Today was different than any other day. I walked out of the house after the kids had left for their extracurriculars and after-school jobs, and realized… the lights are on. This is different from my usual scanning of the apartment, as I become overwhelmed by the utility bills sucking my paycheck dry. Normally, I would … Continue reading
Everything changed. I looked at my phone and I saw the timer on my call counting up… and despite the fact everything in my mind was moving faster than I could register, the numbers on my phone continued to climb, unaffected by the chaos in the living room. My oldest and the middle child were … Continue reading
There is a misconception about food insecurities. One might consider that a person with food insecurities is someone incapable of supporting themselves or their families, but there are varying degrees of food insecurities, as noted by the USDA. And similar to the effect that we would not minimize an individual’s feelings regarding pain, anxiety, or … Continue reading
Let’s start with fads and fashion, as we all shake our heads. But seriously… In the beginning, our parents take care of us, and eventually, the roles reverse as we care for them. Stocks go up and then, inevitably, they go down. We love hard and then we fall harder. Our bodies fearlessly and relentlessly … Continue reading
I grew up, using my imagination, making memories and crafts out of paper towel rolls and cardboard boxes. We never wasted, but everything had an expiration date or was recycled. Clothes were only bought at the beginning of fall, spring, and, of course, at the start of the school year. Toys were gifted at Christmas … Continue reading
This year I committed my summer to work. I wanted to put away some money to ease my mind during the school year. I guess, what I didn’t consider, is working would not stop summer from happening in my household. My three kids are living abundantly in every room, leaving a trail of evidence of … Continue reading
My daughter rides Arabian horses. She’s been riding since she was 2 years old. She’s always been fearless… “like her mother”, they say. “She’s so tiny,” they say, “on such a large animal.” My daughter is a petite Spaniard, with the determination of her Russian Baba, who immigrated on a boat to Canada, pregnant with … Continue reading
Today, the sun did not come out. Thank goodness. It has been blazing for days and we have been going, and going, and going… to the pool and back, playdates, picnics, drinks on the patio… “Get out and enjoy the sunshine.” But this morning, the sun did not come out, and it was good. The … Continue reading
I was given advice on my youngest who loves so passionately but can lash out, creating a bolt of fury that disrupts the entire household. “Hug them, even more.” “Hug them when they are at their worst. This is the time they truly need you.” “Hug them and hold on.” Tears of frustration run down … Continue reading
A good parent has a routine. Their children clean up after themselves and like clockwork, they shower, brush their teeth and put themselves to bed as they read the latest award-winning children’s book before dreaming of college and curing the latest macro-scale virus. Damn. I stare at the cookie crumb laying on the floor. It’s … Continue reading
I behold her 