Thanks for Asking

I love it when people send quick emails inquiring, "How are you doing?" I usually give my stock answer, "Hanging in there!" Lately, I've been considering a new Policy of Truth.

First of all, this single parenting thing ain't easy - my kids are now the only ones involved in a daily conversation with me. Political points of view are catching on. My youngest knows the Cabinet like he used to know the Lightning lineup. Just the other day, my oldest asked if the "g*ddamned Republicans like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches" because, if so, he was going to boycott them.

I'm just glad they're paying attention. And I can now put my mother's mind at ease - obviously, such a question shows they are still kids. I'm not about ruining childhoods; I just need someone to talk to.

Today I've got to go grocery shopping, continue the whole "family that plays together, stays together" routine for neighbors so they don't gossip about lack of outdoor activities since the husband took off, and then host a house party for our future governor.

I haven't even mentioned the high pollen count in Tampa Bay that has reduced me and my children to mucus-and-phlegm-overloaded science projects. Plus I'm up at the crack of dawn.

How the hell do you think I'm doing?