I hate cooking, and cooking hates me. It’s a toxic relationship, and I’m only staying for the kids. The kids. My pair of gum-chewing, freckle-faced ponytails who feel, not just free to comment on what I make for dinner, but as if it’s a moral obligation. Sauntering into the kitchen, squinting their eyes, and scrunching… Continue reading This is a story about shrimp scampi.

Dad died six months ago today. The 6-month mark…it’s a milestone, really. Six haircuts, six mortgage payments, six issues of This Old House have occurred in the time since we said goodbye, proving that time marches on, and so do we.  You alternate between I can’t believe it’s only been 6 months! and I can’t… Continue reading This is a story about Granny Marlene.

The girls don’t know this, but tonight begins our hiatus from all things Michael Jackson-related. This includes Janet, Free Willy and “We Are the World.” What a ride it’s been. At first, it was nostalgic. Every new song I introduced them to was a walk down memory lane.  Then, it was amusing. I couldn’t believe… Continue reading This is a story about the Michael Jackson phase.

Sorry, Fall. But your colors and crunchiness and cool breezes don’t make up for the pumpkin spice propaganda. Or the premature Christmas merchandising.  Or the Sunday concussion fests. But, hey Spring…how you doin’?  You, with your mama robins and redbuds and open restaurant patios. Showin’ off, staying light out until 8:30 pm. I see you,… Continue reading This is a story about my favorite time of year.

I love garage sales. If someone knocked on my door and said, “Can you take me on a singing tour of your home?” the answer would be yes, the song would be “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music, and I would glide and twirl from room to room, pointing out all the treasures… Continue reading This is a story about garage sales.

The girls have developed an obsession with Michael Jackson and I started it. One day, we were talking about dancing and I said “You know who could REALLY dance?” And then out came the iPad, then the YouTube videos, then the iTunes downloads. I worked late tonight, and when I got home, Diggs was giving… Continue reading This is a story about not doing your research.

The first thing people usually notice about me is that I’m tall. I know this because they’ll make comments like, “Wow…you’re tall” and it’s just a dead giveaway. Sometimes, no words are needed. Like when I was a junior in college, playing @ Hawaii. After our game, my teammates and I were meandering along the… Continue reading This is a story about being tall.

Vivian loves to write notes of support & encouragement to her classmates. I’m all for it, as long as I can run interference and weed out the ones that say “I hope you will work on paying attention” and “You need to try just a little bit harder, ok?” These are from her latest batch,… Continue reading This is a story about kids saying the darndest things.

I lost my Dad a few months ago. He was diagnosed with rectal cancer in May, gone by November. It sucked, as most things involving cancer and death and the rectum do. For as long as I can remember, he was urging me to write. I can’t recall a conversation with my dad that didn’t… Continue reading This is a story about why I’m here.