My Life 2005

When I Get Better

Did I mention that a few weeks ago I played hooky for a day, and went to Disneyland with my daughter, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew? We had a great time,... Continue reading "When I Get Better"

Spilled Coffee, Lost Wallet

Today started out as a typical fall Saturday morning. I dropped my daughter off at the soccer field, and with thirty minutes to spare before game time, I headed for... Continue reading "Spilled Coffee, Lost Wallet"

Rosh Hashana

L' Shana Tova to my Jewish readers. It's the Jewish New Year, known as Rosh Hashana. At this time of year, we often wish each other "L' Shana Tova Tikateivu"... Continue reading "Rosh Hashana"

Our Israel Tour

A few weeks ago, I promised a recap of our family trip to Israel. So, here goes, but first, a huge thank-you to those who led our group. Our Israeli... Continue reading "Our Israel Tour"

Fundraising and Fundraising Scams

This week's Surfnetkids Jerusalem topic was inspired by our family trip to Israel at the end of August. You can view a few of our snapshots at Jerusalem Photo Gallery.... Continue reading "Fundraising and Fundraising Scams"

I Used to be Barbara Newdorf

Do you ever google people from your past? Old flames, old school mates, old friends? I do now and then. Having worked for years in the mini-computer industry, many of... Continue reading "I Used to be Barbara Newdorf"

Snapshots of Me

Summer is flying by, isn't it? Howard and I are alone (again.) This time just for three days. Both the kids return on Saturday. The house will seem so full!... Continue reading "Snapshots of Me"

Summer Sleepaway Camp Pickup

Sunday was camp pickup day at my daughter's three-week sleepaway camp. I always look forward to seeing her and hanging out for an hour or two at the camp, meeting... Continue reading "Summer Sleepaway Camp Pickup"

A Date with Irene

My son has a date with Irene tonight. Unfortunately, we'd never allow him to bring a girl like a Irene home. I mean, we'd never want someone like her in... Continue reading "A Date with Irene"

Our Precious Cat Corny

Our precious cat Corny died last week. She blessed our lives for just three years. Everyone who came to our house had a special relationship with her, because she was... Continue reading "Our Precious Cat Corny"

Best Bets in NYC? Food & Broadway!

Our trip to New York last week was great. My daughter said her favorite parts were 1) the food 2) Wicked 3) the food and 4) Wicked. We also saw... Continue reading "Best Bets in NYC? Food & Broadway!"

Spring in the Big Apple

I was born in Brooklyn, NY, but moved to Santa Monica , CA at age six. Growing up in the sixties, I imagined myself becoming a sophisticated career girl living... Continue reading "Spring in the Big Apple"

Vegetable Garden

We did it! On Sunday, the first day of spring, the kids and I planted our vegetable garden. Because last year, we did the weeding, but never put any plants... Continue reading "Vegetable Garden"

Maternal Guilt

How perfect do we expect to be? When should we censor the "little voice" inside our heads, and when should we listen? Saturday morning I felt a pang of maternal... Continue reading "Maternal Guilt"

Valentine's Day Etiquette

On Valentine's Day I got chocolates from my husband, and perfume from an online buddy. No, my husband wasn't jealous. The perfume was a sampler from a friend who is... Continue reading "Valentine's Day Etiquette"

I love Amazon but the library loans books for free!

I love Amazon.com. In fact, I love it so much that this week when they announced a year's worth of two-day shipping for $79, I signed up. But, dude, the... Continue reading "I love Amazon but the library loans books for free!"

Is it worth finishing?

When and how do you decide if a book is worth finishing or not? I'm in the middle of "Life of Pi" and it hasn't really engaged me, but since... Continue reading "Is it worth finishing?"

The Incompetent Really Are Clueless

As I watched the American Idol premier last night, I thought of the study done at Cornell University in 1999 by Justin Kruger and David Dunning. In four separate studies... Continue reading "The Incompetent Really Are Clueless"

A Two-Way Conversation

When questioned as to my occupation, my husband Howard usually answers "syndicated columnist." That's a good answer, because it is something that almost everyone can understand. The truth, however, is... Continue reading "A Two-Way Conversation"

Tsunami Relief Organizations

My son Matthew is turning seventeen this week. He is celebrating with a small party of friends and is asking that in lieu of presents, donations be made to any... Continue reading "Tsunami Relief Organizations"

10-Year Old Hero Saves Tourists from Tsunami

How important is geography? Well, just ask any of the hundred tourists saved by 10-year old Tilly Smith. While vacationing on the beach in Phuket, Thailand, Tilly recognized the early... Continue reading "10-Year Old Hero Saves Tourists from Tsunami"