Life
Even More Words for the New Year 6
I’m more than willing to call myself out when I make a mistake. And friends, oooh, did I make a mistake last year! I chose to focus on these words (these words!): What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet. —Anne Frank Um, really.…
Read MoreRainbows and Roses
Almost exactly four years ago, I wrote about my expectations for then President-elect Trump. While I didn’t vote for him in 2016 and actually had very low expectations of what he could do and what he would do, I wanted to be the better person and see him strive for something better. I wanted to…
Read MoreDear Diary
Dear Diary, People told me to start writing to you earlier. “You’ll want to remember these times,” they said. “You can keep track of all that happens, capturing a you that’s never been seen before.” One historian made a great case for journaling during a pandemic, and my son’s history teacher sent emails saying, “You…
Read MoreThank You for Your Service
My sister works for the VA, so I’ve become accustomed to thanking members of the military for their service when I see them. Just a quick word or two at the grocery store or bank usually does the trick. My reward? A return “thank you” or a small smile. Telling these folks thank you is…
Read MoreEven More Words for the New Year 5
Last year, I chose these words to focus on: You owe yourself the love that you so freely give others. ~Unknown My intent to live a bit more selfishly didn’t completely pan out. While I did find more time for writing and quit my less-than-fulfilling job, by the end of the year, I’d taken on…
Read More#GivingTuesday
Almost exactly six years ago, an online magazine gave me the opportunity to join their team. I still remember the cover letter I sent to the managing editor, although the particulars have melted away like many memories do. “What I lack in experience, I more than make up for in enthusiasm,” I said. Or something…
Read MoreSunscreen, Shinguards, and Cleats, Oh My!
Aaron is playing on the junior varsity high school soccer team this year. I can’t remember how many years he’s been playing soccer. Maybe ten? I think his soccer days date back to when he was four and first entered the little recreation leagues we have out here. Since then, he’s moved onto more competitive…
Read MoreThe Battle
The battle began when someone told someone to tell Maggie about a class description that needed to be posted. The whole chain of command issue—why wasn’t the head “someone” coming right to her?—should have tipped Maggie off. But it didn’t. And after she’d crossed her t’s and dotted her i’s, made sure that the description…
Read MoreAll’s Well That Ends Well
Almost a week ago now, our local paper featured a feel-good story on one of the city’s public high school graduates. It’s been shared all over social media, and the school system has been proud to showcase it on Facebook and Twitter. The story begins like this: “Eighteen years ago, Cate O’Malley was a helpless…
Read MoreWhat I Realized
While I’m grateful that 2019 is behind us, I’m also grateful for the realizations I gained over the prior year. I’m listing them in no particular order. Acquaintance circles might stretch for miles, but the number of true friends a person has is very few. Using people is something that much of humanity…
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