A due date becomes a do date – 22 years later, that is

My first pregnancy was pretty dreamy - I conceived the exact month I wanted to, which meant my maternity leave would be perfectly integrated with my academic calendar. The Lilly baby was due April 5th, which would give me about 6 weeks home, followed by 6 weeks back at work, and then summer off. It … Continue reading A due date becomes a do date – 22 years later, that is →

Headed to Ireland’s half light with a full heart

After a nearly six year absence, I’m visiting Ireland this month. It would take some effort, and both hands, to count the number of times I’ve traveled to the country where my father was born, yet I’m about as excited as I was on that first trip to the Emerald Isle. Back then, all flights … Continue reading Headed to Ireland’s half light with a full heart →

I’m your Mom, not your pimp

I’m really concerned about today’s young people* and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about what a shitty world in which the next generation is  growing up. Does saying that make me sound really old? If it does, so be it. Unlike much of today’s youth, I can live with … Continue reading I’m your Mom, not your pimp →

Telling the story of A Fire, a Phonebook Page and Finding My Father

I’m finally sobering up after a night that was intoxicatingly special. Friday night I was one of 6 storytellers at a public event held at the Linda Auditorium. The occasion was a celebration of the 8th anniversary of our local take on the Moth Story Hour, The Front Parlor Series, which occurs monthly in two … Continue reading Telling the story of A Fire, a Phonebook Page and Finding My Father →

Becoming Purnomo

When I first moved to Albany in 1988, I got a job working split doubles at PD. Ladd’s, currently Dove and Deer. My apartment was just around the corner on Washington Avenue and, since I was carless, I needed to work within walking distance. The Ladopolous brother were very kind to me and, while I … Continue reading Becoming Purnomo →

23 and me – yes, me!

As a Christmas gift to myself, I bought a 23 and Me kit. I grew up not knowing any biological family members and I was curious to see how much of the limited family lore might be confirmed - or disproven. For years I had considered my heritage to be pretty cut and dry (50% … Continue reading 23 and me – yes, me! →