In August I completed my second Ironman. The first time I raced that distance was in 2010. As you recall, that time Mom was unconvinced I’d finish in one piece but was relieved I had finished alive and well. She was once again worried that I had signed up to do another “Macho Man” race, but I assured her that I would be fine. The day before the race, I...

Last week I was chatting with my mom over the phone when she casually brought up the fact that my stepdad’s birthday was Thursday. “Kuht birthday this Thursday,” she said, “and it be nice if you call and wish him happy birthday. Or send him card. No, call him. He so nice to all my kids and send money for all you birthdays! Thursday. You...

I called my mom over the weekend and got her voice mail, so I left a message that I wasn’t entirely convinced she would get since I seriously don’t know if she knows how to check her phone messages. On Sunday I called her again and still got no answer, so this time I hung up without leaving a message. Later that day, she called me back. Me:...

My little niece recently got her tonsils taken out, which made me think of when I got mine removed when I was 16. My mom took care of me in her usual juxtaposed caring/acerbic manner, which was standard protocol whenever I had to stay at home for whatever reason (I was sick, we had a snow day, etc). I thought I’d share a few random stories about dealing with...

I mentioned before how Mom scrutinizes her kids’ weight. Last October I visited Michigan, and from a self esteem standpoint the trip didn’t go well. Not only did I find out that my visit was poor timing due to Mom’s pepper obsession, my little Korean mother obliterated any positive body issues I had in just four short days. By the time I flew into...