Category Archives: First World Problems

Realizing Your Grass Looks Greener from Someone Else’s Side

white fence -- grass is always greener on the other side

The other night, while I was up with insomnia, I started making a “You Suck” list. It’s just one of many lists that go through my head when my other non-sleeping choices are to: Make a list from the other 100 lists regarding everything from “Brilliant blog posts that come to me…at 2 a.m.” to…

Puerto Vallarta Vacation: The Good, The Bad, and The TSA Agent

Boy riding floating blue seal raft in swimming pool

So we’re back from Mexico. We failed to get pictures of us swimming with dolphins, ate one of the best meals of our lives, and almost got in a fist fight with a TSA agent. Just your typical spring break… A little background: Tenzin, my husband, and I made the monumentally bad decision to purchase…

Even the the Crappy Moments on Facebook are Fake — And that’s “Fine”

Like this -- sure he's a mess. But look how cute he is.

Ever since that study came out about Facebook making people depressed, I’ve read many a blog and Facebook post professing the need to “get real” about our lives. In the most recent article, “We Need to Quit Telling Lies on Facebook” on Kveller.com, Sarah Emily Tuttle-Singer writes about her “real” Saturday with the kids, not the cleaned-up, Instagram-filtered…

Hunting for Christmas Trees in the Wild Blue Yonder

Running with Axes

So we officially got our asses kicked by a tree yesterday. At 2 p.m., my husband, Tenzin, and I sprung the kids out of school so we could head up the mountain to cut down our Christmas tree. Tenzin is working every weekend until Christmas, so we figured this was the best solution. Get up…

Haircuts and Butterflies — Unlocking the Secrets of the Universe

Logan and Me at the Salon

Well, after three-and-a-half-plus months, I finally did it. I got my hair cut. I was starting to think I was going to end up like Crystal Gale. Or one of those Oprah makeovers where they find the woman who’s also wearing huge glasses, circa 1970, and light blue mom jeans. I wasn’t being a complete…

The Under-Appreciated Microwave

There are so many things I could write about today. My friend’s niece who died suddenly from a brain tumor. My run-in with yet another pharmacist. And, of course, there’s always the puppy. But instead, I’m going to go with something really hard-hitting: The microwave. A hole in our kitchen. And our hearts. . ….

Shirt Hunting — and Other Saturday Morning Sports

Despite all evidence to the contrary, I don’t like rushing around like a crazy person. I like being prepared the night before, having enough time to get ready, and then walking out the door in a controlled, leisurely fashion. And even though I try so very hard to do this every single day, it practically…

G’day Wusses

So, I’m sick. Not dying with the flu or even puking sick, but up at 3 a.m. because I can’t really swallow or sleep sick. Which is great for writing. Not so good for anything else. I’m not a very good sick person. I sort of feel like I deal with enough physical irritation on…

Are We There Yet?

Before I start this, let me just say that I know I’m a big, lucky whiner. I don’t have to worry about going to the market and not coming home because someone blew me up with a car bomb. I know the water I’m drinking won’t give me cholera. Hell, I don’t even have to…

18 and Life To Go

All things considered, I think I’m holding it together remarkably well. I have a lot on my plate this week.  I actually feel funny complaining because everyone has a lot on their plate this week.  And every week.  I was at yet another kid’s birthday party the other day (although this one was quite pleasant…