Category: 2012_January
It’s Not a Likely Story, Cinderella
Work, not a wand, will change your image Cinderella, Vivian Ward (“Pretty Woman”) and Eliza Doolittle. What do these three fictitious characters have in common? They all transformed the way they looked, which dramatically changed their lives. You may recall that Cinderella was transformed in the twinkling of an eye by her fairy godmother; and [...]
Learning from Children with Life-threatening Illnesses
We had no idea our lives would change so significantly. Up until January 7, 2005, my family enjoyed the “perfect life.” Okay, maybe it wasn’t perfect, but let’s just say it was normal. But things changed drastically overnight. My daughter Karla was diagnosed with an inoperable tumor at the age of 14. She was in [...]
Family Fieldtrip: Old Town Chinatown
In honor of the Chinese New Year, Portland Family is heading to Portland’s Old Town Chinatown neighborhood this month. Like the name suggests, Old Town Chinatown was originally two neighborhoods, the Skidmore District and Japantown New Chinatown District —both on the registry of historic places. Now known as Old Town Chinatown, the neighborhood is bordered [...]
An Overlooked Side to Sibling Rivalry
While pregnant with my second child, I fretted endlessly about how my firstborn daughter would adjust to the dramatic change of a sibling. Every day I read books, articles, online advice, etc., advising me how to make the transition smooth and to reduce potential resentment. Such advice included scheduling one-on-one time, making my daughter feel [...]
Keep Your Resolutions: Ten Ways to Change (Any) Behavior
New Year’s resolutions often fail, and it’s not because people lack willpower. You may be stuck in the same old pattern because you’re overwhelmed by detailed (and conflicting) information about how to lose
Family Passion on the Rise
There’s no doubt about it: Dave’s Killer Bread is absolutely killer, indeed. The cinnamon-infused Sin Dawg is the bomb. Most people who live in Portland are devoted fans of Dave’s many crusty creations, including
The Family That Fights Together
Christopher stood facing me in fighting stance on a hot, August day; fists raised, left foot forward, right foot back. At six feet, two inches, he had six inches on me and a good 60 pounds. He fixed his eyes
Everybody Eats: Resolutions
The start of a new year is a time for reflection, and often enough we think of ways to improve the coming year. Right now I’m think about ways to be more frugal and improve my overall health (the picture doesn’t show it, but this chef likes to eat). With that in mind, these affordable, [...]
Growing Up Online: Preserving Memories that Matter
Children grow up fast, so it’s natural that parents want to capture the good times, especially during the holidays. Digital devices make it easier than ever to record memorable moments in family life. Some
