Belly Up Calendar: Ever felt like your life’s a sinking ship, but instead of bailing water, you just want to grab a cocktail and watch it go down in style? Well, then, my friend, you need a Belly Up Calendar.

It’s not your typical “to-do” list; it’s a gloriously honest way to plan for all the glorious failures that life throws your way. Think of it as a “what-could-possibly-go-wrong” calendar, where every missed deadline, canceled meeting, and burnt dinner becomes a badge of honor.

Imagine a calendar filled with hilarious anecdotes of how you accidentally sent your boss a meme instead of a report, or how your attempt to bake a cake ended up resembling a nuclear meltdown. This isn’t about being a failure; it’s about embracing the inevitable chaos with a smile and a “well, that was fun” attitude.

The Concept of a Belly Up Calendar

A belly up calendar is a unique and visually appealing way to track and celebrate important events, milestones, or goals. It combines the practicality of a traditional calendar with the visual impact of a creative and engaging format.

Purpose and Function

The primary purpose of a belly up calendar is to provide a clear and concise visual representation of significant dates, events, or achievements. This visual format helps individuals stay organized, motivated, and accountable for their goals.

Format and Layout

A belly up calendar typically features a visual representation of a fish, with its belly facing upwards. This provides a large, open space on the calendar where users can write, draw, or attach reminders, notes, or mementos. The fish’s body is often divided into sections representing different months or weeks, allowing for easy navigation and tracking of events.

Types of Belly Up Calendars

• Event Calendars: These calendars are designed to track and commemorate special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or vacations. Users can write down important dates, add photos, or include personal notes to create a personalized and meaningful record of their events.

• Milestone Calendars: This type of calendar helps individuals track their progress towards achieving significant milestones, such as completing a project, reaching a fitness goal, or saving for a specific purchase. Users can mark off completed milestones or set reminders for upcoming deadlines.

• Goal Calendars: These calendars are focused on setting and achieving personal or professional goals. Users can create a visual representation of their goals, break them down into smaller steps, and track their progress over time.

Uses and Applications of Belly Up Calendars

Belly up calendars offer a unique and versatile approach to planning and organization, catering to diverse needs and preferences. They provide a visual representation of time, facilitating efficient scheduling and task management.

Individuals

Belly up calendars can be valuable tools for individuals seeking to enhance their daily organization and productivity. Individuals can utilize these calendars for:

• Personal Scheduling:Individuals can schedule appointments, meetings, deadlines, and other important events, ensuring they stay on top of their commitments.
• Task Management:Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps and assigning deadlines for each step can enhance focus and ensure timely completion.
• Goal Setting:Individuals can set long-term goals and break them down into smaller milestones, visually tracking their progress over time.
• Habit Tracking:Visualizing daily habits and routines can help individuals stay motivated and accountable, promoting positive changes.
• Project Planning:Belly up calendars can be used to plan and track complex projects, visualizing timelines and dependencies between tasks.

Businesses

Businesses can leverage belly up calendars to streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and improve overall efficiency. Some applications include:

• Team Scheduling:Businesses can use belly up calendars to schedule team meetings, project deadlines, and other collaborative activities, promoting transparency and coordination.
• Resource Allocation:Visualizing team members’ availability and workload can help businesses allocate resources effectively, ensuring optimal utilization and minimizing conflicts.
• Project Management:Belly up calendars can be used to track project timelines, dependencies, and milestones, providing a clear overview of project progress.
• Marketing Campaigns:Businesses can utilize belly up calendars to plan and track marketing campaigns, ensuring timely execution and monitoring campaign performance.
• Sales Pipeline Management:Visualizing sales opportunities and deadlines can help businesses prioritize leads, track progress, and maximize sales potential.

Organizations

Belly up calendars can be beneficial for organizations of all sizes, from non-profits to government agencies, enabling efficient planning and coordination. Some examples include:

• Event Planning:Organizations can use belly up calendars to plan and coordinate events, managing timelines, logistics, and resources effectively.
• Volunteer Management:Visualizing volunteer schedules and tasks can help organizations manage volunteers efficiently, ensuring adequate coverage and maximizing their contributions.
• Fundraising Campaigns:Organizations can use belly up calendars to track fundraising goals, deadlines, and activities, ensuring successful campaign execution.
• Community Outreach:Visualizing outreach programs and initiatives can help organizations coordinate efforts and maximize their impact within the community.
• Program Management:Organizations can use belly up calendars to plan and track program timelines, milestones, and resource allocation, ensuring successful program implementation.

Advantages of Belly Up Calendars

Belly up calendars offer several advantages over traditional calendar formats:

• Visual Clarity:Belly up calendars provide a clear visual representation of time, allowing users to quickly grasp deadlines, appointments, and other important events.
• Flexibility:Belly up calendars can be customized to fit individual or organizational needs, accommodating different time scales and levels of detail.
• Enhanced Collaboration:Belly up calendars can be shared and accessed by multiple users, facilitating team collaboration and communication.
• Improved Focus:Visualizing deadlines and tasks can help individuals and teams stay focused and prioritize their efforts.
• Increased Accountability:Belly up calendars provide a visual record of commitments, promoting accountability and encouraging progress towards goals.

Creating a Belly Up Calendar

A belly up calendar is a visual tool that helps businesses track their cash flow and identify potential financial risks. It’s a valuable resource for entrepreneurs, business owners, and financial managers who want to ensure their business stays afloat.

Designing a Belly Up Calendar

Creating a belly up calendar involves several steps, each contributing to the overall effectiveness of the tool.

• Determine the Scope:Start by defining the timeframe you want to cover. This could be a month, quarter, or even a year.
• Identify Key Revenue and Expense Items:List the major sources of income and expenses that significantly impact your cash flow.
• Estimate Cash Inflows and Outflows:Project your expected income and outgoings for each period within your chosen timeframe.
• Create a Visual Representation:Choose a format that suits your needs. A simple spreadsheet or a more visual calendar format with color-coding can be effective.
• Analyze and Adjust:Regularly review your calendar to track your progress and make adjustments as needed.

Choosing the Right Format and Layout

The format and layout of your belly up calendar should be tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

• Simple Spreadsheet:A spreadsheet can be a straightforward option for basic tracking. You can use columns for dates, income, expenses, and net cash flow.
• Visual Calendar:A visual calendar format allows you to see your cash flow visually, making it easier to identify potential issues. You can use different colors to represent income, expenses, and net cash flow.
• Interactive Tools:Online tools and software can offer more sophisticated features, such as automated calculations, charts, and graphs.

Design Elements

Effective design elements enhance the clarity and usefulness of your belly up calendar.

• Color Coding:Use distinct colors for income, expenses, and net cash flow. This visual cue makes it easy to track your financial position at a glance.
• Clear Labels:Label each row and column clearly to avoid confusion.
• Visual Cues:Use icons or symbols to highlight important dates or events that affect your cash flow.

Tools and Resources

Several tools and resources can help you create a belly up calendar.

• Spreadsheets:Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or other spreadsheet software are readily available and offer basic functionality for creating a belly up calendar.
• Project Management Software:Tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com can be used for managing tasks and projects, and they often include features for tracking finances.
• Financial Planning Software:Software like Mint, Personal Capital, or YNAB can help you track your income and expenses and create financial projections.

Types of Belly Up Calendars

Belly up calendars are designed to help individuals and businesses track their financial health and plan for future expenses. They can be customized to fit a wide range of needs, from personal budgeting to corporate financial forecasting. Different types of belly up calendars cater to specific purposes and target audiences, each offering unique features and functionalities.

Types of Belly Up Calendars

The following are some of the most common types of belly up calendars:

• Personal Belly Up Calendars:These calendars are designed for individuals to track their income, expenses, and savings goals. They typically include features like budgeting tools, expense tracking, and debt management. Personal belly up calendars can be used to create a detailed financial picture, identify areas for improvement, and achieve financial goals.

• Business Belly Up Calendars:These calendars are designed for businesses to track their revenue, expenses, and cash flow. They typically include features like financial forecasting, profit and loss tracking, and balance sheet analysis. Business belly up calendars can be used to make informed financial decisions, manage cash flow, and plan for future growth.

• Project Belly Up Calendars:These calendars are designed to track the progress of specific projects. They typically include features like task management, deadlines, and resource allocation. Project belly up calendars can be used to stay on track, meet deadlines, and ensure the successful completion of projects.

• Event Belly Up Calendars:These calendars are designed to track the progress of events, such as conferences, weddings, or festivals. They typically include features like event planning, budget management, and guest list tracking. Event belly up calendars can be used to organize events, stay on budget, and ensure a successful outcome.

Features and Functionalities of Belly Up Calendars

Belly up calendars can include a variety of features and functionalities, depending on their purpose and target audience. Some common features include:

• Budgeting Tools:Allow users to set budgets, track expenses, and monitor spending habits.
• Expense Tracking:Track income and expenses, categorize transactions, and generate reports.
• Debt Management:Track debt balances, create repayment plans, and monitor progress.
• Financial Forecasting:Project future income and expenses, analyze cash flow, and make financial projections.
• Profit and Loss Tracking:Monitor revenue, expenses, and profitability over time.
• Balance Sheet Analysis:Track assets, liabilities, and equity to assess financial health.
• Task Management:Assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress.
• Resource Allocation:Allocate resources to projects and track their utilization.
• Event Planning:Plan events, track progress, and manage budgets.
• Guest List Tracking:Manage guest lists, send invitations, and track RSVPs.

Pros and Cons of Belly Up Calendars

Belly up calendars offer several advantages, but they also have some drawbacks:

Pros

• Improved Financial Planning:Belly up calendars help individuals and businesses track their finances and plan for the future.
• Enhanced Budgeting:They provide tools to create and manage budgets, helping users control spending and reach financial goals.
• Increased Financial Awareness:By tracking income, expenses, and debt, users gain a better understanding of their financial situation.
• Improved Cash Flow Management:Belly up calendars can help businesses monitor cash flow, identify potential issues, and make timely adjustments.
• Enhanced Project Management:They provide tools for tracking project progress, meeting deadlines, and allocating resources effectively.
• Simplified Event Planning:Belly up calendars can streamline event planning by providing tools for managing budgets, guest lists, and tasks.

Cons

• Time Commitment:Maintaining a belly up calendar requires a significant time commitment, especially for complex budgets or projects.
• Data Entry:Manually entering financial data can be time-consuming and tedious.
• Accuracy:Inaccurate data entry can lead to misleading financial information.
• Complexity:Some belly up calendars can be complex and difficult to use, especially for those with limited financial literacy.
• Cost:Some belly up calendar software can be expensive, especially for businesses with large budgets.

Belly Up Calendars in Different Contexts

Belly up calendars are a versatile tool with applications across various aspects of life, from personal planning to large-scale business operations. Their unique visual format and ability to represent complex information in a clear and concise way make them suitable for diverse contexts.

Personal Life

Belly up calendars can be valuable tools for personal organization and planning.

• Tracking Personal Goals:Individuals can use belly up calendars to visualize their progress towards personal goals, such as fitness targets, financial savings, or creative projects. Each cell of the calendar can represent a specific action or milestone, and the visual representation helps maintain motivation and track progress over time.

• Managing Time and Schedules:Belly up calendars can effectively manage appointments, deadlines, and daily tasks. Color-coding or using different symbols can help categorize events, making it easy to visualize and prioritize commitments.
• Habit Tracking:Belly up calendars can be used to track daily habits, such as exercising, meditating, or reading. By marking each day where a habit is completed, individuals can develop consistency and build positive routines.

Business, Belly up calendar

Belly up calendars have numerous applications in business settings, aiding in project management, resource allocation, and communication.

• Project Management:Belly up calendars can provide a visual overview of project timelines, tasks, and dependencies. Each cell can represent a specific task, and color-coding can indicate different project phases or team members responsible.
• Resource Allocation:Businesses can use belly up calendars to allocate resources effectively. Each cell can represent a specific resource, such as personnel or equipment, and the calendar can visualize their availability and utilization over time.
• Sales and Marketing:Belly up calendars can be used to track sales targets, marketing campaigns, and customer interactions. The visual representation helps monitor progress and identify areas for improvement.

Education

Belly up calendars are a valuable tool for educators, promoting student engagement and visual learning.

• Lesson Planning:Teachers can use belly up calendars to plan their lessons, ensuring a structured and organized approach to curriculum delivery. Each cell can represent a specific topic or activity, and color-coding can indicate different learning objectives or student groups.

• Student Projects:Belly up calendars can help students visualize and manage their project timelines and tasks. The visual representation aids in breaking down complex projects into manageable steps, promoting a sense of accomplishment as progress is made.
• Assessment Tracking:Teachers can use belly up calendars to track student progress on assessments and identify areas where additional support may be needed. Each cell can represent a specific assessment, and color-coding can indicate different performance levels.

Community Events

Belly up calendars play a vital role in organizing and promoting community events, fostering collaboration and engagement.

• Event Planning:Belly up calendars can be used to plan community events, such as festivals, fundraisers, or workshops. Each cell can represent a specific task or activity, and color-coding can indicate different teams or responsibilities.
• Volunteer Coordination:Belly up calendars can help coordinate volunteers for community events. Each cell can represent a specific volunteer role, and the calendar can visualize their availability and commitments.
• Community Outreach:Belly up calendars can be used to promote community events and engage residents. The visual representation can highlight key dates, activities, and contact information.

The Psychology Behind Belly Up Calendars

Belly up calendars, with their unique visual approach to task management, tap into several psychological principles that contribute to their effectiveness. By presenting tasks and deadlines in a clear, concise, and visually appealing manner, these calendars can significantly influence motivation, productivity, and overall task completion.

The “belly up” calendar, a stark reminder of mortality, encourages us to prioritize our time and make the most of every day. This concept aligns with the powerful message of Choose Life Choose Words , a platform that emphasizes the transformative power of language and its ability to shape our experiences.

By carefully choosing our words and actions, we can create a positive impact on ourselves and others, ensuring that our time on this earth is meaningful and impactful, much like the “belly up” calendar compels us to do.

Visual Representation of Tasks and Deadlines

The visual representation of tasks and deadlines is a cornerstone of the psychology behind belly up calendars. By presenting information visually, these calendars leverage the power of visual processing, which is often more efficient and engaging than simply reading text.

• Enhanced Memory and Recall:Visual cues, such as colored squares or symbols, can trigger memories and help individuals recall tasks more easily. This is because the brain processes visual information more readily than text-based information.
• Improved Organization and Prioritization:The visual layout of a belly up calendar allows individuals to quickly scan and assess the workload, identifying high-priority tasks and deadlines. This visual overview fosters a sense of control and clarity, reducing stress and improving task prioritization.
• Increased Motivation and Engagement:Seeing tasks visually represented, particularly with color coding and visual cues, can create a sense of accomplishment and progress. This visual feedback can boost motivation and encourage individuals to stay engaged with their tasks.

The Role of Visual Cues and Color Coding

Visual cues and color coding play a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of belly up calendars. These elements serve as visual reminders and help individuals quickly identify important information, ultimately improving task management and productivity.

• Color Coding for Task Categories:Assigning different colors to different task categories, such as work, personal, or errands, can create a visually appealing and organized system. This color coding allows individuals to quickly identify tasks based on their category, improving task management and prioritization.

• Visual Cues for Deadlines:Visual cues, such as different shapes or sizes for upcoming deadlines, can effectively highlight important dates and deadlines. This visual emphasis ensures that individuals are aware of approaching deadlines, reducing the risk of missed deadlines and promoting timely task completion.

• Visual Representation of Progress:Marking off completed tasks or shading completed days on a belly up calendar can provide a visual representation of progress. This visual feedback can boost motivation, reinforce positive behavior, and encourage individuals to continue working towards their goals.

Belly Up Calendars and Technology

The integration of technology has significantly transformed the way we interact with calendars, and belly up calendars are no exception. Online platforms and mobile apps offer a range of functionalities and advantages that traditional paper-based calendars cannot match. This section explores the advantages and disadvantages of digital belly up calendars and provides examples of popular applications.

Digital Belly Up Calendars: Advantages and Disadvantages

Digital belly up calendars offer several advantages over their traditional counterparts.

• Accessibility and Convenience:Digital calendars can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, making them readily available at any time and place. This eliminates the need to carry a physical calendar and provides instant access to important dates and events.

• Real-Time Updates and Notifications:Digital calendars allow for real-time updates and notifications. Changes to events can be made instantly, and reminders can be set to alert users about upcoming deadlines or appointments. This helps prevent missed deadlines and ensures everyone stays on the same page.

• Collaboration and Sharing:Digital calendars facilitate collaboration and sharing. Users can share their calendars with others, allowing for seamless coordination of schedules and tasks. This is particularly useful for teams working on projects or families coordinating their activities.
• Integration with Other Tools:Digital calendars can be integrated with other productivity tools, such as email, messaging apps, and task management software. This allows for a more streamlined workflow and reduces the need to switch between different applications.

However, there are also some disadvantages to using digital belly up calendars.

• Reliance on Technology:Digital calendars rely on technology, which can be unreliable at times. Battery life, internet connectivity, and software malfunctions can all disrupt access to important information.
• Privacy Concerns:Sharing digital calendars with others raises privacy concerns. Users must be careful about the information they share and ensure that their calendars are not accessible to unauthorized individuals.
• Distraction Potential:Digital calendars are often integrated with other applications, which can lead to distractions. Notifications and alerts from other apps can disrupt workflow and make it difficult to focus on the task at hand.

Popular Belly Up Calendar Apps and Software

Numerous popular belly up calendar apps and software are available for both desktop and mobile devices.

• Google Calendar:One of the most widely used calendar apps, Google Calendar offers a range of features, including real-time updates, notifications, and integration with other Google services.
• Outlook Calendar:Microsoft’s Outlook Calendar is another popular choice, known for its integration with other Microsoft products and its robust scheduling capabilities.
• Apple Calendar:Apple Calendar is a user-friendly calendar app designed for Apple devices. It seamlessly integrates with other Apple products and offers a clean and intuitive interface.
• Calendly:Calendly is a scheduling tool that simplifies the process of booking appointments and meetings. It allows users to share their availability and automate the scheduling process.
• Doodle:Doodle is a popular online tool for scheduling group events. It allows users to poll participants about their availability and find a time that works for everyone.

The Future of Belly Up Calendars

The realm of belly up calendars is poised for exciting advancements, driven by technological innovation and evolving user preferences. The future holds the potential for more personalized, interactive, and engaging experiences, pushing the boundaries of what these calendars can achieve.

The Influence of Emerging Technologies

The integration of emerging technologies will significantly impact the design and functionality of belly up calendars.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI):AI-powered algorithms can personalize calendar content based on individual preferences and past usage patterns. This could include suggesting relevant events, providing personalized recommendations, and even automating calendar management tasks.
• Augmented Reality (AR):AR can enhance the user experience by overlaying digital information onto the physical calendar. This could include interactive elements, 3D visualizations, and even the ability to virtually “flip” pages.
• Virtual Reality (VR):VR can create immersive and engaging experiences with belly up calendars. Imagine exploring a virtual calendar space, interacting with events in a 3D environment, or even experiencing historical events through VR simulations.
• Internet of Things (IoT):IoT devices can seamlessly integrate with belly up calendars, enabling features like voice-activated calendar updates, automatic reminders based on location, and even smart home integrations.

Innovative Applications

The future of belly up calendars extends beyond traditional uses.

• Educational Tools:Belly up calendars can be used to create interactive learning experiences for students of all ages. Imagine calendars that teach history through visual representations of key events, or those that help students visualize complex scientific concepts.
• Marketing and Advertising:Businesses can utilize belly up calendars for targeted marketing campaigns. This could involve interactive elements that engage consumers, personalized content based on demographics, or even gamified experiences.
• Health and Wellness:Belly up calendars can be used as tools for health and wellness tracking. This could include visualizing fitness goals, monitoring progress, or even incorporating personalized health recommendations.
• Art and Design:Belly up calendars can become canvases for artistic expression. Imagine calendars featuring stunning photography, unique illustrations, or even user-generated content.

Tips for Using a Belly Up Calendar Effectively

A belly up calendar is a powerful tool for managing tasks and achieving goals. To make the most of this approach, it’s crucial to employ effective strategies and techniques that align with your specific needs and objectives.

Setting Realistic Goals

Setting realistic goals is fundamental to successful belly up calendar implementation. Goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This ensures that you’re focusing on objectives that are both attainable and aligned with your overall aspirations. For instance, instead of aiming to “lose weight,” a more effective goal would be to “lose 10 pounds in the next 3 months by exercising 3 times a week and following a balanced diet.”

The “belly up” calendar, a whimsical and often macabre take on traditional calendars, offers a unique perspective on time. One such example, the Hans Gruber Advent Calendar , reimagines the classic Christmas countdown with a darkly humorous twist. This particular calendar, with its focus on the infamous villain from the film “Die Hard,” demonstrates how the “belly up” calendar format can be used to engage with pop culture and evoke a sense of nostalgia, albeit with a touch of morbid humor.

Prioritizing Tasks

Prioritizing tasks is essential for maximizing productivity and ensuring that you’re focusing on the most important activities. You can utilize various prioritization techniques, such as the Eisenhower Matrix, which categorizes tasks based on urgency and importance. This helps you allocate your time and energy effectively, ensuring that critical tasks are addressed first.

Tracking Progress

Regularly tracking your progress is crucial for staying motivated and making adjustments as needed. A belly up calendar provides a visual representation of your accomplishments, enabling you to identify areas where you’re excelling and areas that require improvement. You can track progress by marking off completed tasks, adding notes about your achievements, and reflecting on your performance.

Consistency and Regular Review

Consistency is key to the effectiveness of any calendar-based system. Make it a habit to update your belly up calendar regularly, whether it’s daily, weekly, or monthly. Regular review is equally important. Take time to assess your progress, identify areas for improvement, and make adjustments to your goals and tasks as needed.

This ongoing process ensures that your belly up calendar remains relevant and effective in supporting your goals.

Belly Up Calendar Examples and Resources

Exploring examples of well-designed belly up calendars can provide inspiration and practical guidance for creating your own effective calendar. This section will showcase various examples and offer links to resources that can help you further understand and implement belly up calendar principles.

Belly Up Calendar Examples

This section presents examples of belly up calendars, showcasing their diverse applications and design approaches.

• Project Management Calendar:This type of belly up calendar could be used by a project manager to track deadlines, milestones, and team member responsibilities. The calendar would visually highlight tasks that are nearing their due date, enabling proactive management and timely completion.

  The calendar could be designed with color-coding for different project phases or task priorities.

• Personal Goal Tracking Calendar:Individuals can use belly up calendars to monitor progress towards personal goals, such as fitness targets, financial milestones, or creative aspirations. The calendar could be organized with weekly or monthly intervals, visually showcasing progress towards each goal. This visual representation can motivate individuals to stay on track and celebrate achievements.

• Event Planning Calendar:This type of belly up calendar can be used for planning events, such as conferences, weddings, or parties. The calendar would visually display key dates, deadlines, and tasks, ensuring that all aspects of the event are managed effectively. The calendar could be customized with color-coding for different event components, such as venue booking, catering, and guest list management.

Belly Up Calendar Resources

Several online resources provide valuable information and inspiration for designing and utilizing belly up calendars.

• Websites:Many websites offer templates, guides, and articles related to belly up calendars. Websites like Trello, Asana, and Monday.com provide project management tools that often incorporate belly up calendar features.
• Blogs:Numerous blogs focus on productivity, time management, and personal development. These blogs often discuss the benefits of belly up calendars and provide practical tips for creating and using them effectively.
• Online Communities:Online forums and social media groups dedicated to productivity and time management often have discussions about belly up calendars. These communities can offer valuable insights and real-world examples of how belly up calendars are being used.

Belly Up Calendar Apps and Software

Several apps and software programs incorporate belly up calendar features, offering users a convenient and digital way to manage tasks and deadlines.

Questions and Answers: Belly Up Calendar

What if I actually achieve something on my Belly Up Calendar?

Well, then, you’ve just stumbled upon a delightful anomaly. Embrace the unexpected triumph and consider it a bonus! But don’t worry, there will be plenty more opportunities for epic flops to fill those calendar squares.

Can I use a Belly Up Calendar for work?

Absolutely! Just be prepared for your colleagues to ask, “What’s that calendar with all the funny scribbles?” You can tell them it’s your “strategic failure planning document” and leave it at that.

Is it okay to be a little mean to myself on my Belly Up Calendar?

Go for it! This is your personal space for self-deprecating humor. Just remember, the goal is to laugh at yourself, not to beat yourself up. (But a little friendly self-ribbing never hurt anyone.)