FULL COLUMN: “As a rule, people smell” and other things I learned on vacation
…from this weeks’ Creative Loafing. My family and I spent Thanksgiving week in New York City, enjoying the sights, sounds, and, in Husband’s case, $25 pastrami sandwiches. Our kids are in those important preteen years and I want them to appreciate museums, musicals, and how to avoid diseases on the subway. I try to make [...]
20 lessons learned in New Jersey
Leaving the classroom and becoming a “former teacher” is scary. Two years ago, I did it anyway. Since then, more than a few times, I’ve questioned the sanity of getting back into business after such a long time away. I’m now in a completely different industry and again reminded that learning a whole new set [...]
The joys and sorrows of being away from home
From nine to five, I can usually be found in downtown Tampa and surrounding areas, unruly mop of hair fashioned into a semi-unruly bun on top of my head, curls cascading down to mask an unusually large forehead. I wear suits and wedge heels, all the while cursing whoever invented suits and wedge heels. I [...]
5 reasons why a road trip with the family doesn’t completely suck
Every summer, the Durkin Robinson gang usually takes off to see something new. In the past, we’ve visited national parks and majestic scenes like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and an unusually large ball of twine. We almost always throw in something historical (read: tragic and slightly depressing) like the site of the Oklahoma City bombing, [...]
Nightmare at the Inn
I made hotel reservations at the last minute in order to attend a family reunion in Scranton. You might be wondering – Why would someone so competent, who’s usually on top of things, wait until the last minute to make hotel reservations when she knew about the reunion for months ahead of time? I’ll tell [...]
For many practical reasons
Traveling to Boston feels like visiting an old boyfriend. Imagine, if you will, not just any old boyfriend, but someone special, someone with whom you were deeply in love. Years ago, for many practical reasons, you both realized you could not build a life together. It wasn’t anyone’s fault. You and he were simply too [...]
Like I said, my every attempt to enjoy the great outdoors leads to a near-death experience
Kevin first hired me back in 1996 when I arrived in Boston with a whole lot of hair, looking to begin a career. He made an interesting first impression as well. Kevin was blonde, short, refused to smile, and shook my hand harder than a constipated law school graduate. He meant well; I could tell [...]
If going away is this much work, maybe I should stay home
Have you ever put aside your wifely and motherly duties for a getaway with the girls? If not, I highly recommend it. Spending time with cherished girlfriends is life-affirming. Not only will you come back refreshed and at peace with the world, despite a slight hangover and post-traumatic-stress disorder, your husband and children will also [...]
I got stuck in Atlanta and almost lost my mind
Trying to fly out of a southern city during a snow storm is a lot like watching a Tim Burton movie – you begin the adventure with a smile, but quickly feel nauseated and end up hoping for a quick demise so that the suffering might finally, compassionately end. Friday, February 12, 2010 2pm Arrive [...]
Disproportionately blessed...
Catherine Durkin Robinson
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