Kimberly Dalferes | Author

Crazy, Southern, Irish Gal, Author

7 Years in Fuzzy Bunny Slippers

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Many of you who regularly join me here in the Middle-Aged Cheap Seats (bless you, by the way), have come to know me as Kimba: King Salmon Slayer, Estate Sale Junkie, sometimes writes books. What you may not know is that I also have a day-job working in public policy. Image provided courtesy of morgueFile, http://mrg.bz/Lli5uc For the first 44 years of my life, I was a “rules girl.” I traveled a common baby boomer path, from high school classroom to college lecture hall to … [Read more...]

Uterus Declares War!

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Warning: what follows is an unabashedly truthful rendering of one woman’s journey through menopause. Men who are squeamish about discussions of blood, periods, Aunt Flo, cramps, tampons, sweating, vaginas, or middle-aged women in general should probably stop reading right about now. Bless your hearts. Image provided courtesy of http://www.gratisography.com/ In the past few years, my uterus has declared war. This was not a gradual shift, a kind or slow and steady progression of the … [Read more...]

Dollars to Doughnuts

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I have come to love February. Not because of Valentine’s Day and certainly not for the weather. My fondness for this second month of the year has evolved per my family’s involvement in charitable fundraising.   My admiration for February began several years ago with my son Jimmy’s participation in THON. Each February–this year it’s February 20 thru 22–something magical happens at Penn State. Thousands of students stay awake and on their feet for 46 hours straight; all united in working … [Read more...]

Do They Really Throw Chicken Bones?

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I’m a southern gal. Born and raised in the South. My mama’s family is from the South. My entire life to date has been lived in the South. However, I recently attended an event that despite my southern pedigree and upbringing had me feeling like a Yankee in King Earnhardt's court. I experienced my first NASCAR race. The National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing–NASCAR–is the governing body over one of the most profitable enterprises in the U.S. Since its beginnings back in 1947, NASCAR … [Read more...]

Midlife Swagger: We All Deserve An Anthem

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The State of the Union address happened this week. As I watched President Obama it occurred to me that part of the swagger, in addition to being one of the most powerful people in the world, is that he has a theme song. Interestingly, they didn’t play Hail to the Chief as he walked into the House chamber–guess they figured all eyes were already on him. Hail to the Chief – A Brief History There’s some fun history behind Hail to the Chief. First Lady Sarah Childress Polk is most often … [Read more...]

The Year of the Challenge Envelope

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“Hon, what exactly do you do with your allowance?” “Well, that’s my business.” “Yeah, but, you work from home…” “Hey, we made an agreement a long time ago that we each get the same amount of cash each week to blow as we see fit. No questions asked, remember?” “Yeah, but…” “Yeah, but, what?” “You’re right, forget I mentioned it.” Kiss kiss. Throughout 2014 this exchange between me and the Hubs reared its little head a few times. In each instance, I managed to dodge the … [Read more...]

Stripping Lessons

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I’ve tackled many DIY projects throughout my 1980s colonial style house. You’ve experienced my “joys” as I’ve described my budget powder room makeover and my trash to treasure patio re-do. Hubs and I have painted almost every room, pulled up nasty green shag carpet, replaced cabinet handles and hinges, reupholstered chairs and benches, and completed a honey-do list that is varied and extensive. However, for the past 13 years we’ve chosen to ignore one particular room: the spare bathroom … [Read more...]

Mystery Solved: Why Women are Late

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A guy friend – not Hubs – recently lamented: Why are women ALWAYS late?? Oh, this is an easy one; I got this. When men leave the house each morning: The TV is on – in every room. Yesterday’s clothes are on the floor. Dirty dishes are in the sink. The kitty litter box is over-flowing. The kids are still in bed. photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thelotuscarroll/9810243124/">Lotus Carroll</a> via <a … [Read more...]

Stupid Sh*t Said to Women

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A friend recently recommended I read the interview of Hillary Clinton by Editor-in-Chief Cindi Leive of Glamour magazine. This September 2014 article focuses on career advice for women – the article was suggested because I’ve developed a keen interest in the whole “lean in vs be balanced” debate. FYI, excerpts from this interview can we be found online at: http://www.glamour.com/inspired/2014/08/hillary-rodham-clinton-career-lessons (accessed 9-29-14) Clinton’s discussion of what it was like … [Read more...]

A Quotable Woman

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September is a magical month. As the transition from summer to fall begins, I find myself appreciating any lingering warm days, knowing that cooler temps are on their way. September brings festivals that celebrate pumpkins and mums, apples and wine (for a few tips regarding those wine festivals you can check out Don't Be the Drunk Girl). What’s not to love?! Image provided courtesy of www.gratisography.com I recently discovered another reason why we should all love this month: … [Read more...]