to a charity that might be able to use it - a bassinet for a newborn, a tricycle for a toddler, sneakers for a grade schooler.  Maybe you could pick up maternity clothing for a battered woman’s shelter. A non profit after school program would love some Zoints to get the art supplies already listed on Zwaggle.

You might not need something right now, but you never know when those things you don’t use might be just the ticket for another person.   One stone, dropped in the water, creates almost no movement - but four or more create ripples that affect each other in long ranging movements.  Let’s widen the ripples in our own communities.

If so, you could be on The Oprah Winfrey Show! 

We have learned that Oprah is looking for families who have figured out innovative ways to save money in this tough economy.  We know our members are some of the savviest parents out there, so we wanted to pass the opportunity along to you.  All you need to do is shoot an email to Oprah Show Producer Melinda Morrison at Mmorrison@harpo.com and tell her why you’re one of “America’s thriftiest families.”  Briefly tell your family’s story and list some of your thrifty tips – including, of course, how Zwaggle helps you save money by sharing quality kids’ items with other parents, instead of buying new.  Good luck and be sure to let us know if you hear anything! 

I have been sick three times in three weeks. In fact, for the vast majority of the past 21 days I have been down and OUT.  (I hate the winter.)  I had one of the worst colds of my life, then came down with a migraine, followed by a killer muscle cramp in my calf that lasted almost a week, and then, boom - a cold again!  It feels as though as soon as I recover, I’m slapped by the sickness stick again and again.

Seriously, I have no idea why it’s happening to me with SUCH regularity.  I mean, I got my flu shot, eat well with lots of fruits and veggies and very little junk food, drink my water, take my vitamins, exercise like a mad woman.  Huh.  I think I just figured it out.  Did you notice what was missing from that list?  Sleep.  (And, also, cupcakes - but I think that the main culprit would be the lack of good, solid restful sleep.)  I’ve been burning the candle at both ends again, and clearly I can not continue to do that without it affecting my health. I’m going to have to become one of those boring old ladies who go to bed before the late news - actually BEFORE the late news. Think maybe even before Gray’s Anatomy goes off. Sigh…

Being sick is no fun.  Besides the very real fact of how horrid you feel,  you miss work and exercise classes, time with family and friends, and even your favorite television shows.  Because, really, when you are sick, all you want to do is sleep.  At least, that’s how I feel while sick.  But, what about the kids?   Odds are great that when you are down, those little petri dishes aren’t, and then you’ve got trouble.  How can you keep the kids busy while you drool into your pillow, throat coated with Vick’sVapoRub, dreaming of chicken noodle soup like Grandma used to make?

Well, I think, maybe I can help with your choice of a prize that I have to give away.  One that will help your family remain occupied enough to help you recover?  If you aren’t currently sick,  count your blessings and enter anyway.  Because you never know when the sickness is coming - like a thief in the night, it creeps up when you least expect it.

RULES:  Tell me the worst sickness you ever experienced.  Misery loves company, right? Was it the time you had strep in your house for five months on end (true story, it happened to us three years ago!)?  Was it the time you went on a trip and came down with the flu and vomited your way through the airport?  Was it the Christmas you had the stomach flu and your newborn baby came down with RSV?  Along with your story, tell me which you’d like to win:  a dvd of Tinkerbell, a dvd of Wall-E, or a Wii copy of Madden ‘08.  Any one of which will provide you hours of peace and quiet and the ability to EMBRACE THE NYQUIL?