We got a cat. There are so many things that still have me scratching my head at this sentence, I still don't know where to begin. Actually, it's a quote more than a lead sentence for this week's column. A quote taken directly from my four-year-old, who happens to be over the moon with the newest addition to the Hammond family (commonly known as T&Co.) Yes, the 'Co.' seems to be growing and well… as ...
It really takes just a minute for a life to change. Very simple events which happen all the time, yet can in a moment change life as we know it. Something as uneventful as a contraction which results in an early birth, a secret which ends a marriage or a stomach/headache which leads to a diagnosis of cancer. Life changing events… some come after years of chasing a dream or working toward a goal and ...
I love being a grown-up. As I look back on this thought I can't help but think - lady, what are you talking about? That, of course, is a fair question. Especially if you take into account that I am commonly known for saying, 'I had no idea how good life was when I was 12.' Yes, 12 was a good year for me. Remember the days of being excited to get mail? Or wondering ...
If you are the parent of a 7-year-old, I hope you have them in a booster seat today. Well, that is unless of course they are 4'9"- then you are pretty much off the hook. Yes… for those who missed it the state of California Booster Seat Law changed Jan. 1, 2012. The law which once stated a child must be 6 years or 60 pounds, was modified to 8 years or 4'9" in height. ...
I recently had a 'moment' of clarity and it made me think two things: this will make a good column and I wonder if others experience this.
I need a little help understanding something. So many of us marvel over how quickly time passes. Expressions like: "Where did the time go?"; "There aren't enough hours in the day."; "I'll sleep when I die."; and "It goes too fast."- are not uncommon among the average family. As a working mom with two young children, I will be the first to admit… I get it. This last week, however, I took a moment of ...
On the morning of June 12, 1986 the farthest thing from my mind was how I would feel about my life in 25 years.
I never dreamed of being a teacher. This is a pretty big sentence coming from a girl who: wanted to be a nurse (until I saw someone bleed), hoped to own my own Modeling Agency (which confused counselors) and titled herself as 'A Star' for her aspirations when leaving Junior High. Professional Roller Skater, Oceanographer, Flight Attendant, Political Aide, Green Peace Volunteer, even Solid Gold Dancer … these are all just a few of the ...
Will someone please explain to me what happens to perfectly rationally thinking adults as they enter a school zone?
There's a funny thing that seems to have happened to me since becoming a parent. Admittedly, I am no longer concerned nor bothered with the status of popularity.
As of this morning we are officially one week into the 2011-2012 school year. The jolt to our laid back summer morning routine has me wondering- How did you all fare?
Just 24 hours post a one-week vacation with my kids, I am faced with the task of writing something witty and entertaining for all of you - our readers.
As of late, I have had several friends point out that I am a "glass half full" type of person. Honestly, the "type" of person I am never truly crosses my mind. I do often ponder the amazing friendships and people I have come to know. I'm grateful for each of them, as these friendships create the fabric of who I truly am.
The past 10 years I have spent as part of a psychological study in human behavior. Admittedly, I did not know or realize it at the time, yet recent events have taught me that a number of my suspicions are indeed correct. My findings are very exciting, yet I struggle with how to gingerly share my findings without hurting the feelings of our readers. More importantly, I dare not write words that might knowingly or ...
It is pretty fair to say that during the course of parenting we eventually cross the path where we channel the parent we grew up with. The channeling can reveal its ugly head at any given moment. Sometimes we catch it immediately and other times it may require a little more thought and be a bit more indirect.
Magic is in the air and I am so grateful.
Finding the right words is not always easy.
I honestly don't remember when I first gained an interest in politics. In a column a few weeks back I candidly shared my interests were pretty typical 'girly' in my formative years (i.e.: music and teen heartthrobs).
Another Halloween has made it into the Hammond Family memory books. This may also be interpreted as ... mommy has survived yet another Halloween.