I swear, no one in Raleigh stops at crosswalks to allow pedestrians to cross safely. It matters not if you have a stroller, a dog on a leash, a child holding your hand, or are wheelchair bound. No one stops, regardless the neon yellow sign or flashing lights. In fact, I've been … [Read more...] about Driving Me Crazy
Dirt and Noise
Momonyms
My sons make fun of me for my admittedly pathetic and corny love of word humor. Word play and puns send me into a swirl of giggles, and I am my own best audience. I have always loved a good homonym/homophone, but nothing irks me more than when the wrong form is used. Insert eye … [Read more...] about Momonyms
Go Home
The hurtful sentiment to "go home" isn't news to anyone of color in America. It's neither shocking nor alarming. Because we're used to it. I used to reply with a snide, "Go home? You mean to Virginia where I grew up?" This was followed by silence and a textbook look of … [Read more...] about Go Home
Still Worth Celebrating July 4th
You can’t say you love America but rally against democracy. We are living in an age where facts are fake and propaganda proliferates. Platitudes of patriotism and obscene displays of power are more a sign that our country is tanking rather than flourishing. Vulgarity is … [Read more...] about Still Worth Celebrating July 4th
Font Matters
I-L-I-N-A My name is Ilina. Last name Ewen. There’s no -ing there, so don’t make Dallas jokes. Also, we are a family of winners, but there’s no i in my last name. I understand it can be confusing when’s one’s surname is also a full sentence. “Ewen = You … [Read more...] about Font Matters
Nothing Measly About Measles. Vaccines Work.
Measles. Nothing measly about this disease. Contrary to what the anti vax movement, measles is a dangerous disease. The measles virus can live for two hours in the airspace where an infected person has coughed or sneezed. Yikes! I figure if scientists and researchers have … [Read more...] about Nothing Measly About Measles. Vaccines Work.
He’s 14-Years Old
My baby boy turned 14 over the weekend. I wasn’t in a rush to write about it since time is rushing by at warp speed and I wanted to savor the moment. He's almost 5'9, and I need to stand on my tippy toes to kiss his cheek. My son has blossomed into a smart, compassionate, witty … [Read more...] about He’s 14-Years Old