Don't look now, but there only about 2 weeks from Mother's Day.  I Only a few shopping days left.  I have to tell you, have a very special mom.  Everyone loves Miss Ruth.  I mean, just LOOK at her!  Not bad for 82. 

You have a special mom too.  Even if she's gone, you will recall all of the things she did.  As you ponder, take a moment to check out her job description below.  Special thanks to Leslie, another downtown worker who sent this to me. 

MOM JOB DESCRIPTION:

For the position of Mom, we are looking for a full time team player and leader; one who is driven and a driver.  This person must be very flexible with excellent communications and organizational skills.  The job descriptions include (but are not limited to) worker, counselor, plumber, maid, dish washer, laundry expert, social director, plumber, seamstress, schedule coordinator, IT expert, chef, nanny, courier, referee, life coach and bookkeeper.  

The hours will exceed 40 hours per week with no overtime pay.  There are no bonuses to be paid with this job.  In fact, no payment will be given at all.  (Many times you will be expected to pay us.) But the rewards?  And the job satisfaction?  More than you can imagine.

Watch the comparison! 

Whoa!!

Doing all we can to make it all better...here are some places to go where you can get GREAT food and/or retail deal(s) on--or around--April 15!

Arby's

Freebie: For the third straight year, the fast food chain is offering emotionally- and financially-taxed Americans a delicious freebie on Tax Day. Arby's is serving up patrons a choice of a free value-sized order of Curly Fries or a small order of Potato Cakes via this printable coupon. Not only is it a nice treat, it's also a great way to save some dough on lunch or dinner.

Panda Express

Freebie: Last year's Tax Day fell on April 17, but that doesn't seem to stop Panda Express from offering its freebie on April 17 of this year, too. On the Wednesday after Tax Day, present this coupon (either printed or via mobile phone) for a free Samurai Surf & Turf entree. Try this brand new meal without having to dish out any cash.

Cinnabon

Freebie: Feeling bitter about filing? (Paltry return? Writing a check to Uncle Sam?) Then head to your nearest Cinnabon and nab two Cinnabon Bites for free. It'll sweeten up your day without emptying your wallet.

Office Depot

Freebie: It's always helpful to keep copies of your tax return. (You'll need to cough 'em up if you plan on applying for a mortgage, for example.) Keep the 2012 tax year on file by going to Office Depot and receiving a free black and white copy of your tax return (up to 25 pages, single-sided). Or if you need to dispose of some sensitive information, Office Depot also provides free document shredding (up to 5 lbs.). Offers expire May 1.

Other Great Freebies for Tax Day (or Otherwise):

• Schlotzsky's: The Original small sandwich for free with the purchase of a 32-oz. drink and chips (4/15 only)
• The Melting Pot: Buy one portion of cheese fondue, get a second one for free (ends 4/11)
• Subway: Buy one 6" sandwich before 9 am, get a second one for free (ends 4/30)
• Chili's: Free appetizer or dessert when you "like" its Facebook page (ends 4/15)
• AMC Theaters: Free small popcorn (4/12 to 4/15)
• Great American Cookies: Free birthday cake cookie (4/15 only)
• Blimpie: Buy one 6" sub and 22-oz. drink, get one 6" sub free with a Facebook "like" (ends 4/30)
• Krispy Kreme: Free glazed doughnut with any regular-priced milk (ends 4/21)

And when I say weird, ladies, I mean wEiRd.  But there are some things here that expert researchers, doctors and trainers have discovered can put (and/or keep) the weight on. 

YOUR HANDBAG: After noticing some of his patients carry more fat on one side of their body, cosmetic doctor Michael Prager realized that it was often the side on which the patients held their oversized handbags. "Before I perform laser fat removal I measure where patients carry fat, so we can measure inch loss post-treatment,' he says. 'Many of my female patients carry more fat down one side of their body and their fat stores were uneven. The only thing these women had in common was their ridiculously big handbags."

FAKE TAN: For years we've thought a fake tan will leave us looking slimmer and more toned. But could it actually make us fatter in the long run? Scientists in Sweden have discovered that chemicals known as phthalates in self-tanning lotions make us more prone to weight gain and twice as likely to develop diabetes.

MULTI-TASKING: For most women, continuously switching between chores is part and parcel of daily life. But new research has found that serially switching tasks exhausts the part of our brain that regulates self-control. "When you help your kids with their homework, then respond to a work email on your iphone, then go right back to algebra, you're doing tasks that require very different mindsets. which is what we found saps self-control resources," says Professor Ryan Hamilton, who worked on the study.

LEGGINGS: Sammy Margo, a physiotherapist, has warned that too-tight leggings can cause your muscles to become lazy, which results in a flabby stomach, bottom and legs. 'Leggings feel good and look great, and I am as addicted to them as anyone, but there is a downside,' she says. 'They hold in and support the thigh muscles, buttocks and core muscles in your tummy, and do the job the muscles are supposed to do. As a result, the muscles are allowed to relax and switch off. So when we reveal our bodies for the first time as summer approaches, they are not as svelte or firm as they otherwise would be.'

HIGH HEELS: Personal trainer Dax Moy thinks that wearing vertiginous heels too often can cause your stomach muscles to spill forward. 'Wearing very high heels causes the forward tilting of the pelvis, which allows the abdominal contents to spill forward, producing a pot belly which many women have wrongly come to think of as a fat stomach,' says Dax

From a male prespective, I can tell you that high calorie foods have a little bit to do with it.  Oreo Cookies, Twinkies and ice cream get me everytime.  And I don't even wear high heels.  So since last night was gumbo, french bread & Bluebell,  today it's huffing and puffing and SWEAT!