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Why I'm voting for Christine Chen for NJ Senate tomorrow

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For months I've been avoiding politics. I consider myself a well-informed person, but over the past year I have lacked inspiration to engage in politics. After years of following local events eagerly, attending school board meetings and spending time involved in the community, I'm feeling rather apathetic this year. Enter a scientist and Bridgewater mom running for statewide office But something changed last weekend when Christine Chen  knocked on my door. If you haven't had the pleasure of meeting her, check out her video. It is her in a nutshell.  Why vote for Christine Chen? I can write all the reasons I'm going to vote for her - she's a scientist - and Bridgewater Mom - who is running for statewide office. She's got kids in our school district, so she gets it. Accessible, intelligent, informed. She pays taxes here and can do the same ROI calculations (mental) that I do! And, she is a Jersey native trying to raise kids in the community where I'
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Mama L's Tootsie Hangover

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Good Morning, Beloved Friends (and the 2 family members who read my stuff), It's a glorious Sunday morning here in New Jersey, and I'm thrilled to report that my feet are throbbing. In fact, I had to break my morning running date with PB at Duke Farms because my tootsies need time for the swelling to come down before I lace my running shoes. Don't worry - I won't waste this beautiful day. I've got a non-negotiable appointment with my Sauconies to run a slow 5 miles.  Despite Diego's insisting I get out of bed (earlier than I wanted) to let him out, I'm feeling so invigorated. I've had lots of jobs through the years, and met colleagues that have made their way into my heart and life. But few were like the content team at LN. We just clicked - and maybe cliqued - if wordnerds like us can be a clique. I don't think I'll ever experience a work environment where I'll laugh more than I did with these brilliant folks.  Heels and a Glitt
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Fool Me Once...

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Hello My Friends... I've Missed You! What's on My Needles this Spring  Although I've drafted a few blogs over the past 8 months, I haven't published anything lately - nor had I realized how long it had been since you'd heard from me. Life sometimes gets in the way of our creative pursuits, no matter how much we love them. Writing has always been my joy and my catharsis. As I write I create a place where I experience life and reflect upon how the world impacts me - and vice versa. So, of course I've missed blogging. (Full disclosure - I wrote this on Thursday and now, on Sunday morning I'm editing it hurriedly before meeting a friend for a run...) This sunny morning I drove down Country Club on my way to my new job (yes, I have one, but that's not today's topic) and I got inspired... As MR puts it when we get into an intense discussion, "I felt a blog coming on." So I called her for feedback... and I promised to write two blogs. Here
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GM from a Grateful BWSM

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  Good morning!  Adrenalin is Bridgewater Soccer Mom's coffee this morning. As my Facebook friends know, I spend a lot of energy racing for trains. This morning, as I was pushing 55 mph on the main thoroughfare between Route 22 and our street (I regularly run this road and complain about speeding drivers), I saw the cop and I knew... He did a U-turn, and before he even put on his lights, I'd signaled and pulled over. I rolled down my window and before he said anything I handed him my license and registration and blurted out that I'd been speeding. He finally got a word in. "Are you driving to work?" "I'm racing to catch the train." He asked if it was the 6:20. I looked for the insurance card, saw the date was expired, then in my fog realized something, and picked up my phone and fumbled with it... "The insurance is now an app." Before I could find and open it, he let me go. No warning. No lecture. He said he didn't wa
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Happiness Is...

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My Furry Valentine It's Valentine's Day, the most commercial of commercial days. A day when love seems to become a competitive sport. Hallmark meets high school prom. I think this year's Valentine's day is a great way to explain "my love life." As I type this on my cellphone, Diego and I are lounging on the sofas. The fire my husband built warms us. Lots of people celebrated Valentine's day last night. I did, too. My dad and I drove to my cousins' home and ate a fantastic dinner. My aunt is famous for her cooking, and last night didn't disappoint! We talked family lore and politics. Everyone's favorite subjects. This morning I thought I would have a quick breakfast with my mom's cousin. We couldn't stop talking, and hung out for three hours. Heaven. Valentine's Warmth Last week I was having a particularly challenging day, and I texted my husband. He had just the right advice, "Help your dad. It will make you fe
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Enough! Basta! Click!

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Today is Groundhog Day. I see the sun, which... since it's going to be in the 50s, must mean 6 more weeks of.... political rhetoric. I don't think I can take more hateful speech, overblown half-truths and finger pointing. I'm not an undecided voter. I know whom I support, and if you know me and know where I've spent about 20% of my life, you can guess. Some of you like me because of this, some of you like me in spite of my political opinions, and that may be how I feel about you, too.  Growing up in a "mixed" household with parents who were members of different parties, I saw that you can love someone unconditionally even if you don't agree on politicians. Can you hear Mom's sarcasm, "George, your president is on TV." Plus... And here's the surprise... Most of us have nuance to our opinions. Voter A can be against abortion but support the right to choose. Voter B can be hunter but want stronger controls of who can purchase weapons. And
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They Grow Up So Fast

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All grown up - N spent 6 hours shoveling on both Sun & Mon When you spend years getting your kids get dressed each day,  making sure the basics are covered (underwear and socks), it's almost impossible to imagine that you'd be screaming not "where is your sneaker??" But "move your car... Now!" But that was the last thing I said commanded before I hung up on my daughter at 6:10 am today. Even if my intensity was possibly justified (there is little space on our still-snowy street and the garbage trucks and school buses are expected soon and they may hit her car), my presentation lacked any hint of love. My blood pressure was raised after I had that nanosecond of fear when I didn't see her car. Instead of assuming it was on the street hidden by a huge pile of snow, the logical and correct explanation, my crazy DNA kicked in and paranoia made me think, "Did C go sleep at a friend's house last night? I thought I heard her come in, but what i
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