Some Texas officials seem to think so. — Video games are always taking the fall for crazy people and their evil-doings. I don’t often voice my opinion on political issues, mostly because it gets everyone on both sides all riled up and before you know it, the “discussion” turns into a bunch of magpies squawking over one another…

You couldn’t pay me enough to put myself through that metaphorical meat grinder — Behind the catchy theme songs, pretty (and heavily scripted) words, designer attire and bright lights of reality TV shows lurk some pretty dark secrets. Reality TV stars are exploited — usually knowingly — to entertain the masses, but what negative effects remain once the cameras stop rolling? Many reality TV…

By a writer who learned the hard way (so you don’t have to) — When I began writing seriously several years ago, I began the way most writers do: cold pitching. Cold pitching sounds about as warm and fuzzy as the experience itself, and if you’re a writer, you know all about this activity. Months and months of pitches went unanswered, which was entirely…

And it’s one we both take very seriously. — My husband and I have an agreement. Actually, we have several agreements, but that goes without saying after 10 years of marriage. You can’t get through that much time together without coming to some pretty firm agreements to keep the collective peace, and that, dear friends, is what healthy marital…

#5— always make excuses for your child’s bad behaviour — Kids. Can’t live with ’em. Can’t legally live without ’em. I realized this morning that if I wasn’t careful, I would turn my considerate, sweet two-year-old gentleman into a spoiled, entitled brat. It would be so easy — all I would need to do would be to give in to…

It’s okay to mourn your old life, but don’t discount the power and beauty of being a mother. — After spending yet another long weekend hanging out at the playground and taking long family walks together, I feel like I’m in mama-heaven. Looking at my kids — who are currently and inexplicably playing with a large piece of styrofoam because who needs real toys? — it occurs to me…

A piece of parchment doesn’t hold all of your value. — When I was little, my twin brother and I were often encouraged by our mom to play together. There were the typical sibling wars — he ripped off the legs of my Jordan Knight doll (I put pants on him anyway and the little guy performed Step By Step until…

I want to watch my words bloom the way his do — Any former band nerd will tell you that their music teacher saved their lives. I “friended” my 5th-grade music teacher on Facebook a few years ago. He was my first real mentor; my first genuine role model (besides my parents — yes, I was “that” kid. The geeky one who…

Those might not be crocodile tears after all — Something I’ve always struggled with as a parent (and as an adult in general) is patience. Everyone hates having their patience tested. Lines at the grocery store are never a cause for cheer, and no one likes to listen to doddering old Ethel next door yammer on for the hundredth…