May 21st, 2014 → 8:08 am
“Then westward ho!” – Twelfth Night
First road trip of the summer begins this Memorial Day weekend. Can’t wait!
Filed under: Blog & Self/My Life
May 15th, 2014 → 6:41 am
“O, what men dare do!
What men may do!
What men daily do, not knowing what they do!” – Much Ado About Nothing
I tried to take my son to the dentist for the first time on Tuesday. We woke up early, got dressed and had breakfast, played Spiderman and Thor in the car on the drive over, and then giggled riding the elevator down to the doctor’s office. Our joy ended when we walked into reception and after taking one look at us, the secretary refused to check us in. She said that we couldn’t see the doctor until I (a white woman) could prove that I was actually my (African American) son’s mother. I was flabbergasted. She actually insisted on seeing court papers before she would check us in. Needless to say, a few heated moments later my son and I were out of the building with no teeth cleaned, rage in my heart, and my baby repeatedly asking me why that woman didn’t think I was his mommy. I knew adopting interracially would bring some memorable experiences, but c’mon! The insolence! The ignorance! The prejudice, insensitivity, and rudeness! How does such a thing still happen in this world?
Filed under: Blog & Self/My Life & Stupid/Evil People
May 13th, 2014 → 6:05 am
“Our revels now are ended.” – The Tempest
The semester is coming to a close this week, and while I look forward to summer, I always feel a bit wistful this time of year. I get attached to my students and I kind of miss them when I stop seeing them every week!
Filed under: Blog & Other & Self/My Life
May 11th, 2014 → 6:33 am
Stage Direction: “He holds her by the hand, silent.” – Coriolanus
I’ve read that Coriolanus’ mother, Volumnia (what a name!), can be considered the most notable mother in all of Shakespeare’s plays. In part that is because so many other mothers are, literally, absent. This stage direction describes an important moment between mother and son in Coriolanus. And I have to say, that I just treasure it when my son decides to silently hold my hand as we walk together to school, the park, or wherever. The grip of his thin, delicate fingers in my own is just precious. Happy Mother’s Day everyone.
Filed under: Blog & Other & Self/My Life
April 20th, 2014 → 6:24 am
“Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs;
Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers’ eyes;
Being vexed, a sea nourished with lovers’ tears;
What is it else? A madness most discreet,
A choking gall, and a preserving sweet.” – Romeo and Juliet
Today is both Easter, and the anniversary of my first date with my husband. Love, of all kinds, is in the air.
Filed under: Blog & Other & Self/My Life
April 17th, 2014 → 8:09 am
“They say, best men are molded out of faults;
And, for the most, become much more the better
For being a little bad; so may my husband.” – Measure for Measure
Arrrggghhh…..husbands!
Filed under: Blog & Other & Self/My Life
April 10th, 2014 → 8:49 am
“You pay a great deal too dear for what’s given freely.” – The Winter’s Tale
Our cable bill came in the mail yesterday, and it shot up $50 to $160 a month. What?!?! For television I can essentially watch for free on my computer? Every month I pay that cable bill I feel I am being taken advantage of, and yet, I continue to pay it… for the convenience of being able to watch things on a TV instead of on a computer. Stupid.
Filed under: Blog & Other & Self/My Life
March 31st, 2014 → 6:52 am
“I have lived long enough: my way of life
Is fall’n into the sere, the yellow leaf.” – Macbeth
Every once in awhile my husband says something that makes me realize he’s getting older. This weekend it was a lengthy harangue about modern cars, which aren’t made for tinkerers anymore. True, who gets under the hood nowadays?, but at the same time, I like it that cars are sturdier, better made. Either way, my husband told me I should write about this in my blog, so now I have.
Filed under: Blog & Other & Self/My Life
March 28th, 2014 → 8:21 am
“All things that are,
Are more with spirit chased than enjoyed.” – Merchant of Venice
Spring Break is nearly over and I can’t believe it. I thought I’d get so much done! But with out-of-town conferences, parent-teacher meetings, and long lists of errands, all that seems to have happened is that the time disappeared. Where did the relaxation part go anyway? I think I look forward to Spring Break more than I ever actually enjoy it every year.
Filed under: Blog & Other & Self/My Life
March 18th, 2014 → 5:50 am
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other word would smell as sweet;
So Romeo would, were he not Romeo called,
Retain that dear perfection which he owes
Without that title.” – Romeo and Juliet
What is in a name? My mother (the psychologist) once told me that if someone repeatedly butchers your name (i.e. calling you Leah or Laya all the time, when your name is actually Lea), they’re taking a dig at you. One’s name is part of one’s identity, so disregarding it is in effect disregarding you. But what about when someone changes your name in a positive way? My son really grabbed on to the endearment “googly bear” from Monsters Inc., and he often asks me if I’m his googly bear. I love it! Batmom, Googly Bear, Mommypants. Change my name, please!
Filed under: Blog & Other & Self/My Life