When I moved to the suburbs 12 years ago, I had no idea it was going to be this tough, and the worst thing about living here is that the other women make it look so easy. I was overwhelmed by all of my responsibilities; yet, I was underwhelmed by the actual work. I soaked in the tub each night to get a few minutes alone and cried because I was lonely.

I was so freaked out by my new suburban life that one day I ran away from home. Yes, I literally "ran" away from home, like a little kid.

I bolted out the front door and just started running. I ran weaving through the neighbors front yards and back yards like a criminal under pursuit. I ran and ran and ran until I was finally stopped by a huge privacy fence. And that is where I sat on the ground and cried and cried and cried.

Eventually, I stood up and started the long, weaving, walk back home. All I could think of as I traced my way back home through my neighbors beautiful green lawns was "What are those women doing in those four bedroom colonials? And why are they so damn happy?"

Eventually, I picked-up the phone and asked one woman if I could spend time with her. To my delight, she welcomed me into her home with my camera and tape recorder. Then she introduced me to more women. Each shared a part of their life story, some big stuff and lots and lots of the fascinating little stuff.

My reinvention project, Success In The Suburbs, a blog and book-in-the-works, is the result of those meetings.