For decades sociologists, psychologists, and regular folks like me have been trying to discern the differences between men and women: why do we have different interests, what is up with these archaic stereotypes, basically, what makes us tick in opposition to one another? American comedian Rob Becker may have explained it best in his one-man act “Defending the Caveman” which premiered in June 1991. As newlyweds, we attended his show and have ever since referenced women as the gatherers and …
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Dedicated to Dad…the real captain of the ship, and to Mom, who kept the only known copy of this paper from my senior year in college Creative Writing class. At some point in our lives the notion of dog being “man’s best friend” is replaced, not by another animal, but by a beast of another sort – the automobile. No one is quite sure when this transition from the warm, loyal to the cold, expensive takes place, but it happens …
“I’m late, I’m late, for a very important date,” lamented the White Rabbit in Disney’s original version of “Alice in Wonderland,” released in 1951. I have not seen any of the newer versions, so I cannot say for sure if the same line or song was repeated in subsequent incarnations of this childhood classic, but the lyrics have stayed with me for, well, forever. This movie was not my favorite of the Disney classics, but this mantra was difficult to …
It used to be a happy place, a place full of laughter and noise and life. Daily rituals took place in these hallowed halls; rituals that sustained an existence and added a purpose. It was a place of balance, one that made sense from hour to hour, day to day. There was an everyday rush that was necessary to maintain a rigid schedule. The ebb and flow of the daily routine made for a neat checkerboard pattern, orderly yet as …
Thank you very much, avid subscribers! Recently, two astute readers undertook some research on my behalf because they found the subject matter so intriguing their inquiring minds needed to know the answer. So, it is at this juncture in today’s post that ‘I Stand Corrected’ as I share the findings of these inquisitive scholars… If you read my post from June 29, “Road Rage in the ‘burbs,” you may recall I discussed a mishap at a five-way intersection involving a …
On the eve of my son’s birthday, I am reminded of the quiet that came before his birth. It was a calm, peaceful summer. I had nothing but time on my hands to prepare for the arrival of my first born, folding and refolding the tiny clothes I received at my showers, lining the drawers in the nursery with these itty-bitty clothes, selecting a beach-themed linen set as a nod to my favorite vacation spot, and waiting in anticipation for …
Wait for Green. The sign clearly states it. Wait. For. Green. It cannot be interpreted any other way. No sign is posted that reads: Please Proceed with Caution, or Thank You for Waiting, or Warning: Five Way Intersection. It is meant for all drivers to abide by this rule, no exceptions. Wait for Green. Stated conversely: No Turn on Red. However, the driver behind me at the red light on this particular day DID interpret the words differently and did …
At certain times in our lives we are called upon unexpectedly to perform a task that might take us out of our daily routine, a task that might seem arduous yet necessary, a task we want to complete but we know will require time, energy, and patience, a virtue I pray for every day. Early last week, I found myself confronted with such a task that was going to require all these ingredients: time, energy, and yes, my least favorite …
I should have an undergraduate degree in laundry. I’ve spent more time in my laundry room than all the classrooms throughout my entire educated life combined. I don’t pretend to be an expert by any means, and I critique myself harshly without making the necessary changes, but I’m efficient and effective, if nothing else. And at the end of the day – or the week – it will all eventually get done. If I had to grade myself, I would …
I spent the day reveling in my own happiness, clicking my heels together in a somebody-pinch-me-please moment. I had been waiting, anticipating, this very moment. Finally, it was time. My house was alive again with noise and laughter and conversation and TV and Xbox and stinky socks. My kitchen was abuzz with the hum of the dishwasher, the beep of the timer on the oven, the purr of a fully stocked refrigerator, and the opening and closing of cabinets in …
