Eliana Osborn

You know how someone can give you a compliment that you know isn’t true? Like, they tell you a dress looks good when you are absolutely certain that is not the case? But if they keep saying it looks good, you start to think “Yeah... this looks good.”

I’m not there yet. But I need to be honest—I’m closer to 40 than any other multiple of five.

Ray Nagin. Yes, the former New Orleans mayor who now has a criminal record. Let me explain.

I’m a sucker for an interesting woman, so Notorious RBG is obviously my sort of book.

I’ve developed a fast and furious passion for the new Daily Show host, Trevor Noah.

Really, you should thank me. I’m just protecting your future self.

I’m full of emotions: pride, awe, fear, nerves. The spelling bee first, then the piano recital. Two different kids, same mom. Same me, wanting to prevent my boys from pain and discomfort. Same me, biting my tongue and smiling broadly in support.

The most important things my mother taught me included work from Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, Wham! and Whitney Houston.

When I’m staring at the wall trying to keep my cool when my 6-year-old is hysterical about the tiny bump on his finger, I attempt to channel some of the good parts.

1. Write a damn letter.