I’m going to do it. I think. I may never push the PUBLISH button, however. In my family, we have a very difficult time telling others when we have accomplished something we are proud of. It is, admittedly, a weird family thing: we don’t give importance to those significant moments that highlight our accomplishments. Example: I did not invite my parents to my ... Read More »
“I don’t read a lot, but I DO read when you blog!” It was a bit of a throw down. Or a shaming. Stephen and I were over at Anna’s BarVino, always a happy event. Even if we think we will just go for a glass of wine, eventually a small plate comes calling. Or two. Or three. Always frites. ... Read More »
Mobile app meets psychologist’s couch. How on earth did Waze know so much? As I got on the Northway heading south recently, I turned on the app Waze, and in its extremely intuitive manner, it did not tell me if there was a vehicle stopped on the shoulder ahead, or even a cop. Instead, I got this: OMG!!! HOW DID ... Read More »
Two very big words. Two enormous challenges. Integrity is all about moral and ethical standards that are upheld regardless of the challenges. I don’t think it is a coincidence that the word “integrity” has inside it the word “grit”. Integrity usually requires courage, even in the face of dire consequences. Integrity is that straightening of the spine and the confidence ... Read More »
It seems impossible, or maybe it appears to defy the odds, but once again I find myself reflecting on the loss of a loved one. A family member. Or so it seemed. George Danes died on August 4, 2015. In case you missed the enormous hiccup in the world when that happened. Two things come to mind as I ... Read More »
There’s a photograph that was taken on Monday of my sister and me. We’re sitting on the stern of a vintage 1950s Chris Craft boat and it captures a moment of extreme privilege: a warm, sunny day on Lake George, a boat occupied by some of our nearest and dearest, nothing to do but talk, drink, swim and tan. Sarah ... Read More »
There are periods in life where you seem to be either IN or OUT of the wedding circuit. We Cichellos never got invited to weddings when we were kids. Our parents got invitations, but imagine adding seven hungry children to your guest list. Too expensive. The mid to late 20s is an active period for weddings, and for accumulating bridesmaids ... Read More »
The love affair continues. No, dear, I am not asking for a divorce. I am admitting, however, my ongoing and apparently lifelong love for Madrid. I was able to sneak in a one week visit to Madrid in May, accompanied by my undergraduate partners-in-crime, Nina and Charlie. I would venture a guess that they, too, continue to be enraptured by ... Read More »
The epithet that no parent wants thrown his or her way: “Helicopter parent!” I have to confess I am an unwilling helicopter parent. I never asked for this, and I rail at being forced into the role. I come from a generation where parents NEVER hoped to be their children’s best friends. Parents were generally supportive of their high school ... Read More »
The price you pay for being organized and caught up at work. The email popped up and jingled at me, Tuesday or Wednesday morning: “Look at your Inbox!” Oooh! Employee Wellness Day! Free flu shots! Hmmm. I actually had the time to run over and get my flu shot, even if there was a long line. Two days of lesson ... Read More »
Sauced In New York Sometimes the food is in the sauce, sometimes we are