We frequently see changing one’s mind as a weakness, when really, we should support people who do better when they know better. I know a solid handful of people who, in the last couple of years, have pretty substantially changed their point of view on a variety of impactful topics. The problem is—often, we reject … Read more
Last night, The Kid approached me with urgency. “Mom! You have to do laundry!” Turns out, he was down to one clean pair of shorts. I do the laundry, but it’s his job to stay on top of it and let me know when he’s running low on socks, underwear, short, or pants. (He has … Read more
Things about me that make me “weird”: don’t watch TV don’t eat meat don’t eat much fried or sweet food don’t drink coffee don’t drink alcohol rarely drink other delicious crap (I miss you, chai latte!) avoid plastic don’t typically spend much time, energy, money on “girl” things (hair, makeup, clothes, shoes, purses) I have … Read more
Every now and then, I read or hear something that takes a concept I am familiar with and puts it in a new light, adds a new twist, creates more depth. There was one from Where Should We Begin just a week ago, and today, there’s another. It becomes a conversation about entitlement and deprivation. … Read more
Every winter, there are countless holiday food drives. I’ve donated to some of them. I suspect many of you have as well. But now is actually the time of year when they need more. Why? School is out. (Or it’s getting close.) Many impoverished kids get two of their daily meals at school. Others get … Read more
As I mentioned a bit ago, I have been bingeing on Where Should We Begin? by Esther Perel. The first episode of the second season (“You Need Help to Help Her”), she’s talking with a couple who has a young adult daughter with problems. Most of the details of the episode aren’t relevant to this … Read more
Victim-blaming is almost a national past time. My [expensive thing] was stolen from my [car/house/desk/anywhere]. “Was it locked?” She was raped. “What was she wearing? Was she drinking?” (I could make a giant list of victim-blaming that applies just to women.) My purse was stolen out of a shopping cart. “What did you expect?” Kids … Read more
12 years ago, I began the process of sorting through symptoms and getting tests done that led to a cancer diagnosis. In that 12 years, people have said some really stupid and/or hurtful things. (Not intentionally. But still.) My cancer wasn’t some sort of gift. It wasn’t given to me so I could learn a … Read more
In talking about podcasts, I’ve mentioned Armchair Expert a couple of times. A week or so ago, I listened to Dax’s interview with Esther Perel, a psychotherapist who specializes in relationships and sexuality. It was captivating. In it, they mentioned that she has a podcast, Where Should We Begin? She’s beginning her third season, so … Read more
Earlier this week, The Climbing Daddy and I tried a new thing. We ordered groceries online and picked them up. We knew there would be disposable bags (we use reusable) but the amount of unnecessary packaging convinced us that, except in rare circumstances, we’re not going to use this service again. Set the stage: 12 … Read more