Above photo copyright The Tara Chronicles. Yesterday I attended a Bat Mitzvah. In case you were wondering, I'm not Jewish. Half of my family is - the half I married when I married Todd. Todd is Jewish. He was Jewish when we were 16-17, and it meant absolutely nothing to me. That is, until his … Continue reading Being Jewish
Family Life
Grown up, But Not Fully Grown
I had to go out today because Opac forgot to take his medication. So I drove to the high school with impeccable and completely unplanned timing (since I can never remember his schedule), as he was in the middle of lunch. The office has a window looking out into the cafeteria, so I saw him … Continue reading Grown up, But Not Fully Grown
Potato, Potahto
Nephtoo has been missing of late. Not missing missing… just missing around here. Admittedly, both Neph and Nephtoo have been missing, and I miss them. Opac and Veruca have been missing them too. We must fix this. Especially if I am to not continue to embarrass myself with my mispronunciations. Herewith follows a snapshot of … Continue reading Potato, Potahto
Boulevard of Broken Dreams
There’s a new circus in town. It starts at 3 a.m. Whether you want it to, or not. Where the big top is the oversized t-shirt I sleep in – and we don’t have a clown. I hate clowns. Really. I was ruined for life, not by a childhood excursion to the circus, but by … Continue reading Boulevard of Broken Dreams
What? or, I Didn’t Hear That?
Another blessing of being middle-aged – hearing loss. I’m simultaneously being sarcastic, and serious. Most of the time I find it annoying, since people who inherently speak in lower tones will be speaking to the deaf if they’re talking to me. Here’s how you can tell when I’m not hearing you: I lean in slowly … Continue reading What? or, I Didn’t Hear That?
What’s New Under the Sun
As my youngest rapidly approaches the end of her elementary career, I am reminded of not only how young she is, but also how fast she’s growing up. And I’m not ready. Several nights ago, Veruca got her first phone call from a boy. She was all cool and simultaneously silly – and he’s “just … Continue reading What’s New Under the Sun
Overheard in a Fitting Room
A 10-year-old walks into a space-challenged fitting room after trying on a dress, and wedges herself into the corner seat. The click of hangers and whoosh of fabrics … a few seconds of trivial conversation turns to this. Dad really loves Stephanie. I hope so. I’m glad. You want him to be happy. Yes, … Continue reading Overheard in a Fitting Room
Respect, Accountability, and a New Name
It’s 10 a.m. on a Tuesday morning, the day after MLK, Jr. day. Not a sound in the house… because my children are still sleeping. That’s because they were up late partying with their uncle Matt, playing Wii, until Veruca came and woke me at midnight to announce she was going to bed. Why Veruca, … Continue reading Respect, Accountability, and a New Name
Baby Girl
Six years ago after what seemed like the longest nine months of my life - 13 putrid weeks of round-the-clock nausea and five agonizing months of worrisome ultrasounds - and the shortest imagined delivery that almost ended in the car, Ava was born. She was, perhaps, the most anticipated baby ever - she was planned, … Continue reading Baby Girl
Firstborn
I was a late bloomer. Always late on those simple milestones that seem so important to a tween - you know, the ones you painfully watched your best friend achieve first. She even got to shave her legs first! And I thought my argument in favor of that particular privilege would be well-served if I … Continue reading Firstborn
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