Common-sense grace for the try-hard girl
Our youngest daughter named the stuffed bear Beary when she saw him in that Durango boutique. She begged for him and cried when we left the store without him. She sadly whispered “Beary…” as we walked away, but there was one thing she didn’t know. I had gone back and bought Beary for her as […]
My first job out of college was for the Houston Astros Baseball Club, my most prestigious job by far. It was cool because I was a woman in a predominantly male field, and I worked for one of only 30 ball clubs in the United States. I had a job that everyone seemed in awe […]
I’m hot and tired this August 2007. I chalk it up to the fact that I’m about to host a three-day, off-site orientation for hundreds of incoming freshmen for the university where I work. All I want is a nap, but I power through—there’s work to be done. After it’s done by sheer willpower, I […]
In my 20s, I took my first-ever dance class with my friend Jill who loves hip-hop just like me. I was both excited and nervous to sign up because I love dancing, but I lack mad dance skills. Okay, fine—I lack rhythm in general. After several weeks, the instructor split us into three groups by […]
Ummm… Jill. If you really don’t want us to know this stuff, then why are you sharing it on the Internet? This is your choice, sister. Yes, that’s true. But I view you as a friend, and I’d prefer no secrets between us. It’s important to me that you know that you’re not alone and that […]
I can’t find my car keys. My phone is who knows where. We’re late. Someone can’t find a shoe, and I have a project on deadline. I’ve dropped all the balls in all the familiar ways, which causes me to berate my own little heart not extend love to it. Blergh. What’s a try-hard girl […]
I’m writhing in pain at the hospital. While the diagnosis is clearly pancreatitis, the reason for it can’t be deduced by the scientific method, found in a textbook, or reduced to a singular cause. The doctors have no idea why I’m here, and I want to scream: I do it right! I follow all the […]
My calendar is jam-packed. Blergh. I’m not doing anything special—just life. My basic responsibilities shouldn’t be overwhelming, yet, my roles make me anxious. Why do our calendars and basic life responsibilities feel overwhelming? We’ll start with a few questions. What’s really going on in our hearts? Our calendars can get overwhelmed when we feel an […]
After I bought Groupon tickets for our family to see Odd Squad Live, trouble set in. The tickets were for the right show, but they were in the wrong city… a city five hours away. This was a costly mistake. I panicked. My stomach turned into knots. I called Groupon for a refund, but they […]
I load our baby and toddler into the car. Sleep deprivation has sunk into my bones, but we’re headed to Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) anyway with the help of MapQuest because I have no idea where I’m going in this new town. I hope to meet one nice mom, but really, I’ll settle for any […]
