I've Got Mail: Sweets

Send a message to the universe, and sometimes it sends you chocolate. A tidy pack of Shaman Chocolates arrived ready for review in my mail yesterday, and I'm happy to report that these bars of organic gourmet chocolate are great! They are Fair Trade Certified, and all the profits go to Huichol Indians in Central Mexico. According to the press materials, the Huichol are thought to be the last tribe in North America to have maintained their pre-Columbian traditions. The profits from the chocolate help them preserve their ancient healing traditions and keep other cultural elements alive.

Plus, the people of the tribe consider chocolate to be a gift from the gods. I couldn't agree more.

The bars, which cost about $3 for a 2-ounce bar, come in a variety of flavors; my fave was Shaman's Song, which is milk chocolate with hazelnuts. Order them online or find them at select Whole Foods.

Oh, God

"Mom, what's a period?" 8-year-old Kate asked me the other day.

Really? Already? I tried not to choke, gasp, stumble, scream, cry or throw up. And if I do say so for myself, I think I stayed pretty composed.

I calmly explained the biology part and then the mechanics, without even editorializing much with such euphamisms as "The Curse" or "Mom's Time to Constantly Yell at Dad." I tried to explain that this is what sets women apart: We're the special gender who gets to have the babies for our species. 

She seemed pretty satisfied with that answer. Then the next day came this question:

"Mom, what do boys have that's special?"

Political Ring

Technology is playing a pivotal role in this year's political arena. Check out these intriguing Obama ring tones. (Before McCain supporters send me a message, the candidate's official site doesn't appear to have a ring tones page, or I would include it!)

If you prefer something a bit more on the wild side, replace your ring with the haunting howl of the Mexican wolf or the tender toot of the Cactus ferruginous pygmy owl to your phone, courtesy of the Center for Biological Diversity.

Either way, you're sure to take the call.

Worry Wart

Sometimes you hear a bit of parenting advice that really resonates – from an unexpected source. In my case, it was Adam Carolla's morning radio show on 97.1 FM. I often tune in as an antidote to Jack's nonstop barrage of morning-commute questions: Mom, can I take my Darth Vader mask to school? Why not? Then can I take my light saber? Why not? Is Darth Vader a bad guy? Why? Did he get his eye poked out?

And that's B.C.: Before Coffee.

So once I've dropped him off at preschool and the car is quiet, I like to listen, passively, to something that doesn't require a coherent response. Sometimes it's NPR, sometimes it's music or a CD. But very often, it's the rants and fun guests on Adam Carolla (you can often hear L.A. Parent's Handy Dad, Eric Stromer, dispense his home-improvement wisdom on the show, too).

Last week, I had tuned in just long enough for Adam to offer this gem: One of the best things you can do as a parent is to NOT turn your child into a worrier by worrying too much. I am a worrier and the daughter of a hardcore worrier. My sisters are worriers. Together, we produce enough worry to power a worry factory with worry left over for nonworriers. Jack has a knot on his neck? It's got to be lymphoma. Kate fell on her scooter? I'm sure it's a broken arm. Steve's late getting home from work? He was, I'm sure, in a fiery crash on the 101.

And it dawned on me as I listened to Adam's rant. My mom taught me many wonderful things: Don't lie. Be gracious even if you don't like the gift. You don't need a man except to gas up the car. But she also taught me to worry.

So I'm going to try to break the cycle. But I'm worried that it's not going to be easy.

Date Night Frights

OK, weary couples. Tired of the same ol' movie and dinner date night? I have an idea for you: Knott's Scary Farm. Nothing brings a couple together like a good fright! Before you scoff, consider this: Men love to have an opportunity to show their bravery. And girls, doesn't it make you find kinda special when your fella puts his arm around you and gets you safely through Axe Murder Manor?

Knotts has long lead the amusement park pack during Halloween time. And this year is no exception. Because I have always been too chicken for such pursuits, L.A. Parent graphic designer Dean Gojobori bravely picked up the gauntlet to hit opening day on Sept 25. "That was fun!" was the overwhelming sentiment.

He cautions that the attraction isn't suitable for little goblins under 13 (although the younger visitors got a gentler treatment from monsters), and some of the seven shows, 13 mazes and three scare zones include some scantily clad characters and off-color humor.

But for grownups trying to scare up a little excitement in their relationship? A killer-good time.