As published in The Rye Record on February 5, 2016 When I was a new mom, we lived in an apartment on 57th Street across the hall from an elderly man who smelled like soup. I remember him because of the soup, and also because of the wisdom he passed along to me on the… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Slightly off topic…
They’re not Thoughtless. They’re Astronauts.
It’s funny when your kids start driving and noticing how frequently the adults around them don’t obey the traffic laws. Look, Mom, that guy didn’t signal. Look, Mom, that lady ran the stop sign. Again, I need to fill them in. I explain to my kids that it’s because these people are just a bunch… Continue Reading
Is Anyone Listening? (The Case for Bringing Back How Do You Do)
As published in The Rye Record on October 9, 2015 It’s a basic human need to be heard. It’s why we have words and art, so that we can take what’s inside of us and share it with others. Likewise, really hearing what someone is trying to tell you is the most affirming, kindest… Continue Reading
Why It’s Impossible to Write a Good College Admission Essay
As published in The Week on June 25, 2015 As the parent of a rising high school senior, I’ve been to my fair share of college information sessions lately. The admissions officer always concludes with the same set of comments about the application: namely, that the college essay must capture your true and authentic voice… Continue Reading
A Californian in Winter
As Published in The Rye Record on February 20, 2015 No matter how long we’re away and how pale we become, there are subtle ways to spot a Californian. We say freeway instead of highway, we wait in line rather than on line. Pop quiz: do you happen to know the date of the Academy… Continue Reading
Motion to Limit the Use of the Word “Amazing”
As Published in The Rye Record on November 21, 2014 Being a contestant on a reality TV show is an amazing journey. I know this because, when interviewed, each and every one of those contestants (win or lose) says what an amazing journey it’s been. I’ve never been on one of those shows, so I’m… Continue Reading
Newsflash: Things Could Be Worse
People seem to really like to talk about the good old days. Remember when kids played outside and could shake your hand because they weren’t playing Angry Birds? I remember those days too, but here’s what I also remember about growing up in the 70’s: driving down the freeway, inhaling that first morning puff… Continue Reading
House Swap
I have just returned from my very first house swap. It was an unbalanced sort of exchange in that my family stayed in my friend Paige’s apartment in Paris for two weeks, and she stayed in my house in Rye for three days. We had more contact during that time than we’ve had in the… Continue Reading
Nine Years on the God Squad
As Published in The Rye Record on June 9, 2014 I think it’s kind of funny that the same culture that thinks seven-year-old kids need a snack in the middle of a sporting event also expects those same kids to top off a six hour school day with 75 minutes of religious instruction. Imagine being… Continue Reading
Parking Lot Civility
When I first heard about the Rye Civility Initiative, my first thought was: Boy, do I live in a town with high-class problems! I mean are we really going to start worrying about something as nebulous and old fashioned as civility? How about a Fix the Potholes Initiative? Or a Teach Everyone How to Use… Continue Reading
