a real mother

Rules of Engagement

Many people remember the instant it happens. And nothing is ever the same. The sun is brighter. Mr. Bluebird lands on your shoulder because you're just so darned happy. You've become so annoying that your closest friends are actually plotting Mr. Bluebird's untimely demise. And that’s a sure sign that you are head over heels… Continue reading Rules of Engagement

a real mother

Cell Phone Addict

When I was a kid and the phone would ring during dinner, my mom would glare at the harvest gold wall mount and yell, “DON’T answer it!” She’d then lower her voice. “Pretend we’re not home,” she’d whisper as if the caller could hear her. According to Mom, there was an appropriate time and place… Continue reading Cell Phone Addict

a real mother

50 Shades of A Real Mother

The 50 Shades of Grey Trilogy, written by E.L. James, has become a worldwide phenomenon. This series continues to reach unprecedented sales milestones that suggest every man and woman on the planet currently owns a copy.  The craze started for the self-published James thanks to friends telling friends and ebooks – where women could simply… Continue reading 50 Shades of A Real Mother

a real mother

Shakin’ off the Earworm

In the past decade, the field of neuroscience has produced amazing scientific breakthroughs. Researchers have learned how to control micro RNA, help individuals achieve impulse control, and change behavior with non-invasive brain stimulation. Recently, two MIT scientists successfully implanted a memory that NEVER HAPPENED into a mouse’s brain. But despite all these incredible advances, I’m… Continue reading Shakin’ off the Earworm

a real mother

Montana Dress Code – Say it Ain’t So

As I was reading the recent publication of the 64th Montana House of Representatives Legislative Session Dress Code, I have to admit, for a moment I thought it was a satire piece straight from the pages of The Onion. Then I realized the truth. This was no joke. I laughed so hard my bonnet nearly fell… Continue reading Montana Dress Code – Say it Ain’t So

a real mother

Thanksgiving Envy

With mere hours to go on the Turkey Day countdown, you’ve probably checked most items off your official Food Network Thanksgiving Planning To-Do List. Yeah, me neither. According to the Food Network guide, my menu should have been planned one month in advance. That’s ridiculous - mine has been planned for much, much longer -… Continue reading Thanksgiving Envy

a real mother

Yakasses on a Plane? Say it Ain’t So!

We’re less than a week away from the busiest time of the year in air travel – the Christmas holiday season.  According to the American Air Trade Industry, between December 17 and January 6, 15 million people will line up for their pre-flight TSA grope.  And if the FCC gives the green light, those 15… Continue reading Yakasses on a Plane? Say it Ain’t So!

a real mother

The Last Best Place – But Not For Haters

  I’ve lived in Bozeman a long time.  One of the things I’ve always appreciated about this community is how welcoming it is – to everyone.  It reminds me of my Southern home where when company comes, we roll out the red carpet to show folks we’re glad you’re visiting.  We throw a little extra… Continue reading The Last Best Place – But Not For Haters

a real mother

A Convert Comes Clean

They say that converts are the worst.  Reformed carb addicts have been known to snatch a piece of still warm baguette from your hands while shrieking, “You’ll THANK me for this!”  Reformed smokers complain the loudest when a whiff of a stray puff so much as crosses their nostrils.  And I may be the worst… Continue reading A Convert Comes Clean

a real mother

Give me fitness. Give me abs. Give me a Hawaii Chair.

Experts say it takes three weeks to turn a new behavior into a habit.  So if my past experience is a predictor, at two weeks into my New Year’s fitness regime I’m going to be, well, bored.  Cardio intervals? Yawn. Core fitness? Zzzzzz.  Eat less, exercise more?  What-EVER. Give me gimmicks.  Give me fads.  Give… Continue reading Give me fitness. Give me abs. Give me a Hawaii Chair.