Ever since the Reading Rainbow song looped non-stop in my head as a child (you're welcome), I've been on the look out for titles that speak to me. I have a special soft spot for books of the how-to and self-help variety. I take great comfort in the idea that other people have been there, and I'm not alone in my quest for answers. I've noticed a few gaps on the parenting bookshelf. My inner librarian would like to see these titles the next time I'm browsing Barnes & Noble... Does it … [Read more...] about Titles I Would Add to the Parenting Bookshelf #10yearsaparent
just plain funny
Eight Ways Parenting is Like Working in Retail #10yearsaparent
Recently I was having a very circular argument with one of my children, trying to get him to use logic and reason instead of going into Hulk mode which includes a lot of stomping, yelling, and throwing of things. It dawned on me. This is exactly like trying to talk down a Crate and Barrel customer about the scratches on their nonstick All-Clad cookware or trying to explain the final sale policy to a shopper at A Pea in the Pod. I've worked my fair share of retail jobs, and meeting the … [Read more...] about Eight Ways Parenting is Like Working in Retail #10yearsaparent
Writing a Book in 34 Easy Steps
As you've probably figured out, I wrote a book and it's coming out soon. Within weeks, I will have in my hands 256 pages of my own ideas put into words printed on paper that people will hopefully find insightful and helpful enough to pay money for. In honor of this impending event, I thought I would share what it's really like writing a book. Because let's be honest, when people ask what you've been up to and you say, "Writing a book," it doesn't really matter if it's a good book or a shitty … [Read more...] about Writing a Book in 34 Easy Steps
Valentine’s Day Eligibility Quiz
It's no secret that I'm a party pooper when it comes to holidays. I'm not a fan of birthday parties or goody bags. I just think it's too much. We've gone too far. It's probably no surprise that Valentine's Day is on my holiday shit list. Because I am a leader in the movement to scale back the mindless celebration of holidays by children (End the MCOHBC!), I've developed an eligibility quiz for my kids. If and only if they score above average (to be determined subjectively by the giver of … [Read more...] about Valentine’s Day Eligibility Quiz
12 things i did in high school that i never expected to do again
When I graduated from high school, I thought I was finished with that chapter of my life. But recently, things that I did in high school that I never expected to do again have started to creep into my existance: 1. yell at boys from moving cars In high school, way back before smart phones or cell phones for that matter, my friends and I would communicate with boys by yelling out of car windows. And today, even with these technological advances, I still find myself cruising … [Read more...] about 12 things i did in high school that i never expected to do again
milestones
Today I accomplished a few things that I never dreamed possible: 1. It's December 9th, and I am done with my Christmas shopping. I wanted to do things differently this year, because I'm usually running around at the last minute, waiting for things to go on sale, searching for the perfect idea, wrapping into the early hours of Christmas morning. Not this year. I'm trying an entirely different approach called, tis the season to enjoy the season not run around and buy things that we don't need. … [Read more...] about milestones
to card or not to card
I have to make a decision in the next few days. A decision that seems huge. Are we doing holiday cards this year? I don't have a picture. I don't have a clever idea or design concept. I don't have a deep desire to address and label. Trying to get a decent picture of all or part of us over the next few days sends waves of anxiety and dread through my entire body and eclipses any glimpse of holiday joy that might be stirring. Why didn't we take a picture at Thanksgiving? Why is there … [Read more...] about to card or not to card
i like to be prepared so i bought a costume for 2024
My oldest son wants to be a Phillies player for Halloween, but he doesn't want to have any old uniform. He wants the gray uniform that the team wears at away games. And he would prefer a player's jersey with a name and number. The kid's birthday is actually on Halloween, so I figure if I can make this happen I can count it as his birthday gift as well as his costume. Efficient and cost-effective. Another brilliant move by Mom. But finding the desired jersey was a little more challenging … [Read more...] about i like to be prepared so i bought a costume for 2024