So. Let’s talk about school. And let’s talk about it with the caveat that I’m not trying to push a position on you here, and I’m certainly not telling you what you should decide for your kid. Each of us has our own individual set of circumstances and we’ve all got to do what works […]

Deep Thoughts, Fun

July 15, 2020

School’s Starting Soon and I’m Not Feeling Good About It. Here’s Why.

Empty Classroom

Like most of you, after months of quarantine, we are so very tired of being cooped up in our house — At the same time, we’re being extremely cautious about traveling this summer. It’s hard to find a place right now that meets our standards of crowd size, cleanliness, and plain old fun, but we […]

Nashville Guide, Travel

July 6, 2020

Leiper’s Fork: A Getaway Guide to Tennessee’s Best Kept Secret

Leiper's Creek Gallery

This is the year we learn what it’s like to live with fear as a backdrop. It feels right now like outside the walls of my home, the world is burning down. Since I last wrote, Coronavirus has invaded the planet and shows no signs of relenting. More than a hundred thousand people have died […]

Deep Thoughts, Fun

July 1, 2020

Oh Hi.

Typing Computer Keyboard

Here’s something I’ve never shared with you before: I have a child with an autoimmune disease. It’s something I haven’t written about because like many autoimmune diseases, it’s an invisible illness. Although my child has struggled and life since diagnosis hasn’t been easy, you probably wouldn’t have any idea my kid had anything going on […]

Deep Thoughts, Family, Fun

March 23, 2020

Still Wondering Why You Should Stay at Home? Read This.

Family

My Facebook feed is filled right now with moms and dads resolutely trying to help their kids do all of their schoolwork from home. And I feel for them, because I know how hard it is. This is my fourth year of homeschooling my daughter under much the same conditions — Teachers set her curriculum […]

Deep Thoughts, Fun

March 20, 2020

It’s Time to Cancel School Until Fall

School Year Coronavirus

You probably have a lot of thoughts and feelings right now about coronavirus. So do I, my friend. Honestly, I feel like I have no words for what’s going on — but that’s what GIFs are for, right? So here’s a look at my life right now — IN GIFS…   Me, watching the news. […]

Deep Thoughts, Fun, Humor

March 13, 2020

How I’m Feeling About Coronavirus Right Now. A Story in GIFs.

Sheldon Meme

Not to panic you, but I’d like to announce that I’m officially panicking about coronavirus. And before you come at me with your medical expert-quoting article links on why I shouldn’t be panicked, let me say from the outset that I fully realize most people who get the illness are recovering, and kids and teenagers […]

Deep Thoughts, Fun

February 27, 2020

I’m Panicking About People Panicking About Coronavirus

Coronavirus Panic

In the wake of the controversy surrounding Jennifer Lopez’s scandalous Super Bowl performance, I’ve seen many comments and concerns over what is and what isn’t appropriate for families to watch. This handy guide should help clear up your confusion! OKAY: Olympic pairs ice skating.   NOT OKAY: Jennifer Lopez’s Super Bowl performance.   OKAY: The […]

Fun, Humor

February 5, 2020

This Family Viewing Guide Solves the ‘Jennifer Lopez Problem’

Jennifer Lopez Halftime Show

Each afternoon when I pick up my 12-year-old son from school, we perform a time-honored ritual that’s shared by millions of moms and sons every single day. (begin scene) “How was school?” I ask him. “Fine,” he answers. “What happened today?” I ask him. “Nothing,” he answers. (end scene) Of course, I usually press him […]

Family, Fun, Humor

January 30, 2020

The Candyman

The Candyman's in Town

You can’t look at TV or social media today without seeing the name Kobe Bryant. The death of Kobe, his 13-year-old daughter, and seven others in a helicopter crash shocked the nation and brought many to tears. Yesterday, most of the posts and stories I read portrayed Kobe as a sort of angel on earth […]

Deep Thoughts, Fun

January 27, 2020

It’s Okay to Be Sad About Kobe Bryant’s Death

Kobe Bryant Death