Parlez-vous français? Oui, ce soir.

We sipped Kir Royals while ordering our escargot appetizer. Waiters spoke in French as we waited for our our entrees and peered out the restaurant’s window at the Eiffel Tower, its white lights twinkling as the sun went down. This was last Saturday night, in Paris … kind of.

Before the evening was over we were safely back home checking in on our son, sleeping quietly in his bed. While we didn’t technically fly to France, we got to experience the finer things that Paris offers by visiting EPCOT — a replica of the Eiffel Tower is there, along with sidewalk cafes brimming with coffee and sweet pastries. All of the emloyees that work there speak French. It’s as true an experience as you can have without hopping on a plane to Europe.

It was a brilliant idea: Date night became being a tourist in our own backyard. A 30-minute car ride swept us away for one evening, but what seemed like longer. It’s amazing what a great date can do.

You don’t have to live in Central Florida or have Disney World in your backyard to have an exotic or fun-filled date. Every city has its own favorite spots. Just ask yourself: “What’s in my backyard?” Then make a date to go explore it. You’ll be glad you did.

By now many of you may have heard the story about the college softball game that went from a championship game to an act of compassion, leadership and sportsmanship. I was reminded of the story yesterday and thought I would share it today for those who haven’t heard it of. It’s a great story to share with mother’s as an example of the compassion I’m sure we all want our children to learn.

Sara Tucholsky hit her first home run, ever, and began running the bases. She made it to first base, but blew out her knee couldn’t continue. Her team was told it couldn’t help her — her home run wouldn’t count. This is when the amazing part happens: Two girls from the opposing side asked if they could help. They were told they could. And so they did. Liz Wallace and Mallory Holtman carried Sara to each base so her home run would count. It made Sara’s team win the game.

It’s an amazing story. Ask yourself if you would have done what these two girls did? I have to say that I probably wouldn’t have even thought of it. It’s what makes it so amazing.

Related:

Read the entire story at ESPN.com.

Ladies, this year, don’t leave the Mother’s Day planning up to your spouse, OR your kids. Decide how you want to spend your Sunday and let the family know. This will take all expectations away and you’ll end up being happier.

Sure, it takes some of the surprise out of it, but it really gives you control over how to spend a day that is meant to celebrate you.

The other morning I picked up a book from my bookshelf that reminds me to slow down and take time for me. “Meditations For Women Who Do Too Much,” is a daily journal to guide women through life without being “workaholics, rushaholics, and careaholics.”

I particularly like the entry for March 15: Alone Time.

Alone time is absolutely essential to the human organism … My alone time is as essential to my spirit as food, sleep, and exercise are to my body.”

Each day tackles a new topic and can be read in about two minutes — who doesn’t have time for that?

Related:

• Use ‘Power Thought Cards’ For Positive Thinking

This topic of working or staying at home comes up all the time for moms. Here’s an article talks about the ups and downs for working moms — and those who want to go back to work after significant time off.

It also gives a few tips on how to negotiate a part-time or flex-time position so that you aren’t putting in full-time hours.

The full article, from SouthCoastToday.com is here.