tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81627156785551005312024-03-21T00:30:25.422-07:00Rated P ... for ParenthoodUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-77906850862395961382016-07-08T07:21:00.001-07:002016-07-08T07:21:26.700-07:00But What Can I Do?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3as-v34Mf19jKH_Cih3ToTrHyC9JdUMGg1mvq2dcArW_CMCOnuoXq6L1RGcsAfUEI_Yyo8RcB0F2hITYgjOdTfwDVicNInd6Ffvp_a0NLZ_QQ6r44Ze9f4qkneEulNWld8_QY8fzMnOM/s1600/elie-wiesel-quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3as-v34Mf19jKH_Cih3ToTrHyC9JdUMGg1mvq2dcArW_CMCOnuoXq6L1RGcsAfUEI_Yyo8RcB0F2hITYgjOdTfwDVicNInd6Ffvp_a0NLZ_QQ6r44Ze9f4qkneEulNWld8_QY8fzMnOM/s320/elie-wiesel-quote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But what can I do? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is the question I’ve been asking. I’ve been hearing.
The news is so devastatingly awful. Our country seems to be imploding in some
sort of Back to the Future nightmare, where American humanity is resorting to an
unevolved mentality led by fear and hatred. But what can I do?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I spent the night considering this question and here’s what
I came up with. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Effecting widespread change feels overwhelming to me. I’m
ill prepared to lead a movement of many. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I am prepared to do is lead a movement of two. I am
raising two white men. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They’re small now, but I have no doubt that soon they will
be men. They will be white men in a colorful world. And it is my job to raise
them with the knowledge that they are one color of many. That the tint of human
skin is a result of evolution. It is the science of the proximity to the sun
that effected differential pigmentation. That their whiteness is a result of
their ancestors living in cold, dark places. And their neighbor’s blackness is
a result of their ancestors living in hot, bright places. And that is it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For a while it seemed that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ignoring</i> race was the recommended parenting technique. Why point it
out if we are all the same? Here’s why. When we don’t acknowledge race to our
children, and consciously teach them that skin tone is irrelevant to humanness,
we make room for confusion. We leave a door open for the stupidity of racism and
the root of fear to filter in to their developing brains. It is our job – NOW –
while they are small – to teach the facts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
“There’s Dan. See
how his skin his darker than yours. </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
That’s because all
people come in different shades on the outside, </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
but are made the
same on the inside.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Dan’s brain works
the same as yours.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Dan’s body works
the same as yours.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Dan’s mommy loves Dan
the same as yours.”</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What can we do? We white women and men who weep for a
society in which black bodies are disregarded and disgraced with regularity?
What can we do? We can consciously and actively teach our children to love and
respect people with darker skin than theirs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If those men, so quick to pull the trigger on unarmed,
innocent black bodies, had been raised in households where their parents valued
science, spoke of equality, and modeled love, then those men would not have
pulled their triggers. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Historically speaking, both globally and nationally, love
triumphs every time. Genocide, holocaust, slavery – these things are overcome,
time and time again, when enough people empower their own innate sense of
righteousness to rise above the ugliness of their time and teach their children
to do the same. I trust that history will show that we, as a society, rose
above this period of hatred and intolerance. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To do that, I suggest we start in our kitchens and on our
playgrounds. Our children are the next generation of police officers,
government officials and scientists. If enough white mothers and fathers teach
enough white children that skin is skin, that bodies are bodies, that love is
love – then perhaps our grandchildren will live in an America where Daddies and
Brothers and Mommies and People aren’t shot because their blackness was too
scary for uneducated, under trained policemen to deal with.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Additionally, here is a great article in today’s Washington
Post with recommendations of tangible things white people can do to support the
#BlackLivesMatter movement.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2015/08/06/this-is-what-white-people-can-do-to-support-blacklivesmatter/">https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2015/08/06/this-is-what-white-people-can-do-to-support-blacklivesmatter/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And lastly, while I’m at it – let’s change the gun laws in
this nation. Join me as a member of <a href="http://momsdemandaction.org/">MOMS
DEMAND ACTION</a> and help effect change today.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-47639722868182201972015-03-27T07:55:00.000-07:002015-03-27T07:55:15.662-07:00Oscar the Dog<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb1xV1nMbbhT1P07XDAYUQvagJKt8Bbc0rRRIfEU1zw9IeSMeysM193CL-ezwft5LY9Y4r765Bt6zIaekmlQdih36UNCXQ_TAqZG14TezxTBgOJXNkidV4MKMZIxPHPWJnZjOYRO8L60/s1600/oscar+smiling.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb1xV1nMbbhT1P07XDAYUQvagJKt8Bbc0rRRIfEU1zw9IeSMeysM193CL-ezwft5LY9Y4r765Bt6zIaekmlQdih36UNCXQ_TAqZG14TezxTBgOJXNkidV4MKMZIxPHPWJnZjOYRO8L60/s1600/oscar+smiling.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Oscar The Dog</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are very few companions who want nothing more than to
be in the same room as you and maybe lay in a pile of your dirty clothes
later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Oscar was a baby we would hold hands at night. He would
sleep lengthwise on my pillow, stretched out beyond the width of my head. As we
fell asleep, I would reach up and hold his paw. Fur to skin, night after night.
That's how we fell in love.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzNwGjhRr4nPv0zd8fOATdKzVVLqLesq2l_niYI9xtKiVur85wvEJ1unojb7uPA9Fwy9r1zQ8RsvWXhEMtKpCQ3VtDW93-SIEBBkgpy6zPLwv6eJ_Ybf3giw-MwqWpbii50lUw1J3Ks8/s1600/oscar+puppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzNwGjhRr4nPv0zd8fOATdKzVVLqLesq2l_niYI9xtKiVur85wvEJ1unojb7uPA9Fwy9r1zQ8RsvWXhEMtKpCQ3VtDW93-SIEBBkgpy6zPLwv6eJ_Ybf3giw-MwqWpbii50lUw1J3Ks8/s1600/oscar+puppy.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Baby Oscar</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those first months with Oscar in our home, were also our
first months as husband and wife. We were living as newlyweds in a newly post
9/11 world when Oscar the Dog bounded into our life smiling, wiping his paws at
the front door; ingratiating himself immediately to my husband who is a sucker
for people who wipe their paws at the door.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Off leash in the jungle of Riverside Park, we risked the
wrath of the NYPD by letting our 20 pounds of fluff and breath run free through
the wildlife. Stopping only to kiss babies or pee on a perfect spot, Oscar
would run fast. He'd go faster than we can probably remember now, and then
suddenly stop on a dime and run just as fast right back to us, as if to say -
look how fast I can run! Isn't this the most fun thing ever? Run fast with me!
You won't believe how fun it is to run this fast! - His ears would fly behind
him, and his tongue would loll out the side of his grin. I always felt like
that look on his face would be worth the fine if we ever got one. We never did.
Oscar was very stealthy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He made lots of friends. His first friend was Haggis, the
wiry black haired dog down the hall named for Scottish sausage, which we all
thought was weird, but Oscar loved him anyway. He also loved this one lady at
the dog park in particular. Fran, I think her name was. She had the grossest,
dirtiest hair I'd ever seen. I used to think Oscar loved her so much because
her hair probably smelled like bacon. But maybe he could just tell she was a
kind soul with nowhere in the world to call her own, other than that spot, on
that bench, where she sat, day after day, in the Riverside Park dog run. Or, ok,
c'mon let's be real, maybe it was the bacon. He found true love in Rocky the
Maltese. In love stories where the woman loves the man so much she'd risk
everything, her savings, her reputation, hell, even her life --- that's how
much Oscar loved Rocky. You know in sad movies when someone dies, and some
supporting character says something like -- "but he never knew true
love" - well, no one would ever say that about Oscar.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gC-8XIopuAwp7F36yVvnRJrQOJcG4C-CaxIh3XzjRDAPYl68NbaPTEy808sZdQwEBhIaDn5xNSA-UJil0z60xgvSu-7rrvWqeaW45EYQP9fKWmiYapG-p5nG2sr7K5m-gcH214Mrm9M/s1600/oscar+and+rockie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gC-8XIopuAwp7F36yVvnRJrQOJcG4C-CaxIh3XzjRDAPYl68NbaPTEy808sZdQwEBhIaDn5xNSA-UJil0z60xgvSu-7rrvWqeaW45EYQP9fKWmiYapG-p5nG2sr7K5m-gcH214Mrm9M/s1600/oscar+and+rockie.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Oscar + Rocky = True Love Forever </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For years it was just our little Upper West Side trio. And
then suddenly Oscar started to pay extra attention to me. He'd lay next to me
with his head on my belly and look up at me as if to say - we both know what's
going on in there, don't we? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPBVziSHBXXSk6TmmqCBMTJNgnEvZY8-pdS4JstayHPOA3hq-1DDlY94Qi4kDlGRWDOMhY_kRnRQfh_jxMO_GE5jq8syhiWyMfdex0cp_auA9aYK98D8dkOpDlLi2aDsUT5aGeJ0ifZ8/s1600/Oscar+belly.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPBVziSHBXXSk6TmmqCBMTJNgnEvZY8-pdS4JstayHPOA3hq-1DDlY94Qi4kDlGRWDOMhY_kRnRQfh_jxMO_GE5jq8syhiWyMfdex0cp_auA9aYK98D8dkOpDlLi2aDsUT5aGeJ0ifZ8/s1600/Oscar+belly.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Baby #1 was just starting to show in that tummy,</span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the photographs documenting my belly expanding every
month, in the background, of every photo, is Oscar. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsStnjoY-_vcZixg3VA3V8QGLTkZIKDNwhNWstU5ok4qtrT8GK-HFw1pwH_gBlb5PhvELSGsnrgdbv48_P0gTP-rQoMEogSwjjxrgpRDaCDe0F613XiVQ6g0PT0AkoXRKaY0WLADCxFb8/s1600/18+weeks+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsStnjoY-_vcZixg3VA3V8QGLTkZIKDNwhNWstU5ok4qtrT8GK-HFw1pwH_gBlb5PhvELSGsnrgdbv48_P0gTP-rQoMEogSwjjxrgpRDaCDe0F613XiVQ6g0PT0AkoXRKaY0WLADCxFb8/s1600/18+weeks+(2).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">A little preggo </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVMVZE1RcJm299-5wHujbGwVoV25pFgKNTmYXROy3iQsgsugV3C0Pu4ZwODgMFBS_Oe9P4QzUhF5_E_KgAix0yxCdGamX9lZSJbCARuIU71ho2e7TXdTuZUuOd0X4K4zCPaieftUozF0/s1600/22+weeks+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVMVZE1RcJm299-5wHujbGwVoV25pFgKNTmYXROy3iQsgsugV3C0Pu4ZwODgMFBS_Oe9P4QzUhF5_E_KgAix0yxCdGamX9lZSJbCARuIU71ho2e7TXdTuZUuOd0X4K4zCPaieftUozF0/s1600/22+weeks+(2).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">A little more preggo</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When our first baby arrived, we wondered how Oscar would
react. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKcvyEFGBZRBCed5DlUWhc7GmS6qIBN5Yuy7ppwo39JtTkkXQdLWTSDR0WC1eEbdwjBUSsbIN3RLWAd-Hrb9fTmIZRS7BGIz7J-pZn8wyViPxTdYYYfUno0DGpeVRZdsxdpbxZ_NKBNU/s1600/Me+&+Iz+&+Oscar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKcvyEFGBZRBCed5DlUWhc7GmS6qIBN5Yuy7ppwo39JtTkkXQdLWTSDR0WC1eEbdwjBUSsbIN3RLWAd-Hrb9fTmIZRS7BGIz7J-pZn8wyViPxTdYYYfUno0DGpeVRZdsxdpbxZ_NKBNU/s1600/Me+&+Iz+&+Oscar.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Oscar's new baby</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
He gave the baby a kiss on the head and laid down right next to him, as
if to say - That's how, ok? Relax. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Oscar at Isaac's bris. We thought this was hilarious. He ... did not.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9iRHW5p4Mn9f08V7gqThf-cuj-6FB7iFD59Pc7GvS2zkN_HexlkMSVkrETRS9qDfs2zi98gx8i3-VjZOavvbp3qcmDq2Avas_iHnRzap_NgdFZOL9xaLHdRzrwxOaGY2QDObLhZRC-E/s1600/oscar+in+Baby+Bjorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9iRHW5p4Mn9f08V7gqThf-cuj-6FB7iFD59Pc7GvS2zkN_HexlkMSVkrETRS9qDfs2zi98gx8i3-VjZOavvbp3qcmDq2Avas_iHnRzap_NgdFZOL9xaLHdRzrwxOaGY2QDObLhZRC-E/s1600/oscar+in+Baby+Bjorn.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">He actually really enjoyed a solid ride in the Baby Bjorn</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Kisses</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Four years later when our second baby arrived, he looked at
me again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His eyes relayed a different
kind of a message - Another one? For real? What are you, an idiot? But he loved the new baby, just the same.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">A thorough exam of Baby # 2</span></i> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Our babies chased him and used him as a step stool and
pulled his hair and held on to his tail and balanced on him as they learned to
stand. He never bit them. He never growled. Once, he rolled his eyes at them.
But then again, so did I. He licked dinner off their faces and kept the ground
beneath their highchairs clean. He was gentle with their playmates, greeting
even the most timid child with a wagging tail and a bonafide smile.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiY8RsawGMAhG7oabgSiCCeEKJirk8p6GWbkEy_feIahRRt8Dy6slkOB4xl5d2vmPZZJXbWTSvBjJxCpGu1hW7ZrJgFxFsDSBgufeK8AmBVRQkXgkdKruXNBPcNZR07AzrXvlUzElQsU/s1600/Oscar+and+babies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiY8RsawGMAhG7oabgSiCCeEKJirk8p6GWbkEy_feIahRRt8Dy6slkOB4xl5d2vmPZZJXbWTSvBjJxCpGu1hW7ZrJgFxFsDSBgufeK8AmBVRQkXgkdKruXNBPcNZR07AzrXvlUzElQsU/s1600/Oscar+and+babies.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Oscar in a sea of babies</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is true
he nipped the ankles of unsuspecting delivery men, and barked maniacally at a
woman with dwarfism, but mostly - if we add up all the minutes of all the days
- mostly, Oscar was a good boy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Oscar being a very good boy </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Until just recently when he was too old to travel, Oscar
rode the airplanes with us wherever we went. He sat on the sofa in Chicago,
letting my dad sit and pat him in quiet for hours. He hovered under my
grandfather's spot at the dining room table, eager for the generous droppings
he would sneak him with a wink. In Georgia, he would snuggle between my in-laws
and their dogs, allowing himself to be part of their pack. He would sit quietly
with my mom, or wrestle with our brothers. He splashed in the Atlantic Ocean,
he played in the Colorado mountains. He rode the subway to work with Evan for
years. He basked in the sunshine between the slats of our patio table. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBqgbfTfkSt4YzDLhBIHhc-Yes980auDpIXBtdB1N4soQcaJBwMsDP9yLdwYEEoNrOzKP-0S59D7udsGi6vZ76GIqfMTMk653aTxpDpDn-5a5oTUd9sffjOakIk6u3w5aWSgTPHwLR6o/s1600/oscar+under+the+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBqgbfTfkSt4YzDLhBIHhc-Yes980auDpIXBtdB1N4soQcaJBwMsDP9yLdwYEEoNrOzKP-0S59D7udsGi6vZ76GIqfMTMk653aTxpDpDn-5a5oTUd9sffjOakIk6u3w5aWSgTPHwLR6o/s1600/oscar+under+the+table.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The hardest part is opening the door. What's the fun of
opening the door if Oscar's not there to greet us? Who will let us know how
wonderful it is that we've come home safely? Who will remind us that the simple
act of coming home to our house is cause for wild celebration? I suppose for
now, we'll have to remind each other. Greet each other with hysterical
happiness whenever anyone comes to our door. Hug and kiss and jump up on the
sofa with glee.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But later, after all that hugging and kissing and jumping,
we'll have to remember too, to sit quietly and hold hands with each other as we
fall asleep.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oscar the Dog</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Jan 8, 2001 - March 22, 2015</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-5439821811318814762014-06-25T19:40:00.000-07:002014-06-25T19:40:27.856-07:00Camp Drop Off<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3a8aJrEMT50-BK-PPNzn7_cJfm3JaGjrcl2aX8w49KSJf2A4RviXUihnuxwapGO3sRx_Y_6Sna2pTWSOZuGTgOuUE-uucjlui6AXcNG8PbROu9pGpcdFm-VijxTkqM2GQA0zxEcdmw7Q/s1600/camp+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3a8aJrEMT50-BK-PPNzn7_cJfm3JaGjrcl2aX8w49KSJf2A4RviXUihnuxwapGO3sRx_Y_6Sna2pTWSOZuGTgOuUE-uucjlui6AXcNG8PbROu9pGpcdFm-VijxTkqM2GQA0zxEcdmw7Q/s1600/camp+photo.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I call this one: Me at Camp with My Friends & Bad Outfits in 1991</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: Bloomie (Aka Sari Bloom Shuman) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don't understand this leaving your kid at camp thing. I
just did it and I don't get it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh, yeah sure, I went to camp every summer. I loved it. I
LOOOOOOVED it. But that doesn't mean that I'm into it on the flip side.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the summers of the 80s and 90s, when my mom said,
"it aches when you leave," I didn't even hear her. I didn't even
register what that phrase could possibly mean. Those words weren't even
memories, until today when I felt an all over ache as I walked <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">away</i> from my child. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My child, who waved me goodbye from his perch on his top
bunk. My child, who told me, "I think parents are leaving now." My child,
who may or may not know how to use a knife to cut up his chicken. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He looked so big today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His eyes were shining and he had this little half smile that was a
perfect expression of pride and optimism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What a great summer he's planning to have. What a great summer he will
have. Without me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is growing up. This is the gift I give him. Go. Stay up
late. Don't brush your teeth. Fart. Tell bad jokes, learn bad words, get a
crush, play roller hockey, use your flashlight when it's not an emergency,
don't put the seat down, swim four times a day, catch bugs and keep them, eat
sugar cereal, make up funny nick names for new best friends, put on your own
band-aid, dance, nail a free throw, make important bracelets out of yarn, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have milk and cookies before bed, paint your
face your color during color war, get the shit scared out of you in the middle
of the night by a bat in your bunk or a ghost story that won't relinquish its
hold on your imagination. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Go. I'll be ok. I'm watching old videos of you when you were
very small. I've watched that one from when you were two, counting Daddy's freckles,
but calling them nipples, over and over again. It relaxes me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you were here right now, I know we'd be making fun of that
other mom from today. The one who clearly has a whole room in her house devoted
to labeling things. She gave her son a plastic container labeled PENS, PENCILS,
& STATIONERY. And then she gave him another plastic container labeled EXTRA
PENS, PENCILS & STATIONERY. I gave you an un-labeled pen from the
dermatologist's office. I hope you'll write me letters anyway.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I realize somewhere along the way, this turned into a direct
address. But it wasn't really meant to be. This was just meant to be a small
space to say - "it aches when you leave." </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-49656666144859355102014-01-29T14:45:00.000-08:002014-01-29T18:22:43.487-08:00All You Need to Know About the Work/Life Balance <i>I've been reading a lot lately on the work/life balance struggle (crisis?)
of women who have "children they love" and "professions worth
continued pursuit." It's reminded me of <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ava-neyer/i-read-all-the-baby-sleep-advice-books_b_3143253.html">Ava Neyer's terrific post</a> about the contradictory theories of sleep training a baby. <br />
<br />
I thought I'd take the info I've gathered, and compile it for you here. </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTs3qX3e5nAbc9KRe346i6ZVQ8bpHULqh2o-D6YCE4oUKcoXRY3iADfZPjl_EMgAPuSrJkJDe-zOjx3pAUzu7GGdKVrKOFvIALSu5aLoTaP9rKqOWE268LepzGU7-NnPs9kIsAmIPbmCQ/s1600/work-life-balance_crop380w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTs3qX3e5nAbc9KRe346i6ZVQ8bpHULqh2o-D6YCE4oUKcoXRY3iADfZPjl_EMgAPuSrJkJDe-zOjx3pAUzu7GGdKVrKOFvIALSu5aLoTaP9rKqOWE268LepzGU7-NnPs9kIsAmIPbmCQ/s1600/work-life-balance_crop380w.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Could You Imagine Posing For This Picture?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://excelle.monster.com/news/articles/3810-work-life-balance-stressing-you-out-you-can-stop-it"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit </span></a></div>
<br />
<b>All You Need to Know About the Work/Life Balance<i> </i></b><br />
<br />
Women with children can have it all. No one knows what all is. All is
having healthy, well adjusted children that you have plenty of time to
care for AND a career where you feel accomplished, successful and well
compensated.<br />
<br />
Women who have it all are having sex with their spouse 1-2x
per week or else they openly discuss it calmly over an organic supper.<br />
<br />
Women who try to have it all, fail. No one can have it all: especially
women. Scratch that. Especially women with children. If you don't try to
have it all, you're selling yourself short. If you <i>do</i> already have it
all, don't talk about it or the women who <i>don't </i>have it all will judge
you and hate you. If you don't have it all, pretend you do because
recently the "fake it til you make it" concept was scientifically
proven. No one should talk about who does or does not have it all
because people will judge you. Odds are you're lying anyway because
women are not honest. If you want an honest answer, ask a woman.<br />
<br />
To lead a more balanced life go to bed early. Wake up
early. Read in bed even if it means going to bed later. Get more sleep
even if it means sleeping later in the morning. Exercise when you first
wake up. Exercise before you go to bed. Try to squeeze in a workout
while the baby is napping. If you don't
have a baby, you should be back to your pre-baby weight. Love yourself
as you are. Extra pounds around the middle put you at high risk
for diabetes and heart disease. Balanced women eat balanced meals. Just
because someone seems to have it all, doesn't mean they don't eat
McDonald's with regularity. McDonald's will ultimately kill you even if
you're balanced. McDonald's every so often is harmless. Unless you need
your heart to function properly. Then whatever you do, don't eat
McDonald's.<br />
<br />
Put a slice of lemon in your water for optimal daily health. Lemon
slices are very high in potentially fatal bacteria. Do not put lemons in
your water.<br />
<br />
Women who work part time definitely don't have it all because their time
is too divided. If you're seeking more balance, seek a part-time job.
Sometimes just dipping your toes into your profession is more than
enough to whet your whistle. It's all or nothing or a man will take your
job. Lean in. Lean out. Lean to the side and stretch-2-3-4. And the
other side-2-3-4. And center. Slowly roll up.<br />
<br />
Men are seeking work/life balance too. How come no one is talking about
that? Men should shut up because statistically they still make more
money than women. By 2015 women will be the majority breadwinners in
American families. Women can do men's jobs better than men. Unless they
have children. Then men are better. Unless they have children. Then
computers are really effective. Unless they have a glitch. Then call
1-800-FIX-DATA.<br />
<br />
The key to the work/life balance is competent, dependable childcare.
Don't leave your children with a stranger. Women who leave their
children with their mothers are living in the past. People were happier
in the past. The future is where it's at. Welcome to the future. There
are babysitters available everywhere. Ads on the sides of city buses are
effective ways to find an appropriate babysitter. Unless you personally
know five people who have used a babysitter do not use her. Unless it's an
emergency. Then call that teenager next door. He's probably
sober. Sobriety is the key to a well balanced life. 1-3 glasses of wine
per week is recommended for overall relaxation. Or Xanax. If you're well
balanced you won't need drugs. Taking drugs is crucial for a well
balanced life.<br />
<br />
Women don't need to cook any more. Slow cookers can do it. Your slow
cooker is in your attic collecting dust. Take it out and make some stew
for the party you're hosting on Super Bowl Sunday. Real cooks don't use
slow cookers. Slow cookers is code for men. Men watch the Super Bowl for
the GoDaddy ads. Go Daddy is what your kids say when your husband does a
funny dance. Naked women in Super Bowl ads have it all.<br />
<br />
Show more cleavage. Don't be such a slut. Using sexuality will not get
you much after age 40. Pretend you're not 40. Here's some eye cream.
It's one million dollars. Going into debt for eye cream is fine. If you're
in debt, stop what you're doing and get out of debt. Here are 5-7-10-35
ways to get out of debt in the new year. Balanced women are not in
debt. The average 35 year old American woman carries a debt. Don't
overspend. You need those shoes.<br />
<br />
Get on your hands and knees and play with your kids. Your children need
to learn independence by playing alone. Don't change your clothes when
you come home from work. Snuggle your kids first. Now your blouse is
stained and torn? Work more so you can buy more blouses.<br />
<br />
Balanced women have pets. Don't get a dog. It's a huge time suck and
expense. Every child needs a dog. Get pet insurance or you're fucked
when your dog gets cancer.<br />
<br />
To lead a balanced life, meditate. Breathe in. Breathe out. You can
meditate while driving. Over 50% of accidents are caused by distracted
drivers.<br />
<br />
Finding the work/life balance does not prevent death. Laughter prolongs
life. It's important to cry. If you're laughing or crying too much, try
Xanax.<br />
<i><br />
That about sums it up. I know where I fall on the work/life continuum ... But I've learned my lesson so I'll never tell.</i> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-47783710282036108622013-11-07T07:35:00.000-08:002013-11-07T07:35:57.714-08:00Pancake Prediction<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLq7gv4njx-8hhePLK2Ra4Ll9ACdtpb9BQfVnlFBIKXXUmYf3X0ugkAd903kkDjQgDmSVBeNEyhk9BRNvoC_qu1dDa8WwIevEIMOlnKE-Tiit0Wi5e1MWGSq-ERVYEpOKilw1cKcfZHw/s1600/Sylvia+and+Beau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLq7gv4njx-8hhePLK2Ra4Ll9ACdtpb9BQfVnlFBIKXXUmYf3X0ugkAd903kkDjQgDmSVBeNEyhk9BRNvoC_qu1dDa8WwIevEIMOlnKE-Tiit0Wi5e1MWGSq-ERVYEpOKilw1cKcfZHw/s1600/Sylvia+and+Beau.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Amy Rutberg & Jason Loughlin as </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">SYLVIA & BEAU in my
new play,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <i><a href="http://miracleor2.com/cottage.html">The Cottage</a> </i>starting previews
tonight at <a href="http://www.apacny.org/">APAC.</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Parenting during Tech week is a lot like sweeping up leaves
during a hurricane. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have no more milk in the fridge. The hamper is
overflowing. I'm fairly certain I'm supposed to be somewhere doing something
right now, but instead I'm here, doing this. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This morning, over pancakes I made out of guilt for this week's
absenteeism, my eight year old said, "You look tired. "</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I am tired," I said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"You've been getting home really late," he added.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I know," I said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"It's worth it," he said in his wise-beyond-his-years
way. "People are going to love your play. It will make people happy, and
then it will be worth it. I think millions of people are going to see your play
and love it."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then I wiped the syrup off his chin. I love that child.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope he's right. I have loved the people I've met while
working on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://miracleor2.com/cottage.html">The Cottage.</a></i> It's been a true
privilege. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And tonight ... we share it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlr79AllTtPjkkMJSEEdw1T3uEGgmOJcLLB1ZcCejK-1AF0kgKoqPaYhYxNsTOBAlbByZS7h6XnqTHD4wQxBrHQlsnLPnT2v1ydIHtZ3Es8ty_9GhM8jOVUdA8cSZQsgs8e_OdykhoPw8/s1600/Sylvia+and+Clarke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlr79AllTtPjkkMJSEEdw1T3uEGgmOJcLLB1ZcCejK-1AF0kgKoqPaYhYxNsTOBAlbByZS7h6XnqTHD4wQxBrHQlsnLPnT2v1ydIHtZ3Es8ty_9GhM8jOVUdA8cSZQsgs8e_OdykhoPw8/s1600/Sylvia+and+Clarke.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Kevin Isola & Amy Rutberg </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">as CLARKE & SYLVIA. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sets
STEPHEN DOBAY & Costumes RYAN MOLLER.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Cottage</i></b>, a (mostly) non violent romantic comedy is playing Nov
7-23 at APAC (<a href="http://www.apacny.org/" target="_blank">www.apacny.org</a>)<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> FOR $12 tix (normally
$18) for Nov 7 - 9 use code RUSTINS at checkout.</i>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-15783040415513515212013-11-06T12:25:00.001-08:002013-11-06T12:26:51.202-08:00I Have a Blog and I'm Not Afraid to Use it.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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My Dear Readers - </div>
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<br /></div>
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I have some terrific news to share!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember last year when I was in the NYC <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://ratedpforparenthood.blogspot.com/2013/05/lounge-chair-lady.html">Listen
to Your Mother</a> </i>show at Symphony Space? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well this year I am producing and directing
the show right here in Maplewood/South Orange and I could not be more thrilled!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/0AM0gsT3Pv4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Please ignore the ridiculous freeze frame expression on my face. It's just ... there).</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.peachesandcoconuts.com/2013/11/announcing-listen-to-your-mother-north.html">Deborah
Goldstein</a> (2012 LTYM NYC performer, fellow blogger, and all around awesome
chick) is going to produce and direct with me! And my Co-Artistic Director of <a href="http://www.midtowndirectrep.org/">Midtown Direct Rep</a>, <a href="http://www.jeremydobrish.com/">Jeremy Dobrish</a>, is going to produce
with us as well! </div>
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<br /></div>
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SAVE THE DATE</div>
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LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER; NORTH JERSEY<br />MAY 10th at 5 PM at <a href="http://www.sopacnow.org/">SOPAC.</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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And local bloggers, story tellers, writers, mothers,
fathers, joke tellers and sensitive souls ... GET READY to come tell your
tales!!!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
AND CONGRATS to all the 31 fellow Listen To Your Mother
Cities!! <a href="http://listentoyourmothershow.com/2013/11/announcing-ltym-s-32-city-2014-season.html">http://listentoyourmothershow.com/2013/11/announcing-ltym-s-32-city-2014-season.html</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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What a group to be included in! I needed an excuse to dust off my blogerness ... here it is! </div>
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<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-10861966897552471822013-06-25T07:30:00.000-07:002013-06-25T07:30:13.143-07:00The Bus Stop Era<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKgQkfem96cZf1qfyPeJV1j2YuAr4Da4xhEKAiWMfaHSoI_0WMYQ0TVTIpDWfHNjEOn577t9tylHD7uGfarGHVR5RUE1lUhRcRopNe1wbaJFvNGufcOKnCLJ1opWj4oUytZzaab9JQok/s1600/IZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKgQkfem96cZf1qfyPeJV1j2YuAr4Da4xhEKAiWMfaHSoI_0WMYQ0TVTIpDWfHNjEOn577t9tylHD7uGfarGHVR5RUE1lUhRcRopNe1wbaJFvNGufcOKnCLJ1opWj4oUytZzaab9JQok/s1600/IZ.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Last Day of 2nd Grade</span></div>
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Today is the last day of 2nd grade. </div>
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<br /></div>
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In most places that may not be a milestone, but in our
neighborhood, it's the end of an era. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's the end of the bus stop. My son will
transfer to the upper elementary school next year and from third grade on,
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<br /></div>
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On his first day of kindergarten, the idea of putting him on
that yellow bus with all those "big" kids and a questionable looking
driver who I easily imagined possessed all kinds of terrifying personality
traits, was torturous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this morning,
as I waved goodbye to him (and Mr. Nate, the conscientious albeit foul mouthed, driver) for the last time, I was struck by how much the morning bus stop has
come to mean to us. To me.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Fearful of
minivans and Lululemon, I made the trek to the 'burbs despite myself. Elbow
room beckoned. I kept picturing that montage scene from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Father of the Bride</i> when Steve Martin plays driveway basketball
with his daughter, growing through the years, and I convinced myself that as
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What I never considered <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>was the impending camaraderie of the bus
stop. I worried about the strip mall component of suburban life, but never saw
the beauty of the bus stop coming.</div>
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Bleary eyed, and coffee cup'd, an eclectic mix of moms, dads
and kids share two-four minutes every morning, no matter the snowfall. Two to four
minutes may not seem like much, but if you add it up over the course of the
year, it's about 10 hours. </div>
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<br /></div>
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That's plenty of time to wipe cream cheese off someone
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grandparents, karate trophies, triumphs at the office, gardening tips, failed
recipes, forgetful tooth fairies, and rumored neighborhood scandal. It's enough
time to squeeze in one more hug and kiss while he's still young enough to let
me. It's enough time to wave at the once toothless, now toothy, smile as the bus
pulls away. The bus stop is a magical place where tiny communities and
friendships form all while we desperately try to get those stick-up-straight
hairs to lay down on resistant heads.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It seems terribly unfair that the bus stop is already coming
to an end. I finally have the timing down to a science (if shoes are tied by
8:06 we're golden). It's the end of an era I never knew about. And while I
shall still silently curse languid school buses stopped in front of me in traffic, I will forever look at the driveway across the street as our
beloved bus stop.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-70099628416489512842013-05-12T19:18:00.000-07:002013-05-12T19:30:51.313-07:00Lounge Chair Lady<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1sKBm1IQloScuSgMwoFH5_VOghAQO8UbIBQ-aTt8iVnZWncf8HGtj7_Q2I1v7AllzyD3HZ6Qj4bRFXsbzoUo130Yr52PHQysNKIjS_pqSfN5JuMVwOxDZEe97SgwtVZp5ToIY7ZU-Sc/s1600/LTYM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1sKBm1IQloScuSgMwoFH5_VOghAQO8UbIBQ-aTt8iVnZWncf8HGtj7_Q2I1v7AllzyD3HZ6Qj4bRFXsbzoUo130Yr52PHQysNKIjS_pqSfN5JuMVwOxDZEe97SgwtVZp5ToIY7ZU-Sc/s1600/LTYM.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Last year on Mother's Day, I wrote a post about my Mother's Day gift: a lounge chair. This year, I was honored that a version of that post (see below) was selected to be read in the <a href="http://www.listentoyourmothershow.com/nyc/">Listen To Your Mother</a> show in NYC at <a href="http://symphonyspace.org/">Symphony Space</a>. Tonight, while my own mom sat in the audience, I shared the stage with 15 other women (and 1 man) all reading their own humorous and heartfelt pieces on motherhood. It was an extraordinary experience. </i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>And then I came home, took off my plastic multi-colored beaded lanyard bracelets given to me this morning<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>and kissed my snuggly boys goodnight. A perfect Mother's Day. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lounge Chair Lady<i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I got a lounge chair for
Mother's Day.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love it. Those wooden
slats represent the promise of a Lounge Chair Lady's life.</span></span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Women who have lounge
chairs read the latest issue of <i>Elle
Magazine</i> while letting their toenail polish dry. They sip pink lemonade out
of plastic cups that look like they're glass cups. Mosquitoes don't pester them
and the sun never overheats their iPhones. Women in lounge chairs don't have
children. Or, they do have children, but they're wildly independent. Women in
lounge chairs have something in the oven; it smells so good, you can smell it
from their lounge chair. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I bought mine a fluffy
white cushion. While the saleslady was ringing it up I pretended that I am a
person who can keep cushions white. I dismissed my knowledge of impending drippy
ice pops. "Not on my chair," I thought with bravado while she swiped
my debit card. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I went home and sat on my
white cushioned lounge chair and dreamt of what mother's day would be, now that
I Am A Lounge Chair Lady.</span></span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">...
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I wake up leisurely. Anna,
from <i>Downton Abbey</i>, stands at
the foot of my bed. "Morning M'Lady," she curtseys. Sunlight
streams into my bedroom as Anna hands me a Cinnabon. It's just an
appetizer though; Michelle Obama is awaiting my company for breakfast. She's
spending Mother's Day visiting Moms across the land, just to say "thanks." She's
already been to my girlfriends' houses - she's invited us all to the White
House later for a party where Vera Wang will greet us with fancy dresses.
</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Julie Andrews brings my
children up to see me. They're wearing matching outfits made out of
curtains. They sing a precious song and call me <i>Mother</i>. They give me necklaces made out of Macaroni &
Diamonds.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Meanwhile, downstairs my
husband is dashing in a tuxedo. A limo waits outside. Coach Taylor
from Friday Night Lights is our
chauffeur. He hands me a glass of chilled champagne. We drive to the beach
and windsurf without pulling a single muscle. My hair is not frizzy and I'm
not a bit self conscious in my bathing suit.</span></span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">All my relatives show up
for a picnic. Everyone is healthy and in a great mood. They're all
wearing white with sassy, vibrant accent pieces. Sand gets in nothing as we spread
out to eat perfectly portioned sandwiches and salt & pepper potato chips. My
Granny has brought banana cream pie from Chicago for dessert. It has no
nuts so everyone just puts their epi-pens away. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My dad, my kids and I
build the world's biggest sand castle and the record keeper from the <u>Guinness
Book of World Records</u> is there to give us an award. Julie Andrews
keeps it in her pocket so it won't get lost.</span></span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oprah stops by with Gayle
to say hi. We all agree to meet up later at the White House party.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I cross my arms and blink and
suddenly everyone is home. My kids are thrilled it's bed time. I
sing to them, and Julie Andrews compliments my voice.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Happy Mother's Day,
Darling," my husband says, and whisks me off in Airforce One. I dance with
the president until it's time for Tina Fey's speech. She winks at
me. She's read my blog. "Call me," she mouths. And just as
Barbara Streisand gets up to sing...</span></span> </span></span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">...</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I am hit in
the head with a soccer ball. Turns out my lounge chair has been declared "goal!"
And moments later ... a pirate ship. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And so on
this Mother's Day, I set my imagined chilled champagne aside and accept the
fact that my "Lounge Chair Lady" status will simply have to wait.
Instead, today, I raise a sippy cup of organic, no-sugar-added apple juice, to
tiny pirates, short soccer players and white cushions already spotted with
fruit punch.</span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-2674529541222729592013-05-06T21:06:00.000-07:002013-05-06T21:11:05.971-07:00Dear Starwood Preferred Guest Customer Service<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4d4Tkmi0mMcTAP0kzUSMGIxd8KpW8bc9sVAxTyHhqKcN7QGn6v6sGdBLScOaFu1sAyHET7iGwaesNqi71HIpgiV3m7WMh29ZoCn5msFyOftktqg-uYEeuFu98dOXsUDhSkyV7kGm8qks/s1600/window+washer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4d4Tkmi0mMcTAP0kzUSMGIxd8KpW8bc9sVAxTyHhqKcN7QGn6v6sGdBLScOaFu1sAyHET7iGwaesNqi71HIpgiV3m7WMh29ZoCn5msFyOftktqg-uYEeuFu98dOXsUDhSkyV7kGm8qks/s320/window+washer.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
photo: <a href="http://waxingdiaries.blogspot.com/">waxingdiaries.blogspot.com</a></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dear Starwood Preferred Guest Customer Service,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well, if I
wasn't a Preferred Guest before, I certainly am now. At least, to the window
washer outside my hotel window this morning at Westin River North in Chicago.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I'm not an
exhibitionist by nature. I consider skinny dipping an enormous adventure. In
fact I believe the only times all bets have been off in a public place were during
the delivery of my two sons, when to be honest, I would not have cared if a
window washer had been dangling precariously outside my window. In the throes
of labor & delivery the confines of day to day modesty cease to exist, and
any Tom, Dick or Window Washer is at best, unnoticed.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But this
morning, I was not in labor. I was simply starting my day; deciding which
underpants to wear, when a man appeared outside my 16th floor window. Now
granted, he was wearing a yellow helmet and brandishing what might have been a
sword if it hadn't been a squeegee, so he did have a super-hero air about him.
I'll give him that. But even if he had been Spider-Man himself, that would not
have prevented me from throwing my panties in the air, screaming bloody murder
and dropping to the ground, naked and panicked. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lying
naked on a hotel floor is disgusting. I know your housekeeping staff takes
great care to keep the hotel clean, so please, take no offense. But it's a
fact, Jack. No one should ever set their bare tush on hotel carpet. You've seen
CSI. That floor is narsty.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now please,
allow me to give credit where credit is due.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The unintentional Peeping Tom perilously swinging in the yellow cage
outside my window, was equally startled, and it turns out quite chivalrous. Gentlemanly
as all get out, after giving me a quick wink and a smile, he turned his head
while I scrambled to an un-viewable corner of the room. I wrapped myself in a
sheet and shut the curtains in his face. I hope he didn't think I was being
rude.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Are
you OK?" my husband shouted from the shower.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No,
Starwood Preferred Guest Customer Service. No, I'm not OK. Before I got out of
your (quite comfy) bed this morning, I had no intention of baring it all to a
middle-aged man in an orange pinny. You see, far be it from me to assume the
gentleman's sexuality, but there was something in his wink & smile, that
made me feel quite certain, that moments like the one we shared this morning, are
what he might consider, a job perk. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I'm not
entirely sure what I expect you to do to rectify my moment of uninvited exposure,
but I felt I'd be remiss to not share with you my experience, in the hopes that
other Starwood guests don't find themselves face to boob with a window washer
too.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All the
best,</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sandy
Rustin Fleischer</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-32460085825377665722013-05-06T20:02:00.001-07:002013-05-06T21:13:46.089-07:00A Toast to My Little Brother & His Bride ...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<i>On Saturday May, 4th my little brother, David, married the love his life, Rachel. Here is my toast to them ...</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSIA9E_UMgS9qSu40uaIL0VY7gdjcMDX4KD6bpl_V0wsYbbuz111oY87fDbbt_Cd0Gavi_Ab38QPeE7OSh-KU_ETMD3RZSHwUwqXN6FJmN2y-vmsPBAtHIFoAcbrtAfPDBOWd2yTJV00/s1600/422105_614546478575672_1030343580_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSIA9E_UMgS9qSu40uaIL0VY7gdjcMDX4KD6bpl_V0wsYbbuz111oY87fDbbt_Cd0Gavi_Ab38QPeE7OSh-KU_ETMD3RZSHwUwqXN6FJmN2y-vmsPBAtHIFoAcbrtAfPDBOWd2yTJV00/s320/422105_614546478575672_1030343580_n.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/maypolestudios">Maypole Studios </a></span></div>
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You know when you want something so bad you spend all your
wishes on that one thing. All your birthday candle wishes. All your wish bone
wishes. All your penny in a fountain wishes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, when I was five years old, that's how
bad I wanted a brother. </div>
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David was my kindergarten wish come true.</div>
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Until ...</div>
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No, no, no ... I promised myself that I would not resort to
tales of David's notorious toddlerhood. After all, he's a man now. He's a
lawyer! AND - to my utmost joy - He's found a smart, beautiful, incredibly
organized woman to marry him. </div>
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So you see, there's no need for me to regale you with details
of how he bit the babysitter. Oh sorry, let me clarify, the babysitterS. For he
bit them all. </div>
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No, tonight is not the night, for me to tell you about the
time David, steeped in his imaginary play, pretending to be a dog, LICKED the arm
of the terribly strict, Austrian man who lived across the street and had come
to our home for dinner, which my mother had prepared for him in an effort to
ease his stress after his house had caught fire. Yup - David thought it would
be a great idea to lick that man's arm right after the salad plates had been
served. Just, ya know, lick 'em, from wrist to elbow. I still remember what my
mother's face looked like in that moment. </div>
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But you see, now that Baby Baby is a tall, grown, man ... oh
- see there I go sharing embarrassing nick names with all you lovely people
that see my brother as the scholar and outdoors-man he's grown to be. Awww,
little Baby Baby. You're such a big boy now, it's hard to even remember the
time I caught you peeing in the backyard. In the winter. </div>
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Speaking of nick names, over the years David really has had
his fair share. Baby Baby was a name David gave himself when he was first
learning to speak. But my father used to be famous for his creation of nick
names. In fact, I know most of my brother's friends at one time or another in
their youth, on one sports field or another, were gifted a ridiculous name by
my father. But he reserved the best names for my brother. Bubba came first.
David was so fat as a baby, Bubba just kind of made sense. And so it stuck,
until David became Milton the Spillton after one too many juice spills. Or
often, in public, just Milton. Often at restaurants, my dad would greet the
host with something like, "Yes, we'd like a table for 4, just for me, my
wife, my daughter, and my son Bartholomew. Or some nights Melvin. Or he'd just
go balls to the wall and introduce my brother as Schmendrick.</div>
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So you see, it wasn't surprising that my brother developed a
knack for creating nick names as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When David was first learning to speak, he had a hard time with the letter
S. So, he dubbed his buddy Sam, a short, chubby toddler, Ham. And Sandy was
hard for David too. So I, was called "Honey" for a short, sweet time.
But perhaps the best "nick name" David ever gave to someone, was when
he was about 5 years old.</div>
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We had just moved to our new house. That's about the only
detail you need to know about this story. We were new on the block and my
parents, being friendly, sociable people were doing their best to make nice
friends and be neighborly. My brother was monkeying around in the front yard. I
don't remember really what he was doing, but whatever it was, it was nuisance enough
that, while my mom was inside slicing cucumbers, a neighbor scolded my brother.
What happened next remains a bit of a blur, but suffice it to say, what I
really remember was the sound of the knife dropping in a pile of cucumbers,
when I, in all my tattle-tale glory, ran into the kitchen and announced -
"Mom, David just called the neighbor lady Vagina Breath."</div>
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I mean could a kid put together a worse insult? It was as if
David had been born to test my mother's innate sense of etiquette and
propriety.</div>
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So, you can understand, how if you'd told us twenty five
years ago, that one day a woman as classy, and well mannered, and put together
as Rachel is, would fall for my babysitter biting, foul mouthed little brother,
we would have doubted you.</div>
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And yet, I grew up wearing my "big sister"
bedazzled sweatshirts with pride. Because, David always remained my very first wish
come true.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And thank goodness it did. I thought I wanted a brother when
I was five. Now, I know, I really needed one. Life, as we all know, is not
always fountain wishes and silly nick names. David and I learned that reality
in our youth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet, despite the
challenges that our family has faced over the last 20 years, it is the
silliness, the laughter, the afternoons of puppet shows and playing pretend, the
hours spent with a basketball playing HORSE in the driveway, and finding each
other for Shabbat dinners at summer camp ... it is those moments that make
David my Baby Baby.</div>
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David is the smartest person I know. Besides, perhaps for my
own two sons. (C'mon I'm a Jewish Mother, what do you want from me). His
compassion has guided his life's work, as daily he struggles to help those less
fortunate than he. He cherishes nature, and his friends, and his dog. He is
opinionated, yes, but he lives his life by his beliefs. Which not many people
are able to do. I admire him deeply. AND NOW ... he's managed to get me a
sister.</div>
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I mean ... could this story get any better?!</div>
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Rachel is the kind of girl who I know in my heart of hearts,
never ever ever, has called anyone Vagina Breath. </div>
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My brother is the happiest I've ever seen him. The calmest
I've ever known him. His flowery blue eyes, flower more since being with
Rachel. She has grounded him. And it has been a privilege
to watch it happen.</div>
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Amongst David's many adventures, he spent some time in
Greece. And fittingly it is The Greek Myth of Zeus that reminds me of David and
Rachel. The tale of Zeus details how in a fit of rage at human kind, Zeus sends
down lightning bolts that separated, once whole humans, into two halves. Women
and Men. And with dramatic, wicked laughter, Zeus left mankind and woman-kind
to figure it out. They were left to roam the earth and find their other half.</div>
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Leave it to two of the brightest people I know, to out-smart
Zeus. Well done, David & Rachel.</div>
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So I raise my glass, to my brother, my childhood wish come
true, and his bride, my sister-in-law, a wish I never knew I had.</div>
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I wish that all your wishes come true.</div>
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L'Chaim.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-4134313373136906992013-05-06T19:39:00.000-07:002013-05-06T19:39:45.616-07:00LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYf7icKp1GEae6bU-T7OJ05eApTaIK-W9ewkHalbZo2WI-283jDNYDHjI2lbQp463TExf7drIRq9toZXI86GyovtSXD0LXMGBLILFY0YzWoLt6FgMGYEQ0j5UwW0ZNIocZg9BBSkQerA/s1600/LTYM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYf7icKp1GEae6bU-T7OJ05eApTaIK-W9ewkHalbZo2WI-283jDNYDHjI2lbQp463TExf7drIRq9toZXI86GyovtSXD0LXMGBLILFY0YzWoLt6FgMGYEQ0j5UwW0ZNIocZg9BBSkQerA/s200/LTYM.png" width="142" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I AM GIVING AWAY A PAIR OF TICKETS TO </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">THE "LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER" NYC SHOW!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Next weekend I am honored to have been chosen to perform a piece I've written for the NYC <b><i>Listen to Your Mother</i></b> show at Symphony Space. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Below is the scoop on the show - check it out!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>TO ENTER TO WIN A PAIR OF TIX: </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Simply re-post a link to any of my blog posts (dealer's choice) on Facebook or Twitter by WED MAY 8th at noon. I will randomly select a winner! </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>DETAILS: </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On <b>Sunday, May 12</b> at
<b>5pm </b>at <b>Peter Norton</b> <b>Symphony Space</b>
on New York’s </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Upper West Side</span></span>, the <b><i>Listen To Your Mother </i></b>Reading Series
(<a href="http://www.listentoyourmothershow.com/">www.ListenToYourMotherShow.com</a>)
will give “Mother’s Day a Microphone” as the city and an inspirational group of
women and men come together to celebrate motherhood and parenting in a
meaningful new way. Included in the cast of the New York City show are <b>former Editor in Chief </b>of<b> Redbook Magazine Stacy Morrison </b>(now
Editor in Chief of BlogHer.com), comedian <b>Jaime
Fernandez</b>, New York City creative writing teacher <b>Susan Buttenwieser</b>, social justice attorney and LGBT activist <b>Nívea Castro</b> and author <b>Tracy Beckerman </b>(whose book <i>Lost in Suburbia: A Momoir</i> comes out in
early April)... <b><i>AND me!</i></b></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Showcasing moving, socially relevant and humorous stories
about a range of modern mothering experiences, the </span>Listen To Your Mother Reading
Series <span style="font-size: small;">is</span> <span style="font-size: small;">a unique national
event taking place this May in 24 cities across the United States. The series features
local established writers and performers taking the stage with local first time
writers and performers as they share poignant personal essays in front of live
audiences, making for an unforgettable experience and a worthwhile way to
celebrate Mother’s Day.</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The NYC production will be donating 10% of
proceeds to </b>the non-profit national hunger relief organization<b> Family-to-Family </b>and their Hurricane
Sandy relief efforts (each Listen To Your Mother show/city donates 10% of all ticket
proceeds to local non-profit causes that support women and families in need).</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Born of the blogosphere and mothers who publish online, the <b>Listen To Your Mother Reading Series</b> is
changing the way America celebrates Mother's Day, one story at a time. Started
in Madison, Wisconsin in 2010 by humorist and blogger (<i>and fellow <a href="http://osrui.urjcamps.org/">OSRUI </a>alum!</i>) Ann Imig, it has evolved
into an exciting national storytelling series and every show’s process, from
auditions to rehearsals to the final performances, are shared online via social
media. Last year the series took place in 10 U.S. cities and has expanded to 24
this year<span style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The<b> <i>Listen To Your Mother </i></b>Reading Series<b><i> </i>NYC
Show</b> will take place on Mother’s Day, <b>Sunday,
5/12</b> at<b> 5pm </b>at <b>Peter Norton Symphony Space </b>(2537
Broadway at 95<sup>th</sup> Street).<b>
Tickets are $25 </b>(advance), <b>$30 </b>(at
the door) and <b>can be purchased </b>at<b> <a href="http://www.listentoyourmothershow.com/NYC">www.ListenToYourMotherShow.com/NYC</a>.</b></span></span> </span></span></span></span></div>
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more information on the <i>Listen To Your
Mother Reading Series</i> please visit <a href="http://www.listentoyourmothershow.com/">www.ListenToYourMotherShow.com</a>.</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-90190022500631206862013-04-18T18:05:00.000-07:002013-04-18T18:05:48.628-07:00NOTE TO SELF: If you have your front door painted red, before you leave, warn the babysitter.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_iQIsEJ0Id5vYrhyphenhyphenEUOlcEGD_POPF9GKxm5asOAyXfKEmSpU8PMfD6tA-4Ybo5lWeht19mROK8WipTNgTQitdcrH3bCtUECsJaCGbI7dYzwbGOB1mkPEdTb44-y2H5lfT3hJWDJnKTw/s1600/red+door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_iQIsEJ0Id5vYrhyphenhyphenEUOlcEGD_POPF9GKxm5asOAyXfKEmSpU8PMfD6tA-4Ybo5lWeht19mROK8WipTNgTQitdcrH3bCtUECsJaCGbI7dYzwbGOB1mkPEdTb44-y2H5lfT3hJWDJnKTw/s320/red+door.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">phot<span style="font-size: xx-small;">o:</span></span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="irc_hd irc_iis"><a class="irc_hol irc_itl" data-ved="0CAQQjB0" href="http://www.the-decorator.net/2011/12/desirable-doors.html"><span class="irc_ho">www.the-decorator.net</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Last
night (courtesy of <a href="http://culturemommedia.com/">CultureMomMedia</a>) I
was able to take my seven year old into NYC to see <a href="http://peterandthestarcatcher.com/">Peter and the Starcatcher</a>, Off-Broadway
at <a href="http://newworldstages.com/">New World Stages</a>. I had seen and
loved the show initially at <a href="http://www.nytw.org/">New York Theatre Workshop</a>, but seeing it while seated
next to my little boy, was a wholly new, wonderfully magical experience. (If
you don't have your own little boy to take to see the show, I can loan you mine
for the evening. He assures me he would see it again and again, considering he
feels it's the "best play of his life.") Watching my boy, who "just
wants to be a boy for a while," watch a tale about another boy who
"just wants to be a boy for a while" hit a chord in an unexpected
octave. I left the theatre feeling fiercely protective of his childhood and
altogether too aware of how, without "starstuff," his boyhood will only
last a very little while.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
asked terrific questions all the way home and I was struck by how adult our
conversation has turned these days. Since when am I able to discuss
"artistic liberties" with my kid? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
we arrived home, I was still buzzing from the rarity of a special night
with my son, when I noticed something was off. The front door was shut.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now,
normally, of course, the front door should be shut at night. But when just that
morning it's been painted ... a vibrant shade of red ... well, then, no. You
see, in that scenario, the door should be left ajar so that the paint may dry. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I'd
warned our regular, wonderful babysitter, to shut only the inner front door,
but not the outer. I failed however, to mention it to our pinch-hitter-sitter
who was filling in for the evening. #MommyFail. I'm sure that's a hashtag somewhere.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our
front door looked like it had made out with
another door, while the sad white door frame looked like a crime scene. Meanwhile,
the pinch-hitter-sitter was blissfully asleep on our sofa as I swore like
sailor, lamenting the shmeared end to a perfect evening.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
only I'd had some "starstuff" I bet I could have fixed it. But alas,
all I had was an iPhone with which to text the painter and invite him back for
an encore.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Though tickets
were graciously provided by Culture Mom Media, all opinions are my own.</span></i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-18105936932604172112013-04-09T19:02:00.000-07:002013-04-09T19:02:51.898-07:00The Evolution of Date Night<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxlIkv5XMpT6iUOM4LuLQp1Xh1ktlddAFgw4qfVDwXtmJSQrbG4h25MxJ6o6Qlukj1ymJ82qMDSPAPYOcnWOWHJ2AvFZBp1kALzX5IJ-kwFptZmdRliL28Vy4UY2Ps3RJsgimGHeRS9I/s1600/lincoln+center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxlIkv5XMpT6iUOM4LuLQp1Xh1ktlddAFgw4qfVDwXtmJSQrbG4h25MxJ6o6Qlukj1ymJ82qMDSPAPYOcnWOWHJ2AvFZBp1kALzX5IJ-kwFptZmdRliL28Vy4UY2Ps3RJsgimGHeRS9I/s1600/lincoln+center.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo: <a href="http://newconstructionmanhattan.com/">newconstructionmanhattan.com</a></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The week before we graduated college, I started dating my
husband. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Well, truth be told we had a
moment at the beginning of Sophomore year, but that moment didn't amount to
another moment until the week before graduation).
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was May in Chicago (when Chicago is at its finest), and amidst
the floating cottonwood, he asked me on a date. Newly 22, we ordered wine, ate
expensive Thai food, and didn't look at our watches once. We had everything in
the world to talk about. I remember thinking - "Now THIS! THIS is a
date!" </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next month will be our 15th May together and we're still
(phew!) going on dates. Sure, they're planned via google calendar invitations,
and yes we time our departure around our elderly dog's insulin shot, and there's
no doubt our boys will pout and threaten "never to go to sleep" as we
exit - BUT, it's still a date. Even if one or both of us double checks to be
sure we have the Tums, it's still a date.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last Saturday night, I invited my husband (via google
calendar) to go see <a href="http://www.theannrichardsplay.com/">Ann</a> on
Broadway with me (courtesy of <a href="http://www.theculturemom.com/">The
Culture Mom</a>). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We raced out of the
house in time to catch the wretchedly smelling 5:54 NJ Transit train into Penn
Station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent our ride side by side
... heads buried in our phones, catching up on a week's worth of unanswered
emails. We boarded an impossibly crowded one train and came above ground at
the oh-so-romantic Lincoln Center. Stomachs growling, we neglected romance for the moment, landed ourselves in a little Japanese
hole-in-the-wall and scarfed down food meant to be savored. We made it to the theatre
with one minute to spare, taking off our coats (and searching for Tums) as the
lights dimmed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then ... ahhhhh. The power of terrific theatre. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.theannrichardsplay.com/">Ann</a> is a
one woman show starring Holland Taylor about the life of Ann Richards, renowned
and beloved governor of Texas. The evening was a master class in performance.
After five minutes, I had forgotten the ten million things on my to-do list and
my husband was holding my hand in the dark. The nuanced execution of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ms. Taylor's play was inspirational, and the
two of us were happily transported to Texas for a welcome break from stinky
commutes and crowded subways. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Her honest portrayal of a bawdy, aging, divorced,
recovering-alcoholic, democratic, southern bell governor of a state larger than
France, was spectacular. By the end of the play, I felt like I was a personal
friend of Ann Richards. What a feat of theatricality. </div>
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<br /></div>
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On the ride home, our conversation was motivated entirely by
the play. So much so, that it even sparked an idea for a new writing project! (I
started researching <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">on</i> the train!) The
show was edifying and I am so grateful we had the opportunity to see it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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As we pulled up to our house at the end of the night, we
noticed that the light bulb is out on the front porch, and the hinge on the
gate needs to be replaced, and no one had brought in the paper. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Not quite ready
to resume our regularly scheduled program, we sat in the car for a while -
talking and brainstorming, enjoying the evening. And when my husband finally did get
out of the car to pick up the paper and jiggle the porch light bulb, I thought to
myself ... Now THAT, THAT was a date.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thank you to Culture
Mom Media for the pair of tickets. All opinions are my own.</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-5124804824404381222013-04-09T04:52:00.000-07:002013-04-09T19:27:15.792-07:00GUEST POST ON MAMA DRAMA NY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1pzoofDtvVVruEf-Jp_nKArmTAOWhzvusgG8H3EAYQzvRSjDfa6a1U7qKTdh6B2KDYKKCMnh4bzbzgjfL91nQ1gFkqH0BIQ4ROFsU3ygdCpCRlB5Tq_wXXurzmh3ZlIS1BK8dUzMNhk/s1600/cottage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1pzoofDtvVVruEf-Jp_nKArmTAOWhzvusgG8H3EAYQzvRSjDfa6a1U7qKTdh6B2KDYKKCMnh4bzbzgjfL91nQ1gFkqH0BIQ4ROFsU3ygdCpCRlB5Tq_wXXurzmh3ZlIS1BK8dUzMNhk/s1600/cottage.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">ph<span style="font-size: xx-small;">oto: <a href="http://katyelliot.com/">katyelliot.com</a></span></span></div>
<br />
Today's post appears courtesy of <a href="http://mamadrama.com/">mamadrama.com</a>. Fellow actress/writer/mom, <a href="http://www.erinleighpeck.com/">Erin Leigh Peck, </a>runs the show at Mama Drama NY, and asked me this week to write about my new play, <a href="http://nj.broadwayworld.com/article/Midtown-Direct-Rep-Announces-THE-COTTAGE-Reading-421-20130401"><b><i>The Cottage. </i></b></a><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
Erin asked me to jot down some thoughts about the impetus behind the play and why I chose to write it now. <b>Here's a link to the post</b>: <a href="http://broadwayworld.com/mamadrama.cfm?id=30">THE COTTAGE</a><br />
<br />
The Cottage will have it's first public reading on Sunday, April 21 at 7 PM at <a href="http://sopacnow.org/530/midtown-direct-rep-in-the-loft-to-be-announced">SOPAC. </a><br />
<br />
Thanks to Mama Drama NY & Erin for your interest and support!! <span id="sasText" style="left: -9999px; position: fixed; top: 0px;">Tickets
are now on sale to the public and can be purchased by calling
973-313-ARTS(2787) or by visiting SOPACnow.org. </span><br />
<br /><span id="sasText" style="left: -9999px; position: fixed; top: 0px;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-74347621613598020482013-04-03T19:01:00.000-07:002013-04-03T19:01:22.591-07:00It happened one night ...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgV52f_NSZB6nKAbeh9QVl67pvnTMWvRzl3d3lV26YQPCiYWyCKXMtQlioLjZ8ok7OnDhQESLboF7_ZgAh-7pF1Wjle5cZpoiDHQkF_z9AfCLPfPFZIGdN1ogN5WTz4PHRZzMQV5l-4U/s1600/grease+group+shot.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgV52f_NSZB6nKAbeh9QVl67pvnTMWvRzl3d3lV26YQPCiYWyCKXMtQlioLjZ8ok7OnDhQESLboF7_ZgAh-7pF1Wjle5cZpoiDHQkF_z9AfCLPfPFZIGdN1ogN5WTz4PHRZzMQV5l-4U/s320/grease+group+shot.bmp" width="318" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: Me and the gang in <b><i>Grease</i></b> circa 1998</span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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It happened. Sort of casually. Like in a no big deal kind of
a way. It happened as if I hadn't been waiting for it. Expecting that one day
it would happen. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Last night at dinner, my littlest boy asked me to turn on
some music. But not just any music. He asked me to turn on, "the kind of
music we like ... you know ... that Broadway music."</div>
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<br /></div>
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Well, folks. My job here is done. </div>
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I put on "We Go Together" from <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Grease</i></b>,
taught my kids the hand jive and called it a night. I think I may have even
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<br /></div>
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"I love Broadway!" said my tiny dancer. </div>
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<br /></div>
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"It's cool," said his non-plussed brother (half
way through the chorus of "At the End of the Day" from the original cast recording of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Les Mis</i></b>. I mean a request was a
request, I wasn't going to let the opportunity pass me by).</div>
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<br /></div>
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I put them to bed singing "Raindrops on Roses ..."
and felt terrific.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Now don't get me wrong. I'm not looking for my kids to get
bit by the biz ... no, no, no, I'm not crazy. Or masochistic. No. It's just
that I unabashedly love show tunes and I unabashedly love my children and for
those two loves to find each other is extraordinarily satisfying. </div>
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<br /></div>
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When I was about 15 years old my mom brought me home a tape
of Elaine Paige in <i><b>Sunset Boulevard</b></i>. She also brought me the book of
"vocal selections." Not since <i><b>Annie</b></i> had I been so enthralled. I spent
hours at the piano - audio cassette on constant rewind - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>learning all of Ms. Paige's show-stopping
songs. A teenager (possibly wearing a makeshift turban) singing "With One
Look" in her living room, does not imagine in that moment an adult life steeped
in theatre. Nor can she fathom children of her own who will one day ask her to
"play that song again." That teenager, in that moment, is just
thinking about whether or not a song intended for an aging alto British woman would be
an appropriate audition piece for <i><b>West Side Story</b></i> at high school (ANSWER: NO).</div>
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<br /></div>
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So, it's not that I want my kids to get goose bumps every
time "Wick" from <i><b>Secret Garden </b></i>plays (though I always will; Dicken I
love you), it's just totally fun to share the music I love with an appreciative
audience. Maybe not from a well lit stage eight shows a week for now, but at
least in a warm kitchen over chicken and green beans every once in a while.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-48985130437883910752013-03-31T10:49:00.000-07:002013-03-31T10:55:31.283-07:00Between Loads<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbgFBi62EnrMeZtDnGFI_dkkHuVatU5kPGoW3BGnQLJAUoN5n9Efd3-T18xTZXQfxpkvyQEO5O_B6s6BRh5r-swspA88I2rDb7fiVLA5lb5beA-FdYBKpPZDhpQWPhhfgwzMT1hrSO_k/s1600/pink+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbgFBi62EnrMeZtDnGFI_dkkHuVatU5kPGoW3BGnQLJAUoN5n9Efd3-T18xTZXQfxpkvyQEO5O_B6s6BRh5r-swspA88I2rDb7fiVLA5lb5beA-FdYBKpPZDhpQWPhhfgwzMT1hrSO_k/s1600/pink+flowers.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo: <a href="http://www.all4myspace.com/">www.all4myspace.com</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Alright. No more avoiding this blog. I'm here. I have my cup
of decaf. I'm gonna write something. I might as well start with the truth.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I haven't known how to return to this forum since the
tragedy in Newtown, CT. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The wind got knocked out of me. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The mission of this blog is to reflect upon moments of
parenthood worth remembering. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">How, in the face of such horror, can I whittle them down? I
want to remember every single second. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">And yet, I've realized in my self-imposed hiatus, that while
I may want to remember every single second, that's not at all how life (or the
brain of a thirty-something mother) works. In truth I can barely remember to move
the wet clothes to the dryer 50% of the time. How can I remember every single
second? And, let's be real, do I really want to remember every single second
anyway? I think my memory would feel just as full without the recollection of
my three year old taking a scissors to the sofa cushions. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">But then again, I know those parents in Newtown, CT would
give <u>anything </u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to find their child
wielding scissors and cutting every cushion in the house. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So ... </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Simply put, it has felt difficult knowing where to begin
again. The niche of writing about parenthood is much less of a niche these
days. For many, it's a full time job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The internet is saturated with online opinions, stories, anecdotes, and
lists of SEVEN THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT _____.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I didn't want to read a thing about what
happened in Connecticut. I didn't want to read opinions. Who could possibly have
any opinion other than horror? And if someone did ... I certainly didn't want
to know about it. So I removed myself from the blogging hemisphere for a while.
I didn't have anything to add to the aftermath conversation, and I wasn't ready
to change the subject.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">And then both my kids got the flu. And then they both got
better. And then the sunlight shined past six o'clock, and we heard some
woodpeckers chattering, and now there are purple flowers popping up across the
street, and my brother's getting married soon, and the kids went up a shoe size
each, and my three year old is nearly four, and the other day he told me that
even when he's a "big, tall man" he's still gonna love me a lot. So
... I decided I better start writing again, because I don't want to forget all
this while I'm busy trying to remember every single second. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's Passover now - my favorite holiday. It's the time of
year when everything begins again. The time of year when birds find their
voices and swing sets find swingers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's
a time of year when they sell gluten-free matzah in the grocery store and you
wonder to yourself ... if the Jews were really rushing across the vast desert
towards freedom, did anybody really stop to say - "ya know, I feel a
little bloated after I eat regular matzah, does anybody have any brown rice
flour?" <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I guess, what I mean to say
is - it's the time of year when anything seems possible; even gluten-free
matzah. So, what better time to start recording fresh memories? But
first, I gotta move the wet clothes to the dryer ...
</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-34733040924657477412013-02-09T07:45:00.000-08:002013-02-09T07:46:09.919-08:00HODGE PODGE BLOG<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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photo: <a href="http://madiganmade.com/">madiganmade.com</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Lately I've been exercising instead of blogging. It has
seemed to me to be an either/or situation and the pressing reality of my
brother's upcoming spring wedding has tipped the scale in exercising's favor. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
However, the fact that I'm focused on toning my thighs
has not diminished the moments in my life that I want to remember. And since I
use this blog as a means of recording seemingly unforgettable moments that time
will most assuredly cause me to forget, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought that this morning, since my exercise
studio is closed for snow, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'd take a
moment to recount two simple little snippets of life I don't want to lose. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm gonna think of it as mini-blogging. Maybe
that could be a new thing. Actually, it's probably already a thing. Regardless,
here goes ...</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MINI BLOG #1:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">LAUGHTER INTO HOT CHOCOLATE</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Lately, my three year old has been catching laughter
mid-air. If he hears someone laughing, his little ears perk up and then he reaches
up both hands, bracing himself as if to receive a pitch. He catches air with
commitment and crumples it up between his hands. He mutters unintelligible wizard
words to himself while scrunching up his face in deep concentration. All the
while his hair remains characteristically out of control.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Just before bed last night, my husband watched him do
this for the first time. "What are you doing" he asked. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
"Turning laughter into hot chocolate" he
replied.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
And then they each took a sip of delicious laughter hot
chocolate with marshmallows on top, and for that moment, as the snow fell silently outside and three consecutive episodes of Homeland awaited us on demand, all was right in the
world. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MINI BLOG #2:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">MAKE UP</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I was serving up snacks in the kitchen when I happened to
catch a glimpse of my reflection in the chrome tissue box. My reflection has
recently become a source of constant surprise. I continue to expect to see my 25
year old face looking back at me, but I have an age spot now so that's never
gonna happen. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I look like ladies look before they put on their make-up. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I come from a long line of women who wear
their make-up beautifully. On both sides, actually. My mom, my grandmothers, my
aunts ... the women who raised me saw the value in the correct shade of blush.
My Aunt Harriet actually once offered up sage advice in the midst of a family
tragedy. Just when it felt like eye shadow was the very last thing on anyone's
mind, she called to say - "Wake up, get out of bed, and put on your
lipstick. It makes everything feel more normal." I've always taken that to
heart. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
But sometimes, when you're still in your exercise clothes
and in the midst of packing school lunches, picking up stepped on dog kibble, and
running the washing machine for the third time in a row since you keep
forgetting to move the wet clothes to the dryer - sometimes then, you don't
think to put on lipstick. Hell, you might not even think to put on deodorant.*
And it's of course right at that moment - the moment when you're smearing
blackberry jelly on a sandwich you're gonna have to lie about later ("I
don't know what you're talking about ... that was strawberry!") - it's right
at that moment that you catch a glimpse of your own foundation-free face and
think - WHO THE HELL IS THAT OLD WOMAN?! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
then you glance over at your sweet little boys and say:</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
"Uch. Sorry you have to look at me guys. I didn't
put on any make up today."</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
And right then when you're sure they're not listening, right
when you think they're so engaged with their pretzels and Magnatiles that they
don't even register your voice, right then, one of them looks up and says:</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
"Mom, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I think
you look nice without makeup."</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
And then you realize that they don't even know what an
age spot is, they just like your "dot." And they don't understand why
you wear lipstick anyway since it interferes with stain-free kisses. And they
think the dark circles under your eyes make you look like a ninja which is
super cool for a mom. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
<br />
"That's so nice," I say. Because it is.
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(*I forgot deodorant
for the first time since puberty yesterday and can't seem to let it go). </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Mini-Blog
Section of this blog is over but there are still ...</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">TWO OTHER THINGS I
WANT TO TELL YOU ABOUT:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">#1</b>) My friend,
Tim wrote a book. It's called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Better-Nate-Than-Ever-Federle/dp/1442446897/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360422497&sr=8-1&keywords=better+nate+than+ever"><u>BETTER NATE THAN EVER</u></a> and you can order it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Here's what I emailed Tim after I read it: </div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I feel like this book is really important.
It strikes me very much as the first of its' kind. Like if you've ever loved
kids, musicals, or road trips, or if you've ever been teased or seen your mom
drunk, then this book is for you. Basically, it's for everyone. This book is
gonna become a bible of sorts for kids with body issues and copies of <u><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Finishing The Hat</span></u><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">.</span> Special does not even begin to cut
it.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I want to tell you about it, because I loved it so much and I think you will too.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
#2) My friend, Brooke, writes an awesome blog called <a href="http://carpoolcandy.com/">Carpool Candy</a>.
Her latest post is what reminded me to get back to writing here - so I just
wanted to take a second to shout out a thanks to her! </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">AND ALSO ...</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">RATED P THE
MUSICAL NEWS:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
So long as I'm hodge-podgeing this blog, I might as well
fill you in on some Rated P news while we're all here! We are gearing
up to create a cast album (hopefully this spring) and our first regional
production is set to open on July 10th at the <a href="http://www.actorsplayhouse.org/mainstage.htm">Actors' Playhouse</a> in Coral
Gables, Florida. Tix are now on sale! Lots more to announce soon too! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'll keep you posted.
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">OH YEAH ONE MORE
THING ...</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I WROTE A NEW PLAY
AND YOU'RE INVITED TO COME SEE IT:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><i>The Cottage</i></b>, a
comedy in two acts, is my latest endeavor. It's a farce inspired by the works of Noel Coward (my
favorite). Set in the English Countryside in 1923, it's a tale of love,
sex and betrayal. The play calls into question the true meanings of fate, identity,
and marriage in a web of secrets that unravel in this potentially
murderous, romantic comedy. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
A staged reading of the play will be presented as part of <a href="http://www.midtowndirectrep.org/">Midtown Direct Rep's</a>
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/30/nyregion/theater-in-the-loft-series-introduces-little-known-plays.html?_r=0">Theatre in the Loft series</a> on Sunday, April 21st at 7 PM and I hope you can
come! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.sopacnow.org/530/midtown-direct-rep-in-the-loft-to-be-announced">For tix click here.</a> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Enjoy this snowy
day! May all your cups overflow with laughter hot chocolate.</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-38413950110873671892013-01-17T08:40:00.000-08:002013-01-17T08:48:45.107-08:00I Need An Adjective<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SNmgeB5OHRDsuFTM5_m1H9zLyjR0z4wc0TS2gb8ErkpWyEU-nnDb-29t-FLtXR7XbLP4vox-VL8QwVzWF9qTwnIHDBbXg1_O0n3h7kokSPB8SXc-FJhDkrnnx4kkNHMv4DfypYspmlo/s1600/MJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SNmgeB5OHRDsuFTM5_m1H9zLyjR0z4wc0TS2gb8ErkpWyEU-nnDb-29t-FLtXR7XbLP4vox-VL8QwVzWF9qTwnIHDBbXg1_O0n3h7kokSPB8SXc-FJhDkrnnx4kkNHMv4DfypYspmlo/s200/MJ.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by <a href="http://listofsports.com/basketball">http://listofsports.com/basketball</a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I need help coming up with a new word and I thought maybe
you could help me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here's what happened.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last weekend, my son played in the second basketball game of
his life at the local YMCA. He wore his vibrant yellow YMCA t-shirt. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">SIDE NOTE: Why can't
youth sports organizations get it together?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why can't they partner with Old Navy or something and get kids' sports
uniforms sized properly? Why must our kids all look like recipients of the tall
kid down the block's hand me downs while on the court?</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To my point, my son's sleeves were too long and wide, so he
spent the bulk of his time trying to roll them up ala Danny Zuko. (CUE: "I
don't know why I ever loved you Danny Zuko!" - my all time favorite line
from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Grease. </i>I realize musical
theatre references have no business in a post about kids' basketball, but I am
who I am). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, he was so distracted by his Hulk Hogan sleeves, that a Dad
sitting next to me actually leaned over and said, "next time you should
send him with a pack of cigarettes so his sleeves stay rolled up." He had
a point.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Convinced my son was so consumed by his over-sized jersey, I
would have bet he didn't even know which basket was his. But then he scored.
Two points. Two glorious points. His first ever two points in a real game. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Games at the YMCA are real, shut up).</i> I
was shocked! I mean, sure I know he can do it at home, but here?! On a great
big court, in a real live gym, with all these hyped up, overly competitive
parents watching him?! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you could have seen my face in that moment you might have
confused me with Carol Burnett in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Annie </i></b>when she realizes that Grace
is in fact referring to the "real Oliver Warbucks." (There I go
again. Sorry, ok, I'm sorry). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meanwhile, my son smirked a half smile on the down-low, long
enough for me to notice, but quick enough for no one else to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while I was thinking about how watching
seven year old basketball is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">waaaaaay</i>
more exciting than coach pitch little league (or, as a funny mom I know calls
it, "watching paint dry,") it happened. My son was fouled.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maliciousness didn't factor into it. It was innocent enough.
Some other kid with distracting sleeves just made a mistake and now my child
was facing the basket from the free-throw line. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I noticed my husband had gone a little pale. My heart had moved
up to my ears. We grabbed hands. And then in a swoosh it was over. The ball
went in the basket. (I actually did take a video of this moment - with my free
hand - but it is honestly so embarrassing I can't post it here. Suffice it to
say, when the ball went in, I screamed and dropped the phone. End of video).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And here's where I need your help. In my time on planet
earth, I haven't yet experienced this feeling. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>What is this moment called? This moment when
your child achieves something - a simple something, let's be fair - but
something nonetheless that surprises you. Maybe even thrills you. While I sweat
through my mom jeans on the side lines, my little son remained cool as cuke,
focused, and put the ball in the hole. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>All on his own.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pride </i>doesn't
really cut it. Because I was proud of him before, and I'd have been proud of
him if he'd missed, just for trying. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Relief</i>
doesn't cover it, because nothing bad, other than momentary disappointment, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>would have happened had he missed. I would say
the feeling was somewhere between <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pride </i>and
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">relief.</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There must be a name for this
feeling when your heart is outside your chest, on the free-throw line actually,
and shoots and scores. There must be a name for this feeling, but I don't know
what it is. Discovering a new feeling on the spectrum of emotions is uncommon
at best, so I'd like to name this one in order to claim it as my own.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There's another game on Sunday, so I'll let you know if I
figure it out. In the meanwhile, feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments
below.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-91243939597207755802013-01-04T08:44:00.001-08:002013-01-04T08:45:00.568-08:00Life Moves You Along<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgebmH8y2IIlWpWLvX3zs4dLi07Gd3I0DZwYE2fVug1YtOKgPQkuhZ6CUAj8uG8cs8eVqqmhNKPn1vJ8WSRvsNATD1bZX2Nlt8UaCHnv5VqhzHYgtg1LafJmhpyGaQR4nkkJdT8N5On0/s1600/active+adult.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgebmH8y2IIlWpWLvX3zs4dLi07Gd3I0DZwYE2fVug1YtOKgPQkuhZ6CUAj8uG8cs8eVqqmhNKPn1vJ8WSRvsNATD1bZX2Nlt8UaCHnv5VqhzHYgtg1LafJmhpyGaQR4nkkJdT8N5On0/s400/active+adult.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pho<span style="font-size: x-small;">to<span style="font-size: x-small;">: <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1941734/pebblecreek-goodyear-az-active-adult-community-homes-for-sale-homes-for-sale-in-pebblecreek-active-adult-community-goodyear-az">Pebblecreek</a></span></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The new year always strikes me as an arbitrary time marker. The truth is, it's as good a time as any to stop and take a breath. Inevitably the turn of the year causes at least some reflection in even the humbuggiest of us. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">In looking back at 2012, I have realized that I have turned a corner in adulthood. My friends and colleagues are not <i>just</i> talking about being parents themselves; I am now at the age, where our own parents have become a hot topic. They've entered into the conversation. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Our kid's grandparents are retiring - or maybe they're not. Some of them are growing older gracefully while others have developed first name relationships with their Botox doctors. Some are getting divorced and some are getting re-married. Some are lowering their cholesterol and others have committed to donuts for breakfast. Some have become ill, or passed away, and others have finally climbed Machu Picchu. Our parents are buying condos, selling businesses, going back to school, traveling, and taking blood pressure medication.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Our parents' generation is transitioning.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">There was a sketch I wrote for <i><b>Rated P </b></i>that I cut from the script before rehearsal began. It addresses the grown-up child/parent relationship. I cut it because ultimately we wanted <i><b>Rated P</b></i><b> </b>to be about parenting actual children. Introducing the dynamic between adult children and parents seemed glaringly out of place within the context of the rest of the show.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">However, the reality is, that in the midst of parenting our own children, we of course maintain our own status as "child" to our parents. So though this sketch may not have been quite right for <b><i>Rated P</i></b>, I am posting it here in light of my own New Year's reflection. </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> <i> </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><i>Written with love for all the "transitioning" parents in my life.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">MOVING </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Lights
up on ROB’S MOM in her living room filled with boxes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The doorbell rings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She makes her way through <b>a</b> maze of boxes
to find ROB, her <b>adult</b> son, at the door.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"></span> ROB</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">We got
the date for Jessie’s graduation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>June
13<sup>th</sup>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"></span> MOM</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Well that’s
good to know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll mark my calendar.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>ROB</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">So, this
time next year, she’ll be … (noticing the boxes) What’s happening?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>MOM</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Rob, I’m
moving.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>ROB</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I
thought you were kidding!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>MOM</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">(Shouting
off to the movers)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened the garage
doors … you can start in there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>ROB</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">My
records are in the garage!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>MOM</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">You have
a house with a basement and an attic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Take your records.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span> ROB</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">How can
you be so nonchalant?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>MOM</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Your
father, may he rest in peace, and I, lived in this house for 34 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to live here for one without
him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> ROB</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">What
about the door frame from the kitchen?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> MOM</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Honey.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> ROB</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">How will
you know how tall we were?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ll paint
over it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> MOM</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">You used
to be short, Rob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now you’re tall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s all that matters.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> ROB</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">You
can’t move.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> MOM</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I am
moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>ROB</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">What’s
so great about an “Active Adult Community?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>MOM</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The
tennis.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>ROB</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Who will
watch Jessie?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>MOM</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Jessie
can watch herself now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>ROB</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">So what,
you think, “Ohhhh, my granddaughter’s going to college, I should move to
Sunnybrook Village and leave Rob completely abandoned?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No mother.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>MOM</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">If by
abandoned you mean, I move to the next town over while you remain in your house …
with your wife … then, yes, I’m completely abandoning you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>ROB</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">What if
you hate your neighbors?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>MOM</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">This is
what happens, Rob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life moves you along.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>ROB</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The
hydrangeas out front are temperamental.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The “buyers” will kill ‘em.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>(MOM
hands ROB something wrapped in tissue paper).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> ROB </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">What is this?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> MOM</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Open it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>(It’s a Chewbacca, Star Wars figurine).</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>ROB</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Chewy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where’d you find him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> MOM</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">He was
in the utensil drawer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s been there
for years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Always tangled with the
whisk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could have moved him but …</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">(MOM
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sound with the back of his throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MOM laughs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They hug and remain in the hug…).</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>ROB</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Mom?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>MOM</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Yes,
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>ROB</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Did you,
when you were packing up, did you … uh ... find …</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>MOM</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Your
nudey magazines are in with your records, Robert.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>ROB</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">(Beat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are still hugging).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>MOM</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I won’t
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>ROB</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">(Beat).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My daugther’s going to college….</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>MOM</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">In a
year …</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>ROB</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">And
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>MOM</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">You like
all those things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(MOVER enters).</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>MOVER</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Sorry to
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>MOM</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Go
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>MOVER</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">(Calling
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">LIGHTS FADE on ROB and MOM still
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-26341513060338339202012-12-12T18:15:00.000-08:002012-12-12T18:21:37.157-08:00Courage and Character<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuuYUoci26czobw3K2zKfo7dKIYEhZtx0CZ15IB3LBMrR59-hj4-fK_sjgG1c8Bj55J_a4O5C4nSncSj-RebGYbTQKt8MB8g_wmp_CCJjfzKGoRbVIGIXRyoxG2XbtP0Tr1de3AHO9tk/s1600/radioplay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuuYUoci26czobw3K2zKfo7dKIYEhZtx0CZ15IB3LBMrR59-hj4-fK_sjgG1c8Bj55J_a4O5C4nSncSj-RebGYbTQKt8MB8g_wmp_CCJjfzKGoRbVIGIXRyoxG2XbtP0Tr1de3AHO9tk/s1600/radioplay.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Cast of <b><i>It's <span style="font-size: x-small;">A Won<span style="font-size: x-small;">derful Life; A Live Radio Play</span></span></i></b></span></div>
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Last weekend I had the pleasure of performing the infamous
role of the siren, Violet Bick (and others) in my theatre company's <a href="http://www.midtowndirectrep.org/">(Midtown Direct Rep</a>) holiday production of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It's a Wonderful Life; A Live Radio Play</i></b>,
by Joe Landry. (You can read a fellow blogger, Sarah Feder's, delightful
response to the show <a href="http://www.oldschoolnewschoolmom.com/2012/12/its-wonderful-life-at-sopac.html">here</a>). </div>
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The show was a total treat to rehearse and perform. Because
it was presented as a radio play in the 1940s, we got to wear terrific period
costumes and dig into the classic Foley sound effects of that time. We had such fun! (My mom even flew in from Chicago and surprised me at
the theatre!)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhew02LQG4SI3iQNIZBWfPkhvZLSWsK2xsqXIff3Zp1pSDOAzzCfF1942IHI6oNOsFwN7JyFdFRGeq91_rOv3omMLAhWQte2TiZi0STCuwo8wWasdkRpy1Q3nFi6ns0l_sEU94GvD7sA6Q/s1600/me+and+mom.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhew02LQG4SI3iQNIZBWfPkhvZLSWsK2xsqXIff3Zp1pSDOAzzCfF1942IHI6oNOsFwN7JyFdFRGeq91_rOv3omMLAhWQte2TiZi0STCuwo8wWasdkRpy1Q3nFi6ns0l_sEU94GvD7sA6Q/s1600/me+and+mom.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Me and My Mom! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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However, as always in this business, the pleasure of the show
itself played second fiddle to the good fortune <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>of meeting and working with such totally
lovely people.* </div>
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As a rule, actors are a focused group when put to task - but
chatty as hell when given a ten. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, one
morning, during a ten minute break from what was surely our total and complete disciplined attention,
this group of lovely people and I began yapping away. Mid chit-chat, the fella playing
Clarence the Angel (a wonderful actor named David Hess**) shared a story and video
that I have not been able to put out of my mind. </div>
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Please note: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Incredible
things often come to light during actors' required ten minute breaks.</i></div>
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Turns out, David's nephew, Jared Stevens, is a triplet, a 7th
grader in Tennessee, and a wrestler with debilitating Cerebral Palsy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David said, "you guys have to see this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLmzjsKV8Ps">video</a>." <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>And now, I'm saying it to you. </div>
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You guys. You
have to see this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLmzjsKV8Ps">video</a>.</div>
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For those of you without the time to watch right now (but seriously, do it later), the video depicts Jared's opponent, a 12 yr old boy
from a neighboring school, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>allowing
Jared to feel the pleasure of a wrestling match victory by positioning himself
in a pin beneath Jared, who, though unable to move his own body, manages to flash the ear to
ear smile of a champion when his win is announced.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It took my breath away. I don't know who deserves the most
credit. Jared, for being brave and daring enough to dream outside of his
wheelchair. His parents, for encouraging and allowing him to follow a dream
that most would have deemed impossible. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
opponent, Justin, whose good-natured spirit and soulful generosity trumped the
predictable selfishness of being a 12 year old boy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Justin's parents, who raised such a boy. Or the
coach, for creating a safe environment - physically and emotionally - for these
young men to shape one and others' lives. </div>
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<br /></div>
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What a total feat of humanity. </div>
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<br /></div>
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To raise children who are brave enough to win when they know
they cannot win on their own, and brave enough to lose when they know their
loss will shape someone else's tomorrow <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>... <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>well,
that's it. That is parenthood. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Courage
and character, indeed.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>*The lovely people of this company included Kelly Ruth Cole, Chris Cooley, Jeremy Dobrish, Michelle Federer, David Hess, Scott McGowan, & Will Reynolds. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>** Thank you to David Hess for sharing his nephew's inspiring story.</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-85188740029189300832012-11-28T07:33:00.000-08:002012-11-28T12:16:43.033-08:00POSTERITY<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkjSkBOC9zmvxi6BK8d5cUdDRsLVN0fqLnyeOri9jC4XYu4eLGj1MilMjOzyd3UukvyWvkT-n5gYKKnYwmt9iw6lmI8Nn-8EJ1vVDLspmEkY2GdtOrTQnbM6G4HO8_nGgi99IsvXTjUQ/s1600/posterity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkjSkBOC9zmvxi6BK8d5cUdDRsLVN0fqLnyeOri9jC4XYu4eLGj1MilMjOzyd3UukvyWvkT-n5gYKKnYwmt9iw6lmI8Nn-8EJ1vVDLspmEkY2GdtOrTQnbM6G4HO8_nGgi99IsvXTjUQ/s320/posterity.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo: <a href="http://www.stockphotopro.com/photo_of/PAGE/A2CP6E/THESAURUS_PAGE_SHOWING">StockPhotoPro</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Parents do things for posterity all the time. That shopping
bag full of "artwork" tucked away in a closet is for posterity. The
photographs of toothless smiles, the pencil marked door frames, the stain on
the rug that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">only you</i> know is from
baby poop: these are things we hesitate to dismiss, lest we forget the moments.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday, I had a conversation with my tiny son that I
would like to cherish - for posterity. The dialogue went by too quickly and is now,
of course, gone. I am aware that it was special and unlikely to ever happen
again. It went unrecorded. His perfect little boy voice remains un-captured.
How, I've been wondering, do I stick that conversation in my "<a href="http://ratedpforparenthood.blogspot.com/2012/05/old-lady-box.html">old lady box</a>?" </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Turns out, I have a blog. I'd nearly forgotten about it,
actually. I could blame my recent blog negligence on the hurricane, no school
for the boys, and all-consuming turkey preparation, but what difference would
that make? The point is, I've remembered it! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, lo and behold, it solves my posterity
issue! Below is an accurate* account of:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>The Best Conversation of My Life</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lights up on a cross over
vehicle** driving through a light snowy blizzard in suburban New Jersey. A mom,
wearing clothes one step up from pajamas, but not quite cute exercise garb,
drives, happily enjoying the heat of the tush warmer in her Ford. In the back,
a chatty three year old, is uncharacteristically quiet.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MOM: Hey, back there. You ok?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
KID: Uh-huh.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MOM: What are you thinking about?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
KID: How do babies get in Mommy's tummies?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Beat. Mom smiles to
herself. Here's "that" moment. She's ready.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MOM: (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">clears throat) </i>Well,
inside every daddy there are seeds, and inside every mommy there are eggs. So
when the mommy and daddy decide they want a baby to love, they mix up their egg
and seed and put it in the mommy's belly so that she can grow a baby. And then
it grows and grows until it is ready, and then a baby is born!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mom silently wonders
at her own 1950s description of conception, but decides now might not be the
best time to discuss gay marriage, fertility issues, and the incredibly lucrative
field of surrogacy.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
KID: Well, when I'm a daddy, what will happen to my Daddy?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MOM: Well, when you're daddy, Daddy<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>will be a grandpa.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mom realizes this means she will be a grandma. Potentially, kind of soon actually. In her mind's
eye she sees herself as a grandma and begins to get a little sweaty. She
glances up in the rear view mirror at herself. She decides she does not yet look
like a grandma, and relaxes.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
KID: No, but I mean, if I'm the daddy and you're the mommy,
then whose daddy will Daddy be?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MOM: Oh! Well, honey, Daddy will always be your daddy! But,
when you are a daddy, I will not be the mommy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
KID: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(alarmed!)</i> Why?!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MOM: Well, I'll always be <i>your</i> mommy, but when you have
children of your own, I'll be their grandma. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
KID: But who will be the mommy?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MOM: We don't know yet! One day you might meet someone and
decide you love her so much and you might get married and then you might decide
to have a baby.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
KID: No.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MOM: No?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
KID: That is so sad.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MOM: Sad?! Why is that sad?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
KID: Because I only ever want to snuggle with you. I don't
want to snuggle with another lady!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Let's Hear it For The Boy</i></b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">plays
loudly in Mom's head. God, Freud would be so psyched. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">While Mom's brain
automatically dives to her knowledge that this is developmentally appropriate rationale
for a three year old, her heart beats wildly for this little child whose love
is palpable all the way from his station in the second row car seat.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">She scrambles. Is
there a way to stop time? Keep this moment forever. How long will it be until
the sweet face in the back seat is juggling three girlfriends (all of whom he
is quite happy to "snuggle") and all the time he has for Mom is a
quick txt that says, "Can I have $100?" </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A red light has
stopped Mom literally in her tracks. She turns around to face her son.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MOM: You can always snuggle me. Always. Even when you're the
daddy and I'm the grandma, you'll still be my little boy. And I will always hug
you. Always. Ok?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
KID: (thumb in mouth, nods slowly) Uh-huh.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">There is a long
silence. Mom wipes her eyes as the lights turn green. As they pull into the
preschool parking lot, that small voice pipes up again.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
KID: But, Mom?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MOM: Yeah?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
KID: You can't always snuggle me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MOM: Why not?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
KID: Cause when you're old you'll be dead.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The car has stopped.
The Preschool teacher appears.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PRESCHOOL TEACHER: (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chipper
as a preschool teacher</i>) Good Morning!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MOM: Well, I'm not dead yet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PRESCHOOL TEACHER: (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Suddenly
less chipper) </i>What?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MOM: Nothing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
KID: Bye, Mommy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MOM: Bye, Honey. I love you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">No response as he
walks away. Mom drives to Target to buy some light bulbs and vitamins. The
moment has passed.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*FULL DISCLOSURE: I am prone to hyperbole.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
** A cross-over vehicle is NOT a mini-van. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There. Posterity. So, this is what a blog is for.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-90271885895492749222012-11-09T08:00:00.001-08:002012-11-09T08:01:01.690-08:00Kaleidoscope of Hope<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEzk3Uvud0Ff91lRnvIz1w7L6kF0PU_Y4s1-gnZZJfCVCx7rnRLCCYQ8DiRFAP65inQwQoiu5eIqFmccfyHR79n_h7Z6nklrQU3kV5FWPx7X-vrx18dE9upxzSRtAFrjQGtXu3fUSwkA/s1600/tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEzk3Uvud0Ff91lRnvIz1w7L6kF0PU_Y4s1-gnZZJfCVCx7rnRLCCYQ8DiRFAP65inQwQoiu5eIqFmccfyHR79n_h7Z6nklrQU3kV5FWPx7X-vrx18dE9upxzSRtAFrjQGtXu3fUSwkA/s1600/tree.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Tree in Our Y<span style="font-size: x-small;">ard.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amidst the stress and wreckage of the past week, my three
year old found a kaleidoscope.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Look Mommy," he squealed peering into the eye
hole, "I can see my imagination!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It stopped me dead in my exhausted, anxiety-ridden tracks. Sunlight
was the catalyst for kaleidoscope magic. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oblivious to the enormous fallen fir tree
aggressively draped across our patio furniture and serving as his backdrop, my
little boy was a poster child for living in the moment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our family is so lucky. Lucky in a million ways - but this
week in particular - we are incredibly fortunate that our home is still standing
and that, after a long 8 days, our power has been restored. I've been reading
lots of terrific articles & blogs about the positive effects of this
hurricane. (My favorite is my friend Brooke's at <a href="http://carpoolcandy.com/2012/11/01/sandys-silver-lining/">CarpoolCandy.com</a>).
The urge to try to make good arise out of bad is the natural course of action
for optimists. And since I place myself quite solidly in that category, I have
found it unnerving that I have had a difficult time seeing the bright side.
This storm has caused unfathomable devastation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And yet ... there's my little boy standing in beams of
sunshine, simple delighted. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I guess the bright side still sucks his thumb and sleeps
with a blanky. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While I worried about whether or not our insurance would
cover the damage, how long it would be until the lights came back on, and if my
mother was right<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- the smell in the fridge
would never go away ... my children played. For eight days straight. (FYI, I've
tried to make Hannukah comparisons, but really, aside from the fear that too many candles at once would start a fire, I got nothing). I taught my older son how to
play chess. The boys invented some sort of wrestling game, the rules of which I
am unclear on, but it requires them both to wear "special wrestling pants"
and makes them laugh non-stop. We got to spend time with friends and family we
don't get to see nearly enough. I discovered a new oatmeal that I'm really
into. Silver linings were all around me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I think I needed my house back to
see them. A hot shower with my own toiletries. The ability to flip a switch
with a successful outcome. The knowledge that my family was safe.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For us, life has now resumed a semblance of normalcy. Seeing
the cup half full is a luxury I can now afford. But for many, many others, just
a short drive away, silver linings have not yet been revealed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand. No matter how sunny your
disposition, it's hard to see through the clouds when you're standing in the
middle of them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Below is a compilation of things you can do to help those
families who have yet to find the bright side. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I plan to send some kaleidoscopes.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
SPONSOR A SPECIFIC FAMILY IN NEED:</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="http://www.family-to-family.org/2012/11/family-to-family-hurricane-sandy-relief-effort/">http://www.family-to-family.org/2012/11/family-to-family-hurricane-sandy-relief-effort/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
VOULNTEER IN <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">South
Queens, Broad Channel and Rockaway:</span><br />
<a href="http://rockawayhelp.com/how-can-i-help/"><span class="usercontent"></span></a><a href="http://rockawayhelp.com/how-can-i-help/" target="_blank">http://rockawayhelp.com/<wbr></wbr>how-can-i-help/</a><br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
VOLUNTEER THROUGH NEW YORK CARES:<br />
<span class="usercontent"><a href="http://newyorkcares.org/volunteer/disaster/" target="_blank">http://newyorkcares.org/<wbr></wbr>volunteer/disaster/</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="usercontent">CHECK IN ON FACEBOOK FOR UPDATED
NEEDS:</span><br />
<span class="usercontent"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AfterTheStormSandyRecoveryInfo?fref=ts" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>AfterTheStormSandyRecoveryInfo?<wbr></wbr>fref=ts</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="usercontent">OPTIONS AVAILABLE VIA WNYC:</span><br />
<span class="usercontent"><a href="http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2012/oct/30/how-help-hurricane-sandy/" target="_blank">http://www.wnyc.org/articles/<wbr></wbr>wnyc-news/2012/oct/30/<wbr></wbr>how-help-hurricane-sandy/</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="usercontent">WAYS TO HELP DONATE TO STATEN
ISLAND, ETC:</span><br />
<span class="usercontent"><a href="http://www.latinospost.com/articles/6396/20121103/aftermath-superstorm-sandy-2012-help-donate-new.htm#gErIzBksddYSuDWd.99" target="_blank">http://www.latinospost.com/<wbr></wbr>articles/6396/20121103/<wbr></wbr>aftermath-superstorm-sandy-2012<wbr></wbr>-help-donate-new.htm#gErIzBksd<wbr></wbr>dYSuDWd.99</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="usercontent">There are many donation drop off
points available in the Maplewood/South Orange area. Below is a list of things
most needed. If you need help finding a place to drop items off, please let me
know.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="usercontent">ITEMS MOST NEEDED:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="uficommentbody">*MOST ESSENTIAL ITEMS* – Work
gloves, batteries, flashlights, face masks, thick black contractor bags. These
need to be CLEARLY marked so that we can distribute them easily and </span><span id=".reactRoot[30].[1][2][1]{comment10152178587198538_23859397}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[30].[1][2][1]{comment10152178587198538_23859397}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]."><span id=".reactRoot[30].[1][2][1]{comment10152178587198538_23859397}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]..[0]">quickly.</span></span><br id=".reactRoot[30].[1][2][1]{comment10152178587198538_23859397}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]..[1]" />
<br id=".reactRoot[30].[1][2][1]{comment10152178587198538_23859397}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]..[2]" />
<span class="uficommentbody"><span id=".reactRoot[30].[1][2][1]{comment10152178587198538_23859397}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]..[3]">*MOST
ESSENTIAL MEDICINE ITEMS* – Baby cough medicine, BAND-AIDS, Neosporin, Ace
bandages, Advil, Tylenol. Please mark clearly.</span></span><br id=".reactRoot[30].[1][2][1]{comment10152178587198538_23859397}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]..[4]" />
<br id=".reactRoot[30].[1][2][1]{comment10152178587198538_23859397}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]..[5]" />
<span class="uficommentbody"><span id=".reactRoot[30].[1][2][1]{comment10152178587198538_23859397}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]..[6]">*CLEANING
SUPPLIES* – Mops, brooms, shovels, bleach, clorox, buckets. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<span class="uficommentbody"><span id=".reactRoot[30].[1][2][1]{comment10152178587198538_23859397}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]..[9]">*MOST
ESSENTIAL FOOD ITEMS*- Water, orange juice, apple juice, granola bars, powdered
milk, jelly, bread.</span><br />
<br id=".reactRoot[30].[1][2][1]{comment10152178587198538_23859397}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]..[11]" />
<span class="uficommentbody"><span id=".reactRoot[30].[1][2][1]{comment10152178587198538_23859397}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]..[12]">*MOST
ESSENTIAL BABY ITEMS* – Baby food, formula, bottles, wipes, diapers. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="uficommentbody"><span class="uficommentbody"><span id=".reactRoot[30].[1][2][1]{comment10152178587198538_23859397}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]..[12]">And please - share your own Post Hurricane thoughts. (I'd love to hear from you). You can post here in the comments or on <a href="http://mamadrama.com/2012/11/the-blogosphere-reacts-to-sandy/">Mamadrama.com</a> where they're compiling a list of blogosphere thoughts.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="uficommentbody"><span class="uficommentbody"><span id=".reactRoot[30].[1][2][1]{comment10152178587198538_23859397}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]..[12]"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-67563203246809208272012-10-26T11:12:00.000-07:002012-10-26T11:21:48.546-07:00A Day For Kissing Your Children<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Funny quips about parenthood; that's what this blog is
supposed to be.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
But yesterday something happened in the land of
parenthood that is the farthest thing from funny and I cannot seem to think of
anything else.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Two children were murdered by their nanny in my old UWS
neighborhood. (<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/27/nyregion/2-children-slain-at-home-in-city-nanny-arrested.html?hp">NY Times article here</a>).</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I couldn't sleep last night. The image of that mother
arriving home to find that horror kept flooding my mind. My heart raced and I
tossed and turned until my husband got up, pulled the little one out of his
bed, thumb in mouth, hair in sweaty sleepy curls, and presented him to me: a
snuggly, precious gift. I breathed him. He found his niche, head in my
collarbone, snored a little and slept on uninterrupted. Tears streamed down my
face as gratitude for the moment washed over me and sorrow for the mother I do
not know, but ache for, pummeled my heart.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I have written here about searching for balance. The
work/life balance. The mother/self balance. In all equations of
"balance," childcare support is required. Much to my own mother's
chagrin, we no longer live in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shtetl">shtetls</a> (socially stable, European or Russian Jewish
settlements where families lived together and raised families together). On
shtetls, children were never left with strangers, because there were no
strangers. Bad things still happened (far be it from me to deny the horrors of
Eastern European Jews), but mothers could go to the market and know their
children were safe at home with their own mothers, or sisters, aunts, or
cousins. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Families</i> raised the children.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Fast forward to today however and in most parts of the United
States, at least, this is no longer the case. It's just not feasible. Our extended families live elsewhere. So who
is watching our children when we go to work ... or take a middle child to swim
class? </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In truth, the answer is - decent people. Wonderful people. There
are incredible childcare givers who have devoted their lives to caring for
other peoples' children in the most conscientious and loving ways. Yesterday's
nightmare does not negate that. But it does shine a light on the fact that when
we leave our children in others' care - we are taking a risk. Sure, a measured,
risk. But, a risk nonetheless. We as a society now agree, that it is fine -
more than fine actually - necessary for the majority of the American population
(according to the <a href="http://www.bls.gov/news.release/famee.nr0.htm">Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>, the </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">share of married-couple families where both
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to 58.5 percent in 2011</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. And in homes of single mothers, 65.9 percent
of those women work full time) - to leave our most prized treasures - with
people we only sort of know. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And usually, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">most
</i>of the time, everything is fine. But then ... something like this happens -
the unimaginable, the unthinkable, the most horrific betrayal - and then what?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We don't live on shtetls anymore, so we leave our children with
strangers we grow comfortable with. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>We
kiss those little heads goodbye, wishing our kids a "great day," and
run out the door. It's what we do. And yet ...</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I can't help wishing today for a safety net. Wishing for a shtetl.
A protective shield of family love that could step in when I have to run out to
the grocery store or make my way to a meeting. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My heart is broken for the Krim family. There are no words to make
this better. Today is a day for kissing your children without apology, for
saying "yes" to wrestling in the dining room, and for sending up a
prayer for Lulu and Lito Krim, their family and their friends.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-72669874558031082012012-10-14T07:23:00.000-07:002012-10-26T11:12:50.259-07:00Life Lessons: Sponsored in Part by Dave & Busters and The New Victory Theatre<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTEGFn99MGNDlmJLYlBuMLk5ACVTRaB3Mp0m1S2mP7_pW24a3glLbJafvoK7VIzxR_r_qGXB_-2krcUcGfUScpXvFv-Pfd2N4XfVkrxlT2rBcyNx5GFxqnZG6UJqYk9bGCTkUNJk9XCQ/s1600/urban.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTEGFn99MGNDlmJLYlBuMLk5ACVTRaB3Mp0m1S2mP7_pW24a3glLbJafvoK7VIzxR_r_qGXB_-2krcUcGfUScpXvFv-Pfd2N4XfVkrxlT2rBcyNx5GFxqnZG6UJqYk9bGCTkUNJk9XCQ/s320/urban.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: <a href="http://www.newvictory.org/Home.aspx">New Victory Theatre</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday night, as we rounded the corner in Penn Station, my
seven year old and I nearly tripped over a terribly unfortunate homeless man,
passed out cold in a pool of his own urine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tightening my grip on my son's innocent hand, I swiftly guided him
towards the turn-styles, without comment. I've known my son long enough to know
that a question about that man was imminent. But that didn't make it any easier
to have an answer at the ready when he asked:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Mom, what happened to that man?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Under the blaring fluorescents of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the 34th Street Subway Stop, I squeezed his
hand a little tighter. How do you begin to discuss the wicked chain of poverty,
hunger, homelessness, untreated mental health, and drugs with a second grader? His
sparkly blue eyes, finally able to register and process the nitty and the
gritty of NYC, looked at me, yearning for understanding.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Choosing words slowly and carefully, I began to talk about
the unfairness of this world. Of being born into messy situations, of lives
without opportunity, of bad choices, and unlucky turns of fate. He interjected
every so often, with a sadness in his voice that comes with heart-breaking maturation
and worldly realizations. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We came up for air at 42nd Street, Times Square. The cold
October air shocked us into a snuggly walk as we approached our
destination, <a href="http://www.daveandbusters.com/">Dave & Busters</a> (a super fun
restaurant/arcade/sports bar - perfect place for a special date night with
your kid). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankful to be off of the sad
topic of global poverty, I announced, "We're here!!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, I wasn't off the hook yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Standing in front of the entrance was a guy
in a shabby looking Elmo costume holding a tips bag, looking at us with
pathetic, enormous, chipped plastic googly eyes. I waited for it ...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Mom, what's with that weird Elmo guy?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Riding the escalator through the throngs of people making
their way up to the 3rd floor of fun, I explained that the guy in that Elmo
suit didn't have a lot of money and was just trying to make some cash. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"But, we didn't give him any" he said looking at
me with a little less sparkle. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The hostess greeted us and we were in. Thanks to my friends
at <a href="http://mamadrama.com/">Mama Drama,</a> Isaac and I had been invited to participate in a <a href="http://www.newvictory.org/">New Victory Theatre</a>
Family Circus Workshop held in one of the party rooms at Dave & Busters.
There was food, (Isaac said the mini-pizzas were the best he's ever had), a
juggling lesson <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with a young and
energetic New Vic teaching artist ("Go, Mom!" Isaac cheered when I
got on a roll with my neon colored scarves), and lastly a chance to play the hundreds
of enticing video games (Isaac was on a roll with the enormous Doodle Jump game,
while I showed off my skills at ski-ball). Before we knew it the party was over
and it was time to cross the street and take our seats at a performance of <a href="http://www.newvictory.org/Show-Detail.aspx?ProductionId=4075"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">URBAN</i></a> at the New Vic.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We passed poor Elmo as we crossed the street. Isaac said
nothing while I silently wondered if I should give the destitute muppet some money.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Distracted by the comfort of the majestic theatre, we
quickly found our seats and opened the playbills to read about the show. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">URBAN </i>is a show starring performers from
the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Circo-Para-Todos/139797319377173">Circo Para Todos</a> school in Columbia. I read aloud to Isaac:</div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>[<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Circo Para Todos is] the first professional
circus school in the world specifically dedicated to <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>disadvantaged children <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>and
displaced youths ... CPT works with young people from the most in-<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>need barrios of the region, allowing them to
transcend their difficult backgrounds in the most <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>spectacular way: as world-class artists on stage
performing with a volcanic energy that can <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>be
felt in the very back row.</i> </div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His wheels turned as the lights dimmed. "Mom," he
whispered as the show began. "Does that mean everyone in this show was
poor?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Yes," I whispered back." They all came from
really difficult situations, without a lot of money, but then they worked really
hard, and studied at this circus school, and now they get to perform all over
the world."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"And they're not poor anymore?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"No, not anymore."<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Loud music curbed our hushed conversation as these Columbian street
kids (turned acrobats) took to the stage, performing impossible feats of
strength and skill. We ooohed and ahhed our way through the show, wishing that the
lyrics were in English instead of Spanish so we could understand the context
better. The performers were increíble.</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On our way back to the train, we wondered together what
would have happened to that man we'd seen earlier in the evening if someone had
given him a circus school to go to when he was a kid. We decided he probably
wouldn't be homeless today if that had happened and felt sad together that we'd
never really know.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Somehow my plans for "dinner and a show" with my
little boy, turned into something so much more. His eyes are open to the world in
a new way. Parenting now involves navigating the reveal of the world's harsh truths while encouraging his power to make a difference within it. So thank
you to Dave & Busters and The New Victory Theatre, for treating us to a
night that opened our eyes and inspired me to empower my child to find his
own feats of strength and skill.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><i>Disclosure: Dinner & show were comped. Opinions are completely my own. </i></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162715678555100531.post-69927002114638950872012-10-10T08:35:00.000-07:002012-10-10T08:36:00.832-07:00The Misunderstanding<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1bl_wQ5P8l6FZn7ECdyFVy1KGrMZdwuiKUtHiPErT8XCS2xqlIJ5HMMg295Vy7zLwRVDB4Zqf7oKMnjBhpOpPDAsWLPzwO1MSmVOeJ9ueb62aG7W7DjsbX-dKJZXOODFi63_iCl4BXg/s1600/breakfast2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1bl_wQ5P8l6FZn7ECdyFVy1KGrMZdwuiKUtHiPErT8XCS2xqlIJ5HMMg295Vy7zLwRVDB4Zqf7oKMnjBhpOpPDAsWLPzwO1MSmVOeJ9ueb62aG7W7DjsbX-dKJZXOODFi63_iCl4BXg/s320/breakfast2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://thefeelgoodlifestyle.com/">photo: thefeelgoodlifestyle.com</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday, between negotiating school outfits and burning the
toast, it occurred to me that this is all some kind of a misunderstanding.
Parental demands are unachievable. Plain and simple. Someone, somewhere has
made a horrible mistake. That's all there is to it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I started to wonder what a graceful morning would look like... </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">An alarm clock beeps.
6:00 am.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A woman, mid 30s
(looks 28), rolls over in bed. Her breath smells great. She turns off the alarm
with a smile and hops out of bed with a stretch and a yawn. She gets dressed in
her exercise clothes which are easy to find because they're neatly folded where
they're supposed to be. She exercises for the requisite 30 minutes, and wipes
her brow. No children have woken up and interrupted her. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Once done, she and her
natural glow take a relaxed shower. She has time to shave whatever needs
shaving. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">While toweling off,
her children wake up well rested. She presses a magical button in the bathroom and
there are now toilets for everyone. Everyone is so pleased to be awake and
happy to start their days. Her husband whistles a Disney theme song.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In a blink of an eye,
her hair is frizz free and her concealer is working so well. "This was
worth $60," she thinks. Not a dark circle for miles. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">She uses the latest
technique from the parenting book she's had time to read, so the children are
cooperating beautifully. Everyone can find two socks and the shirts she's laid
out the night before are to everyone's liking. She herself is dressed in
something that the bus stop ladies will surely comment on; "Oooo cute,
top!" (Little do they know, she found it on sale at Target for $7.99. The
tag is itchy and it digs into her skin a little, but she doesn't mind because she
knows she looks terrific).</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">With time to spare,
she blows her enchanted flute and her children go down stairs to sit in their
proper spots with their hands to themselves. The little one doesn't even ask to
be carried. He's such a big boy! </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"Who wants breakfast?!"
she sings gleefully. She snaps her fingers and the blinds open up. Sunlight
streams in as the coffee brews automatically. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"Yes,
please!" her children shout. "Mommy, we want whatever you would like
to make."</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Perfect!" she
cries. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">She spins around 3
times quickly, and when she stops (a little dizzy) she has sprouted 3
additional pairs of hands. She giggles lightly. Now, with all 8 hands ready to
work, she hums a Motown ditty, as she begins.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">While one pair of
hands makes lunch, another heats up the griddle, ready for eggs and bacon. Her
3rd pair of hands, pours juice - Oops (!) someone spilled! - no big deal,
that's what the 4th pair of hands is for! Crisis averted.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The school bus is still
miles away as the children eat their breakfast, crumb free. Pair of Hands Number
2 makes sure their shoes are tied while Hands 3 comb their tangle-free hair.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Her husband has come
down stairs chipper as all get out. He has several pairs of legs you see, so while
he unloads the dishwasher, it's no problem for him to take out the trash - and,
is it (?) oh yes (!) it is recycling day too (!) - while starting a load of
laundry. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In the back of Mom's
head, an extra set of eyes have opened wide and she notices some lingering
unfinished homework. With a gentle, pleasant reminder, her son is keen to do
his best work yet. Finishing it up with a flourish and toothy grin.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All this time, Pair Of Hands 1 has been prepping a kale and cantaloupe smoothie in the corner. A
special treat for Mom. She loves it so much. It tastes, refreshing, she thinks.
A lot like a chocolate milkshake.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Just then, Mom's
internal alarm clock tickles her tummy and she knows without a doubt that it's
time to meet the bus. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Her kids beam at her
from the front door where they stand awaiting her with clean faces and hands.
They're zipped up in their jackets they're glad to be wearing, with back packs
and lunch boxes they wouldn't dare forget.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">While she opens the
door for them with one pair of hands, the rest of her hands remain in the
kitchen, helping her husband clean up. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"Goodbye,
Boys!" she smiles, kissing them both at the exact same time so that
everyone feels equally adored. (She has two mouths of course).</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"Oooo cute,
top!" the bus stop ladies remark.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"Thank you,"
she says. "It's so comfortable!"</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">She waves goodbye as
the bus pulls away, dabbing a tear from one of her many eyes.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"Ahhh," she
laments. "What, oh what, will I do while they're gone?" </i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2