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.
Tag: today.com
(Step)Mother’s Day
Being a stepmom is a choice, not the fulfillment of a childhood dream.
Dead (Wo)man Walking
A letter to my husband… No, not the sweet kind where I tell you how proud I am of you or how lucky I am to be your wife. Though, yes...all of that is true. It’s just that yesterday, I know I had a total meltdown over something that may be rated as a lopsided … Continue reading Dead (Wo)man Walking
The Floodgates to Fifty.
Trigger warning: By "floodgates," I mean butthole. This is the story of my official welcome party to the over fifty set... Why write about something so personal? Because if you are over fifty, you should also be doing this. Do not be one of the many caught down the road with a scare or a … Continue reading The Floodgates to Fifty.
Max
Written with the blessing of his mother. Three years ago, as a family, we decided to have a dedicated gym night. “As a family” may be a stretch, because getting the kids there was akin to putting a onesie on an octopus. But we did it - a regular 5:30pm session with a real live … Continue reading Max
A Compilation
Shockingly.... I have completely lost my ability to focus. Gone. I may actually forget where this sentence is going before I reach the end. Oh. Nope. Did it. Clearly, I have just a little bit going on in my life so I know this is excusable, but as a woman who is a shoe-in for … Continue reading A Compilation
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
A Polite Society
Sunday: Back on December 1st, I posted a blog about some of the bills hitting the Virginia legislative floor this month. Well, this month is here and tomorrow is Lobby Day, a Virginia tradition when the public can meet with politicians or public servants to advocate and explain support for relevant legislation. The last six … Continue reading A Polite Society