WIth all the attention last week on the anniversary of the assassination of JFK, it got me thinking about how quickly fifty years can pass. I have a hard time believing – but then again, I suppose I shouldn’t – that I can still remember that day with such intricate details, down to what I was wearing and the way the classroom smelled. Fifty years later, the world is still healing from the event … [Read more...] about 25 Things I Learned in 25 Years as a Breast Cancer Survivor
Relationships
Overheard in the Shoe Department
Although my sister and mom both live within driving distance - an hour and two hours away, respectively (that's on a good day when the traffic gods cooperate. When they don't, well, all bets are off), our schedules don't allow us to get together too often. This past Saturday when hubby was out of town with our boys - their way-delayed annual father's day overnight - mom, Lynne and I had our … [Read more...] about Overheard in the Shoe Department
On Not Procrastinating
How can I think that time is limitless? I know it's not. I learned this early when I was diagnosed with breast cancer at a relatively young age. I was reminded of it when I lost my two best friends to the same disease. I knew it when other's close to me died; a cousin's young wife, more friends and acquaintances, and too many relatives. And, on a lighter note, I knew it when I missed that … [Read more...] about On Not Procrastinating
50 Things I Learned in 50-Plus Years
In a few days, I’m turning 50-something. There's no point in denying so-called aging– it’s something I wasn’t always convinced I’d be here to enjoy witness– but I can't help getting my real age number stuck in my throat when I have to actually say it. It kind of reminds me of the time in fourth grade when I was sucking on a huge sour ball in math class and accidentally swallowed it, but … [Read more...] about 50 Things I Learned in 50-Plus Years
Never Say Never: What I Learned From My High School Reunion.
Part Deux. You've probably figured it out by now that I went to the big reunion. I'll admit: it was tough to come to that decision. I ruminated for months. And then, naturally, I stressed out about what to pack. (But that's nothing new...I ALWAYS stress out about packing). One thing I knew for sure: I was packing my highest heels. I was so over my height issues - although I'll always remember … [Read more...] about Never Say Never: What I Learned From My High School Reunion.
I’m Never Going to My High School Reunion, I Said. Never.
PART ONE. Just last summer, I was shocked into the harsh reality of realizing just how quickly time passes. I received an invitation to my 40th high school reunion. How could it be? Was it really that long ago that I was that skinny, self-conscious girl with the tight unwrinkled skin and healthy hair-that-had-never-seen-chemicals? The one who never thought she'd be looking back years later and … [Read more...] about I’m Never Going to My High School Reunion, I Said. Never.
Every Generation Thinks the Same
A few years ago, my mother mailed me a poem she'd written to me when I was approaching my teens. "I thought you'd like to have this," she scrawled across the top of the paper. I'd forgotten all about that poem until recently, when I was cleaning out my files (we're getting ready to move - more on that another time. All I can say now is that it is a MAJOR pain in the ass undertaking, not to be … [Read more...] about Every Generation Thinks the Same
Family Bonding
Some months before my sister Lynne was turning 60, she made her birthday wishes known to me: She wanted to celebrate her big birthday in Aruba with me and my mother. The three of us hadn't been in one place for a so-called extended period of time since...I can't remember. Over the years, due to physical distance, work, raising families and general busy-ness, our times together were never … [Read more...] about Family Bonding
Will Arguments Never Cease: Stay-at-Home or Working Mother?
A quick prologue: When my boys were just entering their teens, I started taking writing workshops. While at a two-week intensive, I met a widely-published author I grew to respect. "I'm so envious of your success," I admitted to her after our wrap-up meeting lasting longer than it was supposed to. She paused, then threw me a look of what I remember to be a mixture of anger and regret. "And I envy … [Read more...] about Will Arguments Never Cease: Stay-at-Home or Working Mother?
Midlife Crisis? Strike That Phrase From the Dictionary.
Now that I’ve had a few years to settle into my so-called midlife, I have some bones to pick. There are those two words…so common to the boomer generation…that stick in my craw. (Okay, that expression should be struck, too.) I’ll admit there are some words that deserve to live together eternally. Like “King” and “Queen;” “Odds” and “Ends;” “Bread” and “Water.” “Wrinkles" and … [Read more...] about Midlife Crisis? Strike That Phrase From the Dictionary.