I started blogging back in 2003 and, thinking back on it now, there weren't many people in my real life who knew or understood why in the heck I would even consider sharing personal stories, "on the internet". Flash-forward 10 years: nearly everyone I know is "on the internet" (including my own father, hey Apu!) doing pretty much the same thing -- connecting with each other and sharing information through social media channels like Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest -- not to mention, sharing stuff about their kids. My kids have grown accustomed to hearing me go on...and on...and on...really, I... Read more →

I don't often go away, heck it's a gosh-darned event just to be able to get out on a date night with my husband....but, when I do...I drink Dos Equis...PSYCH!!!...just kidding, I hate beer. Aaaaanyway, what was I saying? (Looks up at ceiling, blows bangs out of eyes) Oh yeah, so this week I was traveling....as in, I physically got on an airplane and flew over several states....after double-dosing on Dramamine, of course....but, the last time I traveled....in an airplane, over several states...my youngest kid passes out while visiting Grandpa in the hospital...and, well, now maybe you know why I... Read more →

If you were to visit my house, on any given day, you would most likely be very surprised to hear any one of my daughters singing...by herself or altogether...in Korean...and my son begging me or his father to...PLEASE, MAKE THEM STOP!!! Not that my son has anything against the Korean. Or any other language, really. Although, I have it on good authority that his Spanish teacher may or may not have made a pact with the devil. Teenagers can be SO weird about stuff, sometimes. Which brings me back to all three of my daughters and their long-time obsession with... Read more →

March 2010 (a.k.a. the year they stopped smiling) Not that I have anything against dentists...personally. I feel it takes a special sort of something to actually choose a profession that involves looking into and/or tooling around in other people's mouths...on purpose. In fact, I have personally supported many dental professionals, my ownself -- I've had several root canals, as well as gum graphing and reconstructive surgery in my mid-twenties, due to a long lost and previously unforeseen baby tooth exploding in my sinus cavity (you're welcome!) -- I've helped hone their dentistry skills AND achieve their long-term financial goals. In... Read more →

I have this terrible habit. Okay, so it's not as awful as picking your nose in public (dude, I totally saw you flick that sucker out your car window...oh...and EWWWWW!) Although, getting caught with a bat in the cave the size of a velociraptor, well, I would imagine they would be almost impossible to flick, without being noticed. [scratches nose] Aaaaanyway. Oh, yeah, so I have this thing -- a defense mechanism, really -- of cracking jokes during uncomfortable situations. Like, today, I took my middle girl for her re-check with the pediatric surgeon and long story short (you're welcome)... Read more →

Happy 16th Birthday to my sweet, beautiful, bright-eyed baby girl, Heather Marie. I am in constant awe of everything you achieve and the absolutely gorgeous woman you have become, inside AND out. I admire your quick wit and strong will (yes, THAT too!) and the way you meet life's challenges all in and head-on. You are brave, strong, loyal and unafraid to be loved for who you are, period (please don't ever change that!) You are also very protective of those you love (see last parenthesis!) Although you would never admit it (out loud) you have this sixth sense of... Read more →

Just a few afterthoughts: Yes, I really did videotape this on Wednesday, pretending like it was Friday and trust me when I tell you [looks into mirror, quickly turns away for fear of turning into stone] it's a good thing. I really do obsess about my hair way too much. Bast should really be a real word. Middle girl's appointment went well-ish. No emergency procedure necessary. Being treated for a wicked infection. Will re-evaluate next step(s) after the holidaze. I really didn't know how yesterday was going to play out. Spent the rest of the day at the mall. My... Read more →