This is the corny page where I tell you that I’ve been writing since I was a child, but relinquished any notion of pursuing a career in journalism to instead become an executive assistant, formerly known as secretary. I answered phones, made the office coffee, and composed killer business letters from the hurried dictation of a monosyllabic real estate mogul--a damn genius on paper, thanks to me.

In my next life, I was married at the tender age of 21, and eventually became a stay-at-home mom to three delightful kids. It was at that time that I also took up residence in my mini-van as I drove my crumb-faced, juice-boxed munchkins to every extracurricular activity, pediatric appointment, or friend’s house on this part of the planet. (My neighbors can testify--the only time there was a Maria-sighting was when I pulled in or out of the driveway and gave a quick wave. The house was merely a shuttered façade.)

I excelled at the PTA/Girl Scout Leader/Junior Woman’s Club thing… all the while wiping little runny noses, reviewing homework, baking cupcakes, sewing Halloween costumes, and scrubbing chocolate milk stains from the family room couch.

Following my 15 years of sainted SAHM-dom, I reentered the workforce as a travel consultant, became a single mom, and later retired from the travel industry after a 10-year stint. Left with my sanity reasonably intact, I am pleased to report that the children are all twenty-something adults now--three of the most fabulous and funny people I know. They drive their own cars, and lovingly wave to me and the neighbors as they come and go. I am blessed.

And now that I’m older than the trees in my front yard (probably you’re yard too), I write. But, God, how I miss that old mini-van and those chocolate milk stains.

My love and boundless respect to moms everywhere!