Recently, a friend confided in me that she was considering plastic surgery. She felt ashamed that she was even considering it. It made me remember what it felt like when, four years ago, I made the same decision.

I struggled with how vain it felt; my mother said things to me like, "You could feed hundreds of starving children in Africa with that money!" And yet, it wasn't a decision I was taking lightly. I did consider how I could spend the money to improve the world, or save for my children's college, or even something as frivolous - but perhaps more worthwhile - as a family vacation.

There were months between my initial consultation with the doctor and my surgery date. Months in which I tortured myself with thoughts about why couldn't I just be happy the way I was, and months of being embarrassed that I would be the kind of person to cut up the body I was given… Read More

Oh yeah we partied like it's 1999! Because in 1999, I didn't have any children!

Okay, seriously, the family and I just got back from a week in Miami. Our trip there served two purposes: first, to visit my grandparents and mother, and second, to hang with about 30 friends from Seattle who were in Miami for the Ultra Music Festival - a two-day humongous party with our favorite musicians.

These two goals seem somewhat at odds: After all, our closest… Read More

So here's me: I can't wait for my vacation to begin. I'm like a little kid on Christmas Eve - I'm just so excited I can't even sleep.

But then an entire day of traveling - we live in Seattle and are visiting family in Miami - started to deflate my enthusiasm.

No matter what, going that far on an airplane with two small children is going to test your patience. But I dealt with it - I mean, you don't move… Read More

Last Thursday night, I completely flipped out about my weight. I know I already confessed to being in tears in my bed, pouting over what the scale read.

I woke up resolved to fix it last Friday, and just one week later, I have: I'm back to my normal weight and wearing my tight jeans comfortably. (Well, kinda comfortably.)

The funny thing is, last Friday in my local newspaper, there was a story that basically put forth the premise that … Read More

Today. Total insanity.

Here was my life: Wake up at 5 a.m. to meet friend at the gym at 6. Run for an hour (must exercise! I'm only working out four days a week or so, every day has to count!). Shower and dress for work. Get my coffee (yeah, this is a luxury: I drive a mile out of my way to a certain coffee shop that makes the best espresso around...I guess I feel like I deserve it). Go to… Read More

Last Friday, my work had an "unwinder" - everyone gets together for drinks and snacks. The entertainment was the video game Rock Band.

I mentioned it in front of my son - I'd been recruited to sing in two bands. He begged me to pick him up from school and let him come to work. Early in the week, I said he could come if he was on his best behavior all week.

By Friday, he was an absolute angel. So… Read More