Why You Need to Read “Becoming,” The Autobiography of Michelle Obama regardless of Your Political Sensibilities
Do you consider yourself conservative? Or maybe liberal? Or maybe somewhere in between? No matter where a person falls on the political spectrum, it is my (fairly centrist) opinion that you will thank me later for having suggested this delightful read, or listen if you choose the audiobook read by none other than the author. (I definitely suggest the audiobook!)
Maria CalderoniPublished a day ago in MotivationHow Not to Ride a City Bus
Have you ever found yourself suddenly sprawled on the floor of a city bus, while frantically trying to maintain contact with your two toddlers? Picture all the packages of the day scattered around the three of you amidst the quiet disdain of the more seasoned passengers. Let me tell you; I thought my blood might actually boil.
Maria CalderoniPublished a day ago in WanderHow Vocal Media Helped Me Write A Book
I don’t know about you, but I have so many books inside me just bursting to get out. One of my greatest fears is that I will die one day with the words trapped inside of me, lost forever. On my wall is a giant sticky note with titles of books I am working on. Some I am still formulating in my head, others I have actually begun getting words onto paper.
Maria CalderoniPublished 4 days ago in MotivationHow to (Not) Host Your Baby’s First Birthday Party --or Smoked Cherry Cake for Everyone
As a young mom, I set the bar pretty high for birthday celebrations. Not realizing how many children we would have and how many extravagant celebrations that would add up to over the years, I started out with grand illusions about the best birthday parties ever. Well, five children and almost three decades later, I still enjoy planning a great birthday. Unfortunately however, I have put myself through way too much mom guilt over this birthday party thing through the years. The worst example was when we F I N N N A L L Y celebrated my son’s long anticipated tenth birthday with a very amazing Spy birthday party……. On his eleventh birthday. If that’s not enough to make you cringe, I don't know what is. He absolutely loved the party and appreciated all the work I put into it. He said he didn’t even mind that it was a year late. Sometimes, during a rough week, I still allow myself to feel bad about that ridiculous delay.
Maria CalderoniPublished 4 days ago in FamiliesThe Terrifying Giraffes at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska
“NOOOOOO!” screamed my 4 year old as I led him into our favorite Zoo. Turning and trying to run away from me he looked seriously concerned. Cringing inside as I imagined what people must be thinking, I ran to catch him, holding him tightly yet gently, trying to understand his reluctance. We had been talking about this great field trip for days, as we meandered our way from one side of the vast United States to the other.
Maria CalderoniPublished 5 days ago in WanderHow Buying a Hoarder House at an Auction made my dreams come true
Don't call me crazy yet, but I bought the worst house in my neighborhood. This was a real “dirty dog.” Not only was the house falling apart but the place looked like a complete junk yard. You won't believe the whole story!
Maria CalderoniPublished 5 days ago in HumansThe Oblivious Young Husband
“Don’t worry honey,” the older lady at the wedding rehearsal dinner leaned over the table conspiratorially and whispered to me, “he’ll learn tact one day.” First off, she was referring to my husband, the best man at the wedding. And second of all, she was wrong. I don’t think he ever did!
Maria CalderoniPublished 8 days ago in ConfessionsThe Time My Google Assistant Tried to Get Me the WRONG Date
To this day, my cheeks flush and I press my lips tightly together before shaking my head in rueful laughter about the time my Google Assistant tried to set up a secretive rendezvous for me with a married man!
Maria CalderoniPublished 8 days ago in Confessions