Stories by Kymberly Foster Seabolt

Warm, witty and just a wee bit warped, Kymberly Foster Seabolt is a native of Kent, Ohio, who survived childhood exposure to disco and grew up to marry and move to the country. Her column weaves her special brand of humor with poignant, entertaining, and honest portrayals of parenting, marriage, and real life. She currently lives in northeastern Ohio with her husband, two children, two dogs, two cats, and numerous dust bunnies who wish to remain nameless.

The brake sign is flashing

Thursday, December 29, 2011 by Kymberly Foster Seabolt

Seems we always find religion when we are standing on the brakes. All I could think — and say aloud — as we skidded, squealing tires, seat-belt constricting my heart, which seemed poised to leap out of my chest, was “oh God! Oh God! Oh God!”

Our angry Christmas angel, Elvis

Thursday, December 22, 2011 by Kymberly Foster Seabolt

When I get too caught up in the running, buying, doing and utter delight we all seem to take in exclaiming the “stress” of the holiday season (“So much to do! So much to do!” Like the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland forever late for a very important date) I take a deep breath [...]

Have yourself a merry little Free Bird

Thursday, December 15, 2011 by Kymberly Foster Seabolt

I had no idea people harbored such hate for Christmas music. Show me someone who thrills to Silent Night and I’ll show you six more who swear they will poke out their own eardrums with a drum stick if they have to hear The Little Drummer Boy one more time.

Declaring war on mice

Thursday, December 8, 2011 by Kymberly Foster Seabolt

Nature abhors a vacuum. Nature also abhors my getting a moment’s peace. Nature, in fact, has made somewhat a game of keeping me on edge pretty much all of the time. Just when we could happily put the cap on a bat-free year, the mice have arrived to fill the void. Visitors It has become [...]

Life Out Loud: No need to apologize for juggling

Thursday, December 1, 2011 by Kymberly Foster Seabolt

She was visibly uncomfortable with the squirming toddler on her lap. She proffered snacks, and a pencil and paper to the little guy while attempting to slide him, ever so gently to the side. Then she apologized. Over and Over again.

I rescue a mouse and this is my thanks?

Wednesday, November 23, 2011 by Kymberly Foster Seabolt

This is my thanks? This is how a member of the mouse nation repays my kindness to one of his flock? A sneak attack on me when I am most vulnerable?

Magical banking fairies

Thursday, November 17, 2011 by Kymberly Foster Seabolt

I am what you might call a cheapskate. Actually, no might about it. I am cheap. Definitely. It’s not that I won’t spend money. I just won’t spend much money. I am just absolutely sure that nothing should cost more than a dime. I can never get over how much the electric utility charge me. [...]

Making it to the finish line

Thursday, November 10, 2011 by Kymberly Foster Seabolt

Because we have been working on this old house or another for the last 70 billion years someone will occasionally ask me why I don’t write a do-it-yourself guide on home improvement. Why? Because most people can manage to screw up their home improvement projects all by their own selves, thank you very much. Patience [...]

Parking space is no place for love

Thursday, November 3, 2011 by Kymberly Foster Seabolt

Previously, I was pretty sure that Mr. Wonderful was my Knight in Shining Armor. I know in my heart he’d give up a kidney if I needed one. Then I asked if I could have a wee bit of parking space in his garage and all bets were off.

Life Out Loud: Appliance services

Thursday, October 27, 2011 by Kymberly Foster Seabolt

I realize that in light of tragedies such as war, famine and natural disaster, losing three convenience appliances in the space of three days is a First World Problem to have, but that doesn’t mean I have to be happy about it.