Posts

2024, the Year That Was & Is (with a few days left)

Forget resolutions left unresolved and dreams deferred. This year isn’t about what I didn’t do, this is the year of what I did. It’s a mixed bag of chaos, growth, hilarity, and a few heartfelt moments, so here’s my little victory lap in no specific order: I Blogged! (A Lot, Actually)  First off, let’s give it up for consistency. I blogged my way through 2024—not as many posts as I wanted, and not as funny as I’d hoped, but hey, I showed up & I maintained two blogs, this and my professional blog. 🥳 The pearly whites:  One thing I didn’t realize until just today: I started 2024 in the dentist’s chair, and guess where I’m ending it? Yup, the same place. My dental dramas are rolling straight into 2025, and my dentist and I are now so intimate we do drinks every now and then.  To add to the fun, my firstborn embarked on the braces journey, complete with high-level brace drama just in time for the holidays. Nothing too serious—just inconvenient enough to remind us that den...

My Littlest Mayor: My only Sunshine

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 My little and youngest cherub also known as "The Baby" entered this world with a full head of dark hair, the rosiest cheeks, and the most beautifully red lips, of which Snow White would be jealous. "Easy baby" doesn't even begin to come close to describing her — she arrived in this cold, complex world to make everything effortlessly bright and joyful. Cute doesn't scratch the surface. Clever? Emotionally intelligent? Absolutely. She's all that and more. She has an incredible knack for giving. She consistently dips into her own money box to buy gifts for her older sister just to see her smile. And it's not just a one-off; it's her way of being. I have a collection of love letters, drawings, and hearts from her that tree environmentalists would rightly question how many trees were sacrificed—but each one is priceless. The popularity of this kid astounds me. She gets called constantly for playdates and visits; our door has a revolving sign just for...

Manifestation Mishaps: Ceiling Therapy and Cosmic Twists

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Let’s start with a confession: while recuperating recently, I’ve spent much time staring at the ceiling—aka ceiling therapy. During this downtime, I’ve binged on podcasts, webinars, and some serious daydreaming. But let’s get one thing straight: I’m not talking about following white witches or wishing on a star. I’m talking about getting your vibration (a.k.a. your inner energy) in the right place. And no, this isn’t “good vibes only” fluff. It’s about being positive, grateful, hopeful, and confidently strutting into your dream life like you already own it. Are you bored yet? If no, keep reading. Is Manifestation Just Fancy Goal Setting with Cosmic Glitter? So, is manifestation just another way of setting goals? Kind of! But think of it as goal setting with a twist—a twist of cosmic lemon, if you will. Traditional goal setting is like writing a to-do list for your life. Manifestation is like placing an order with the universe’s drive-thru, trusting your meal will arrive, even if it co...

Embracing Recovery: A Summer Adventure Indoors

Summer – the season of beach outings, golden tans, and those magical evenings under the stars . Usually , this is the time of year when we’re all about mobility, late nights, laughter, and just being outdoors - even in the heat - but things took an unexpected turn. I recently had surgery, and my summer plans have a different kind of journey: recovery. It’ll take up to two months to get back to my usual self . I am a little frustrated and bored . Instead of the 6 am morning dip before - and the sneaky plunge after work - I’m stuck indoors, staring at the ceiling with the air con on FULL. I can’t sit for too long , can’t stand for too long – it’s a delicate dance of finding the least uncomfortable position .   And that ceiling - its bland. But there’s a silver lining . For the first time in 30 years (yes, I am old) , my mom has come to care for me . It’s been a heartwarming (and sometimes heart-wrenching) experience. Her care is nothing short of amazing . The foo...

Single Parenting a Neurospicy Teen

Navigating single parenthood with a neurospicy teen is like embarking on a rollercoaster ride filled with twists, turns, and sudden loop-de-loops of emotions. The incredible highs and deep, dark lows make this bittersweet and wild journey not for the faint of heart. Realizing that my understanding of my child's therapy needs surpasses even that of their world-class therapist is a jolting revelation akin to walking into a glass door. Hours spent observing, learning, and seeking guidance leave me questioning the very purpose of therapy and its effectiveness. The sound of my child's tears echoing through the night serves as a haunting reminder of my perceived failure as a parent, despite my unwavering dedication. The cocktail of autism, character, teenage angst, and daily pressures, often brings tears daily, to the one experiencing the challenges, and the one wanting to shoulder the pain. What many refuse to realise through their eyes and stances of pity - is that my neurospicy ch...

Filling Follies part 2 - the drama continued

So, remember how I was gearing up for my dental odyssey in January? Well, folks, grab your popcorn and settle in because the saga continued until two weeks ago. I just forgot to blog about it! I wish I could say that my search for the perfect dentist ended with a triumphant fanfare, but alas no. A hard fast NO. The dentist I was assigned to tried her best to be understanding of and  she stayed quiet. She let the sound of the drill penetrate my eardrums (is that possible) at a level that was just plain awful. No swearing, no exaggerated description needed here.  This is not a creative written piece... this is trauma therapy - it was just plain horrifying.  Midway through my dental ordeal, she struck a nerve. I mean a real one. And caused some serious damage. I sat up, told her she was done, and left traumatized. Did I mention the pain? Really? Did I not mention the pain?  I lived with it for two weeks. Two weeks of sleepless nights, a swollen mouth and a throbbing tha...

Riding the Waves of Parenting and Committee Life

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As the sun begins to dip toward the horizon on my two-year journey with the School Parents and Guardians Committee, I find myself navigating a sea of nostalgia and frustration. It's been quite the adventure, filled with highs and lows that have left their mark on my heart. I stepped into the role of secretary (despite my lack of Greek) with lofty ambitions of revolutionizing our local school community with global best practices. Little did I know the whirlwind of emotions and experiences that awaited me. Perhaps it’s the exhaustion, the perimenopausal rollercoaster, or the stress from work, but this school, nestled in the sunny coastal suburbs of Athens with just 200 students, has become more than just a place of education for my kids—it’s my second home - a place to rest. Balancing the desires of my children has been like walking a tightrope with fire underneath. One demands my participation at every turn, while the other wishes for invisibility at the school gates. It's a del...