I don't have a single memory of my parents ever asking me what I wanted to be when I grew up. Not one. It's a common question, one that most parents ask their children, and one that they ask often. A chance to get a glimpse through their lens. To see how their answers change over time. And to course correct when they say "I dunno, a found-materials performance artist?" But my parents never asked me that question. Never. I remember them telling others - in my presence - what I would be. … [Read more...] about What to Be When I Grow Up
My Dreams are the Worst Part of COVID
The worst part of COVID is...well, it's really hard to choose, isn't it? Not seeing friends. No travel. Not seeing family. Not celebrating life's moments together. But for me, it's my dreams. Since early last summer, I've had recurring dreams that I'm out with my friends, and my kids are out and about with their friends, having a lovely little time. Actually out, having a blast, laughing, connecting, playing, and just hanging out. Completely chill, positive vibes. And then I wake up. And I … [Read more...] about My Dreams are the Worst Part of COVID
TikTok Aesthetic
Further cementing myself as a walking middle-aged pandemic cliche, I have joined TikTok. And followed all the dance video trends. Can someone PLEASE explain to me this affluent aesthetic that's all over the app? It's all same-same. High-end gray or white shaker cabinets. Or navy and modern. White backsplash. Either flush lights or angular gold or amber lighting pendants. A large island. High-end grayish-brown wood-like flooring. I call it HGTV aspirational. But seriously. How. The. … [Read more...] about TikTok Aesthetic
January Micro-goal: A Snow Day
Normally, at the start of each new year, I print out a fresh set of calendar pages and populate the days ahead with what's known. School closures & breaks, gymnastics, appointments, and so on. This year....we don't have anything to write down. I spent a lot of the day stewing over where we could go. What if we could go to Hawaii? When would we aim for? Would June be too soon? What if we aimed for next fall break? But that seems so far off. Where could we go in the meantime? Something we … [Read more...] about January Micro-goal: A Snow Day
Resolutions, 2021
While I don't make a concerted effort to make a New Year's resolution, I also don't try not to make one either. If one comes to me, fantastic. One did last year, and I more or less stuck to it, or was at least mindful of it when I remembered it, which seemed pretty often. If one doesn't come to me, like this year....no big deal. This year, for 2021, nothing has struck me yet, and I'm not trying to force one to surface, either. So for now: no resolutions for 2021. We do have a running "once … [Read more...] about Resolutions, 2021