Author Archives: Jo Ann Ortega

“We don’t have sisters, Jo Ann…”

About a month ago my good, old friend said to me, “We don’t have sisters, Jo Ann. We need people at different phases of life”! That was when I was in the middle of a battle royale with an infection that started in a failed root canalled tooth and spread to my face and neck.Continue reading ““We don’t have sisters, Jo Ann…””

You see me, you really see me!

Usually I don’t plan out or edit my blogs. This time what I want to write about requires some explanation so I’ve had to think this through. I don’t share this preface to make anyone feel sorry for me or to martyr myself.  But, rather, to demonstrate how incredible actions of incredible cousins gave meContinue reading “You see me, you really see me!”

Why is talking about Church so complicated? Saving our ceiling one plate at a time…

Talking about Church shouldn’t be so complicated. But it is. I was born and raised Catholic, in a predominantly Catholic town. I have found both joy and community in my Church. It has been a place of refuge; a place of encouragement; a place of comfort; a place of learning; a place of social justice;Continue reading “Why is talking about Church so complicated? Saving our ceiling one plate at a time…”

Happy Birthday Mary (Minnie) aka Grandma Allan C!

It’s been a minute since I’ve written a blog. Life is messy and chaotic and busy these days which doesn’t exactly lend itself to time for …well anything, really, least of all reflection.   But today I was sitting at mass with Mom, looking around the Cathedral I was raised in and found myself waxing poeticContinue reading “Happy Birthday Mary (Minnie) aka Grandma Allan C!”

Missing You

Sometimes I talk to my Mom; my old Mom; my fierce and fabulous, social justice warrior Mom. She listens to me talk all about work and the clients I’ve interacted with. She gives me tips and tricks of how to deal with difficult people. She asks about my colleagues; if Sara is liking her newContinue reading “Missing You”

I’d like you to meet my Godbrother Sean…

You may have been able to tell from reading this blog over the last few years (I know, I know, inconsistently written) that I love politics!! I grew up in a household that encouraged policy discourse, active participation in all aspects of government and lively debate! I’ve been involved with politics my whole life! IContinue reading “I’d like you to meet my Godbrother Sean…”

Goodbye and good luck, Mary Farrell

I saw Mary Farrell’s post about not reoffering for next month’s municipal election and I’ve been trying to wrap my head around why it bothers me so much. Cause it does. Mary Farrell is someone I didn’t know at all until the last few years.  I loved her Mom who was like a Mama henContinue reading “Goodbye and good luck, Mary Farrell”

Mother’s Day Pity Party for One

Mother’s Day is complicated. I always wanted to be a mother. But, like most things in my life, I expected I would never be afforded the opportunity so I would pretend I never wanted them; to protect myself from the hurt when they never came. I had a friend in high school who once jokedContinue reading “Mother’s Day Pity Party for One”

Friends are friends forever…?

You know that moment when you’re in a crowded public space and you catch a glimpse of an old friend you haven’t seen in awhile across the room? She doesn’t see you, so you quickly wind your way through the crowd to where she is until you are face-to-face. She bursts into a smile and you practicallyContinue reading “Friends are friends forever…?”