Pushing on a Rope
Parenting
Ties that bind — at home, online … even at the service station
Most days, technology is supposed to connect us, but it really keeps us isolated, enjoying a faux sense of camaraderie fueled by too much information. Today, technology really connected me, though. Here’s how: Early this morning, my Facebook feed included a status update from Nancy, a neighbor I’ve known for 14 years. Like me, … Continue reading
Taking it wheel slow
It was impossible to stay away — you knew I couldn’t! Last night after dinner, after I’d loaded the dishwasher, packaged the leftovers, scrubbed the sink, and wiped down the counter tops and my new stove top, I laced up my sneakers and headed a half-mile south to the elementary school where driving lesson No. … Continue reading
Give me a brake — Chapter 1 of Catherine’s adventures in driving
It was a big day for the Vaneches. Catherine got her learner’s permit. She balked at spending time each day studying the DMV manual, even when we were in Seaside, NJ, earlier this week, but it paid off: It’s official. Four months after turning 16, she can learn how to drive. This is how she … Continue reading
Getting quite an earful
Yesterday marked the end of Catherine’s first stint as a camp counselor in training. She’s had a great time this summer seeing ESF, the camp she loves so much, from the other side of the fence. Plus, she’s gotten some good insights into what it’s like to work with children — which is handy … Continue reading
She will never, not ever, eat a tomato — and my daughter’s other lines in the sand
BLTs for dinner tonight. In this heat, Basil didn’t want to grill and I couldn’t face cooking inside (and well, we are still oven-less). A work-related phone call rendered the bacon a little extra, shall we say … crispy, but no matter. The sandwiches were delicious. Fresh mozzarella and avocado went on mine. Basil took … Continue reading
Be it ever so humble, there is no place … well, you know the rest
How quickly we adapt. I’m back from my work trip out West, 6,000 miles in three days and only a little worse for wear. I don’t understand how people travel constantly for work. It feels as though I’ve been hit by a bus. And though I managed to get through the workday and am still … Continue reading
Mom’s work is truly never done
There’s nothing like a little perspective to reorder one’s priorities, yes? I’m taking a brief business trip tomorrow — I’ll be back by Thursday, but you’d think it was a month. The whole house is in an uproar. The other two people who live here typically ignore my every request, but since yesterday they’ve been … Continue reading
Seeking the reflection of my true self
I found myself nodding in agreement this morning reading The Declassified Adoptee. Amanda writes about what it means to have an acquaintance notice the resemblance she and her children share, and what it is like to finally have someone who looks like her. I can definitely relate. Catherine’s birth was a watershed moment for me … Continue reading
Call off your old, tired ethics
A recent guest on my favorite radio show, A Matter of Balance, hosted by my friend, Kristen Rzasa, dropped a bombshell on me. So of course I must share it with you: You can’t have it all. Yes, you read that right. We women can’t have it all. The guest said that if we want … Continue reading
Fragile. Handle with care.
It was meant to be a quick trip to the beach. Instead it turned out to be a jaunt down memory lane. By the time we finally peeled ourselves away from yesterday’s to-do list (or actually just threw our hands up and admitted things simply were not going to get done), and bargained with ourselves … Continue reading
Pushing on a Rope 