Manic Rambling Spiral

We never know where we’re going or how we get there, but maybe that’s part of the charm? Anyway, Heather’s getting some answers, John’s a Furminator convert, and Marlo is Marlo (which is somehow also very Lexton). Also: Dog socks.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Wait. Heather’s moving again? Hell yes she is! She loves to move! She loves to pack! She loves to unpack! She loves boxes! The only minor difference this time around is that you could probably also say she’s moving for love. As for John, he’s pretty excited for her. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We talk about more than Bumble (you know you want an update), but John’s text to Heather is probably the best description for this episode. “Without fail, the women on this app are in three distinct categories: 1. Want kids, 2. Don’t want a relationship, 3. Way out of my league. However, even if nothing in their bio is a fit, I always swipe right on the women who look like they could kick my a$$.” See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Becoming a Single Parent When the Other Parent RelocatesWhat is 'Manic Rambling Spiral?' How did Heather B. Armstrong, queen of the mommy bloggers, become a full-time single parent? That wasn't supposed to be a part of the script. And who the hell is John Bray? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's a new year! That means resolutions, goals, fresh starts and whoa, Heather, it's time to address the elephants in the room. One at a time, of course, because everything in moderation. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Becoming a Single Parent When the Other Parent Remarries Without Warning See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We separated because we just wanted to be friends with our exes. Okay, that's not entirely true, but we both think that staying on the best possible terms with them is in the best interest of our kids. So how do we make it work? Well, it's gotten better, but we're still figuring that out (one glass of bourbon at a time). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Inclusion is critical to education, but Heather and John aren't experts in that area, so John's friend Emily is joining the spiral. Emily is a specialist in early childhood inclusion and a single parent to a son with special needs, and all parents and educators are going to want to hear what she has to say. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Who knew Beyoncé was so amazing? And what about The Cheesecake Factory? Most people, probably, but not us. Until now. Yeah, it's a big week on MRS. And Heather is DONE with her book. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It’s been a busy week without any travel or big changes. How so? Well, Heather’s foot is still an issue, her GI tract is making waves, and John’s battling school policy. Oh yeah, there was also an incident with a gun at Leta’s school. Don't worry, it’s not all somber and sad. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Heather is writing a book! It's not out until February 2019, but it's about depression, a clinical trial that changed her life, and dying. Because, oh yeah, Heather died a few times to get to get better. Turns out there's a way to do that! And John has kept it a secret this whole time. A keeper, that one. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's easier to make promises than it is to keep them. Especially when parenting. It's helpful to realize that the only promises you can guarantee are those that are completely in your control. It's even more helpful to not overuse the word "promise." Or maybe just never use it at all. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Heather's moving and all hell is breaking loose. Though a smaller space can be a great thing, actually getting to that point is miserable. Here's to a fresh start, a great new neighborhood and some semblance of sanity in the aftermath. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Somehow this episode came full circle. From boots and bus stops to pets and school routines, we cover a lot and bookend the whole thing with bowels. Sometimes we even surprise ourselves, but not as much as Leta will surprise herself when she finally understands that a car does not steer itself. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Health care, independence and, on yeah, John's brief hospital stay are all part of this week. We also talk about peeing with an audience and international travel because we like variety. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Heather is back from Paris, John has some news, summer break is almost over (What the hell?). Funny how life can be beautiful and maddening at the same time. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sure, we took a week off due to both of us being sick, but we didn’t actually get a week off. There were endoscopies to be had, sheets to be folded, and puppies to be chased. And this weed won’t just eat itself. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Talking to kids about your ex's new relationship.Introducing a new relationship is one thing, talking to your kids about this new person is something else entirely. From the high road and the cheap seats, we're talking about what to say and not say when kids ask questions, apply labels, and hurl insults (that make you laugh). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sometimes it's tough to stay level-headed. Sometimes it feels damn near impossible when you have to do so while also trying to keep your kids relatively level. Hormones, parenting, life. Awesome. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's official. John is a homeowner! And his relationship status? That's permanently established via legal documents. Super awesome. Regardless, this is a big step. And Heather? Well, she's helping her mom move, nursing a stubbornness injury, and contemplating mortality. Life is wild. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.