Pushing on a Rope
Terri S. Vanech
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
Just Keep Rollin’ With it, Baby
Just like when I was at the newspaper, I can run a followup. So here are two videos shot at last Saturday’s Hip-Hop Holiday Jam with Tim Roberts, a special event run by my good friend Kristen at the Jazzercise Center of Southwestern Connecticut. She brings terrific special events in to complement the cardio, strength … Continue reading
It takes a lot of dough to say ‘I Love You’
The great Christmas Cookie Bakeoff got underway Sunday. Though a mere shadow of its former self, it’s a massive undertaking — my holiday gift to family and friends, a little something sweet with which to end the year. The cookies are a gift passed down from my mother and grandmother, who together baked thousands of … Continue reading
Just roll with it, baby
For a brief time today, I was sure I could do almost anything. Tim Roberts has that effect on a girl. He’s an amazing choreographer and dance teacher, and we were lucky to have him visit us at Jazzercise of Southwestern Connecticut for a hip-hop class that we turned into a holiday celebration. In just … Continue reading
Pushing on a Rope 