and so it begins

Hobo month is barely a day old, and already there's trouble. For the uninitiated, Hobo month is a brief hiatus in discretionary spending; nothing that isn't deemed absolutely necessary can be purchased. So, hot dog buns? Yes. Creme brulee pastries? No. Shampoo? Yes....

read more

Victory!

My eldest daughter informed me last night that I am a "...really, really great mom." Now I am choosing to believe that the sentiment came from a rush of affection for her darling mother and a recognition of all that I do and not just because I showed up to softball...

read more

I’m not crazy… on average I’m totally sane.

I'm reading two books in tandem right now. One is On a Dollar a Day, about a couple attempting to limit their food costs to one dollar per person per day. The second is The Man Who Ate the World, by Jay Rayner, food critic and frequent judge on Top Chef. At one point...

read more

slow traffic, keep right.

Poop.I just got back from a run. 3.2 miles, in fact, just to check my 5k time. Due to schedules and life, I've been mostly relegated to running on a treadmill in my basement. Let me tell you, I am speedy-speedy quick on that thing. So much so, that I was super...

read more

Respite.

Oh my gosh, I needed this.I'm hiding in my room, while all the kids are outside engaging in forced gardening-type activities with their father. The window is open, I've got a fresh cup of coffee and half a dark chocolate/chili bar beside me. It's such a marked...

read more

We all remember a few weeks ago, when I said all sort of nice things about my husband, right? When I said that I loooove him and he is very supportive and, in general, a stand-up guy... right? I might have left out the part where I suspect that he is totally, freaking...

read more

Time out for mommy.

I've got a problem: how to reprimand a wayward 6 year-old, in a manner that isn't in reality a punishment for me? I've got this little one, I've mentioned him before, who is hell bent on asserting his dominance over the household. That's all fine and good, except that...

read more

Awesome.

Okay, here's kind of a secret. Well, not a secret really, just something that I do without really examining it too closely. Kind of like night-time snacking. Sure, I know I do it and it's probably not the best thing for me, but I just sort of divert my attention while...

read more

No. YOU shut up.

What do you do when the mom is crabby? I mean seriously, absolutely crabby? I just spent an hour slumped in my favorite chair, arms crossed, bottom lip out, pouting. Yes, pouting. Just kind of hanging out and waiting for the opportunity to yell "No. YOU shut up!" to...

read more

Blog Roulette?

Recent Comments

  • Pam on I’m fine.We will not be looking back on these years with a happy chuckle and a thought of how whimsical the Universe can be, but I imagine the silver linings will continue to provide useful, elegant lessons in how to love this life we are living. You are a blessing and joy in my life and I am much better for knowing you. And this entry is freakin' hilarious!
  • Geanette on I’m fine.You amaze me. That’s all there is too it. The fact that you are willing and able to even LOOK for a silver lining is breathtaking. And then you make me laugh outloud. “And the award for best use of the word fish stick in a simile goes toooooo......!” Oh Melanie.....keep filling our hearts with your observations and keep us laughing. We need inspiration like you. And now ... bonus ... I can say I’ve “read” Rilke! Big love, G
  • Pam on There are RULES, dangnabbit!Wow! Who is the noble cobbler? Mine took six weeks to repair the strap on my bag that I carry every day. I am aware that your cobbler didn't say that they would be ready in two days, he just agreed that she could pick them up. I am delighting myself with the fantasy of her coming in to get her eight unrepaired boots and stamping her tiny foot while said cobbler merely swings his awl to point to the wall -- Ready in Two Weeks.
  • Melanie Danke on Wakey, wakey.Gosh, you are sweet. Thank you for that.
  • Geanette on Wakey, wakey.Didn't think I could POSSIBLY love you any more, but after reading this one. I do. I do indeed. You make me laugh when there's nothing to laugh about. You make me see the world with new eyes. No small feat. God, I love you!

Pin It on Pinterest