I just purchased a pair of those new Sketcher Shape-ups – you know the ones marketed to improve your posture, tone your butt, abs and thighs and enhance weight loss. Not sure if this is a gimmick, but I figured what the heck, I’ll give it a try. more

At the supermarket last week, I ran into the father of one of my 16-year-old’s friends. We chitchated about our jobs (like, did we still have them) and the crappy economy, but then, like most parents of high school sophomores, we got down to the real pressing issue: college. more

When I’m feeling morbid, as I have been lately given my numerous visits to see my ailing elderly father, I sometimes imagine how my obituary will read: “Longtime journalist and mother of two …” more

Though I love memoirs, I’m not a fan of the sports tell all. I generally avoid books with a picture of the author on the cover. They tend to paint a rosy but meager hard work pays off! picture that I find specious and incomplete. more

Astrology, birth order theory, numerology. Not sure if I believe in any of these things, but in the absence of securing Super Nanny for a visit, I’m hoping these varying worlds will give me a glimmer of insight into my dear, but very strong-willed, second-born son. more

Over the last ten years, Dockers Khakis, once imagined as an expression of Boomer individuality, have become synonymous with the soulless office cubicle and suburban capitulation. As the newly anointed marketing lead for Dockers, I’ve found this challenge squarely in my sphere of accountability. more

Here’s how I’ve heard a good divorce should work: you and your former spouse approach co-parenting as a business arrangement. You both obviously have a vested interest in the product — that would be your kids — and so you each put equal time and energy into it while exchanging polite e-mails and phone calls to keep each other abreast of what’s happening with “the product.” more

This year I elected to take off two weeks from work in order to completely enjoy the holidays with my family. Christmas was wonderful, my two young boys had a blast opening gifts, and I absolutely love the downtime. more

My left ankle is a disaster. I knew it looked funny. Puffy and distended and misshapen. Bulbous on the left side. And the right. Sometimes even hot to the touch. It has been this way for about 20 years and I had gotten to the point where I didn't think about it too much. more

With the holidays upon us, it’s a safe bet a number of kids will soon be asking Santa, Mom, Dad … anyone who will listen … for a pet. A new puppy, a cute kitten, a hamster – “I promise I’ll take care of it everyday! It’s the only thing I really want! Pleeeaaaasse!” more