I'm working on a new blog. I plan to keep Jiaozi as my mommy blog, but I want to experiment with having a separate place to explore other topics (work, art, politics, aging, etc.). If you're interested in the link, send me an e-mail or leave a comment. It's not secret or anything, but I'm still ...

Okay. I feel like I've mostly recuperated from my rather unladylike sellin' the house post. (Momentary tax freak-out not withstanding.) I still wish things were other than they are. But who doesn't in recent days? Which brings me to my point. Reader Jenn gently, kindly, and tactfully pointed...

Of the many moving, inspiring, and quotable moments from yesterday's inauguration, that's the one line that stuck in my head with the most tenacity. It is no secret that Obama is a skilled orator - something even his critics agree on. But I was still surprised that a speech that was so choc-fu...

Gifts bought and wrapped? Check. Roast in the refrigerator? Check. Cards mailed? Check. Snow sledded on? Check. (Yes. By me.) Cookies and fudge made and either eaten or taken to neighbors? Check. Hot chocolate (spiked and unspiked) drunk? Check. It's a Wonderful Life watched? Check. Nonstop Chr...