Pushing on a Rope
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Scenes from a steakhouse on New Year’s Eve
With just a few hours of 2011 left, there seemed to be just one way to celebrate — a good meal and a bit of laughter. Neither was planned, but both offered a welcome respite from life’s insanity while helping us usher the year out. We lucked out and got a last-minute table in the … Continue reading
A solemn resolution to go with the flow in 2012
What is your new year’s resolution? I stopped making them a while back. Weight loss and exercise are already in hand, thanks to my good friends at Jazzercise of Southwestern CT; I don’t smoke and rarely drink. And heaven knows that even the most Herculean efforts won’t get me to hold my tongue or suddenly … Continue reading
In praise of the household’s unsung hero
One of the things about having a few days off is the chance to do things I wouldn’t do otherwise, like watch mindless television programs. On the ET-Insider last night, I caught the “11 of 2011” awards and consider myself much better informed now. Among the great minds getting a nod for their contributions to … Continue reading
Merry Christmas!
Wishing you all peace, joy and a little spontaneous laughter, today and every day. Merry Christmas!
Pieces on Earth
Add a new catch phrase to Christmas at the Vaneches: TIMMMMMMBER! It was already a crazy day — the end to yet another teeth-clenching, chaotic week that had me way behind the eight ball as the Big Day neared. For the first time I can remember, I am not ready for Christmas. Earlier today, I … Continue reading
Yes, Catherine, there is a Santa Claus
One of the great things about being a parent is a chance to reconnect with your own childhood –something Basil and I do with gusto at this time of year. Playing Santa is perhaps a parent’s biggest pleasure — even when the kid would rather play with the box than the present in it, as … Continue reading
Show me the funny
More and more lately, I find it’s the little things that make the biggest impact. As I careen toward the Vanech Family Christmas Spectacular, trying to unclench my teeth and BREATHE, I’ve been fortunate this week to have a little unexpected levity come my way. The first time was during my Thursday night Jazzercise class. … Continue reading
Doing my time in the jury room
As if there wasn’t already enough happening this week, I had jury duty. Don’t get me wrong: I’m happy to serve, to do my part. I’ve served before and found the experience fascinating. This time, though, all I could think of was everything that wouldn’t get done. Catherine was convinced I’d come home with stories … Continue reading
Going out on a limb for Christmas
Trimming the tree is therapeutic this year. It’s taking a long time — our crazy schedule means decorating piecemeal, and there’s a hidden blessing in that: There’s more time for reflection than in years past when the tree was dressed in the time it took “It’s a Wonderful Life” and a couple of Bing Crosby CDs to finish … Continue reading
Reality check in Aisle 10
Basil, Catherine and other folks lucky enough to really KNOW me will confirm that I am not the easiest person to get along with. Patience is not my strongest suit. Oh don’t get me wrong — it’s not all bad. In fact it can be fun and games … until the stress boils over. Then … Continue reading
Pushing on a Rope 