Broads, Bunco and Other Baloney
The candles flickered. The dip was hot and bubbly. The wine was chilled. The tables were set with bowls of tasty treats, score sheets, and trios of dice. I was dressed appropriately in a trendy top,...
View ArticleVolksfest Follies
On Friday night, I cemented life-long friendships with the people sitting at our table at Stuttgart’s Volksfest Beer Festival. Never mind that before the fest, I had no idea who those people were....
View ArticleA Time for Hope, Cheer, and Ruthless Criminal Behavior
During this season of giving, people everywhere are transformed. The Spirit of Christmas inspires generosity, compassion and joy in us all. But sometimes, in the midst of all this merriment, mania...
View ArticleStudy Reveals: Bubbly Boosts Productivity
The hamper is overflowing. Tumbleweeds of dusty dog hair are rolling down the hallway. The sheets are due to be changed. The milk has expired. My “To Do” list is three pages long. But somehow, last...
View ArticleThe Lame Duck in the Chicken Coop
For the last three years, I have been living in conditions that could be described as very similar to that of a chicken coop. I reside on the 4th floor of a stairwell base housing unit on a US Army...
View ArticleMy Styrofoam Cup Runneth Over
A week ago, I was sitting in my room in the base hotel, the night before my family’s final departure back to the States, sipping wine out of a Styrofoam cup and reflecting on the last three years...
View ArticleA Midsummer Night’s Scheme
On any given summer night, the teens of our great nation take to the streets of their respective towns in search of something fun to do. They can be seen outside pizza joints, ice cream stands and...
View ArticleMiddle School Disorientation
My daughters and I nervously passed between two huge concrete lions flanking the entrance, and a door opened magically before us. “Welcome to Julia Landon College Preparatory!” said the eighth grader...
View ArticleSharing Happiness
My phone rang this week, and for once, it wasn’t my kids or my husband or my mother or my carpool partner or my in laws or one of those pre-recorded doctor’s appointment confirmation messages. “Hey...
View ArticleThe Flakey Layers of Motherhood
I was running late, as usual. While checking my outfit in the window’s reflection, I smashed my frizzy bangs down with the palm of my hand. I heard chatter inside and opened the door to find a dozen or...
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