In an e-mail yesterday, a friend wrote – “after reading your blog, I think you should replace Susan Reimer in The Sun Paper. You could give her a run for her money!”
Can I just say – That’s my dream job!
Susan Reimer has been writing a humorous family life / baby boomer column in The Baltimore Sun for as long as I can remember. If you’re not familiar with her work – check it out: http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/custom/today/bal-columnist-reimer,0,7281984.columnist . She’s a hoot.
Now, I’m sure Susan works her baby boomer butt off, but I’d give anything to have her job! I know - I have not put in my time at crappy writing jobs. I have not worked my way through the muck, mire and egos of a newspaper. But, hey, there’s great value in a fresh voice who comes to the table without all that baggage. No preconceived notions. No unrealistic expectations. Simply the eager, young face (OK – not so young really) with a new perspective.
If you know anyone, who knows anyone, who knows Susan Reimer
(or her boss), can you give me a holler? I’d be happy to ghost write for her while she’s on vacation. I’d be happy to fill her column if she wanted to take a mental health day. I’d kneel at her feet and take her crumbs any day. And boy – if you get wind she’s retiring any time in the next decade, please, do share!
Because, really - that’s my dream job!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Keep on Blogging & Keep on Dreaming
I really have no idea who reads my blog, or if anyone reads my blog. There’s probably a way to adjust the settings, to count hits to the site, but being somewhat computer-challenged, I simply don’t know how.
My computer has been responding slower than usual lately (which is a bit frustrating as we have all come to expect instant information at our fingertips). I mentioned to someone that I had downloaded pictures lately and a few large project presentations. Perhaps my memory is getting full and slowing down my computer, I said. OK – this is the part, where all the computer geeks are laughing and shaking their heads in dismay. And the part, where all the computer-challenged folks are not in on the joke. Apparently computer memory has nothing to do with speed – who knew!
My son TJ or my future brother-in-law Scott could probably tell me how to adjust the settings to find out the traffic to my site. They consider “Computers Today” light leisure reading. Part of me really does'nt want to know. How depressing would it be if I found out one person a week (probably my Mother) read my blog. Sometimes in life I think we are better off in denial.
So I’m going to keep on blogging and keep on dreaming and keep on being computer-challenged. What about you?
My computer has been responding slower than usual lately (which is a bit frustrating as we have all come to expect instant information at our fingertips). I mentioned to someone that I had downloaded pictures lately and a few large project presentations. Perhaps my memory is getting full and slowing down my computer, I said. OK – this is the part, where all the computer geeks are laughing and shaking their heads in dismay. And the part, where all the computer-challenged folks are not in on the joke. Apparently computer memory has nothing to do with speed – who knew!
My son TJ or my future brother-in-law Scott could probably tell me how to adjust the settings to find out the traffic to my site. They consider “Computers Today” light leisure reading. Part of me really does'nt want to know. How depressing would it be if I found out one person a week (probably my Mother) read my blog. Sometimes in life I think we are better off in denial.
So I’m going to keep on blogging and keep on dreaming and keep on being computer-challenged. What about you?
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Life, Love, and yes, Sex
I am having so much fun talking to people about sex this summer. But I’m not sure my audience is enjoying it as much as I am.
You see, we have finally settled on a date for a Baltimore Book Event for Charla Muller (author of 365 Nights: A Memoir of Intimacy). I’ve been talking-up the book and asking people to mark their calendars.
While Charla’s book chronicles the everyday challenges inherent in balancing work, children and marriage, there really is no way to get around mentioning the word “sex” when talking about her book. I’ve gotten more than a few blank stares. If I’m reading the stares correctly (and I believe I am), they mask thoughts like: “Sex? Did she just say the word ‘sex’ to me?” or “Charla offered her husband what? How often? Was she on drugs?” or quite simply “Don’t let my husband find out about this!”
365 Nights is really not about sex as much as it is about married relationships - how they change over time, how men and women’s perceptions differ, and how reconnecting (in whatever way you choose) can transform a relationship. While the impetus for the renewal in Charla and Brad’s marriage was a change in the frequency of their “married with young children” sex life, the book talks little about sex, but rather about life, stress, change, growth and relationships. Charla’s wit and humor along with her candid look at the realities of everyday married life, make for great reading.
But don’t take my word for it. Check out Charla’s web site (http://www.charlamuller.com/ ), look at the reviews on http://www.amazon.com/ or better yet, read the book. You can find it on the shelf at Barnes & Noble or order it at most book stores.
You’ll agree, it’s impossible to mention the book without using the word Sex, at least once. I think you’ll also find this real, honest, relationship book is a must read you’ll soon be sharing with family and friends.
You see, we have finally settled on a date for a Baltimore Book Event for Charla Muller (author of 365 Nights: A Memoir of Intimacy). I’ve been talking-up the book and asking people to mark their calendars.
While Charla’s book chronicles the everyday challenges inherent in balancing work, children and marriage, there really is no way to get around mentioning the word “sex” when talking about her book. I’ve gotten more than a few blank stares. If I’m reading the stares correctly (and I believe I am), they mask thoughts like: “Sex? Did she just say the word ‘sex’ to me?” or “Charla offered her husband what? How often? Was she on drugs?” or quite simply “Don’t let my husband find out about this!”
365 Nights is really not about sex as much as it is about married relationships - how they change over time, how men and women’s perceptions differ, and how reconnecting (in whatever way you choose) can transform a relationship. While the impetus for the renewal in Charla and Brad’s marriage was a change in the frequency of their “married with young children” sex life, the book talks little about sex, but rather about life, stress, change, growth and relationships. Charla’s wit and humor along with her candid look at the realities of everyday married life, make for great reading.
But don’t take my word for it. Check out Charla’s web site (http://www.charlamuller.com/ ), look at the reviews on http://www.amazon.com/ or better yet, read the book. You can find it on the shelf at Barnes & Noble or order it at most book stores.
You’ll agree, it’s impossible to mention the book without using the word Sex, at least once. I think you’ll also find this real, honest, relationship book is a must read you’ll soon be sharing with family and friends.
Friday, August 8, 2008
It's the Neighbors, again!
Neighbors are like relatives – you don’t get to choose them. For better or for worse, you’re stuck with them. You could opt to move, but that’s a pretty expensive approach to divorce yourself from an unsavory relative.
Most neighborhoods have their share of Sloppy Neighbors. The ones who don’t mow their grass quite often enough, leave the newspapers to biodegrade on the front lawn and assume the wind will take care of those fallen leaves. These folks are most likely to wait for the snow to melt rather than shovel their sidewalk. I suppose these aren’t such horrible crimes. Though, I feel bad for the mailman, on those slippery snowy days.
Life can get pretty dicey when you have an Inconsiderate Neighbor. The one constantly borrows but rarely returns or returns items broken, without a word about replacing them. I had neighbors once who played the stereo loud enough for me to hear in my yard, 2 doors down. This would not have been so bad if I actually shared their taste in music. I’ve even had neighbors who’s teens routinely bickered, loud enough to hear all the way across the street. (OK, maybe that was my kids . . . . . . . nobody’s a perfect neighbor, after all.)
Have you ever had Feuding Neighbors? Now there’s a real treat. Feuding Neighbors typically emerge when a Judgmental Neighbor is in your midst. You know, the one who “owns” the block and feels a sense of duty to keep all in his territory “as it should be.” Just mix a Judgmental Neighbor with an Inconsiderate or Sloppy one and they'll be no need to wait for the 4th of July to see fireworks.
Do you have a Nosey Neighbor? The one who watches every move on the block and reports perceived transgressions to anyone who’ll listen. Nosey neighbors are actually my favorite. They keep me on my toes, preventing me from becoming the sloppy or inconsiderate member of the community. And they watch my house. I love my nosey neighbor, God bless her soul. She's always helping me out. Once, she clued me in to a party my teenager had one weekend in my absence. My sneaky teen never did find out how I knew. Thus, I was able to continue my oft-repeated assertion “Mommies know everything.”
So tell me - how do you get along with your neighbors? Is it All in the Family, Father Knows Best, Family Feud or Divorce Court? Please, do share.
Most neighborhoods have their share of Sloppy Neighbors. The ones who don’t mow their grass quite often enough, leave the newspapers to biodegrade on the front lawn and assume the wind will take care of those fallen leaves. These folks are most likely to wait for the snow to melt rather than shovel their sidewalk. I suppose these aren’t such horrible crimes. Though, I feel bad for the mailman, on those slippery snowy days.
Life can get pretty dicey when you have an Inconsiderate Neighbor. The one constantly borrows but rarely returns or returns items broken, without a word about replacing them. I had neighbors once who played the stereo loud enough for me to hear in my yard, 2 doors down. This would not have been so bad if I actually shared their taste in music. I’ve even had neighbors who’s teens routinely bickered, loud enough to hear all the way across the street. (OK, maybe that was my kids . . . . . . . nobody’s a perfect neighbor, after all.)
Have you ever had Feuding Neighbors? Now there’s a real treat. Feuding Neighbors typically emerge when a Judgmental Neighbor is in your midst. You know, the one who “owns” the block and feels a sense of duty to keep all in his territory “as it should be.” Just mix a Judgmental Neighbor with an Inconsiderate or Sloppy one and they'll be no need to wait for the 4th of July to see fireworks.
Do you have a Nosey Neighbor? The one who watches every move on the block and reports perceived transgressions to anyone who’ll listen. Nosey neighbors are actually my favorite. They keep me on my toes, preventing me from becoming the sloppy or inconsiderate member of the community. And they watch my house. I love my nosey neighbor, God bless her soul. She's always helping me out. Once, she clued me in to a party my teenager had one weekend in my absence. My sneaky teen never did find out how I knew. Thus, I was able to continue my oft-repeated assertion “Mommies know everything.”
So tell me - how do you get along with your neighbors? Is it All in the Family, Father Knows Best, Family Feud or Divorce Court? Please, do share.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Road Rage or something else?
Some people have anger management issues.
Whether in the grocery store or on the highway, you can easily spot these folks. You've seen them - people who huff and puff, role their eyes and eventually resort to glaring at the cashier so the line will move quicker. On the road, these folks tailgate to bully you out of their way, lay on their horn so you know they mean business, even gesture with their hands or release a few choices words, not to be repeated around young children.
Other people are just naturally impatient.
They pace waiting for the bus, dart past you on the sidewalk and never wait on the crosswalk sign for permission to cross. Behind the wheel, they change lanes, constantly, often squeezing in where little room appears to exist. They speed up at yellow lights and keep going even when those lights turn red. They must drive just a little faster and get ahead of just a few more cars. These folks have an innate need to get where they are going, fast. To them, cruising or idling is simply not an option.
We have seen a steady (and alarming) increase in Road Rage in this country. I can accept the drivers with anger management issues and even tolerate the impatient ones. To some degree, they just can’t help themselves – its how they’re wired. I yearn to help them discover the pleasure of patience (or find a way to get them into therapy).
It’s the rest of the maniacs on the road I take issue with. They are simply rude, for no other reason than they can get away with it.
You know who I'm talking about – the ones who don’t yield the right of way in a merge zone or a traffic circle (that’s a Rotary to you New England folks). They cut through residential streets, flying over speed bumps and rolling through stop signs. They zip down aisles to beat others to the open parking space or even snatch up a handicapped spot, because “they’ll only be a minute”.
Would they behave this way with their friends and colleagues? Would they slam the door behind themselves rather than hold it open for the next person? Would they cut through the conference room with a meeting in session to take the shorter route back to their desks? Would they run down the hallway to beat someone else to the copier? I think not.
Insulated in a vehicle, anonymity allows them to misbehave without consequences. The ability to drive away without confrontation is liberating. Who are these people? I think they are folks just like you or I. So, next time you are on the road, relax, take your time and remember the good manners your mother taught you.
Whether in the grocery store or on the highway, you can easily spot these folks. You've seen them - people who huff and puff, role their eyes and eventually resort to glaring at the cashier so the line will move quicker. On the road, these folks tailgate to bully you out of their way, lay on their horn so you know they mean business, even gesture with their hands or release a few choices words, not to be repeated around young children.
Other people are just naturally impatient.
They pace waiting for the bus, dart past you on the sidewalk and never wait on the crosswalk sign for permission to cross. Behind the wheel, they change lanes, constantly, often squeezing in where little room appears to exist. They speed up at yellow lights and keep going even when those lights turn red. They must drive just a little faster and get ahead of just a few more cars. These folks have an innate need to get where they are going, fast. To them, cruising or idling is simply not an option.
We have seen a steady (and alarming) increase in Road Rage in this country. I can accept the drivers with anger management issues and even tolerate the impatient ones. To some degree, they just can’t help themselves – its how they’re wired. I yearn to help them discover the pleasure of patience (or find a way to get them into therapy).
It’s the rest of the maniacs on the road I take issue with. They are simply rude, for no other reason than they can get away with it.
You know who I'm talking about – the ones who don’t yield the right of way in a merge zone or a traffic circle (that’s a Rotary to you New England folks). They cut through residential streets, flying over speed bumps and rolling through stop signs. They zip down aisles to beat others to the open parking space or even snatch up a handicapped spot, because “they’ll only be a minute”.
Would they behave this way with their friends and colleagues? Would they slam the door behind themselves rather than hold it open for the next person? Would they cut through the conference room with a meeting in session to take the shorter route back to their desks? Would they run down the hallway to beat someone else to the copier? I think not.
Insulated in a vehicle, anonymity allows them to misbehave without consequences. The ability to drive away without confrontation is liberating. Who are these people? I think they are folks just like you or I. So, next time you are on the road, relax, take your time and remember the good manners your mother taught you.
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