Wordnerd gave me the letter "M" last weekend. I am just getting around to thinking of 10 words and what they mean to me.

Mitey Mite -- This nickname was given to me by a boss, because I was very short, very thin, and very strong. And I'll have you know I am still very ... um, short.

Motherhood -- The best job I've ever had. I wish I had known when I was raising my kids the things I know now, but, whether or not I had much to do with it, they've all turned out to be responsible, creative, generous and delightful people.

M'Backe and Mwende -- My two newest children, the ones I sponsor through Christian Children's Fund. M'Backe lives in Senegal and Mwende, in Kenya.

Money -- This one is loaded with conflicts for me. Everything I've seen in life has convinced me that the love of money truly is the root of evil, but on the other hand, money is necessary; money is how you keep score; and you can do good things for others with money. I have never been materialistic, which is a good thing, since it's only been in the last few years that I've had any discretionary income. I would still rather spend my money on my kids, grandkids, charity, and the house, than on things for me.

Moon -- There are many levels to this one, too. Astrologically speaking, my ascendant is Moon Child. The Professor had several experiments around the moon back in the day -- did you know that there is moon dust?! And there is nothing to match a moon made huge by the water vapor in the air, rising over the bay and leaving a path in the water.

Monkey -- I was born in the year of the monkey according to the Chinese calendar. I have also been fascinated with the complex society of monkeys ever since I read Jane Goodall's books many, many years ago.

Moika -- I'm not sure if I spelled it right, but this is the Finnish word for "stew". (I learned this when I lived in Minneapolis -- another M word!) If I had to pick a favorite food, stew would be it. "Moika" is also a very satisfying word to say. It was my cuss word when my children were little and I didn't want them repeating the wrong things.

Majestic -- Although I am a woman of simple tastes, I love majestic things: mountains, soaring organ music in church, cathedrals, a grove of redwoods, a sky full of stars.

Mechanical engineering -- I was born twenty years too soon. When the aptitude tests in high school said my number one career pick should be mechanical engineering, everyone, including me, thought it was a joke. No one imagined a woman engineer back then. I have learned some engineering as it applies to the product I sell, and I have discovered that my ultimate comfort zone is in a group of M.E.'s.

Motorsports -- I am going to the Indianapolis 500 this weekend, as I do almost every year. This year our seats are behind pit row. Who knows, I may be on tv. And yes, of course I am rooting for Danica Patrick.

Have a very happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone!