Category Archives: Appetizer for Life

The Explosion in Oslo, My Norwegian Mum and A Cute Pair of Shoes

Posted on by July 25, 2011

“Hey, Mom’s OK,” Hubby said tersely into the phone. My mind raced. Why wouldn’t my mother-in-law be OK? Did I forget that something was supposed to happen today? “What do you mean?” I asked.

“There was an explosion in Oslo. She’s OK.”

My mind kicked into sixth gear. I’d been pretty unplugged most of the morning, so really didn’t know what was going on in the world outside my bubble. I ran downstairs and flipped on the TV.

The Prime Minister’s office building in downtown … Read more ...

Next Stop: Happiness

Posted on by July 23, 2011

*I wrote this last weekend as sort of a therapeutic exercise for myself. Since this is my blog and my space, I figured, why not post it?*

Enjoying Caffe DeLuca.

Wow. Here I am, my last day as an AP newswoman. Yes, that’s the official term.

I plan to quit tomorrow. It’s been a long trip to get to this point. All throughout my maternity leave, it’s been should I go back? Should I stay home? Should I go someplace else?

We all know how … Read more ...

Pizza? Bedtimes? Whatevs, We’re on VACAY!!!

Posted on by July 9, 2011

As you could tell from my latest posts, we’re on vacation. What started this 1,000+ mile tour de Midwest was my family reunion in Kansas City, Mo. I delegated to my husband to plan our trip. Next thing I know, a long weekend away turned into an eight-day adventure.

The boys outside Cracker Barrel.

But I’m not complaining, this escape from everyday is fun. I’ve spent much of the trip in the back seat between my boys. Not to mention all of the people who … Read more ...

A Family Reunion: Laughs, Dancing and A Lot of Love

Posted on by July 7, 2011

Ahhhh family reunions. Meeting new cousins, listening to stories about your parents/aunts/uncles and older people asking you “do you remember me?” The answer is always no and I never know how to politely say that.

I had my 96th Annual Tyler Family Reunion in Kansas City, Mo. last weekend. I can’t remember the last reunion I attended. Each year it’s in a different city, always on the Fourth of July weekend and it draws people from coast to coast. This year I thought that … Read more ...

Trying Not To Kill My Child On Our Family Road Trip

Posted on by July 4, 2011

It was around mile 454 that I first had the urge to strangle my child. It was Day 2 of our weeklong family adventure on the open road. I was in the backseat, sandwiched between two car seats, my feet were perched on a carton of juice boxes and my eldest was tapping my arms.

I logged many miles sitting in this seat between my two boys.

Incessantly tapping.

On the surface, tapping someone on their upper arms doesn’t seem so bad. Then 30 tappity-tap-tap-filled … Read more ...