No Fair: Teacher Gifts & Free Rider Parents
Anonymous pooled gift funds for teacher gifts… sure does simplify things. Except for the free riders — those folks who, for whatever reason, choose not to participate in the class gift fund. Yet they are recognized anyway because all families’ names are signed to the card, regardless of who has actually donated hard earned cash to the cause. One school’s brewhaha…
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Erin Go Bragh: One Simple Story of Ties that Bind
“It was St. Patrick’s Day. Brooklyn, NY. 1950.” My dad begins his story as the kids listen with rapt attention, “My Aunt Dorothy stopped me cold and handed me a green tie to wear. ‘This would be the perfect way to show some pride in your Irish heritage.’” But green tie was definitely not the uniform tie…Continue reading
Heart Health: What Your Four-Year-Old Knows That You Forgot
It was 8:30 am. My daughter, in preschool at the time, stood solemnly in front of the school flag with her tiny hand over her heart for the Pledge of Allegiance. When it was over, she looked at me with big eyes and said very seriously: “Mom, my heart only beats during the Pledge of Allegiance.” What…Continue reading
On Buying My Own Gift for Valentine’s Day
“Mom, why did you buy your own gift from Dad for Valentine’s Day?” “Well, I get so much love and attention from Dad on a such a frequent basis that he might forget that there is a special day coming up. He makes all the days special. So just to be on the safe side, it’s better if I procure a gift for him to give to me.” To be honest…Continue reading
The False Promise of Football and Sexed Up Nights
A few weeks ago, one of my friends shared with me how she hooked her husband with her amazing cooking. They fell in love and got married. At some point after the wedding, she made a shocking proclamation: “Hey buddy, I love you but I’m not cooking 24/7.” In the same week, I learned that there are girls who pretend to like football to woo a potential mate. Can you even imagine..Continue reading
Kindergarteners and Making Out
The kids had just finished watching the movie Beezus and Ramona (rated G, btw) when my daughter asked me earnestly, “Mom, can you and I practice kissing like they did in the movie?” Insert visual of her closing her eyes and squiggling her tongue all over the place. Good grief. My first thought was…Continue reading
Who Needs Reading? Don’t Miss This New TV Show.
While most of us don’t argue over reading the back of the cereal box (see Portlandia video clip), we all know how important reading is. I’ll just say it. When the kids are in bed and I have finished a few hours of work, the last thing I want to do is read. In fact…Continue reading
Vodka Tampons for Kids? | Viral Lists of 2011
Very funny, Dad. I too have some consternation about my kids hitting those years. But the good news is that having “been around the block” of teenage rebellion, I feel that I am pretty prepared for the tricks that this age group might pull. That was, until I heard that the newest trend is for kids to insert bourbon soaked tampons into their vaginas. Apparently this worksContinue reading
Our Favorite Lists of 2011: from Disneyland to Foodie Travel
As the year draws to a close, we at SkinnyScoop are taking stock of 2011. Of the many things we have to be thankful for, top on our list is YOU, the ladies (and gentlemen) of SkinnyScoop. You, your passions, your recommendations, your willingness to share with friends, and your determination to learn more – …Continue reading
How To Survive This Week
Well here we are, in one of the busiest weeks of the year. I’ve heard of those people that “just get it all done before Thanksgiving.” But just say, for arguments sake, that the work you are doing this week could rival that of a procurement officer of an entire regiment. Gift ordering, shipping times, cost management, equity of loot…Continue reading
Holiday Learnings From Our Kids
When we emerged from the restaurant, there was a light rain falling. Adults might think this was a bummer. But the kids quickly discovered that this made the deck of Union Square into a perfect sliding arena. They could run and slide nearly ten feet in their loafers. My son looked at me and exclaimed, “isn’t this AMAZING how well you can slide here?!”Continue reading