I haven't met a mom yet that isn't on the lookout for friends. Parenting can be a lonely, solitary endeavor and sometimes you just need to connect with other parents. But sometimes, we are so bad at making a connection. We want, we crave, the connection and it just doesn't come. I blame these seven habits. I am guilty of slipping into each and every one of these. I'm not any better than anyone else. But every once in awhile, just for the goodness of humanity, I try to stop, take a breath … [Read more...] about seven bad habits that will not make you friends #10yearsaparent
history lesson
First an announcement: I was on Mamalode again this month with a piece about learning to laugh at myself. I hope you'll head over and check it out. Now on to your history lesson: Even if you could pick me out of a line up, you might not know exactly why or how I got here. So I've decided to share a little bit of my history and how it's led me to this point. I've chosen an interview format, because it's always important to be prepared for when Oprah or Ellen call. Q: Let's take it way, … [Read more...] about history lesson
the myth of the good mother #10yearsaparent
Seeing as this time of year is often referred to as awards season, let's acknowledge that there is not an award for Mother of the Year. We might hear the term thrown around on the playground when a child is eating Cheetos out of the sandbox or on Facebook when a child chooses to fully express themselves in the Target line, but the reality is, there is no such award. There isn't an awards ceremony. There isn't a red carpet. There aren't any fashion police. Because there is no such thing as … [Read more...] about the myth of the good mother #10yearsaparent
taking a look
Last week while I was jokingly poking fun at resolutions, I was actually deep in my annual reflect on last year until I can't see straight mode. I might not be on the resolution bandwagon, but I do love to take a long, lingering look back. I've always been a sucker for a good annual countdown. I love spending the final days of December watching the best music videos of the year on VH1. Okay, that was like fifteen years ago, but you get the point. I like to take a look back before I look … [Read more...] about taking a look
five picture books you should recycle immediately #10yearsaparent
I am a book lover. I love picture books. I love reading to my kids. Stacks of books from the library are the highlight of my week. I never get sick of Go, Dog. Go! (Go around again!) or watching Curious George get high on ether or helping that little bird find his mother. I tear up every time Mike Mulligan retires MaryAnn to the town hall basement. But there are a handful of books that I think should be retired from circulation. These are the books that I've hidden from my kids at bedtime … [Read more...] about five picture books you should recycle immediately #10yearsaparent
that’s me
There's a place in the universe where nerds and humor intersect and it's called McSweeney's Internet Tendency. As a writer dabbling in humor, it's the Big Kahuna, the elusive yes that you reach for but never expect to receive. It's like a blessing from the funny gods - if McSweeney's thinks it's funny, it must be really freakin' funny. Some of the stuff is so funny, I don't even get it. Let's just say that they have a reputation for being a tad highbrow. And they're known for their … [Read more...] about that’s me
seven resolutions you can’t screw up
Coming off a holiday and then a vacation, leaves most of us a little down, a little out of it, a little wistful for the days of 3:00 pm Bloody Marys, Vanderpump Rules marathons, and eating gelato straight out of the tub. Yes, you could say I am resisting reentry into what some would call real life. All this talk of making it the BEST. YEAR. EVER. is already making me want to poke my eyeballs out. All this talk of detox makes me want to reach for the whiskey. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for … [Read more...] about seven resolutions you can’t screw up
all is calm, all is bright
I don't know what's going on this year, but it's strangely peaceful in these parts. I'm just hanging out wrapping some presents watching House of DVF wondering why I did all of my holiday baking gluten free, because now I can and will eat it. I feel like this year we've hit our Christmas groove. We know what traditions are important to us. We've given ourselves plenty of time to enjoy the things that makes the holidays special for our family. I don't feel pulled in a million different … [Read more...] about all is calm, all is bright