Published in Modern Parent·PinnedMember-onlyThe Hundred Dollar HamsterAm I Doing This Right? — This post is an entry in Modern Parent’s “Am I Doing This Right?” writing contest. Our dog has been stranded in another country for more than a year. COVID nomads Well, technically, we’re the ones who are stranded. We are COVID nomads, displaced by the pandemic. For the past 9 years, Shanghai…Motherhood5 min read
Published in Modern Parent·PinnedMember-onlyLet Them Eat Easy Mac — A Guide to Unapologetic MotherhoodFinding unlimited confidence, no matter what anyone else thinks — My children have been eating Easy Mac or ramen noodle cups every day for lunch. I’ve lost track of how long. A part of me is appalled but a larger part of me just doesn’t care anymore. I’ve mastered the secret of unapologetic motherhood and you can too. I know what you’re thinking Look, I…Parenting5 min read
Published in Writers’ Blokke·PinnedMember-onlyAre We Writing Ourselves Into Idiocy?Conventional wisdom clashes with common writer’s advice — Even a fool is thought wise until he opens his mouth. -Proverbs 17:28 The exception to the rule is when he picks up a pen, right? Muddling through one’s first week on Medium, a repeated theme emerges quickly. Write every day! Publish 5 times a week! Writer’s write because they…Creativity4 min read
Published in Hello, Love·May 22, 2021Member-only3 Questions To Remodel Your MarriageThe first step to fixing the cracks is finding them. — After more than a decade of marriage, we found ourselves in a bit of a funk. Our relationship was fine, but we knew it could be better. Little did we know that these 3 questions would unlock a major renovation process. The weekly check-in It all started with an unassuming Pinterest post. A…Love4 min read
Published in The Motherload·May 21, 2021Member-onlyMove Over, Digital Nomads — The Hottest Opportunity of 2021 is Remote ParentingThe innovations of the pandemic are revolutionizing family life. — On the eve of our eleven-ty-thousandth GoogleZoomHangTime, it struck me. I work online. My kids go to school online. We see the doctor online. We can even visit museums and aquariums online. It’s about time for modern parenting to catch up and take advantage of these technological advancements. After all…Motherhood2 min read
Published in Educate.·May 21, 2021Member-onlyThe Hidden Cost of Fixing the American College Admissions SystemPlaying the game while the rules are changing — In a landmark decision, the University of California will no longer consider SAT and ACT scores. A clear step in the right direction towards combatting educational inequity. But with teens entering high school, it feels like my kids are paying the price for change. An ever-changing environment As parents, we are facing an…Education5 min read
Published in The Writing Cooperative·May 19, 2021Member-onlyUsing Anaphora and Epiphora to Engage Your Reader’s EmotionsExamining the most effective uses of a powerful rhetorical device — “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…” Even if you’ve never heard the term anaphora, you know it when you read it. From the opening paragraph of Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two…Writing4 min read
Published in The Motherload·May 19, 2021Member-only5 Signs That You Parentally Failed at Pandemic SchoolingVirtual, hybrid, home, or in-person — these are surefire signs that you did it wrong — I know that it’s been a rough school year. You probably want someone to pat you on the back and tell you that it’s fine. Kids are resilient. There’s plenty of time to catch up. And other pandemic platitudes. But if you’re looking for someone to tell it like it…Motherhood3 min read
Published in Tell Your Story·May 18, 2021Member-onlyI Gave Birth To 9 Pound TwinsA larger than life pregnancy taught me to question the impossible — 9 lbs 5 oz and 9 lbs 10 oz Those were the birth weights of each of my twins respectively. I’ll give you a moment to collect your jaw from the ground. You have questions, I know that you do. I know this because I was incessantly peppered with them in public, by strangers, as I pushed my double…This Happened To Me5 min read
Published in The Writing Cooperative·May 17, 2021Member-only“Essentialism” is a Master Class in EditingHow to be a ruthless editor in life and in writing — Do you ever feel busy but not productive? Like you’re always in motion, but never getting anywhere? I was hooked from the first pages of Greg McKeown’s Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less. Less but better “Less but better.” A tempting mantra. How much more could I accomplish if my energies were focused…Writing3 min read
