Abby Off the Record — The scoop on life, writing & raising kids

Things Preschoolers Say

April 2, 2014

“Just chipping away at some ice I froze in a cup while wearing a helmet. As one does.” Why he didn’t eat his lunch: “My cheese stick wasn’t cold enough.” “My kiwi tasted like the stem.” “I couldn’t open my yogurt.” (This from a kid who will tear into a wrapped candy with his teeth […]

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Know When to Walk Away, Know When to Run

March 31, 2014

I bailed on the 5K. I had the best intentions. And it pains me to admit that. But it just didn’t work out. It takes a lot for me to get out of my warm bed at 6:45am on a Sunday, OK? And I am not a huge fan of running under any circumstances, let […]

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What Did You Want to Be When You Grew Up?

March 28, 2014

“What did you want to be when you were my age, Mom?” asked my second-grader one evening. I paused and thought a moment. “Well, I’m not sure. I liked to read, like you do. I actually used to draw my own comics, too. Did you know that? And I liked to dance, too.” “Really? Wow, […]

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We Can Do Hard Things

March 24, 2014

“We can do hard things.” I pinned this quote to my vision board on Pinterest a while back. I like the simplicity of it, and the boost of self-confidence it gives me. It’s true: I CAN do hard things. I’ve done them before and I’ll do them again. Of course, there are different kinds of […]

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Happiness and the Adventures of a Recovering Pessimist

March 21, 2014

I have had happiness on the brain lately. First, it was that discussion of happy songs with my kids. Then Thursday was the International Day of Happiness. I have also been testing out a new app called Happify, which teaches you to be happier through scientifically proven exercises. Also, I just finished researching and writing […]

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Are You There, Spring? It’s Me, Insane Mom

March 17, 2014

This Saturday dawned breezy and cool. By afternoon, it was positively balmy. Baseball try-outs and bike rides! Sunny stoops and cold brews! Instead of the drab snow-and-mud patchwork I’d grown used to in my backyard, I saw some color breaking through – crocuses, raising their purple beaks to the sun. Spring at last? Not so […]

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What’s Your Happy Song?

March 14, 2014

We were in the car driving home from swimming lessons when this song came on the radio. “I love this song,” said Miles from the backseat. “It makes me feel good.” It IS pretty catchy. (Even if the video’s a little freaky, as I just discovered.) Everyone’s got their happy songs, don’t they? Judging by […]

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Inspiration Can Come from Anywhere

March 12, 2014

I subscribe to several fashion magazines. Because ogling expensive dresses I will never buy is apparently my hobby. This page made me laugh. In case you can’t read it, the red circle says: “The Inspiration: Assoulin’s hand-painted racing stripes were a tribute to her son’s favorite movie: Cars.” Now that’s my kind of designer! Nothing […]

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On Going to the Movies Solo

March 10, 2014

One of the cool things about being a freelance writer is that it basically gives you free license to ask anyone anything, and you can camouflage it as “research.” Being on the shy side, I was never one to strike up conversations with strangers. I feel weird asking people too many personal questions. That is, […]

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Why Is This So Hard for Guys?

March 7, 2014

This is the scene that greeted me the other day when I walked into my bathroom: Baffling, isn’t it? Does it really take SO MUCH more time to actually put the T.P. on the roller thingie? They’d rather go get ANOTHER roll and set it on the counter instead of just replacing the used-up one […]