Kori Rodley Irons's comments

A Work at Home Challenge - Do You Spend More Time Working, or Searching? - Blog Entry

28 Feb 2007 01:21 PM

As a freelance writer, the constant searching just seems to come with the territory. Until editors and publications are knocking down the door and ASKING me to please write pieces (No, this has definitely NOT happened yet, I think it only happens in old novels), I have to schedule in time to search for work and leads on a daily or weekly basis. THEN, I also have to schedule in time to nuture and cultivate and pitch the contacts I already have.

What Kind Of Mom Are You? - Blog Entry

21 Feb 2007 12:31 PM

I'm definitely the Outcast Mom--and I've met some of my lifelong friends from amongst the other outcast moms...

Do You Want to Work from Home? Don't Air Your Dirty Laundry Online - Blog Entry

14 Feb 2007 08:48 PM

This is a great blog, Traci! I couldn't help having a moment of panic wondering if I'd written anything too revealing. I do know that I write a great deal about my family life in the "parents" blog and I'm careful not to use my kids' names or other telling details. While they know I write about our "lame" world, they would definitely not appreciate being exposed. Fortunately, I'm not really one to have the tussles with many folks and since there's so many things we CAN'T control, I appreciate you reminded us of some of the things we can!

Should You Join a Writer's Group? - Blog Entry

14 Feb 2007 02:09 PM

I was so hoping there would be some different opinions about this one! Thanks for your comments and feedback--I guess I'll just have to keep my eyes open for the "right group!"

Because Nice Matters - 3 Simple Ways to Charm Your Customers - Blog Entry

07 Feb 2007 05:23 PM

These are all good suggestions. I have to admit that I am totally charmed by anyone who returns telephone calls and e-mails promptly. Even if they need to get in touch with me to say they will take a little time before giving a full response. I so appreciate the immediate acknowledgement and response!

Author Thinks All Homework Should Be Abolished - Blog Entry

06 Feb 2007 01:55 PM

Here's my vote--I DO think that homework is needless and that kids should be able to get what needs to be done in school. However, I can see older kids needing to learn to do larger research projects and working at home and outside of school. ALSO--I think that so much homework encourages lives that are out of balance. How often do we adults have to struggle to leave our work at work so we can be available for home and family? What are we teaching our kids if they have to go to school all day and then bring all that work home too?

When the Visitation Schedule Changes - Blog Entry

06 Feb 2007 11:38 AM

I've been at this single parenting thing for several years now and my kids are all high schoolers--our custody and "parenting time" schedules have changed and morphed several times over the years. When we were first divorced, I was determined that everything would be 50/50. Since my ex flat-out refused to talk child support and insisted on being an equal parent, I was determined that would, in fact, happen. Of course, it didn't. As my resentment bubbled and gnawed away at me, I worked to keep it together for the kids. Eventually, I just let go. We hadn't had a 50/50 marriage and we certainly weren't going to have a 50/50 divorce so I just had to let go and focus on what was best for the kids.

Over the years, I've had to make adjustments due to my ex's changing schedule, his new partner's needs, his vacation arrangements, etc. One of my kids noted recently that I (mom) had never asked for a schedule change or adjustment and I just smiled and nodded. I still think that my ex and I are in this parenting thing together and since there's only a few year's left, keeping the peace and the lines of communication open take precedent to my ease and well-organized schedule. I've had to learn to let go and be more flexible for the sake of the kids.

Telling on the First Date - Blog Entry

06 Feb 2007 11:28 AM

The kid issue is HUGE. I think it's important to let people know up front and I'm here to tell you, it's been my experience that for most of the people who say it ISN'T a problem--it will be regardless, so it makes sense to get things out on the table from the very beginning. We're busy people and it's tough enough to be "in the dating pool" as a single parent, why waste anyone's time with people who aren't into kids and don't want to be a part of family life. There's nothing wrong with people who don't want kids (okay, there's nothing wrong with most people who don't want kids) but take it from my experience, it's way too hard to try to keep all the pieces of your life from touching if you fall for someone who decides they're not on board with the family scene!

Is It Okay For Kids To Call Their Parents By Their First Name? - Blog Entry

26 Jan 2007 10:53 AM

I think times are definitely changing. In the world my kids have grown up in--they've actually been encouraged to call most of their teachers and coaches by first names. That never seemed alright to me and set a precedent for them assuming that was a proper and fine way to address adults--regardless of what I said or how I addressed teachers, principals, etc. Nobody in my part of the world (the Pacific Northwest) uses "Miss" any longer but you will hear "Ms." once in a while. My kids have never even tried to call me anything but "Mom." Well, that's not true--once in a while they slip up and call me "Dad."

The Big Lessons Take More than Once - Blog Entry

21 Jan 2007 09:59 AM

Yes, it would be nice! And I do worry about teenagers forgetting to turn off the stove and unplug the hair straightener!