One afternoon last week I was in a rush to get to a meeting. I’d been wearing workout clothes all day, trying to summon the motivation to exercise. By the time I realized that sort of thing wasn’t going to spontaneously happen, I had just enough time to shower and dress. The two meetings I […]
No, YOU take a number
This was the week. I couldn’t put Jack off any longer with the whole driver’s license thing. It was spring break, so we’d finally be available during the window that the DMV is open for testing. Jack had fulfilled the long list of requirements I had for chauffeuring him to that end of town – […]
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Here’s the thing about spring break
It was about this time last year when I mentioned to our exchange student, Guillermo, that we’d be taking a trip to Argentina next spring and hoped to visit his family. Ever since I’d left Mike and the kids for a month-long exchange to Buenos Aires, exactly ten years ago, I’ve been itching to go back […]
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The dude on the doorstep
Last weekend, I spent a considerable amount of time mulling over what to put in the subject line for a neighborhood email. What was called for, I think, was just the right amount of urgency tempered with calm concern. I didn’t want to start a panic. “How about ‘Everybody, grab your pitchforks and meet us […]
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Crafts that will make your kids hate you: Repurposed pharmacy bags
The other day I realized we were out of brown paper lunch bags for Jack. Because we’re a family of quasi-hoarders, we had a readily available alternative: There are downsides, of course, to sending your kid to school looking like he’s hauling a bag of prescriptions. Which means Mike and I spent a few minutes debating whether it […]
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Orthodontorture actually IS a word
When I picked the boys up from the dentist the other day the news was good and then … not so good. “No cavities,” the hygienist said. Then, pointing at Colin: “I wonder if it’s time for him to see an orthodontist.” I can answer that, just based on my own powers of observation, and […]
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We never were a Mustachioed Nation
Esteemed Representative Nuxoll, I just wanted to drop you a little note to thank you for the interesting family discussions around here recently. So often, conversations based on the antics of politicians and others of note end up going places I’d rather not. Such was the case with a certain Toronto Mayor last year, and […]
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Hashtag … What Now?
In a week I’ll be conducting a social media workshop for a group of service club leaders. I wouldn’t be nearly as prepared but for a recent schooling I received on the subject from someone half my age. The impromptu education session wouldn’t have phased me, except for that thing I have with being competitive […]
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Tattoo Who?
“Hey mom, can I ask you a hypothetical question?” This is Jack’s way of introducing a subject he thinks might provoke a strong response. He’s also driving. I’m his passenger. The smart thing to do would be to say no. No questions. But this isn’t the blog you come to for exceptional parenting advice from someone […]
