Lost and Found

Seven years after misplacing my child for the first time, I think it's finally safe to relay the chain of events to the public. Not so much because he's big enough now not get very lost (or at least, if he does, he is grown up enough to help himself), but because I'm one thousand … Continue reading Lost and Found

Internet Doctor, With Honors

I read it on Google.... WebMD said.... My friend thinks I.... There's a girl in at school/work/the gym... This is how we diagnose ourselves. It's slightly terrifying. It's even more terrifying as many folks stroll into their diploma-ed doctor' offices, armed with information pulled from non-diploma-ed sources and present their symptoms on a here's-some-bias silver … Continue reading Internet Doctor, With Honors

Tis but a Flesh Wound

As November sat staring me down, my over-achieving brain was starting to zoom in on the upcoming holidays. It's expected - I've learned that once we pass Rich's birthday, at the end of October; and Zack's birthday, at the beginning of November - the logical list to start making is Christmas shopping. I have always … Continue reading Tis but a Flesh Wound

Emm Eye See

Each February, we take a family vacation smack in the middle of the school year. Hanover County Public Schools love us. Each year, we’re told that ‘next year, the kids will get dinged for this.’ Evidently cruises don’t count as excused absences, despite educational visits to Mayan Ruins, explorations of caves, tours of retired military … Continue reading Emm Eye See

Had I known (I’d do it all again)

Don't worry, next week I'll be at Disney...so should be lighter fare. In the meantime... I started another Step-momming book a few weeks ago and, I've got to say, one chapter in and I felt like I could have written it. Several lines jumped off the page at me - but one particularly - a … Continue reading Had I known (I’d do it all again)

Rigid, no. Intentional.

I had another one of my favorite lunches last week with one of my favorite people - the one who always encourages me in parenting, marriage-ing, people-ling and writing. Her wisdom is always strong and I am a smarter being because of her. This day, though, she was definitely off, having lost a close friend … Continue reading Rigid, no. Intentional.

In Like a Lion

I wasn’t aware Punxsutawney Phil’s predictions were also relevant to a teen’s incoming hormones, but, after this weekend, I will always pay attention. It’s not just spring that’s coming early this year - it’s my child’s attitude. There will not be six more weeks of sweet, snuggly boy-ness at the Barlow house. Instead we will … Continue reading In Like a Lion