Craig Daily Press

Christina M. Currie

Christina M. Currie's Touch of Spice column appears Fridays in the Craig Daily Press. E-mail her at director@craig-chamber.com

Craig — Alright. Who told? Seriously.

Clearly, there has been a breakdown in communication. I will try to explain so that there’s no confusion in the future.

What’s written here is just between you and me. It’s not exactly a secret. OK, it’s sort of a secret. I mean, you can discuss it among your friends. You can pass it on to your co-workers. You can tell family members it’s a “must read.” Actually, I really hope you do those things.

But THAT’S ALL.

My 7-year-old daughter, Katie, asked in an offhanded way, “Mom, do you tell people about us?”

We were in the car, so I didn’t have to make eye contact.

“Ummm, sure. I brag about you all the time.”

“I mean, like in the newspaper or something?” she pressed.

“Ummm, uh huh. Maybe. Sometimes. Where’d you hear that? I think it’s time to clean your room.”

When Katie has to clean her room, she generally instantly develops some malady that makes it impossible for her do so. I figured that out long ago. Someday, she’s going to figure out that when I want to get out of answering a question, I remember that her room needs her immediate attention.

We had a slip a few months ago when one of Katie’s teachers was thanking me for chaperoning a trip. He made sure the students also expressed their appreciation for my time and noted that I was the one who wrote about my children in a weekly column.

Luckily, Katie didn’t notice.

Here’s my problem: I started writing about my children seven years ago (I know, I can’t believe it’s been that long either). I don’t do it because my children are any more unique or special than any other. I do it because I do a lot of dumb things as a parent and it helps me a lot when other parents say, “I did the exact same thing.” It’s also provides incredible relief when I think the things my children are doing CAN’T be normal, and another parent tells me that their kids have done it, too.

I love to hear, “Oh yeah, I remember that.”

And if I need that reassurance, I’m sure there are others who do as well.

It’s just an added benefit that sometimes, I make people laugh and that’s one of my favorite things in the world.

But, what I’m realizing more and more is that my children may not find much humor in the fact that half their hometown knows the embarrassing details of their childhood. That their mother gave as much ink to the times they wore their potty chair as a hat as she did those moments when they touched someone’s heart.

Could cause problems.

Likely will.

So, here’s the deal. I’ll keep doing my best to amuse you and hopefully writing about things you do (and need to) relate to, if you’ll agree that it’s our little secret. I’d really appreciate it if you’ll not mention to my children that the things they do are highlighted weekly on page 6 and archived for all of posterity.

I’ll break the news to them eventually (preferably when they’re in their 30s and are experiencing the same things with their children). I’ll let you know how it goes over.