What I Need My High Schooler to Know

Dear Son, High school's sure changed a lot in the last thirty years. Back then I used to think programming the Commodore 64 to scroll my name in a loop was a big deal...but I have a feeling the important bits haven't changed that much. Some stuff is definitely harder (the omnipresence of social media),... Continue Reading →

Girl Magic, Part I

My sons just spent a week dribbling footballs. They tackled, ran, shot on goal. While I watched my own kids, out of the corner of my eye, I was also watching the girls who were there. Some were thin and lanky, all giraffe legs up to their armpits. Many were strong and wide, thighs thick... Continue Reading →

July 22, 2018 13

The Breakfast Club

It's not often I drop my kids at school. The thirteen year-old is in charge of his own schedule and the ten year-old, who almost is, cycles in with his father. On the rare occasions I am in the a.m., I usually spot The Breakfast Club. On any given school day the mothers of the... Continue Reading →

June 9, 2018 1

How to Make–and Keep–Expat Friends

And so another season of goodbyes is upon us. I've written extensively about the art of saying goodbye to good friends. I've walked the walk, talked the talk, and all the rest. Nearly ten years of saying goodbye to acquaintances, friends, good friends, and the ones who feel more like family than friends has left... Continue Reading →