“What’s that?” my eight-year old daughter asked me, pointing to my bowl a few days ago. “Grits,” I replied and put a spoonful in my mouth. “What’s grits?” she asked and turned up her nose. “It’s….” I started to reply. “It’s from corn. But it’s more than that. Let me think so I can explain.” …
What a difference a day can make….Tuesday, September 15 was a typical, semi-normal day. I worked and remember sending an important email at 4:50 p.m. without any worry about that storm brewing in the gulf. Then Wednesday, September, 16 Hurricane Sally arrived in the gulf coast regions of Florida and Alabama and took us by …
Who else is experiencing a tornado of emotions? Happy and content one minute before turning into an angry, multi-headed beast the next? Then crying uncontrollably later on that same day? For a change, this hasn’t been me recently. I felt more like this in May, June and early July of this year, but I’ve been …
I found this aggressive letter from the tooth fairy on my desk this morning. I’m very scared for the next tooth that goes loose or missing in our house. Here’s what the letter said: Dear Mrs. Fernandez, I made it to your house again last night after a long, humid and stormy flight. This has …
Ever have a memorable, interesting and funny kind of week? That’s how this week has felt for me. I wanted to capture the top ten moments so here it goes – 10 reasons this week has been memorable: 1. I dropped a balsamic vinegar bottle all over the kitchen floor! Here’s the proof. I took …
Summertime is usually such a carefree, fun time. But this summer feels quite different. Many of us have felt very isolated and been physically distant from others since the COVID-19 pandemic began (mid-March 2020). In June I found myself slipping into an incredibly sad state of mind, possibly the beginning of depression. I was withdrawn, …
I just finished reading a dark, painfully but beautifully written book. The topic was heavy – about a ninth-grade girl who was raped and didn’t speak up about it. She fell into a depression and shut everyone out. At the end, she finally began to use her voice and was on the verge of telling …
Drowning in homework, a poem by Mandy Fernandez I’m drowning in homework Treading through Science and Math When I want a glass of wine Or simply a long, hot bath. I’m checking spelling words I’m checking them twice I’m correcting sentences Feeling tired, and not nice. Over this word problem I’m scratching my head …
I’ve had several friends and co-workers ask me lately how I feel about turning 40. And the truth is that I feel good. Not jumping for joy ecstatic happiness, but I feel comfortable and cozy about it. I’ve been thinking about it for the past year and getting used to the idea that I will …
Have you ever really put thought into your day and recorded how you spend your time? On New Year’s Day 2018, I did just that. I was intentional in how I spent my day, hoping that it could perhaps set the tone for the year ahead. I made time for each member of my family. …
