Dripping with water after a shower, my lovely wife would allow our small dog to enthusiastically lick her wet ankles as she toweled herself dry. The dog learned that this "fun" treat was not to be shared with me. The distinction regarding post-shower licking was clear and defined: Mom: yes. Dad: no.

Ready to shower I'd step over the tub. Just as my weight shifted into it and I'm picking up my other foot, our small dog would dash into the bathroom and give my naked ankle a quick lick. Then she'd turn and scamper away before I could react. She wouldn't do this very often. Time would pass and I'd forget until she'd do it again.

She knew it was a game and she was winning. A small act of willful subversion. I respected her for it. A small wrench in the machine. A small secret. It is the essence of her behavior which is being celebrated: make your own fun.

My own Secret Licks include the name "Hugh Jass" on my S______ club card. And while at S______, perhaps some of the avocado's "Ripe - Ready to Eat" stickers are transferred to packages of meat. Or the pleasure I might take in stamping DUPLICATE - NOT NEGOTIABLE on the back of our paper currency (in order to increase confidence in our government). There are other examples, but someone wise told me never write down anything I didn't want to see in court.

The Secret Lick stickers are a small reminder to subvert the norm, to question authority, to go out and make your own fun.