stepmothersmilk.com

Some wise words on stepparenting a teen…

“Nothing you do for children is ever wasted.”

– Garrison Keillor, Radio Show Host

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.”

– Helen Keller

“Humor is the great thing, the saving thing…”

– Mark Twain

All quotes borrowed from The 312 Best Things About Being A Stepmom by Cynthia L. Copeland

Ladies, I really love this quote…

“As Stepmoms, we should remember

It’s our choice.”

– Cynthia L. Copeland

Weird is the word in Texas.

Transplants from the Bay Area, The Husband and I were super psyched to participate in the Keep Austin Weird 5k and Festival this past weekend where locals run in ridiculously “weird” attire to the beat of local bands (well, not everyone as evidenced by our hum-drum outfits left).

Had I participated, I might have mimicked a pixie of a woman in metallic blue tights and a hot pink tutu. It wasn’t the weirdest outfit out there, but it appealed to my flashy Tinker bell side. What can I say? She sparkled.

In many ways, this is Austin’s version of the Bay To Breakers. Except for one distinct difference: there was no prancing and dancing in the fog. We ran like slugs in upper ninety degree heat. I have now fully grasped the term: Hotter Than Hell.

But, the beer and the Texadelphia cheese steaks at the end of the 3.1 miles almost made me forget my wheezing breath and disgusting butt sweat. That is, until Austin’s resident cross-dresser– Leslie-- passed by in a tuxedo g-string and a cowboy hat.

Keep Austin Weird- Amen.

Photos courtesy of Dieter VonSchramm

“Be an awake human being and do the things you love.”

- Ms. Amy Redford

Ladies, take care of yourselves and have a happy weekend.

Listening is an act of love. Have you heard this sentiment before? It’s a nice one, yes? I’m thinking of adopting it as my own personal meditation, borrowed from the book with the same title: Listening Is an Act of Love: A Celebration of American Life from the StoryCorps project.

I heart StoryCorps.

Storycorps began with “the idea that everyone has an important story to tell” and I think this is an outstanding reminder to all of us– mothers, stepmothers, sisters and daughters– who have boldly shown our messed-up insides to readers online. Sometimes I wonder why I write and whenever I question it, I just have to remember how exhilarating (and yes– scary) it feels to be brutally honest, and how comforting it is to be heard. Only after I opened myself up (Hi, I’m Izzy Rose, a new freaked-out stepmom who may drink herself to death unless someone encourages me to take a deep breathe and get it together), did I realize that I wasn’t alone. It took the act of sharing my story to truly learn this.

Last week, The Husband and I had the pleasure of listening to Dave Isay, the creator of the StoryCorp project when he came to Book People to speak about his work and the work of so many people across the country. He made the point of saying that “ordinary” people are the ones with the most remarkable stories.

The more I listen to all of you– women from all over the world who I may have never had the chance to meet otherwise– I know that he is right and that our collective stories do indeed bind us together.

Kisses.

Okay, I need to brag a little bit. My running partner and I accomplished a seven-mile run this morning in thirty degree weather and in miserable rain. We almost called the whole thing off when we realized in the pre-dawn light that, not only would we have sore muscles and achy bones when it was all said and done, but we’d be wet and perhaps sickly. Yet, we persevered and I must say, we felt like warriors.

Then (because this wasn’t enough to boost my self-esteem), I went to the mole doctor and had him cut off a few ugly skin tags and a couple raised old-lady bumps. You know, they just use a plain old kitchen knife and whack those suckers off?

So, now I’m feeling pretty good about myself and I’m considering what sort of reward would be appropriate to honor my unbreakable spirit. Food and/or drink, naturally. Since it’s cold outside, I’m thinking I might indulge in the Dirty Bull. Have you heard of this? It’s a ridiculous cocktail concocted in New York, but I find it more fitting for a new Texan like me. When I first read the list of ingredients (see story here), I almost gagged, but since I’m so tough today, I think it might just satisfy the beast in me.

DIRTY BULL
3 ounces vodka
1/2 ounce olive brine
1 teaspoon veal or beef stock
Cured black olives and beef jerky for garnish.

Hey, if I can drink a gravy martini (and like it), there’s nothing about this stepmom gig I can’t swallow! Cheers and happy weekend.

IR

Photo courtesy of Lenox Fontaine for The New York Times