Hello! It's my birthday! I'm 37 today.
I'm on a work trip, and because of the weather in New York City yesterday and today, my flight home was cancelled last night. And then this morning. So I'm back at the airport (from a night in a lovely-but-generic hotel) waiting to see if the afternoon flight to LGA actually leaves.
I realized last night that my mobile phone is a miracle of technology. It allowed me to:
* find out that my flight was cancelled initially
* contact my kids' dad after I got rebooked so he'd know what was up, and then contact him every time something else happened to prevent me from getting back to the city
* contact our babysitters to let them know what was going on
* find a hotel to stay in last night (and find my reward membership number so I could get priority service)
* talk to a friend who made me laugh after I got to the hotel
* recieve calls/texts/FB messages wishing me Happy Birthday
* receive the robo-call that my flight this morning was cancelled
* rebook for this afternoon
* talk to my boss and coworkers today, and keep in touch with clients
Think about the isolation and helplessness I'd have been in if I hadn't had a phone, or if phone technology didn't exist. Business travel would be scary tedium. Those aren't pillows.
So, tell me, is there something in your life that you think is a miracle? That makes it possible for you to stay sane and connected in your daily life? Maybe something that makes your life easier with kids, or helps you feel like yourself in the middle of chaos, or just something that makes things easier?
And have a great weekend, everyone!
Love. Straight up.
Posted by: MrsHaley | February 26, 2010 at 02:58 PM
Happy Birthday Moxie!!
Posted by: B's Mom | February 26, 2010 at 03:06 PM
chocolate, lol.... but seriously! happy birthday!
Posted by: em | February 26, 2010 at 03:07 PM
happy birthday moxie!
i think your website is a miracle. it lifts me up and connects me and makes me feel happy to be part of beautiful generous people
hooray for the internets!
Posted by: suzie | February 26, 2010 at 03:08 PM
I'm quite partial to my can opener, but you know, the computer is good too.
Happy Birthday.
Posted by: SarcastiCarrie | February 26, 2010 at 03:10 PM
Your website and others like it. I seldom comment, but read all the time. I don't think I could have survived this long without knowing that I am not alone in this parenting gig, and that other people are in the trenches every day struggling to do the right thing. So thank you, Moxie and others.
Posted by: carmie | February 26, 2010 at 03:16 PM
my husband..and grocery delivery.
Happy Birthday! You're too young to be as wise as you are!
Posted by: wendy | February 26, 2010 at 03:20 PM
Happy Birthday, Moxie!
Wow, sometimes when I'm able to step back, I realize we live in a time of the miraculous. Can't pick just one. If I base it on the thing that puts the "Vice" in "device", I'll say computer. . .:)
Posted by: stillbecoming | February 26, 2010 at 03:29 PM
Ha, back when Mr. C and I were dating we used to joke that our relationship could never work without the technology of the day (voicemail and basic cell phones we're talking here).
I kinda gotta agree on a modern phone, but also, um Facebook. Couple months ago when I was stuck in San Diego and a flash flood had completely broken SF transportation, FB enabled me to find friends who could back up Mr. C in getting to Mouse's school, and to have way way more comfort than I otherwise could have while stuck in an airport hundreds of miles from my possibly stranded child. Yay modernity.
Posted by: Charisse | February 26, 2010 at 03:32 PM
The interwebs. Netflix. Caffeine-free diet coke.
Happy Birthday!
Posted by: meggiemoo | February 26, 2010 at 03:48 PM
Have a wonderful birthday, Moxie!!
To stay sane, I need coffee, kisses from my kids, this very website, http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/ ,the daily check-in call from my husband at work, and the mantra "It won't be like this for long", borrowed from the Darius Rucker song.
Posted by: Meg | February 26, 2010 at 03:48 PM
Something in my life that I think is a miracle? My DH & our two kids. And the fact that I met DH again so randomly, and we dated for awhile, and then got married - against all odds. I think it is a miracle that anyone can find someone great. And a miracle that egg and sperm can meet.
Makes me stay sane and connected in my daily life? A subscription to "The Week" magazine.
Makes my life easier with kids? Our wonderful babysitter, who indulges DS's manic 2-year-old loves & hates with aplomb!
Just something that makes things easier? A sense of humor!
Happy Birthday, Moxie!!!!!!
Posted by: hush | February 26, 2010 at 04:03 PM
1. Happy Birthday!
2. May you get home today if you aren't already.
3. I'm sure that it's been said, but the internet/email is my miracle in that it allows me, stay-at-home/work-at-home to remain connected to the world.
Posted by: pennifer | February 26, 2010 at 04:08 PM
Happy birthday! Wishing you a good start to the year and a few moments to feel great about yourself and whatever you're planning for this year.
I love my phone too. And my computer. Both of these things have given me the opportunity to be part of communities that are really important to me.
Posted by: Flo | February 26, 2010 at 04:18 PM
Happy Birthday, Moxie! DVD player for the car, maybe? This is how my parents who live two hours away can keep my two year old on Thursdays and Fridays. (She spends the night there Thursday night.)
Posted by: Sherry | February 26, 2010 at 04:18 PM
Happy Birthday, Moxie!
E-mail & digital photography are my miracles of choice. E-mail allows me to stay in touch with so many people so far & near, including my 90-year-old Grandma. And seriously, how cool is it that I can almost instantaneously show people all around the world just how cute & amazing my kids are?!
Posted by: heather | February 26, 2010 at 04:24 PM
Happy Birthday Moxie! Hope you made it home safely. As for cool modern inventions -- none to add other than ones already mentioned. Although when we first started using email, it was all text with crazy/weird/long email addresses (compuserve, anyone?), not the fancy emails we send now with stationery, photos/videos, emoticons, chat... anyway, hope you have a great birthday weekend!
Posted by: Amy | February 26, 2010 at 04:34 PM
Happy Birthday! I, too, have a love affair with my phone (iPhone). I don't need it, but I sure like it! It's such a convenience!
Posted by: Barb @ getupandplay | February 26, 2010 at 04:47 PM
Happy Birthday Moxie :D
The interwebs.
Whenever there is a crisis there is information and community available somewhere online if you search.
Like "Ask Movie", obviously, but also many other areas of my life (medical dramas, work, social life) have benefited from the wonderful interwebs. It is scary to think where I would be without it.
Posted by: Tor | February 26, 2010 at 05:23 PM
Sleeping with my kids. I feel happy, connected with my kids and in an oxytocin cloud for 8 hours every night.
Posted by: momo | February 26, 2010 at 05:39 PM
My husband's unconditional love and my silly kids. Other unnecessaryy car, my computer, Weight Watchers Giant Cookie's & Chocolate Ice Cream Bars--who knew 2 points could be so good!
HB, Mox. I am still a relative newbie here, but I think I speak for everyone when I say, we love ya!
Posted by: blue | February 26, 2010 at 06:36 PM
whoa, should have proofread that one...
Posted by: blue | February 26, 2010 at 06:39 PM
I gotta say, DVR. Sad but true. It seems a bit backwards, but it actually helps me to watch less TV and be a bit better at managing my time and not staying up so late. Also nice to have on-demand toddler distraction tools, all queued up.
And happy birthday Moxie! Safe travels.
Posted by: CaliBoo | February 26, 2010 at 06:43 PM
Happy birthday to you!!
The neighbor moms make my life better.
My friends make my life better.
My awesome (!) new stove makes my life better.
My car that has sliding doors (okay, it's almost a van) makes my life better.
My new stroller (it's a jogging stroller/regular stroller in one) and new stroller board (attach to the back so the toddler can hitch a ride) make my life better.
My electric toothbrush makes my life better.
My new rainboots make my life better.
Skype makes my life better.
Trader Joe's makes my life better.
An occasional spa treatment makes my life better.
My new workout video makes my life better (even if I barely have the motivation or time to do it).
But most importantly my dear husband and kids make my life better.
Posted by: toomuchstrong | February 26, 2010 at 06:44 PM
Happy birthday!
Pre-shredded cheese and the quesadilla maker I got as a random gift for my wedding make my life easier. Instant lunch for my picky toddler!
Posted by: Cloud | February 26, 2010 at 07:07 PM
Happy Birthday Moxie! I hope you make it home soon and safe.
My number one miracle in my life that makes me saner is my husband.
Other miracles that don't necessarily make me saner but surely much happier:
-My kids
-Reproductive technology/medication
-z0loft
-internet
-DVR
-On Demand
-Other supportive parents like you all!
Posted by: caramama | February 26, 2010 at 07:32 PM
Happy Birthday!
My once a week house cleaning is a miracle and makes my life so much better. A luxury, but a miraculous one :)
Posted by: Jamie | February 26, 2010 at 07:33 PM
Aside from the basics and generic marvels of modern invention (roof over my head, car, cell phones, internet, elevators, dishwashers, tampons, etc, etc), in my own life and particular circumstances I'm especially grateful for my Ergo baby carrier, very involved and very good Grandparents on both sides, a very involved and very amazing husband, and the luxury of eating out more often than I should.
Posted by: Torrey | February 26, 2010 at 07:38 PM
@Meg - thanks for the cake wrecks link!
Posted by: Torrey | February 26, 2010 at 07:43 PM
happy birthday Moxie! hope you're home safe & sound.
being able to buy a roasted chicken makes my life easier.
Posted by: Lisa F. | February 26, 2010 at 08:45 PM
I would have to say my breastpump. Yep, without it, I wouldn't have been able to escape for a few days R&R guilt free! Wow, I wonder what I would have said if I were still in my 20s!
Posted by: www.stateofjen.blogspot.com | February 26, 2010 at 09:15 PM
Happy Birthday, Moxie! I vote for the Internet (for blogs, FB, etc) and email. Oh, and my Blackberry. Love it.
Posted by: G'smum | February 26, 2010 at 09:21 PM
Happy 37th Mox!
As for something that makes my life better, a miraculous part of my everyday, my husband. He keeps me sane.
Posted by: Eveanyn | February 26, 2010 at 09:29 PM
Happy Birthday! I hope you got home!
My computer and Internet have been a lifesaver this week. I have been home sick all week, unable to focus enough to work or even read. But because of email I have been able to at least connect with friends and not feel too isolated. I am so grateful for that this week.
Posted by: Jill | February 26, 2010 at 10:00 PM
Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy BIRTHDAY dear Moxie, Happy Birthday to you!!!!
Thank you so much for being here and making all our lives better… my life has been so enriched by this site and the fabulous people here these past 5 or 6 years (whoa, I can't believe it!).
Makes my life easier:
• iPhone (love it so much)
• netflix/online video
• electric kettle
• dishwasher!!! (*this might be the best on*)
• ATMs
• email and interwebs, of course
• heated seats in my car
• x@nax & z0loft (even though I hate it that it's true)
• my beautiful wonderful daughter (except when she's making it harder…)
Really, too many things to list. Why do I ever complain??
Posted by: maria | February 26, 2010 at 10:15 PM
and here i was thinking of you as an older sister, but it turns out i'm a few weeks older. happy birthday to the Feb. bdays!
what makes my life easier? having a fully involved father to my baby and the internet, in no particular order. ;)
Posted by: Sherry H. | February 26, 2010 at 10:41 PM
My husband makes everything easier, for me. It goes without saying that his love does it, but he's crazy supportive and encouraging and helpful. He goes *way* beyond the call of duty in helping with our boys and always tries to put me first. I'm so spoiled forever because of him.
Also? My netbook. I love the constant ability to access the internet and my files (recipes, gardening, sewing/knitting patterns, finances, etc) and information (the world) and my husband (icq) from anywhere in the house, at any time. It's a sanity-saver.
Posted by: Kelly | February 27, 2010 at 08:05 AM
Happy Birthday Moxie!
Switching from a blackberry to an iphone. It's ridiculous how much easier it is to use and how much happier that has made me.
Posted by: mom2boys | February 27, 2010 at 08:32 AM
Happy Birthday Moxie!!!
I hope the day gets better for you and you can enjoy your family when you get home.
Things that get me through, 1. Dear Husband taking the child from 6 a.m to 8 everyday since I'm up nursing him all night long. 2. Our Tempurpedic Mattress, which helps me sleep better the little sleep I get. 3. Baked goods, if I can't sleep goodies help. 4. Internet for A. research B. being connected to folks C. RETAIL THERAPY!!!
5. Play dates
Posted by: elizabeth | February 27, 2010 at 11:44 AM
Happy Birthday Moxie,
And Many, Many Returns of the Day!
My better and other half, also known as dear husband.
The internet for sure.
But also definitely, the kindness of strangers.All my life. Wouldn't have survived my childhood without it.
I got stuck in Glasgow yesterday due to flooding and mudslides, and the easy " slow travel" train-trip for me and my two year old turned into over-crowded replacement trains that got stuck
and a very long trip home.
We'd gone for a few days, she and I so I could practice travel with the severely allergic child. Epipen and avoiding all dairy, eggs, peanuts and peppers and brought food and listsof places found on the internet to go to.
Kind of a nervous trip for me, but it had gone well. So far. Until we got to the station for our train to London and I saw CANCELLED.
We were pointed to another station in Glasgow for a local train to Edinburgh where we could catch another London train.
When we arrived at the train it was mobbed by angry passengers with sharp elbows who pushed the stroller out of the way.
But very nice but dour looking Scots in the last carriage made sure we got on with the stroller by manipulating the door lock so it couldn't shut for long enough. The driver could see us clearly but he was late departing.
There were at least 500 people on a train built for one hundred and fifty or so, and then we got stuck at flooded parts of the track and the trip took more than twice as long.
There was pushing and jostling of her stroller which scared her and made her cry.The same helpers stood around to shield her and one explained that he too was feeling claustrophobic on the train which helped cool the situation.
We missed the suggested connections we were told to get on but one of our kind Samaritans worked for an engineering firm contracted by Scotrail and found an alternative later service at Edinburgh in a timetable of all trains that he carried.
It was going to be terribly overcrowded and our seat reservations were now void. But our friend the engineer rang the station manager who dispatched a train guard who found us two seats and helped to get us on board.
Tempers frayed a lot after Newcastle as people had to stand in large numbers and the train staff hid and didn't check tickets or come round with the refreshment trolley.
On the way up my daughter and I walked up and down the train ten times and chatted with all the staff and some of the friendly passengers. Most passengers not unreasonably were not charmed. The contrast now couldn't be greater.
The toddler sensed it and stayed in her seat voluntarily the whole time. I couldn't have explained, but she could feel the situation perfectly well.
I bought my two year old a ticket so she'd have a seat and we were en route for ten hours and still had more than six to go at this point. She is too big and active to sit on my lap for that time.
A very angry lady made an attempt on her seat next to me, trying to force her way in but a big gruff engineer from Durham sitting on the bench next to us told her to leave off and leave the little person alone. She was seated down and that was all right. He was travelling with two others who chimed in to say aye and the angry lady moved on.
The northern British accent is very reassuring and they use very old terms so it sounds poetic. We waved as the group got off at Darlington.
It was a crush of people using suitcases as weapons to get off the train when we finally arrived at King's Cross in London, but a nice young couple helped get the stroller and bags off the train safely. Those trains have steps, so are very hard to manage with luggage and a toddler.
The internet nor phone no matter how singing and dancing couldn't have helped us get home in this situation. Let alone comfortably.
But the kindness of strangers did and it was a lovely experience.
Posted by: Wilhelmina | February 27, 2010 at 12:43 PM
Addendum to a very long post, the lady and other angry standing passengers didn't go all the way down south. Only a minority went to London, so everyone had a seat an hour or so later from this incident.
Posted by: Wilhelmina | February 27, 2010 at 01:11 PM
Wilhelmina - thank you for sharing!!!
Posted by: mom2boys | February 27, 2010 at 02:13 PM
Epipen
Rag weed vaccine
Cognitive therapy.
Happy 37th Moxie.
Posted by: paola | February 27, 2010 at 02:22 PM
Happy Birthday Moxie!
It's a miracle that my DH is here, and on top, here with me. As I've written before, he had a heart transplant at 30 - the miracle of modern medicine.
And, I'm convinced it was destiny that we be together, and a miracle that it actually finally happened. My family almost moved to his hometown when I was 10. He moved to my hometown, and lived 5 minutes away from my parents house when he was 18 and I was 13 (we never met...I think). After we had been dating for a year or two, we were at a party, when a couple showed up - we had each dated one person in the couple. Eeek! And the guy had the same 1st name as my DH. It's like we were circling around trying to find each other and finally, it fell into place.
A trip to the spa helps me feel like myself in the middle of chaos.
My DS makes it easy to leave work at work.
Happy weekend, everyone.
@Wilhelmina, Wow! What a tale. What would we do without kind strangers? Glad to hear you and your daughter made it home OK.
Posted by: the milliner | February 27, 2010 at 03:03 PM
Happy birthday Moxie!
(And websites like yours, of course!)
Posted by: Miche | February 27, 2010 at 07:27 PM
Happy Birthday!
Love the internet (well most of it).. and your site especially!
And my kids... :)
Posted by: Shalini | February 27, 2010 at 09:26 PM
Happy birthday!
Posted by: Schwa de Vivre | February 27, 2010 at 09:44 PM
Happy Birthday!
Posted by: kelly | February 27, 2010 at 09:48 PM
A) Happy birthday (still is, here in my time zone)!!
B) I'm grateful for these people who make my life easier: my husband, who always gets up early in the mornings with our early riser (I am SUCH a bear in the mornings); and our babysitter, who gives me much-needed mornings to myself twice a week. I would cry if she ever wasn't available! I'm also grateful for this stuff that makes my life easier: the interwebs (esp. Facebook which enables me to do my job - youth group director!), my mobile phone, my laptop (5 years old and still working great!) and the PSP. I seriously cannot fall asleep anymore without playing a round or two of this one game. Which brings me back around to being thankful for my husband, because he reminded me that I'm a gamer chick. :)
@Hush - amen!
@all the PPs who mentioned prescription drugs that help them out/make their lives easier - I am really honored that you shared that with me/us. It takes a *very* strong woman to admit that she needs help, and I am really impressed with all of you!
Posted by: Alison | February 28, 2010 at 01:02 AM
On the tech level, rather than the people level:
- Ask Moxie!
- my breastpump
- Skype
Posted by: Erin | February 28, 2010 at 07:59 AM