Life Under Shelter in Place – The First Day

What's 'shelter in place'? Around 1:00 pm on March 16, 2020, a ‘shelter in place’ order broadcasted across seven Bay Area counties, SantaClara, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Marin, and Santa Cruz. For a moment, I couldn’t process what was happening. What’s this? Quarantine? I needed to hear more. We were required to stay at home, the announcement blared across the television. Stop moving around. Until April 7. That’s 552 hours. The Mercury Newspaper put it in simple, straightforward language. Please read this Order carefully. Violation of or failure to comply with this Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. (California Health and … [Read more...]

Are You Still Kidding Me? 99¢ Pre-Order Summer Beach Read

Looking for a summer beach read? Check out my latest book, Are You Still Kidding Me? , available for 99¢ Pre-Order. If you like Lisa Scottoline’s, I See Life Through Rosé-Colored Glasses, then I think you’ll love my latest book. Here’s what hilarious Wendy Liebman said, “I love Stacey Gustafson’s voice — her stories and how she shares them!  She is entertaining, relevant and relatable, and her new book is for anyone who is a parent, child, spouse, or other.” — Wendy Liebman, stand-up comedian, semi-finalist on America’s Got Talent, Season 9, Taller on TV Click here for 99¢ Pre-Order Are You Still Kidding Me?   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5Kn1k_FQyg You can buy … [Read more...]

Funny Parenting Sayings Spotted on Magnets and Mugs

Need a boost of laughter? Check out these funny parenting sayings spotted on magnets and mugs. Even when kids crack your face, break your stuff and question your sanity, it's nice to know you're not alone. Don't forget to check out my favorite family sitcoms, The Middle and The Goldbergs. Parenting is mostly just being screamed at by a tiny idiot. The first rule of parenting: Never negotiate with terrorists. I child proofed by house but they still get in. If drinking on the front porch counts, then yes, call me outdoorsy. Who are these kids and why are they calling me mom? Nothing makes me more productive than the last minute. My swimsuit told me to go to the gym today … [Read more...]

Must Know Facts About Alamo Women’s Club

Alamo Women’s Club I’ve met a group of women that will restore you faith in human kindness, the Alamo Women's Club. They inspire with their boundless enthusiasm and benevolence through their charitable acts. I’m proud to call them my friends and be a part of their movement to help those in need through philanthropy. The Alamo Women’s Club is the oldest women’s club in Alamo, serving the community by bringing women together for fun, learning, sharing and philanthropy. Hop over to their website to discover how you can be a part of their efforts to make our community a better place for everyone to live, learn and thrive. http://www.alamowomensclub.org Alamo Women's Club … [Read more...]

Love Dogs? Try A Dog’s Purpose

Love dogs? Try A Dog’s Purpose, a family film for all, released in theaters January 27. A Dog’s Purpose is based on the book of the same name. It features the hilarious Josh Gad as the voice of the movie’s lovable dog or, err, multiple dogs. Starring hottie Dennis Quaid as Ethan, Britt Robertson, Peggy Lipton and K.J. Apa, A Dog’s Purpose is sure to become a family favorite. https://youtu.be/1jLOOCADTGs According to Entertainment Weekly… In the new trailer . . . we get a peek at Gad voicing a reincarnated canine that changes the lives of his many owners and finds the meaning in his own life. Gad starts out playing a dog named Bailey, who is the steadfast companion of a boy named … [Read more...]

Somewhat Irrational Fears – Murder at Marriott

Some people have irrational fears, like fear of heights, spiders or public speaking. When it hits, survival instincts kick in and we go from calm to paranoid in a microsecond. My phobia was scelerophobia, fear of burglars, bad men or crime in general. This causes me to check and recheck hotel locks. Constantly being vigilant can be exhausting. Since I usually go out of town with my husband, I’m a bit of a novice when it comes to overnight travel, but one thing I understand perfectly is personal safety. My accommodations at the Marriott in Dayton, Ohio for the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop had all the essential amenities, free shampoo, complementary breakfast and no husband or kids. Hotel … [Read more...]

Who the Hell is Joyce Newman Scott?

Ever hate a person you’ve never even met? For me that was Joyce Ann Newman Scott. My plans to stay at the Marriott in Dayton, Ohio for the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop last week fell apart. I was stuck at a Holiday Inn, 10 miles away, referred to by the attendees as the “Kids’ Table.” “Got to worm my way into the Marriot. It’s right across the street from all the action,” I thought to myself. I struck gold when I received this email. “Hi, my name is Terri. My friend said you are looking for a roommate. Still interested?” she asked. Bingo, my lucky day. Roommate Wanted: Must Not Snore “Sure,” I emailed. “As long as you don’t snore, grind your teeth or have night frights, it’s … [Read more...]

Erma Bombeck Stand-Up Comedy

I'm doing stand-up comedy at the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop this Saturday. I received an email from the conference that 18 of the 40 attendees were selected. I'm trying to get over the jitters as we speak. This year there are 350 attendees plus speakers. Back by popular demand, I decided my skit would be "To The Woman Who Fondled My Breast." I made a few revisions below. I will be doing three different voices: my own, my thoughts and the female technician. I hope I can keep it all straight. Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop on April 10-12, 2014* The Bombeck Workshop is the only one in the country devoted to both humor and human interest writing. Through the workshop, the University of … [Read more...]