Pushing on a Rope
Terri S. Vanech
All roads lead back home
A new house has moved in across the street. When I went to work on Tuesday, the foundation sat ready, and when I got home, a two-story home was resting atop it. Even though we knew the house was coming, it took the neighborhood by surprise. I watched yesterday morning as motorist after motorist slammed on … Continue reading
Switzerland has spoken
We have a kind of running gag in the family. Basil and I squabble over one point or another, then look to Catherine for validation and she solemnly declares, “I am Switzerland.” She’s a pretty smart kid. Last night, however, she broke her silence. Basil offered her full immunity to speak freely. It all started with … Continue reading
Remembering 9/11
Ribbons of love and remembrance are tied to a chain-link fence two blocks from Ground Zero. Photo by Catherine Vanech I’ve spent a lot of time this week thinking about what to say on this 10th anniversary of 9/11. Nothing I came up with seemed nearly eloquent or thoughtful enough. Catherine was 5 when our … Continue reading
Two sides to every story
Some people are “glass half-empty” folks, others lean toward being “glass half-full.” I fear that despite my best efforts, I’m one of the former. I have a friend, however, who — thanks to an incredible occurrence in his kitchen — gets to be both simultaneously. My friend — let’s call him “Bob” — was sitting … Continue reading
Let’s make a deal
Do you clip coupons? I love the thrill of the bargain hunt and after all these years remain committed to a Sunday-evening ritual of clipping and making the week’s grocery list. I love checking the receipt to see what I saved — did I wind up getting the ice cream for free? Or was it … Continue reading
Too school for cool
It’s here! The first day of school is tomorrow! Just like the Staples ad, I think it is a “most wonderful time of the year.” There’s something about September that makes me stand a little straighter, be a little more organized, and renew my resolve to get things done. More than with the change of the … Continue reading
Hunka burnin’ love
Our daughter, Catherine, took this photo of us in Hyannis, MA, in 2007. Today, we’re celebrating our wedding anniversary — 18 years! I will joke that it only feels like 40. Basil will thank me for allowing him to live another 12 months. Sound anything like your marriage? A less patient man would have sent … Continue reading
Expletive not deleted
Are you familiar with the term “go big or go home”? Well, last night, I went big and THEN went home. It was a colossal epic fail of an evening — an ideal example of “pushing on a rope” — and a most appropriate ending to a particularly harried day and even crazier week. And … Continue reading
This pastime beats watching reality TV
Like a lot of people, I harbor several guilty pleasures — huge bowls of mint chip ice cream; music by ABBA and KISS (yes, you read that right), endless episodes of “Chopped” on the Food Network. But perhaps my guiltiest indulgence is people-watching. Do you do this, too? I can’t help it. No matter where … Continue reading
Good riddance, Irene, but thanks for the gift
How amazing that just a little bit of inconvenience can provide a bit of necessary perspective. Here we are now, 24 hours post-Hurricane Irene and the power is back on, new containers of ice cream are nestled in the freezer and the yard has been cleared of twigs and leaves. Many others up and down … Continue reading
Pushing on a Rope 