At the end of each year, I like to reflect back on the moments that shaped it for me. In 2022, a frozen meatball saved our marriage.
The Meatball that Saved Our Marriage.
Author: Jyl Barlow
I was thrown headfirst into the world of mom-ming as a very unqualified (step)mom in 2013. Shortly after, I thought it might make sense to start documenting my story in order to provide written documentation for my (step)children's therapists.
Today? I'm mostly having mid-range success at navigating the world around me. I'd even go so far as to say my family thrives on a typical day. I find most things funny and often laugh when it's completely inappropriate...I'm not sure if that served me well or is a sign of my ongoing need for professional help.
The Breakup has already Begun
The Longest Breakup: A Response
What was Mrs. Noah’s name and did she take a lot of Xanax?
I'll be dedicating my next glass of wine to animal care workers. And also the one after that. And the next.
Going to the Chapel … someone else’s, but still.
I am fully prepared to amp up my Wedding Pinterest Board as we head into this new year. Okay, yes, I am already married. It’s just that I haven’t been to a wedding in years and 2023 marks my nephew's big day and I may already be out of control.
Moving the Manger
Away in the Myrtle, no craze in my Head: We're moving the manger this year.
Nature vs NO-ture
Deer, raccoons, and other reasons why I have rescinded this year’s application for “Favorite Parent.”
Winter Break: Coming in Hot
Many of us are coming off a sneak peek of what the long winter break will entail as our college students return home. If Winter Break is the main course, Thanksgiving is the appetizer. A quick warm-up to the presto-chango from blissful family time to pushback and proclamations of “I’m an adult now!!!”
StoryWORTH It
Yes, a rare "early" post. I give you this gift today as I know many are beginning the holiday shopping bonanza. Just know that tomorrow I will panic ten times as I think, "Wait, don't I have to post something today?" I have never been a history buff. I have never been a history anything, … Continue reading StoryWORTH It
Pancake Parenting
Years ago, when I first heard the term Pancake Child, I thought it was funny in a tongue-in-cheek kind of way. The reference is to that primary pancake poured onto a griddle as a test run to see if all is in working order.
Nicest Place to Work. Kind of.
In a world where mental health seems to be on the tip of every tongue, I was quite surprised to get a note indicating that my company's insurance plan would no longer cover my “I function better without anxiety” medicine. Say what, now?