There was an earthquake last week. It is not what you would expect on the Eastern Seaboard, but there you have it.  I heard that there was a meeting of earthquake specialists at the time, and that it was a full ten seconds before they realized what was happening. You might think that they would be quicker to spot one. 

 

"Not right now. I am reading a book about how to be a better mom, honey."

 

"Well, be a bad mom and play with me."

 

It is a good idea to participate in marriage groups and workshops. But the trouble is people are always so well behaved. What better time to be fractious than when people have the techniques freshly in mind?

 

Once I went to a conference on parenting and the main speaker, who was marvelous, got in the elevator with her son and a bunch of attendees. Her son spoke. 

 

"Well, do you want me to be bad or do you want me to be good?" he inquired.

 

"Joseph!"

 

Go ahead and study up on how to behave with your spouse. But by all means don't stop there.