I love bizarre interviews, maybe because weird questions make me feel closer to normal. My first interview was over at Knox McCoy’s blog and focused on this writing thing I do. Today, I am thrilled to be featured by Ellie Ann Soderstrom at her blog. I’m wearing my other hat, that of teacher. When I […]
humor
If your kids want a pet, lie
This week’s post-from-the-archives originally appeared in November 2009; it marked only the seventh time I hit publish. Vivian and William, of course, are now 7, and they still talk about getting a pet. They also talk about flying to the moon on a broomstick. My 5-year-old twins desperately want a pet. They’d love a cat, […]
Car Travel Games (a.k.a. Hit Your Head Repeatedly against the Window)
We recently drove 800 miles with our seven-year-old twins. We’re lucky; our kids are good travelers. Throw a DVD on repeat play, and they’ll stare at the screen without noticing our Loser Cruiser came inches from killing Bambi’s mom. Every now and then, though, Guilty Mother Syndrome (GMS) hits me. I shut off the DVD […]
5 Men and a Sassy Canadian
My little corner of the blogging world is heating up this week. I’ve been chosen. I always hoped I’d join an all-star team. I just didn’t think I’d be drafted into the First Annual Blogging All-Star Team. I’m tickled. I’ve been selected for Team Ricky. Our team is in competition against some guy named Rob […]
5 Tips for Traveling with Children
In December 2009, prior to leaving on a trip to Arizona with our then five-year-old twins, I posted this piece. Now that it’s summer and many families are embarking on long flights or longer drives, I thought I’d post the piece again. If you’re looking for new content, check out Vivian’s “meen” notes to her […]
Insulting Your Teacher, Middle School Style
It is finished. The school year. I survived. So did my students. I will remember many things from this past year, including the students who – in hopes of a good grade – declared me “hotter” than Megan Fox. Sycophancy is alive and well, I’m happy to say. I will remember a group of students […]
I Am the DH: Being Married to Ironic Mom (Part I)
A couple of days ago, I asked my husband if he wanted to guest post, which in retrospect was akin to asking a pyromaniac if he wanted to play with a box of matches. My husband is the man who brought you the term “sniper fire” (referring to the speed at which beginner ice skaters […]
Thing 1 & Thing 2's Excellent Adventure
Today, I have an announcement. But in the tradition of the Academy Awards and long drum rolls, I’m going to delay making it. First, some history. THING 1 & THING 2: THE TIMELINE 2004: I’m pregnant with twins. My husband and I refer to our unborn babes as Alpha and Omega, Leftie and Rightie, and […]
Disastrous School Lunches
For many parents, the month of June heralds the end of school lunches. For me, this means the Hallelujah Chorus plays on a repeat loop in my head. It’s a glorious time not to have to scour the pantry, only to come up with cans of chick peas, as Elena Aitken joked about this week. […]
Kids Using Google: The Cons
This past Sunday, I once again tried to sleep in beyond 6:30, the time when my seven-year-old twins opted to wake. “Just go play computer games,” I told Vivian. William was already safely absorbed in some violent cartoon on TV that was three inches from his face. Vivian left. The world was quiet, and the […]