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 due [...]

We're less than two weeks away from the anniversary of my mom's death, and I stupidly (and, yes, incredibly) thought this would only be difficult on the actual day it occurred and not all the days leading up to it.  But then what would I know -- I'm a newbie mourner.My first clue was when [...]

Many years ago, before the addition of the children, I was the type of person who always sent birthday cards, thank-you notes, and new-baby gifts. Today, I'm lucky if people get a "Happy B-day!" from me on Facebook. My grandmother would probably be rolling over in her grave (were she not cremated). She was the [...]

My friend Brian once said that having a dog is "guaranteed heartbreak." Knowing this eventuality, it's somewhat mysterious why logical, intelligent people would continue to get them as pets. But for those of us whose lives have been saved by dogs, I suppose it's not a big mystery (and when I say "saved," I don't [...]

Note: The following is a self-serving, somewhat whiny account of my chronic pain condition. No one likes to hear about a chronic pain condition. It's why pain doctors and psychiatrists get paid so much. And why my husband would be up for sainthood if he weren't an atheist. I joined Powder Room Graffiti, a women's [...]

I cleaned my house today. It was my birthday, and I cleaned my house.Now, some people may think this sounds like the absolute worst possible birthday they can imagine. I say "some" because I already know that there are plenty of other people (mostly friends of mine with kids, big houses, and busy lives) who [...]

Dear Mom,I had a dream this morning that I was talking to you on the phone. Not about anything important. I think we were discussing something you'd seen at Costco. It's only the second time I've dreamed about you since you died, so we're not talking mass visitation here. I've always told the kids that [...]

So as I mentioned earlier, I'm sending out New Year's cards instead of Christmas cards this year (due to my usual lack of organization and punctuality in this department). Many of you, I assume, are reading this as a result of receiving said card and not receiving my annual holiday letter. Instead, you got a [...]

A friend sent me a list of funny stuff that ended with, "How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?" This is one of those annoying, esoteric questions that make me think too hard while driving on the freeway. Am I supposed to consider my surroundings like the mortgage and [...]