Archive

Student-teacher links suffer with furloughs

I've been a teacher for a long time and am planning to retire in three years. If I do that, the furlough days will dig a permanent hole in my retirement income.


Tragedy teaches lesson in priorities

Anticipating the possible loss of one of your children is an indescribable pain for a parent. I never thought I would be confronted with that possibility. My three children all grew into very healthy adults.


Swimming brings health, vitality and friendship

About three months ago I was feeling a little restless and, in light of my busy schedule, felt it was time for a new challenge. I contemplated the different things I could do, like take another computer class or sign up for Pilates or yoga, when swimming came to mind.


Vintage shops can help women live their dreams

My style is hopelessly romantic. I am in love with clothes that one might see in a museum, drawn by the kind of beauty that would inspire Pablo Neruda to write a poem for one of his muses.


It's great to have choices and best to choose wisely

The other evening, between my day and night jobs, I called my son while driving in to work. He asked what I wanted. The moment I heard his voice, I blurted out, "I need to talk."


Saving water and seeing cute guys, too

Just by accident, I have become a greenie. I'm not the sort of person who marches, carrying signs for worthy causes. I've never raced or walked or swam to raise money. I'm actually pretty selfish and not in the least bit altruistic. But today I became a greenie, and saved a little bit of the world in an oddly significant way.


To survive the crunch, take control of your life

Whether you once thought you knew how to handle your finances but are no longer clear about how to move forward, or whether you are someone who planned to deal with your money issues later in life, everyone is being forced to respond to this wake-up call.


Suspicions don't always bear out

Recent news reports about women being talked into letting strangers into their homes and then being robbed prompted me to write about my own experience.


Drive with dad stirs memory

I drove out this morning and picked him up. It was a quiet ride. I did most of the talking. He didn't criticize my driving or suggest a better route. He wasn't preoccupied with a list of "things to be done" and "things to worry about."


Ring presents mystery and memories

Sorting through my parents' possessions after their deaths, I flipped open a small brocade jewelry case I'd never seen before. A ring lay on yellowed satin among a gold metal necklace and three pins.