Like it or not…
Like it or not, I would work longer hours if I didn’t have kids.
Like it or not, I’d be less efficient if I didn’t have kids.
Like it or not, I’d be skinner if I didn’t have kids.
Like it or not, I’m healthier because I have kids.
Like it or not, I’m more emotional because I have kids.
Like it or not, I’m less emotional because I have kids.
Like it or not, I’d have more time for friends, if I didn’t have kids.
Like it or not, the friends I have are vital and precious, because I have kids.
Like it or not, I’d be less tired if I didn’t have kids.
Like it or not, I’m more awake and alive because I have kids.
Like it or not, I am a less creative marketer, because I have kids.
Like it or not, I’m a better marketing leader, because I have kids.
Like it or not, I’ve got less time for my parents, because I have kids.
Like it or not, I’ve got endless respect for my parents, because I have kids.
Like it or not, I’m less passionate about my career, because I have kids.
Like it or not, I’m more passionate at the work I do choose, because I have kids.
Like it or not, I’d be so much more wealthy, if I didn’t have kids.
Like it or not, I’m more driven to be wealthy, because I have kids.
Like it or not, my life would be more free, if I didn’t have kids.
Like it or not, I’ve never known life, before I had kids.
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April Fool’s Day, Granddad!
Making Mud Cupcakes!
Mud Cupcakes in Bakery Box
Poor Granddad, the Victim
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To Mom
Dear Mom,
You became a mother 40 years ago today on a rainy Wednesday afternoon. Your world at 20-something had moved into a new chapter, forever shifting your life’s focus to being a parent. I wonder how you felt that day. I wonder if you felt, as I did at the moment I became a parent, that you had just participated in a miracle, leaving you breathless and full of joy you’d never known — you had become a mother.
I gain my daily and my abstract inspiration from you, mom. Unlike me, you are Pollyanna, always finding the good in every situation. And as time passes, I have tried to learn a bit of that from you — call it a Pollyanna Placebo, if you will. Being a true woman comes naturally to you. I am reminded every day I see you, that being a woman means being as brilliant as your mind can take you, as kind as your heart can muster, and, as strong as your body will push you. Being a woman, I’ve learned from you, is never compromised by being a lady. Being a lady comes first. Mom, you are quite a lady.
Today, I am 40. Today, no different than yesterday or tomorrow, I will rely on you for guidance, and take only half of it. I will look for your nod of approval and then question it from every angle. Today like all days, I’ll not quite be complete without seeing you or speaking with you. Unless I don’t, and that’s okay by you too. Today you’ll make me beef stroganoff even though I doubt anyone in the free world eats beef stroganoff anymore, you’ll do it for me like you do every year on my birthday. And today, you’ll make me a lemon cake because I love lemon cake, even if you don’t. Because you’re a mom and I’m your kid and it’s my birthday.
I have a million birthday memories with you, mom. Most are happy, some hard, some just getting through the day. My first memory of my life is my birthday party in our backyard on Bundy. I was wearing yellow and you were wearing a white lacy shirt. You made my cake, of course, and brought it outside. It was a cold afternoon and my feet were tingling and wet from the cold bricks. There was a rectangular table and my friends and I wore party hats. I remember you bringing out my cake with candles on it. It had white frosting. I’ll never forget that first memory as long as I live: my beautiful mother and my beautiful life and my beautiful birthday cake in the backyard.
There are others too — I can remember a very rainy birthday party where you were sick, much like you are right now, and Aunt Maria was there. I remember feeling claustrophobic, playing Pin-the-Tail-on-the-Donkey on the wall in grandma’s livingroom on Teakwood. On my Sweet 16, you took a chunky, friendless girl and made a magical day for me, despite my pathetic teenhood. I remember my 21st birthday in college with a massive box filled with 21 gifts from you, each with a clue written on it and hand-wrapped. The 21st gift was a string of pearls. I love my pearls, I’m wearing them today. On my 30th birthday you quietly told me to pick boys over girls, not for judgement sake, but because it would just be less messy. Pregnant on my 32nd birthday, you bought me a soft black dress for a small fortune in a maternity size extra large. You made me feel pretty — and surprised! — at that secret fete.
Today, Mom, I’m excited to be 40. I can’t wait to celebrate with you. It is February 24. It’s the day you became a mother.
I love you.
Samantha
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Little Cesar
Little Cesar
“I want to be Cesar Chavez. I want to be like him. I want to help people and I want my own flag. Will you help me, mom?”
Oh yes, son. Yes, I will follow you and your passion to the end of the earth.
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Side Gigs
