outsidevoice

A little over three years ago I was in Chicago. I was there to attend a professional skills class in development – or, how to ask for gifts to be a really successful fundraiser. It was given by a terrific institute and a guy I’ve always found pretty amusing who is something of a guru [...]

People. Can I just say that this (really) not working thing is astonishing? Seriously. Besides the obvious (laundry gets done DURING THE WEEK, kids are happier, house is cleaner, blah-y, blah, blah) — I have discovered many, many things. One Tree Hill reruns. How did I never watch this show? Oh, yeah, I’m 37. If [...]

To all the men and women who have dedicated their lives to this country — and made the ultimate sacrifice — thank you. We remember. And to the families of those serving currently — our thoughts are with you as well. May this day bring you peace and pride in your loved ones. And a [...]

I am currently in discussions with a few folks about some contract / project work and some have asked to review a copy of my resume. I haven’t really updated or edited it in two years and the level of bulleted detail makes my head explode. Instead of working for hours to try to edit [...]

Dear Swimmy, Today you are seven. I know this not because seven short years ago you were ceremoniously cut from my never-to-be-flat-again stomache, but because you have reminded Daddy and I about your birthday about 157 times in the past 2 days. We had your birthday party last weekend and hosted the family as well [...]

Dear Benjamin, Oh what a difference a month can make. With a new set of healthy ears and nary a snotty nose in sight you have taken on the world full force. (Like there is any other way?) Your biggest milestone so far in your tiny life was one I had been dreading for awhile [...]

Tomorrow morning Husband and I will take The Swimmy for a developmental pediatric assessment to confirm what I’m sure we already know – she has some form of ADD. We will spend hours answering questions while she plays special games and answers some questions of her own. This is after filling out two separate packets [...]

I am thankful for many, many things. I am thankful for – …four generations of women in my family celebrating together. …children that are happy, healthy and feel loved. …a Husband sent by G-d. …a dog that doesn’t smell so bad today. …the lox and bagels waiting for me and the cheesecake we are about [...]

Things NOT to do when you meet with your first real-live, honest-to-goodness, I-may-actually-pay-you editor. Smell like dog. Really. It’s not advisable. So the next time you have ten minutes before you are supposed to leave the house and the dog suddenly decides she has to go out? Check the back gate to make sure the [...]

Today is Business Day 3 of my official retirement. Let me first say that “retirement” is a silly word — especially when you use it at the ripe old age of 37. Perhaps I’m “just on a break”? Yeah. We’ll go with that. A Friends reference is always a good place to start. I must [...]