It’s my birthday and I’ll write if I want to, write if I want to, write if I want to…
Forget cake and ice cream, presents and martinis—November 2nd has become THE day on which I live my most complete (admittedly self-centered) self. The day within which I guiltlessly do those things that make me feel happy, vibrant, and alive.

I started the day off smelling good (Kudos to S.O. for the Gucci perfume, bath gel and body lotion).
I reveled in the GREAT sex I had with S.O. for the past (count 'em) TWO nights and danced in the car on the way to work. As Austin Powers would say, “Yeaah Baby!”
I had an enormous chicken and rice burrito with sour cream and cheese--that I scientifically counteracted with a large diet coke.
I read an article that was NOT on the reading list I required for my course. Imagine that.
I had a wonderful conversation with a good friend, my mother, and another one with my boss.
I’m posting in this blog.

And to top it off, joy of joys, I don’t have to teach tonight so I can actually work on this chapter I’ve been trying not so successfully to make headway on.

Of course, all this begs the Holy Grail question of working mothers everywhere: How can I do this more often and with less guilt?

Hand on hip, Grande coffee raised to the heavens, she solemnly intones:

On behalf of myself and women everywhere I shall make living the answer to this question my sacred quest.