I was browsing the Living section on Huffington Post and came across this: Spiritual Lessons From Wine And Baguettes. How could I bypass so tasty a title? Especially as today is Bastille Day – the French national holiday? And, I confess, I have allowed myself a bit of both this summer – good wine and […]
Big Bucks For Kids, Statistical Confusion?
I’ve commented previously on the cost of raising a child. At the time I did, the figures I used referenced newly released 2010 data, estimating $222,360 per child, on average (for middle income families), up to age 18. But this morning I took a look at another reference to the same originating document which is […]
Are You Fat?
Are you fat? Oh, I’m not talking about five or ten pounds. I’m not talking about feeling fat – which is another issue altogether. I mean getting on a scale, trying on your clothes, looking in the mirror – and facing it – excess weight for your stature, body type, age and sex. Worse – […]
Kids and Money (Again)
Tiff is probably too strong a term. Misunderstanding would be more accurate, but it was frustrating and upsetting, going around and around – again – with my son. Over money. Over things I can’t afford that I don’t consider a priority, although what he was asking wasn’t unreasonable. These are things his peers have, or […]
Stressed? Pressed? How Well Does Your Brain Work?
My stomach is knotting, my heart is pounding, pressure is fanning out across my chest. My mouth is dry, my words are sticky. Sometimes, my mind goes blank. Sound familiar? These are just a few of the symptoms we experience when we’re under extreme stress. Oh, not the everyday stuff we all grow accustomed to. […]
He Says, She Says: Why Men and Women Communicate Differently
I was watching her face intently as she asked questions. I listened as he offered responses in a kind and measured fashion. She was expressing emotions. Her feelings were revealed in words, in the tilt of her head downward, and the sadness in her eyes. He is her son; they share a long history and […]
Women (And What We Care About)
I’ve always been of two minds when it comes to segregating the concerns of women from men – be it a matter of what we read, what we watch, what we purchase, or anything else. It’s not a simple subject; men and women are different. Biologically. Psychologically. In the ways we’re socialized. And so – […]
Midlife (And Magical Thinking)
Midlife madness? Never went through it. No string of affairs, no taking up bungee jumping, no lifting my boobs or making them bigger (or smaller). No buying myself a hot little red MG. I know, I know. I’m showing my age on that one. But then – I’m talking about age. Midlife! Women at midlife! […]
How To Do Everything Better (Maybe)
Curiosity. Maybe it did kill the cat. Personally, I never bought it. As far as I’m concerned, curiosity motors exploration, discovery, mischief-making, the Internet of course – and more industries than I can possibly enumerate. Beyond curiosity, “How to” has become something we ask routinely, expecting – and frequently receiving – virtually immediate answers. In […]
Navigating After The Storm
Last evening thunderstorms hit while I was grocery shopping at my local superstore. The lights flickered and went out – several times – and with each, I was plunged into darkness in the middle of a large space. Have I mentioned that I’m a bit claustrophobic? I didn’t panic, but I’d be lying if I […]