How I Conquered the Saturday Night “Lazy’s” (And Was Amply Rewarded)
We all know the feeling. It’s been a long, stressful week. Saturday night has finally arrived. Netflix and comfy clothes beckon. But then an opportunity comes along too good to pass. You decide to go out. And later, you realize you did the right thing. This happened to me recently when my son Patrick gave … Read more »
5 Things I Don’t Miss About Raising Kids (and 5 Things I Do)
Raising kids is tough, occasionally super-tough. There are times you think you’ll never survive. But you do. And looking back, you realize it’s one of the best, most life-changing jobs you’ll ever have. Still, certain parts I would never have the stamina to relive… Getting them on the morning bus – Every parent knows this … Read more
8 Things Every Mother with Grown Sons Knows
Moms of boys understand. When your kids are little, you think you’ll never survive the sticky hands, typhoon-force energy, and non-stop “getting into things.” I won’t even go into the teenage years. But then, in what seems an instant, your boys are men. And with that comes another phase. As a Mom you’re doing less, … Read more »
Raising Gentlemen in This Aggressive World
You know a gentleman when you see him. And I’m not talking Pierce Brosnan in a dinner jacket. I’ve seen scruffy dudes in jeans and beards who were gentlemen. I’ve seen rich guys in expensive suits that could use a refresher course. As a mom of sons, I’m very conscious of raising good men. Lately, … Read more »
Pregnancy, Cramps & Howard Stern
The world seems awash in glowing young women announcing they’re expecting. I remember those days, not sure when (or how) to let everyone know. This dilemma was solved for me one morning in April, 1990 when my own pregnancy was revealed — unexpectedly and to my shock — on the Howard Stern radio show. That … Read more »
Surviving the Summer Family Vacation… When No One’s a Kid Anymore
You know the feeling. Your family’s going to everyone’s favorite summer spot. In our case, it’s the same house on Cape Cod each year. It’s nice to spend time together, something that’s rare now that the kids are grown. Still, a question lingers — can we survive a week in close proximity? After all, we’re … Read more »
Empty Nests and Diva Dens
You think you’ll feel one way about something, but end up feeling another. My oldest son Patrick moved out recently. I expected to feel easy-going about it, ready. After all, he’s 25. It’s time. But I felt something different. The sight of his empty room hit me harder than expected. All his furniture is gone … Read more »
What Makes an Awesome Mom?
I had lunch with my mother recently. We laughed. We kvetched. We became teary-eyed over my recently-deceased father. We lamented over the world’s problems. I couldn’t help think what a great mother she’s been all my life. And that got me thinking. What makes a great mother? What are those special qualities? Is love enough? Or … Read more »
How to Survive the Not-Yet-Empty Nest
Some parents can’t wait for their kids to move out. Others talk nostalgically about the patter of little feet or high-drama teenagers. Me? I wouldn’t know. I still have my twenty-something sons living under my roof. And although I know this situation’s temporary, here are 5 things I’ve grown to love… They’ve come into … Read more »
Confessions of a Band Mom
It happened when I least expected it. My son Patrick was in 7th grade and depressed. He was looking for something in his life. One day he picked up an old practice bass of my husband’s. I remember hearing those first tentative plunks from our basement, having no idea they sounded a new chapter, not … Read more »
5 Reasons I Hate Cooking (and the Ingenious Way I Got Out of It)
Ever have something you’re expected to do, but never like? As a wife of 35 years, I’ve resigned myself to bed making, vacuuming and dusting. I get almost Zen about folding laundry and emptying wastebaskets. But cooking? It pushes me to my limit for these 5 reasons… Cooking comes at my tired time of day. … Read more »
2 1/2 Hours in New York City…
Do you ever want to do something just to do it? Its not practical or useful, but you just need that fix? This week on a whim my 21-year old son Paul and I decided to have lunch in New York City. Nothing else. Just lunch. I studied Zagat’s guide, picking out Vitae Restaurant on 46th Street, not … Read more »
How I Barely Survived IKEA
The other day my son Paul suggested something so disturbing, so cringe inducing, so horrific, I had to hold onto my kitchen counter for support. “I need a new bureau. Let’s go back to Ikea.” All I could do was shake my head, repeating the word, “No.” I cannot. I will not go back to IKEA … Read more »
The 6 Most Shocking Things About Adult Sons (Midlife Boulevard)
Wait. I’ve been a Mom 24 years? How did that happen? One moment my boys are sipping juice boxes. The next they’re playing Beer Pong in the basement. Some things I … [Read more…]
Life Lessons from My Kids
The other day my 24 year-old son Patrick invited me to watch a video featuring a band he had played with at a recent gig. When finished, my first response (part mother, part honest) was, “They’re good, but your band’s better.” My son gave me a disappointed look. “We’re not about who is better, Mom,” … Read more »
Kitchen Music
It’s nice to be in a family of musicians. I never know when an impromptu concert will start. Lately it’s been in the mornings when Patrick, my oldest, is making breakfast before heading out for work. Usually while the coffee’s brewing or the egg’s frying, he’ll grab his acoustic and start noodling around. The air fills … Read more »
Learning to Navigate (Connecticut Muse Magazine)
I swallow hard, trying to work up courage. My car sits in the garage and I take the passenger seat, feeling like I’m climbing onto an unsafe carnival ride. I look to my seventeen year old son who’s driving and make sure my seat belt’s fastened. “Okay, let’s go,” I say, trying to sound chipper. … Read more »
Survivor is for Sissies (County Kids Magazine)
I have an idea for a new reality show like Survivor. It’s called Kids. In this show, the contestant must spend one week alone in a home with two children. There can be no school, babysitters, or help of any kind. The contestant must provide food, clothing, baths, sleep, and entertainment twenty four hours a … Read more »
Confessions of a Soccer Mom (Easton Courier)
At the start of each soccer season I take the same vow. I will cheerfully bring my child to every practice. I will cheerfully attend every game, no matter how early, no matter how cold and drizzly, no matter how much I’d rather be under the covers. I’ll cheerfully grin and bear that picture day … Read more »
Why I Like Being a Mom (County Kids Magazine)
I know what you’re thinking. Here’s another preachy new parent about to tell me how her kid changed her life. Believe me, I thought the same thing. When our friends came over, zealous gleams in their eye, laden with babies, diaper bags, strollers, infant seats and other tonnage, my husband and I cringed. Then something … Read more »