I turned off the front porch light, the official signal that Halloween is over, and crawled into bed so tired from a non-stop day, but a little buzzy from the 8:00pm Milky Way binge. I started thinking about the odd ritual that is Halloween: Costumes. I'm a little perplexed by the desire to take on another identity. I can barely manage the one that I have, much less a pretend one. I'm all for escapism (I prefer television and wine) but costumes have as much appeal to me as wool sweaters. … [Read more...] about Random Thoughts on Halloween, A Few Days Later
just plain funny
My New Yorker Project: How I Tried Reading My Way to a More Interesting Life
I've got a little something different for you today. Last fall, I had an idea to read The New Yorker cover to cover, every week for as long as I could and then write about it. I lasted twelve weeks. Today, I published my finished article about the experience on Medium. I published it there, instead of here on my own blog, because I've been wanting to post on Medium for ages, and because this piece is a longer format than I usually share here–it's a twelve minute read according to Medium's … [Read more...] about My New Yorker Project: How I Tried Reading My Way to a More Interesting Life
Second Place Coconut Macaroons
I know, I know–I'm not ready the talk about The Holidays yet either. I'm still rifling through Halloween candy pilfering Heath Bars from my children. But like a train barreling down the track, there's no avoiding their inevitable arrival. In our house coconut macaroons = the holidays. If I failed to make them, I am convinced that Santa would not come, Rudolph's nose would not shine, and the baby Jesus would not arrive as scheduled. Two years ago I was invited to a cookie swap and my … [Read more...] about Second Place Coconut Macaroons
Dear Friends Without Kids, I’m Sorry
A friend sent my husband an email recently: "We found an old DVD of yours when we were cleaning out our basement. It's labeled Summer 2007. Do you want it? I can drop it in the mail." My husband replied, "Sure. That would be great. Thanks." I had to wonder, How in the hell did our friends come to have a DVD with picture of our kids in their possession? The summer of 2007 was the summer after our second son was born. He was an infant and our first son was 20 months old. We had kids … [Read more...] about Dear Friends Without Kids, I’m Sorry
Identifying A Highly Creative Child #10yearsaparent
#10yearsaparent is back! Here's a little humor to get your creative juices flowing. Now that the kiddos are back in school, you're probably starting to wonder... How long until Ms. Teachy-teach starts noticing what a creative genius my child is? How long until my darling is recruited to be in the special program exclusive to following-in-Steve-Jobs-footsteps kind of kids? How long until all those hours of sitting on the floor pretending I like pretending pay off? If your child … [Read more...] about Identifying A Highly Creative Child #10yearsaparent
How To Get Ready For Your Beach Vacation: A Helpful Timeline
We are getting ready to go on a little vacation. I'm remembering now that you're not supposed to put on the internet when you're leaving your house unoccupied. For safety reasons. Let me rephrase...at some point this summer, we will go on vacation. And so all the potential home invaders are aware, everything is in boxes because we're moving so you really have your work cut out for you. I've been reminded that personal preparation for a beach vacay is no easy task. Here's a timeline … [Read more...] about How To Get Ready For Your Beach Vacation: A Helpful Timeline
Where to Find Me: Vacation Planning, Jake vs. Lloyd, and Summer Survival
Lots of stuff out in the world this week with my name on it. This one's for all the moms planning their summer vacations that need a good laugh: 5 Ways to Guarantee Mom Gets a Vacation Too on In the Powder Room This one's for my mom who survived In Your Eyes on repeat for most of the early 90's: Jake Ryan Vs. Lloyd Dobler: 2 Epic Boyfriends Go Head-To-Head on The Mid This one's for my kids who will be done with school in approximately 324 hours: 6 Survival Tips for When You Don’t … [Read more...] about Where to Find Me: Vacation Planning, Jake vs. Lloyd, and Summer Survival
19 Ways Moving is Like Childbirth #10yearsaparent
Welcome to moving season: the busiest time of year for moving into a new home as families try to get settled before the next school year begins. If you're moving your family and freaking out, don't. Because you've got this. Moving your family into a new home is just like childbirth: 1. You're over the moon with excitement. 2. Then the panic sets in. 3. You doubt if you're making the right decisions. There are so many decisions. 4. You make lists of what needs to get done. … [Read more...] about 19 Ways Moving is Like Childbirth #10yearsaparent