In my last post, I talked about coming out twenty-five years ago and the progress that the LGBT community has seen this last quarter-century. In reflecting on how many of these changes made it easier for the younger generation to live their authentic lives, I also thought about the generations that preceded me. Those who had no real choice but to hide and be silent. Those who know me, whether it be those closest to me, or people with whom I have stayed connected with through social media, know that I am a vocal person. I like to say that I am like cilantro. People love me or hate me.…
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Distortions
When I first started writing a number of years ago, my goal was always to make people laugh. To an extent, I still really do enjoy funny posts. Who doesn’t like to laugh? I do think though that there are so many more dimensions of ourselves that are important to share. The funny stuff is the easy stuff. It’s the not-so-funny stuff that people seldomly reveal. Societally, especially in the advent of social media, I think this makes us feel more isolated than we really are. for example, Facebook or Instagram, everyone posts when their kid wins a trophy or the family is entirely clad in white with manicured hands…
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Holy Shiksa! What Happened?!
Yesterday, E had a playdate with a friend from her swim team. The friend’s mom said, “We are having friends over for Shabbat. Can she stay for dinner?” “Sure, I said. But don’t be surprised if she only eats challah. She’s my picky eater.” I dropped E off to their house after school and thought of what I could do with A. We landed on The Lego Movie: 2. When it came time to pick E up, the hostess graciously invited us in to eat since the adults were still seated. G was away so I had no plans. The kids there were all happily playing. It gave me a…
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A Birthmother’s Birthday
Today is A’s birthmother’s birthday. As we were getting ready for school, I said to her, “We should sing “Happy Birthday” and send it to C. I think that would make her happy.” A, said, “Can we Skype with her instead? Because I want to see her face while I sing and then say “I love you.” “Oh,” I said, grateful for how sweet this child is. ” I think that would definitely make her happy. Let’s try her.” We managed a quick Skype in the hectic morning and then planned to have a more leisurely conversation after school. In the moment, all three of us had a part of our…
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Memory Lane
I often wax sentimental. Sometimes it’s the Italian in me; other times, it’s the big queen’s doing. Whatever the reason, last night, I found myself there. Full-on. The girls and I were in the car. I recently got A a new booster and E asked if we could switch sides. E has been behind me since taking that position when A was born. (Some baby safety groups recommend putting a baby’s car seat on the passenger side so it is on the sidewalk side when entering/exiting the car.) Now that the two of them are self-sufficient at putting on their buckles, I thought it would be OK. Truthfully, I would…
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Saddle Up, Missy!
Last night, Greg and I had an incredible dinner at the White Barn Inn in Kennebunk. We had been wanting to try it for ages and finally had the chance. (Thanks Mom and Dad for minding Elly!) While waiting for our table, we decided to have a drink at the bar. As luck would have it, the only two open seats were at the piano. So we (quite stereotypically) sat there. In a matter of no time, the pianist began to play “Over the Rainbow”. All we needed was a tv showing the Smucker’s Ice Skating Competition, Liza Minelli and a local field hockey team and we would have had…
