Originally published July 2008 “Peanut, can you come out and play?” I asked my poodle-mix as I knocked on the door of the mailbox. The hinged door burst open and Peanut jumped into my arms, tail wagging and tongue licking. I giggled and hugged my pet, then stuffed him, hind-end-first back into the box, and …
Originally published September 2009 “You will never be happy.” That’s what my father-in-law told me recently. I was sharing how in the near future I hope to find myself and my husband out of Las Vegas and living in a place that: * Is green with real, live vegetation, not from fake lawns * Has …
Originally published January 2010 Back in 1985 I was a newly single mother of two small daughters. I had to find a way to support myself so I went back to the restaurant that I worked at when I first moved to Simi Valley. I am not one to feel regret but I know that …
Originally published July 2009 There are three more kittens outside on our property, a half-acre of land in a shared cul-de-sac. I caught a glimpse of the kittens the other day as the homeowner next door pointed them out to me, “Got 3 more for you,” he said, which means it’s up to me to …
Originally published March 2010 I have started out my Monday mad as Hell. The first day of a very busy week and now I have a crappy attitude that I hope I can change so I’m not a real drag to be around all day. It all started with a frick’n 2:00 AM text message …
Originally published January 2010 I am one of those people that have loved every single step of my life, even the times that were not so pleasant. While I contend that the tragic, difficult, challenging, and sad moments have been more than some people experience in a lifetime, I count those events as a blessing …
Originally published July 2009 Well, I didn’t make it to New York. I missed the reunion I was a key part in organizing and missed the music festival I was so looking forward to attending. What happened? First I got tired. Then I got logical. I wish the latter had come first, like before I …
Originally published October 2009 My very first boyfriend was “Bucky” Buchanan. I can say his name publically because I’m pretty sure that the nickname he carried when he was a 6th grader doesn’t apply to him anymore, so his identity is safe. I hope so or I may get sued. I was also a sixth …
Originally published June 2009 I’m going through a phase right now where I want to hear music from my younger years. Maybe it has something to do with my upcoming trip home to visit lots of high school friends. Whatever it is I am forgoing my usual audio books for iTunes favorites I’ve downloaded and …
Originally published October 2009 When I was in my very early twenties I considered having a procedure so I didn’t become pregnant; I honestly thought I didn’t want to have children. A consultation with a doctor, however, resulted in his dismissal; he said I was too young to make such a permanent decision. As a …