Reporter

Marla Jo Fisher

Marla Jo Fisher was a workaholic hard news reporter before she adopted two children from foster care at age 46, picked up a scruffy dog along the way and somehow managed to keep them all alive, at least so far. She now writes the Frumpy Middle-Age Mom humor column that appears in the Orange County Register weekly. Due to her status as the cheapest person alive, she also writes about deals and bargains for the Register, including her Cheapo Travel column which also runs in newspapers around the country. When she's not having a nervous breakdown, she's usually traveling somewhere cheaply and writing about it.

I recommend going before the crack of dawn, because these free days are popular and you'll find lots of people on the most visited trails.

Travel |
Here’s when you can visit all national parks for free in 2025

January 16, 2025 at 11:07 a.m.

I recommend going before the crack of dawn, because these free days are popular and you'll find lots of people on the most visited trails.

South Africa has always been on my bucket list, and now that I'm old as dirt, I'm checking those items off when I can. I can't wait to see the African penguin colony near Cape Town, and also visit Robben Island, where the late Nelson Mandela was imprisoned as a political prisoner for decades before emerging and then becoming the president of South Africa.

Things To Do |
Frumpy Mom: I’m heading out on a South African safari

January 15, 2025 at 7:00 a.m.

South Africa has always been on my bucket list, and now that I'm old as dirt, I'm checking those items off when I can. I can't wait to see the African...

"What the hell is wrong with this thing?" I started yelling to anyone within earshot about nine seconds after I'd signed for this piece of company property. "I keep trying to make a call and I keep getting disconnected."

Frumpy Mom: Does anyone write checks anymore?

January 8, 2025 at 7:01 a.m.

"What the hell is wrong with this thing?" I started yelling to anyone within earshot about nine seconds after I'd signed for this piece of company property. "I keep trying...

Sea World San Diego is offering free annual passes this year to all K12 teachers in Southern California and Arizona.

Amusement Parks |
Teachers get free annual passes to SeaWorld San Diego

January 3, 2025 at 4:50 p.m.

Sea World San Diego is offering free annual passes this year to all K12 teachers in Southern California and Arizona.

It's been called by some "The Disneyland of Death," due to its insistence on cleaning up the entire subject of death, and presenting it as beautiful and serene.

Things To Do |
Hidden SoCal treasures: Glendale Forest Lawn, the first memorial-park

January 3, 2025 at 10:44 a.m.

It's been called by some "The Disneyland of Death," due to its insistence on cleaning up the entire subject of death, and presenting it as beautiful and serene.

Prepare yourself emotionally for the crowds, because most if not all of the Nile boats cruising the same route stop at these temples at the exact same time.

Travel |
17 tips for having a great cruise down the Nile River in Egypt

January 2, 2025 at 8:54 a.m.

Prepare yourself emotionally for the crowds, because most if not all of the Nile boats cruising the same route stop at these temples at the exact same time.