I looked in the mirror last night.  One of those really long, honest, sigh-inducing looks. I was fresh from the shower without the hair and make-up to hide behind.  I didn’t like what I saw.  When did I get flabby, fat and old?  This will never do.  (If you know me in real life and are thinking “you’re not fat” then you’re either kind or fooled by clever clothes choices.) Today I am embarking on a journey to change my... Read more

Although you wouldn’t know it from my inbox, I do not happen to be a feminist with Nigerian relatives trying to leave me millions of dollars, who needs money from Barack Obama to go to college, is worried about the Republican effort to kill health care, wants to see your naughty video or is in need of penile enhancement.  How did I get on this list anyway? Is there still anyone on the planet who gets their Viagra from an... Read more

I have become resigned to the idea of moving to Dallas.  (In fact, I have become excited about the idea.  I’m just as shocked as you are.)  Having spent hours on the real estate web sites looking at potential homes in our price range, I’m ready to start packing today. We’re moving in 18 months, minimum.  It may be a tad bit too soon to begin putting our lives into boxes and choosing paint colors for our new bedroom.  I... Read more

What happens in a world where everyone is equal?  When personal achievement is irrelevant, what becomes of the exceptional?  If freedom becomes less important than fairness, who benefits? Kurt Vonnegut asked these questions in his dystopian short story Harrison Bergeron.  In 2009, this short story was resurrected and these questions asked again in the movie 2081.   Displaying all the rebellion of the original tale, 2081 manages to be disturbing, haunting, and horribly brilliant.  The beautiful are masked.  The strong are... Read more

“Offer it up.”  My children hear this dozens of times a day.  “Offer it up for the poor souls in Purgatory.  Work on your parade.”  Some day they will get to Heaven, and the souls they have helped will be there to thank them.  I imagine it will look like a parade of people, a mad Mardi Gras parade with horns, umbrellas, and dancing.  I tease the children that they will be holding signs saying “Thanks for eating the broccoli”... Read more

I have often wondered why anyone with small children would choose to work if it weren’t absolutely necessary.  I would look around at the sleepy faces of my children each morning and be so grateful we didn’t live that life.  There is no early morning rush in our household as my little people awaken when they do (dreadfully early) and meander their ways down to breakfast.  Our morning is filled with impromptu snuggles and hugs and small warm bodies curling... Read more

For the last 2 1/2 years I have enjoyed writing this blog as “the Mom.”  My anonymity has been something I have enjoyed as it has given me the freedom to say things out loud which I might otherwise keep to myself. Now I am writing and trying to make a career of it, and my great body of work lies hidden under a pseudonym.  Today, I will change that.  Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Rebecca... Read more

I remember well the hands of my grandmother.  Twisted by age and scarred by life, they were the soothing touch of my childhood.  They were love to me, and adventure.  They were the soft touch on my cheek and the competent strength that created and sculpted toys from random scraps of wood. They are symbolic of the childhood I want for my children, safe and protected, and also creative and fun.  I wish that my children could know their great-grandmother... Read more

Things around here are beginning to need a little tweaking.  My iron fisted rule on my family is beginning to slip a little bit. They just don’t seem that frightened of my wrath any longer.  (Even the Blackberry isn’t afraid of me, and she should be the little ….) I haven’t read all the books in this house, a few hundred from the library, or watched hundreds of hours of movies for nothing.  I know that there’s nothing more terrifying... Read more

I have seen your sleek perfectiongraceful lines, taut curves, flawless formseductress in black leather I have seen his eyes lock upon your shining facethe way you light up under his gaze,his attention focused upon all that you are I have heard you call to him with your melodious voiceyou beckon him to your side and he comesyou whisper softly and he rushes to answer you No gentle lover, shrill and impatient when ignoredinsistent upon your prominence in his mindhis only... Read more