Happy Mother’s Day!

Back when my mom had big hair and I hardly had any.

Dear Mom,
Thank you for all your hard work and your incredible fighting spirit in keeping me and your other two kids secure and sane, and for supporting me 100 percent in the pursuit of my craziest dreams. I know that it hasn’t been easy for you and that I don’t show my appreciation for you enough, but today I want you to know that I love you every day and am thankful for you. I’m proud to say that I get my strength from you (Plus the inflated eight-year obsession for American Idol that started with you and the tendency to scream at my TV while watching sports). Like mother, like daughter. I love you!

Big love and special thanks to the other matriarchs in my family, my maternal and paternal grandmothers. To every mother out there and to all my readers’ mothers, wishing you all a very Happy Mother’s Day!

Dear Santa: Here’s my broke-girl Christmas list

I'm sorry, Santa. You're probably feel like Bruce Almighty right now. (credit: Edith Held/Corbis)

Dear Santa,
Long time no talk! It’s been forever. I think the last time I sent something to the North Pole was when I was twelve, just starting my orthodontic treatment and my celebrity obsession at the time was 2Gether. I know I’m too old to still be writing you letters. I would write a handwritten one, but don’t think I’m still too naive—I KNOW where those end up. And I KNOW your high-speed Internet will withstand that below-30 or whatever degree blizzard up there so you can read my blog instead. If not, I’ll count on one of your elves to pass this on to you.

I didn’t think I’d ever need to write to you again, but it’s been a disappointing and somewhat difficult year. I don’t ask for much, Santa—I’m a simple girl. I still wear clothes I’ve kept since high school and I’m perfectly fine with staying at home all weekend. I don’t know if I’m on your Nice or Naughty list. Sure, I’ve done and said some things this year that I’m not proud of (Who hasn’t?!), but I worked really, really hard to accomplish my goals this year, notably finishing college and getting my degree. I made my parents and my family proud! That deserves a reward, right? I wish it had come in the form of a job where I can share my passions and believe me, I’ve been putting myself out there without pushing others down, but it’s just not working. If I were still making a steady income, I wouldn’t be asking for much of these things, never mind writing to you (But aren’t you glad I am, if only for your amusement?).