In the suburbs, highly educated and ambitious parents funnel their professional training and personal desires into managing every aspect of their lives — and their children’s — with zeal. At first, Peyton Price was shocked and appalled. But now, her indoctrination is complete. In Suburban Haiku: Poetic Dispatches From Behind the Picket Fence, Price reveals that, try as she might, she has succumbed to the reality of having an SUV, a stint as PTA president, […]
Essays and News
Facebook: Staring, sharing and caring
Much has been written and lamented about Facebook. And rightly so, I tell myself, as I slog through a report on a recent, yummy breakfast, excruciating details of a trip or weekend, boasts about junior’s GPA and multitudinous photos of Little League.
But I have to say that there is something especially off-putting about those one-size-fits-all FB greetings. Examples: “Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms I know,” “Wishing everyone a happy new year,” “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by [fill in disaster]” and “Happy [fill in religious holiday] to all my friends who celebrate.” Those who post these no doubt well-intentioned sentiments aren’t actually directing their sentiments to anyone in particular, […]
Spinning webs
I’ll admit I’m not much of a housekeeper. My myopic vision doesn’t seem to notice piles of newspapers or cobwebs in the corners. But I’d let things go so long that the spider’s web in the bathroom sported a little bronze plaque. I had to get a magnifying glass to read it. It said that the web is now on the arachnids’ historic register.
Of course, I couldn’t destroy it after that.
I was brushing my teeth and heard a tiny “Ding!” I looked up and saw the spider opening a tiny microwave and taking out a burrito. […]
Never leave an empty roll
Here’s the deal: If you finish the toilet paper, replace the toilet paper! Don’t even think that by leaving two sheets of paper on the roll means you’re Scott free (sorry, I couldn’t resist). You’re not.
Two sheets to wipe a #2 is two too few. Also, if you do get a new roll, please replace the roll; don’t just sit it atop the old one. What does this tell your loved one? I love you, […]
Mindless meditation
I just read an article on mindfulness meditation. The idea is to spend time to oneself focusing only on the moment and one single thing, like breathing. The author described how the she spent five days in this state by not talking to anyone, including her family. It was an inner revival, an opportunity “to gain clarity, wisdom, and freedom…” by paying attention to “moment experiences.”
I thought about this. Could I do this? Me? […]
