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Prior to my visit with Brown, my wife and I had talked about Young Fives (or D-K) programs and the potential impact they could have if properly implemented in all schools across the state. We talked about things like standards and benchmarks and I promised her I would share everything we talked about with Brown and possibly Governor Granholm if I got to meet her.

I could tell by the look on her face that she didn't want me to share any of that with anyone.

But as my wife has learned (as has everyone who has ever read this column), I have a problem following "directions" in situations like these.

So when we had a little free time, I decided to engage Brown in a conversation about the possible benefits and opportunities for early intervention that Young Fives programs would offer. We had a good discussion about the benefits of implementing a program like my wife's statewide, but nothing was resolved and I was a little disappointed we hadn't got this idea passed, secured some funding, etc.

However, this "failure" did give me an opportunity to play a joke on my wife a little later in the day. Brown and I were grabbing a bite to eat at the time and as we sat down, I figured it was a good time to call Jill and let her know how my day was going.

But instead, I thought there was a great chance to pull a joke on Jill and I recruited Brown to part of the scam.

The conversation went something like this:

Brown: Hi Jill, it's Terry Brown here. Chris was telling me about all your wonderful ideas about Young Fives and D-K and I love them. In fact, we're here with the Governor right now and she'd like to talk with you about your plans.

Jill: Uh, okay (lots of pauses because Jill is trying to figure out exactly what plan he is talking about).

After letting her sweat it out for a minute or two, Brown revealed that it was a hoax and Granholm wasn't with us. I got on the phone thinking I was going to get an earful, but instead Jill thought the joke was pretty funny and admitted she needed a laugh that day.

As easy going as she was about it, I know that even a positive response to my prank does not preclude my wife from paying me back at some point.

So if I mysteriously get a call from the Detroit News offering me a job, I'm going to take it with a grain of salt.

But Jill should realize, after she faked an arm and wrist injury (including a sling and everything) on April Fool's Day a few years back, we're finally even. However, if she wants to play a game of top this, all I'll say is, "It's on!"