I’m joining Emily Freeman in sharing things we learned each month. This month, to spice things up, is brought to you by the Letter ‘S.’ See what I did there? Spice starts with ‘s.’ Okay, I’m getting carried away. On to the list…

• Silly:  Where a rubber ducky dumped into the ocean in 1992 will end up in 2007 and what the world looks like based on number of McDonald’s locations. 

  Here are 40 different maps to help you make sense of the world at Twisted Sifter. They are fascinating and worth spending some time on, so click the link after you read the rest of my post (or promise to come back!). #19 – Map of Where 29,000 Rubber Duckies Made Landfall After Falling off a Cargo Ship in the Middle of the Pacific Ocean – is my favorite.

• Serious: The Wall Around Your Heart launches in October and I made the Launch Team.

  You may have heard me mention this book once or twice. I’m seriously excited to be a part of this, not just for the experience, which so far is a blast, but I think The Wall Around Your Heart applies to everyone, since we have all been hurt in relationships at some point in life.
  

• Simple: A celebration doesn’t have to be elaborate to be memorable. 

  We celebrated our 15 year anniversary in August. Earlier, I was disappointed we could not have a romantic getaway. Instead, we ended up with a week-long of simple little celebrations in the middle of life. Tom even took me to a painting party class. And all the simple things added up to a wonderful remembrance of our wedding day and all the years since.
  

• Sad: The Back-to-School season (BTS) is becoming one of the saddest times of year.

  After hearing the doctor say we would never have children of our own, Mother’s Day had definitely become the hardest holiday. But BTS season is hard, with the increase of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter posts of all the kiddos’ first day back at school. Midwest schools started in August, but my East Coast friends start up this week, so the BTS season is even extended thanks to social media. Not only do I not have photos for all my virtual friends to see, but I’m reminded during this time of the milestones I’m missing in my non-existent children’s lives. Sad, but true.

• Superior: Android is superior to iPhone.

  In August we switched cell providers, which gave me the opportunity to switch to an iPhone. I had been using a Samsung GS3 and I switched to an iPhone 5. Twelve days later, I went back to my carrier and traded the iPhone for a new GS4. I only miss two things from the iPhone: its smaller size (better for my hands) and the power button on top of the phone rather than on the right side. In every other way, for me, the Android is the superior phone. It was nice knowing you, Siri, but so long.

• Surreal: Crafting with Cat Hair is an actual book.

  They sell it on Amazon and it even has 48 5-star reviews. Crafting with Cat Hair: Cute Handicrafts to Make with your Cat was written by Japanese author, Kaori Tsutaya, as a fun way to recycle your cat’s fur, making the most out of shedding season. It makes a great gift for that special someone.

I hope you enjoyed the Letter ‘S’ edition of Things I Learned! Check back at the end of September to see what letter is next and what interesting items I picked up during the month!

Chatting At The Sky also has other bloggers who are sharing their month’s tidbits as well, if you want to check out more interesting things.