1. Three Cheers!  My friend, forgiving soul that she is, did return to Store 2, as noted in the last column. Although the Checker had been slightly on the rude side, my friend, Pen Ultimate, felt that this one instance should not be held against the Store as a whole, especially since prior treatment had been extremely courteous and helpful.

This Store-y has a happy ending.  Upon returning, Pen discovered that according to store policy, she had made enough purchases in the past year, to the point that she now received a $18 coupon to be deducted from the next purchase at the store, and another $10 on any purchase of store brand items she purchases.

Penny Pincher is excited. She is checking the flyers, and making a list.

Everyone in the Cheerful Checker's line was happy and congratulated Pen.  The Cheerless Checker was not there on this occasion. It could have been her day off, or it could have been that she didn't fit in and went to work somewhere else, maybe the Grouse House.  Hopefully she was just having a bad day on that particular day, and is feeling better.                     (cont.)   

2. Choose to be Cheerful:   Think yourself happy. "Reflecting on something pleasant can encourage feelings of joy," says Patrick Whiteside, psychiatrist and author of The Little Book of Happiness (Andrews McMeel, 2000). "Sit quietly for a few minutes, then bring to mind something simple that gives you pleasure, whether it's the sunshine on your face or the sight of your kids tucked up in bed."  What makes you feel happy?

3. Cheerful Giving:  "Mr. Jonathan" Craig stopped by with six tapes and 3 puppet books that were very appropriate for the Animal unit we have been enjoying at Better Beginnings. Susan Kozic also stopped by with some useful items. Pete Bussone made us all happy by making a needed sandbox for our playyard. His talents are many.

4. Cheerful Saving:  Penny Pincher loves to cut dryer sheets in half before using them; she also uses the used ones for dusting.

5. Character Development:   Following rules, taking turns and sharing are concepts young students can grasp at home or at school through the use of board and card games. What is your favorite game?