• Serenity Saturday

    Wednesday, May 7, 2014 Permalink 0

    “Start talking turkey, Warren, because the Macy Parade is almost over and grandma is getting drunk.” - Annie in “Community” I woke up yesterday and waded into the day with an episode of “Community.”  I had myself a good old-fashioned Serenity Saturday.  Chicago was a snowglobe.  And I had no plans until dinner and a play ...

  • What is the real state of the union?

    Wednesday, May 7, 2014 Permalink 0

    Naturally President OBama’s State of the Union speech ignited a passionate response from supporters and opposers.  That’s to be expected in a democratic country.  What I find disheartening and disconcerting was that Facebook posts called for the execution of the President.  What the f*ck? I am in general bipartisan opposition with most politicians for their rhetorical ...

  • I’m a Lefty this week

    Wednesday, May 7, 2014 Permalink 0

    Sue James started a mindfulness quest in 2014.  She invited me along by sending me the book “How to Train a Wild Elephant” by Jan Chozen Bays, MD.  Bays has written a book about simple daily mindfulness practices for living life more fully and joyfully. I’m in! In the introduction, Bays defines herself as a pediatrician, wife, ...

  • I am warm and sincere. Am I?

    Wednesday, May 7, 2014 Permalink 0

    I recently had coffee with someone I’ve known for a decade but someone I don’t really know.  We had a wonderful chit-chat about his life and his writings.  I talked a little about myself but my primary reason for the appointment was to learn about him.  I constantly thought of things I could inject into ...

  • And the Oscar goes to….

    Wednesday, May 7, 2014 Permalink 0

     I saw “Modern Family” this week.  In one story segment, the writers went fairly serious.  The brainy Alex had a meltdown. At her therapy session, she explored the internal forces that drive her to excel more so than external forces.  I get that. Although I’m not sports-minded, I do have a competitive nature.  I like to ...

  • R.I.P. Hobogirl

    Wednesday, May 7, 2014 Permalink 0

    I tore my skirt yesterday.  I was just walking up the stairs and I stepped on the hem and RIP!  It’s unrepairable.  The tear wasn’t on a seam.  It was the splitting of worn fabric.  It was such a colorful skirt that it wasn’t really noticeable (I like to think) that I had a hole ...

  • Stinkin’ Thinkin’

    Wednesday, May 7, 2014 Permalink 0

    Al Franken created the Stuart Smalley character for an ongoing Saturday Night Live skit.  Before Franken became a U.S. Senator, he entertained as a self-proclaimed guru. He was a man ‘in recovery’ from a lot of self-help groups.  He promoted a positive attitude with his daily affirmations. Stuart’s catch-phrase was “I’m good enough.  I’m smart enough.  And ...

  • Calm down, bro! It’s MLK not Xmas!

    Tuesday, May 6, 2014 Permalink 0

    “Calm down, bro!  It’s P.E. not the olympics.”  - Noah’s shirt I’m spending the MLK holiday at my parents.  Last night, I gathered with mom and dad, sisters, my nieces and nephews.  Chinese food, NFC playoffs and a spirited game of Sequence. There is something about family and the MLK holiday that just works.  Thanksgiving and ...

  • Being Zenned out at Work

    Tuesday, May 6, 2014 Permalink 0

    I had lunch with a colleague yesterday.  In 2014, I’m committed to sitting down with each of our 23 staff for a purely social getting-to-know-you meal.  This was the first one.  Jen is the most senior person on staff.  She started in 1999.  I’ve been there since 2004.  Although we’ve worked together for nearly ten ...