I like the story about the notebook.... "shut up!" I imagined young you doing that and laughed inside a bit. I think it was good for your mom to punish you like she did - you were a little meanie!

I too have not enjoyed rules throughout my life and the idea of living in a society filled with rules and what not is not something that I relish. It is the reason why I enjoy living where I do.

I don't think i have had smarties in 20 years. Loved those things!