My daughter would kill me if she knew these stories were on the web.

Prior to going away to school, I explained to my daughter, “I’ll pay for your college, but you’ll have to earn your spending money each summer.” That would come to about $1,500. The summer before she was to leave was fast slipping away and she had earned no money. “Lauren,” I said with wisdom in my voice, “you will be leaving for school shortly and have raised no spending money, you need to get started.” Exasperated she replied, “Dad I’ve got our senior party this weekend, my friends are getting together before we split up next week and I rush for sorority in two weeks.” “I know sweetie, but the fact still remains you have earned no spending money.” To which she sorrowfully whined, “Dad, all I know is that I’m doing all that I can.”

While off at school, my daughter called me on her way to the mall. Suddenly, I heard the tires screech , Lauren scream and then silence; I frantically called Lauren, Lauren, but no answer. After what seemed an eternity, I heard her say, “Dad I just ran into the back of the guy in front of me.” “Are you all right I asked? Make sure you call the police.” “Dad, it’s all right,” she said, sounding a little frustrated, “It was not my fault.” “Yes Lauren,” I said with a little frustration of my own, “anytime you hit someone from behind it’s your fault, call the police.” “No dad it was not my fault,” she said argued, “ It was his fault, he was driving too close in front of me.”

At college my daughter worked at the Banana Republic clothing store. While visiting her one afternoon and on our way to eat, she mentioned that Banana Republic was opening another store across from her school. “That’s three stores in a close area,” I said, “Isn’t that to many?” “No,” she said rather philosophically, “the others are in outside malls, this one is to be in a covered mall.” “What does that have to do with anything?” I asked. Impatiently she replied, ”Haven’t you ever heard the saying, “Save Your Money For A Rainey Day?” “What?” I asked. “Dad, Save Your Money For A Rainey Day, so you can shop in doors, Duh!”