Kids Seattle - August 17, 2009

Sobering Revelation

"Mommy Doesn't Drink Here Anymore," by Rachael Brownell

After meetings all day, fighting traffic to pick up the kids, scrambling to get dinner on the table, walking the dog, tending to laundry, and cleaning the house, all you can think about is unwinding with a generous glass of wine.

Or two.

Seattle-based author Rachael Brownell was right there with you: twins and a newborn, a busy career, a home, a husband, well-educated, and responsible. But once she admitted to herself that she had been hanging onto a sense of her adult self by using alcohol to be more than just Mommy, she sought help.

Part memoir, part self-help book, Mommy Doesn’t Drink Here Anymore is an honest and compelling journey chronicling her first sober year — and all the ups and downs that came along with it.

And though getting there was a tough road (as many things worthwhile are), we promise a happy ending.

With no hangover.

Available online at amazon.com or at your local bookstore.

HEAR
Clinton Fearon and the Boogie Brown Band
What: Catch the family-friendly band for free as part of the outdoor Sounds of Summer Concert Series.
Why: Boogie down.
When: Wed., 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: University Village, 2623 NE University Village (206-523-0622).

INVESTIGATE
Family Adventures in Sleuthing
What: Team up as a family and use scientific clues to solve the mystery of the day.
Why: How curious.
When: Wed., 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: KidsQuest Children’s Museum, 4091 Factoria Mall SE, Bellevue (425-637-8100). Pre-registration is required.

RIDE
Snoqualmie Railroad Days
What: Take the tykes to the 70th annual event for train rides, a parade, game booths, and tons of food.
Why: She’ll be comin’ around the mountain when she comes.
When: Sat., 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Northwest Railway Museum, 38625 SE King St., Snoqualmie (425-888-3030).