When my kids were younger, I hated lugging around giant diaper bags, especially if we were going out somewhere remotely nice and I wanted to look a little more presentable than jogging pants and tennis shoes. But they sure did come in handy when transporting all of the necessary accoutrements. In fact, I used to … Continue Reading →
It drives me crazy to reach for a box of cereal only to realize there is less than a bowl left. I know there’s a good chance too that the box has been left in this condition for days, because no one wants to eat just half a bowl of cereal. A few years ago, … Continue Reading →
I recently started taking care of a six-month-old baby a couple times a week. I felt a little out of practice since my youngest will be turning 10 soon. We haven’t had to deal with bottles, baby toys, pacifiers, bibs or tiny socks in years. My house is less than baby proof or even baby-friendly, … Continue Reading →
Meal planning has been a part of my weekly routine for years. It started out as a necessity when I was in my early twenties. I lived paycheck to paycheck, utilizing an envelope system of budgeting. My “grocery” envelope was continually depleted because I would go to the grocery store dazed, confused and hungry. It … Continue Reading →
I visited my doctor six weeks after my PMDD diagnosis. This time, instead of feeling small and insignificant, a feeling of contentment overwhelmed me. The course of action I immediately had chosen to follow was a combination of medication, increased physical activity, a healthier diet and a concerted effort to go to bed earlier. It’s … Continue Reading →
“But I’m 13, so I should be able to watch any PG-13 movie!” complained my eighth-grader. This, of course, was after we realized she had watched “Easy A,” a movie that albeit has no nudity, is entirely about teenage sex. In the same weekend, she also watched “Abduction” with her best friend. Since her friend … Continue Reading →
Truthfulness is a character trait essential to building lasting relationships. We spend most of our lives either learning or teaching the importance of honesty. Not only do we desire having people in our life whom we can trust, we want to be trusted. We want people to take us at our word. We want to … Continue Reading →
I love class parties. I love how everyone’s eyes light up when they come back to a classroom that has been transformed with colorful paper napkins and matching plates. I adore the smiles on faces as they survey the assortment of treats and fun activities. I especially like the “ooohs and ahhhs” while they unwrap … Continue Reading →
I am a musician. I am a writer. I am not an athlete. I am not coordinated. I am not physically strong. I will never be a jock. Or so I thought. The first time I ever ran a 5K race was after my second daughter was born. I was close to 30 and struggling to … Continue Reading →
Recently I have been reminded how anonymity can cloud our judgment and perhaps gives us permission to do or say something we wouldn’t say in person. Things like body language, voice inflection, and eye contact used to be an integral part of the communication process. We had to be aware of how our words were … Continue Reading →