Chapter 10, Page 12 Sacrifices for fashion

Could someone please explain why it's necessary to freeze our ears off in the name of beauty? It's especially cruel right after a hair cut when one's hair is still slightly damp from the washing and all the weird spray stuff they use.

And people wonder why I have an attitude.

Chapter 10, Page 11 Explain then cut

I think I would have taken the notion of beauty parlors and clothes shopping a bit better if they hadn't involved, well, this.

Seriously, people, is it really so hard to explain what it is you're doing before you subject a girl to it? This isn't fun at all when you don't know what the heck is going on.

Actually, a picture book with various hairstyles to choose from might've been a good idea.

Chapter 10, Page 10 A trim doesn't count

Yeah, apparently a parent cutting your hair doesn't count as getting a hair cut. Whatever.

Sorry for the delay, I will try to get this sequence uploaded before the weekend.

Chapter 10, Page 9 Anticipating birthday

Well, as I write this I will be 27 in about 11 minutes.

That still seems old to me. Maybe because it doesn't seem that long ago when 20 sounded ancient.

Anyway, this is actually going to be Mary's first sleepover. That is, the first time she's been to a sleepover that wasn't at her own house. You might remember that she did have a couple, ah, friends over night once before.

Chapter 10, Page 8 Big girl?

Oh, and in case the reason for this conversation isn't clear (it will be on the next update, but anyway), my birthday is next Monday. Can't believe I'm turning 27. That's *old!* It was kinda weird realizing I was old enough to drink and that was years ago! oO

Chapter 7, Page 26 Compensated flattery

Yes, it's true, Mary honestly has no idea what she could have done to earn nearly two dollars in loose change.

Oh, and Grandma's birthday really is April Fool's Day. I can just imagine the jokes at the maternity ward.

Chapter 7, Page 23 First Birthday

Peter is one year old! Man, a year goes by so fast. Good heavens, how long has Mary Quite Contrary been running? Mary was ten when I started and now she's 14! She's got a little brother now, she's been home schooled for nearly 3 years, and her littlest sister has started kindergarten.

What else will happen from now on? I sure hope I can keep this up for another 4 years. And longer!

Chapter 4, Page 30 Special Birthday Greeting

Isn't he so cute and fluffy? ^-^

Chapter 4, Page 29 Birth, Finally!

Why isn't Conny excited? She's not quite six yet and had her heart set on a little sister. Little kids are like that.

On the other hand, Mary's wanted a little brother since first grade. So a little obliviousness toward Conny's feelings is forgivable, right?

Oh, and yes, this is a double post. I wanted an Easter themed strip but also had to do this as close to his actual birthday as possible. It would be preferable to do it on his birthday, but that's tomorrow. Stay tuned for a special birthday card tomorrow, though. ^_^

Chapter 4, Page 24 Thirteen Candles

Okay... Her birthday (as well as mine) is actually tomorrow. But that's a Saturday and my update schedule calls for a post of Friday. So it's a day early. I'm sure Mary doesn't mind. ^_^

How does one "act their age" anyway? Usually it seems to mean not having any fun.

Chapter 4, Page 18 The Taunting Begins

Not to say that Mary doesn't do the same thing when her sisters' birthdays come up. She just reacts more strongly to it.

The tune goes a bit like when someone says "nya-nya, you can't catch me."

What presents will Mary get? What am I going to do for Friday's episode? Can I hold back this cold long enough *to* do something for Friday?

Just have to wait and see.

Chapter 4, Page 16 Count Down to Birthday

I wonder how many other kids that age are afraid of becoming an adult? I know I was, though I also thought grown-ups got the coolest toys.

Ah, the conundrums of youth.

Chapter 3, Page 44 Happy Birthday, Jesus

We used to do this. I don't know why we don't any more. Maybe it got to be too much work. Anyway, it's a nice memory, sitting around the table singing 'Happy Birthday' to Jesus.

In case you can't tell, there's a little figure of baby Jesus in the manger on the table.