Category Archives: Suzanne Strazza

Dear Suzy-Q, My husband claims to be “Lord and Master” of our domain, and therefore is not required to adhere to the social norms of said domain. Is he right? Signed, Lady Misery Dear Lady M., Have you not realized … Continue reading →

There is a club out there of which I am not a member. Although, so I don’t come across as sour grapes, I was a member for over 13 years and chose to leave on my own. It’s the club … Continue reading →

Praise be to Kindergarten Teachers! They have chosen a career that in terms of stress, overload, over-stimulation and pressure far exceeds that of an air traffic controller. Last week I began my day as a kindergarten substitute full of vim … Continue reading →

I am the librarian who has lost library privileges. Due to my easy access to the wonders of the Mancos Public Library and all that it has to offer, I have checked out everything from Crockpot Cookbooks to Castle-Constructing videos … Continue reading →

Tuesday night is girls’ night at the pool. Really, it’s moms and small boys, but it’s fun to think that it’s girls’ night out. So, last week I went attired in my unmatched bathing suit top and bottoms while all … Continue reading →

“Do you know how many hip points a dragon-slayer-slicer-creature has?” “I don’t know honey (translate to ‘I could give a rat’s ***, honey’). I know my hips are gaining points every day.” “Ugh. Mom. Not hip points… HIT points.” (My … Continue reading →

There is a new sound in my life that is pure music to my ears… The sound of a flushing toilet. Yes, it’s true, I now have both a sink, with hot and cold running water, and a toilet that … Continue reading →

“Hair brings one’s self-image into focus; it is vanity’s proving ground. Hair is terribly personal, a tangle of mysterious prejudices.” — Shana Alexander Last night, I saw a friend whom I haven’t seen in quite a while. As we caught … Continue reading →

It’s that time of the year again — time to exchange gifts that no one has any interest in whatsoever. Our season begins in November with my husband, Tom’s, birthday. Last night, he opened his father’s gift only to have … Continue reading →

Note: Living in tents while we build was my idea. I was not coerced at gunpoint. It was a great summer that we will neither forget nor regret. More than surviving, we enjoyed ourselves immensely. I have never once questioned … Continue reading →

So my dog, Tessa, has this not-so-endearing habit of joining me whenever I venture out to pee (Remember, I live in a tent so the world is my toilet). Well, about an hour ago, she followed my half-asleep self outside, … Continue reading →

Last night the tooth fairy visited us. I caught her scrounging under the floor mats in my car and rummaging through the pockets of my husband’s dirty Carhardts. She finally replaced my son’s tooth with two quarters, a parking token, … Continue reading →

Someone recently asked me to describe my current bedroom. Well, it’s smallish and squarish and greenish and musty. Crowded and coldish and cluttered and dusty. Sounds wretched? Wondering why I haven’t called in the interior decorator or at least a … Continue reading →

Listening to the news yesterday, I had that uncomfortable feeling of needing to “do something” to get us out of the plight we seem to have found ourselves in. Being fully confident in my ability to influence people, I decided … Continue reading →

I love to clean. (Insert tongue in cheek) I love the satisfaction of wiping down toothpaste-covered sinks, scrubbing mud, jelly and ground-in lettuce off the pergo floors. Vacuuming the living- room carpet is particularly satisfying when, in March, I am … Continue reading →

“Rudeness is the weak man’s imitation of strength” — Eric Hoffer What causes a person to be rude to another? What would make someone want to say something mean? Is it, as Mr. Hoffer says, related to weakness or the … Continue reading →

I have never been much of a “gym” person, preferring instead to stay fit due to my lifestyle rather than scheduled workouts. But, in recent years (those surrounding the age of 40), my lifestyle isn’t keeping me quite as healthy … Continue reading →

I was going to use this month’s column to discuss something very serious and important – no more meaningless drivel, but I decided to nix that horrid thought and continue on my frivolous way. Something of great personal significance has … Continue reading →

Recently, I was out with some friends and the conversation turned (as it almost always does) to relationships and sex. (Yes, boys, we talk about it too). One of my girlfriends blurted out, “Doesn’t he understand that there is a … Continue reading →

I remember when my father turned 40. I remember all the buildup to the day, the party preparations, the excitement. My mom and all of their friends made such a big deal out of it – 40 was a huge … Continue reading →

I am so cool. Really. No, really. I listen to awesome music and sing along exceptionally well. I look great. My hair, my clothes, my accessories are so ultimately hip. I am funny – hysterical to be exact. I’m insightful … Continue reading →

Finally. I have the answer. I now am armed with the key to life’s biggest question. “What question is that?” you ask. Well, I’ll give you the answer and I’ll bet that you can figure the rest out from there. … Continue reading →

My kids are arguing. Again. They are driving me up a wall. All my visions of brotherly love have gone straight to hell. They bicker, they shout, they break each other’s toys, they push, shove and hit. Now, this is … Continue reading →

It’s the last day of classes before Christmas Break. Finals are over, grades are in and we’re having a little celebration for having made it through the semester. There’s music on the stereo, delectable treats to indulge in and good … Continue reading →

I barely remember my first time. I was 27, maybe 28. It only happened again a handful of times over the next five years; when I was feeling desperate, usually on a road trip or away from all that was … Continue reading →

I had breakfast recently with a friend who is in the throes of her first year of marriage. “It’s a living hell,” I sympathetically told her. “No one ever tells you that until after you’re married, but we all know … Continue reading →

It is universally acknowledged that a woman can never have too many shoes. I’m sure every one of you has known a woman, and therefore, you have known a shoe lover. But since familiarity does not necessarily lead to understanding, … Continue reading →

I was asked that question twice this morning. I’ll get to the answer in a minute – bear with me. First of all, I have been running into a lot of commentary on my appearance lately. Perhaps it’s because I … Continue reading →

After staying at home with my children for almost seven years, it recently became time for me to venture into the world of the gainfully employed. After completely losing my self, my identity, my confidence and my mind, while being … Continue reading →

Driving out to Southeastern Utah is one of my favorite trips for various reasons: the scenery, the excitement of impending adventure and the excuse to listen to Golden Oldies on the radio. I have no CD player in my car, … Continue reading →

Spring is the season of love. Flowers and relationships bloom in synch. Babies are born and everyone seems infected with feelings of goodness and caring. It is a time for celebration and the ultimate celebration of love is marriage – … Continue reading →

I have a friend that seems to think that everything in my life is a drama show; it’s all one big crisis after another, keeping me in a perpetual state of “freak out.” I have always begged to differ, actually … Continue reading →

I live for movies where the not-quite-perfect gal gets the oh-so-perfect-guy who’s not so perfect to start with and who ultimately realizes that she is truly perfect in every way. I am a director’s dream; I laugh when I should, … Continue reading →

Quiz time: Six adults and two teenagers are on a river trip. One night, while camping on a beautiful beach, the party splits up by gender. One group snuggles together under sleeping bags, gazes at the stars and shares personal … Continue reading →

My computer is down – possibly for good. I am writing this on my neighbor’s computer since I have forgotten how to use a pen and paper. Actually, a pencil would be more appropriate for editing, but without owning an … Continue reading →