This week, I attended my first networking function. Hosted by Middleburg Women, it featured an incredible lineup of speakers...the topic, "Women in Media - Striking the Balance" really sounded appealing. So I went.

These things are always nerve wracking. After all, you could be walking into the lion's den. A ballroom full of Type A Mommies - all decked out in pearls and heels, fresh from the boardroom of their billion dollar companies and soon rushing home to prep a homecooked (and organic!) meal for their families. UGH.

My husband has a saying that he uses often:  ‘your what hurts?’.  It’s the timing of when he uses it that makes it both hilarious and brilliant.  Many times I’ll be explaining (aka, rambling on about) some topic that, in my mind, is vitally important and I’m clearly making my point. 

I am on the verge of simply losing it.  I don't even know where to begin.  Right now, I can't figure out if I am more frustrated with my husband for tearing up my entire house, well kitchen, bathrooms and office for reconstruction that has caused me to make a last minute trip away for the upcoming week to get out of the chaos.  Or I am more upset with the puppy that peed on my luggage just now! 

I’m slowly recovering from my second hernia surgery in nine months. I’m certainly feeling better than I did three weeks ago, but I’m far from back to normal.  I’m the first to admit my schedule is full, but how full is it compared to the rest of you ?

It is official. 2011 marks the first year the United Nations recognizes International Widows Day. It is a call to action to focus the world on the unique plight of the world’s 245 million widows who have lost their husbands.  Religion, law and tradition in many countries leaves a woman ostracized when her husband dies. In many cases, she is stripped of everything because she, like his home or other possessions, belonged to him. Imagine?

Sometimes, a family vacation begins at the end of the road.

This summer, how about hitting the road and heading north until the road ends....literally. Right at Voyageur National Park.   

Taking 35 right out of the Twin Cities will take you all the way to MN 33 toward Cloquet.   33 becomes US-53N; keep heading north.  Orr is your last town before International Falls.  The town of Orr is only around 267 people, but offers a last stop to get groceries and staples.

It was a perfect summer evening. The sun was just starting to set behind the trees framing the baseball diamond. All of the players were in their correct positions. All had their shirts tucked in. Hats straight. Red belts matching red socks. For a moment, if you squinted perhaps, you might think you were watching high school players — soon-to-be-men focused on the task at hand. But then the shortstop bends over and begins to draw a circle in the dirt. About the same time, the first baseman takes off his glove and begins tossing it into the air.

Once in a while, something catches your eye and there is a visceral reaction.  I was reading the Wall Street Journal and came across an article exploring gender differences in play styles, based on a new book called The Art of Roughhousing.  As a child abuse pediatrician, the word ROUGH caught my eye.  I have fond and special memories of my grandfather “pretend wrestling” with my brothers, and the great joy this gave them.

To My Dad:

Today I thank you for working hard to provide for braces, prom dresses and perms, enduring the estrogen fest that is ages 13-21, letting me drive the sedan so the minivan didn't ruin my rep, that wad of cash you handed me so I didn't leave for VT broke, holding it together @ my wedding ;) and for never making me mow a lawn.

It is b/c of you that I still have all of my toes.

I LOVE YOU!!