Marriage or Divorce? Which One Will Kill You First?
It’s no secret that divorce sends couples on an emotional rollercoaster. Regardless of how amicable the split is, there are periods of grief, anger, denial, self doubt and sometimes, even malicious behavior toward each other.
Aware of the pain, grief, and fear divorce may cause to the couple, children, family, and friends, I have always advocated that staying in an unhealthy marriage or unfitting relationship causes much more pain and grief for all parties involved.
Divorce is not a get out of jail card, it is not a trial and error opportunity, nor is it a lazy act by couples that didn’t try, as many critics claim. In reality, divorce is usually the last option, the last chance to salvage any type of friendship or co-parenting relationship.
I know – I’m divorced. Read more »
Life is Not a Box of Chocolates … Anymore
Although I hate to quote Forrest Gump, I’m gonna. I used to think that life was like a box of chocolates. There were surprises in every bite, the smooth, creamy texture was calming, and just the scent of it energized me.
That was until I read the label. Read more »
Writing From the Grave
Death is so taboo. People fear it, avoid discussing it, and shudder at the thought of it. In reality, though, death opens up someone’s life story.
When a person dies, his or her life’s story unfolds and then becomes newsworthy. To counteract feelings of despair, family, friends, and co-workers reflect on the deceased, tell stories of the past, and ingrain this person’s image and likeness with memories. Read more »
People to See, Places to Go
People amaze and inspire me. People annoy and frustrate me. Most of all, though, people interest me. I’m a people person in many ways – just not in the way that most think.
A people person is often defined as someone who is constantly socializing, making connections, and attracting followers – the type that has uncanny charisma working the room in elegant fashion.
That’s not me. Read more »
Social Media Overload
I’ve spent the past few days immersed, overwhelmed, delighted, and frustrated with social media. As participants in the Associated Collegiate Press Summer Journalism Workshops in Minneapolis, Minn. four of my students and I have been bombarded with high-tech options for reinventing and improving the standards for student newspaper publishing. Read more »
Dirty Little Secrets
I have a secret. More than likely, you have a secret, too. What would it take to convince you to divulge that secret? Maybe fear, maybe attention, maybe guilt.
For some, a postcard will do the trick. Read more »
Home is Never Too Far Away
I’ve never considered myself a homebody. I love to travel, I love to see new places, and I love to witness the unique culture of each city I visit.
For some reason, though, I tend to be a homebody when I’m not at home. Read more »
Fat Dog in a Little Coat
Before
As humans, our obsession with weight haunts us every minute of the day. Many of us weigh ourselves incessantly, critique every inch of our bodies and constantly evaluate how “fat” we are in the mirror.
We place pictures of skinnier versions of ourselves on the fridge, we buy fat free dressing that tastes like water and low calorie rice cakes that resemble cardboard, and we compare ourselves to other humans, wishing we could just shed 5-10 pounds.
In the meantime, dogs lounge around, lazily contemplating the next meal or planning their next nap on the forbidden couch. My dog is no exception. She snores the loudest in our house, seems put-out when I make her go outside to run and tears apart the trash searching for food just as I rearrange the pantry each night looking for a snack. Read more »
Yep, I Like Hannah Montana
I admit it. I like Hannah Montana. Her songs are on my iPod, the car radio is often tuned to Disney Channel, and I 
know all the words to the theme of her TV show.
I tried my hardest not to like her – told others that it was my daughter’s music and that as a mom, I was forced to watch her show and listen to the Disney Channel. But, I’m coming clean – I’ve taken a liking to the pop princess’ style, lyrics, and even her alter ego, Miley. Read more »
Hospice of Southern Illinois Comforts Entire Family at the End of Life
Published November 2003 in The Messenger,
The Newspaper of the Belleville Catholic Diocese
Margaret Hettenhausen is not afraid to die. Lying comfortably in a chair in her own home, she strokes her beloved cat, Missy, and says, “I’m not afraid; I’m ready.”
Two months ago, Hettenhausen was driving a car; today she is unable to walk without support. The 92-year old is suffering from ovarian cancer. She may live two more days – two more years. Read more »
About Me
Three words to describe me? Passionate. Motivated. Curious. These traits help me as a college media adviser and instructor, freelance writer, and mom. This site, focused on writing, reflecting, and teaching, strives to tell the stories of the “average” person. From student journalism and higher education to parenting and freelance writing, you’ll find a mix of blogs with a hint of humor, sarcasm, and inspiration.
Feel free to browse my sample works including feature news, magazine, and web copywriting pieces from the past and present. Check back often for daily updates, blog entries, and additional stories. Feel free to contact me directly at shphilpott@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter. Comments are welcome!
