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Times Flies & Simple Goals for 2020
*** When I think of how many years I’ve walked these streets in Annapolis and then actually count them, I can get a little uncomfortable with the passing of time. I moved to the Annapolis area when I was 13. Now, I’m in my fifties. Time flies. We all grow older, I understand that. Seeing lines on my face or under my eyes grow deeper reminds me of time slipping away. And, as I’ve had some health issues this year, I’m more aware than ever that time is fleeting. One kid in college. Another going off to college in 2020. The years begin to meld and you count your lucky…
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Well, it’s been a while…
I just opened up my blog to check the date of my last blog posting. It was almost a month ago on September 3. I’ve been a little MIA on this platform, something I’ve dedicated myself to since 2011 by making the commitment to posting a minimum of once a week. For the last several weeks, I’ve broken that promise to myself. Believe me when I say my absence was not intentional, it’s just that I didn’t know what to say or what to write about over the course of the last month. I’ve been preoccupied with the deaths of people we cared for, along with getting back into the…
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When Things End
Another semester is in the books, as our university will host graduation ceremonies this Thursday. My grades are just about closed out, and the sun is shining outside, marking the beginning of summer for those of us professors in higher education. I love teaching and being in the classroom—for me, it’s all about that. Waking up in the morning knowing I will see the faces of my students is all I need to get me going in the morning. I’m passionate about my job and about working with students. However, I do look forward to summer, and I’m passionate about writing as well. When people ask me when I have…
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Goodbyes. Gripping Pain. And a Giveaway.
*** Hi there! I feel as if I’ve been away from my blog for a while, and I actually have, although it’s been entirely unintentional. Today, I wanted to explain why, especially as I wanted to write about the past week, which has been somewhat momentous for my family. My son started his freshman year at a university, and it’s not the one where I teach. The preparation, though, was all that you’d expect. The day before he left, we were frantically getting everything together, making sure he had all he needed. We washed clothes and ran to Target. We created a checklist and began ticking things off. We organized…
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Dear Wrinkles: I’m Looking at You in a Whole New Way
Dear Wrinkles, That’s it. I’ve had it. I’m tired of looking in the mirror, seeing you, Wrinkles, and not liking you very much. Wrinkles, you and I have been at war with one another for a while now. As you know, at 52, I refuse to get Botox, so I do what I can to help keep my skin fresh. I wash my face with gentle soap; I use a ton of moisturizer and under eye cream (helps keep the skin moist and hydrated); I try to drink a lot of water; and I get facials when I can. I wear concealer and foundation with SPF every day, and I…
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Monday Melancholy
*** I’m typically not one to dwell in malaise and melancholy, but this morning, I’m feeling a little bit of it. It’s July 10, and vacation is over for our family. We had a great time, enjoyed spectacular weather, got to visit Charleston then spend time on the beach in Hilton Head. We ate at fantastic restaurants, the boys played golf, the girls rode bikes and relaxed on the beach, we hit a jazz club, played putt putt, and ate way too much ice cream. I really shouldn’t be complaining. But my son turned 17 yesterday, and now I feel like all I’m doing is counting down the days until…
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Holding On and Letting Go of Your Children
The second a child comes into your life, you know at some point, you will have to let go. They are babies, and they need you as infants, but not too long after, they find their own two feet can take them places, and they start walking, exploring and discovering. Even as toddlers, they are beginning their journey away from you. As much as you want to hold on, the truth is, you are already beginning to let go. Think about it. Your toddler turns three or four, and he is ready for pre-school. You let him go. He has to find his way, make friends, create things on his…
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When Someone Dies
I’ll keep this post short and sweet because it’s Friday as well as Father’s Day weekend, and I don’t want to be glum or morose, but… The other day, a former student of mine passed away in an unfortunate car accident. She graduated in December. Those who knew her are saddened by her death, especially at the young age of 22. When someone passes at that age, it’s unexpected, and we have to come to terms with a loss like that. And while that in itself is difficult to grasp, it is no less sad when someone older dies. No matter what age, when we love and care about someone,…
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Reflections on Turning 30, 40, and—oh, God—50.
I remember when I was little and I looked at someone who was nearing 50 and thought—Jeez, you’re old. You will be dead soon. You are half a century. Ten years ago when I was about to turn 40 I had a meltdown–of epic proportions. Things weren’t going too well for me at that time, but luckily, I was able to turn it around. I lost a bit of myself. I thought turning 40 was bad. And it was. The 30s had been so good to me. I loved the way I felt, had babies with my husband, and had supportive girlfriends who were experiencing the same things I was.…
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…And Then There’s A Rainbow…
It hasn’t been a particularly good 2013 so far. There’s been a lot going on in my life personally, and it’s been tough so far. I’m working through it, but you know, life ain’t always easy. So yesterday, after I blogged about my wicked tornado nightmares as part of the daily prompt that WordPress offers, I ran some errands after work, and as I was pulling into my street, there it was. A rainbow. It was such a fitting way to end the day…after referencing “The Wizard of Oz” and talking about nightmares, and after dealing with the chaos that has been my life for the last few months, a…
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The Top 10 Ways To Earn Your SuperMom Wings
This morning I woke up with a sore throat and lots of disgusting congestion. I typically get one serious cold when the weather changes, so I suppose this is it. As I stirred in my bed, not wanting to get up and make the donuts today, I thought about how moms really don’t get a break when they don’t feel well. I can’t remember the last time I spent the day sick in bed. It’s been years. Why? Because it really isn’t permitted as a mother. There are still things to be done. Here’s my Top 10 List of Ways To Earn Your SuperMom Wings (David Letterman style…) 10. Go…
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A Mother’s List: The Top Ten Things I Wish Would Never Come Out of My Mouth Again
Not every day is blissful in the Land of Motherhood. As mothers, the reality is, we make these statements, or statements like them ADL (all day long). I’ll count down some of my favorites to number one in David Letterman style. Number 10: Who left their retainer on the bathroom floor? Number 9: Those birds are going to be given away to a loving family unless someone cleans their cage! Number 8: Homework is meant to be done, not admired from afar. Number 7: I don’t care if it’s called goulash; it’s what I made for dinner, so eat it! Number 6: Did you guys wash your private parts? Wait,…
