Sometimes you'll see a message at the beginning of a movie letting you know it was "based on true events." There's something dramatic about it because it's exhilarating to watch an amazing story that wasn't just imagined, but really happened. At least part of it. You see, I'm always skeptical of that claim because I feel they're being intentionally vague. It makes me wonder, what parts are the true parts? How much of it is factual? Half? Thirty-three percent? One percent? Did they leave out important details? Or exaggerate stuff for the sake of a better story? Did they shorten the …
Archives for July 2022
Wendy Worden, July 2022 Adultitis Fighter of the Month
An Adultitis Fighter is someone who rallies against rules that don't exist and engages in ruthless, senseless acts of silliness that undermine Adultitis and its unadventurous version of adulthood. Once a month, we shine a light upon the most remarkable among us, holding them up as a dazzling example of what we should strive for in this epic battle against a formidable enemy. This month's worthy recipient of this prestigious honor is Wendy Worden! In recognition of their efforts, Adultitis Fighters of the Month receive a special mini-canvas hand-painted by Jason, along with a …
[Read more...] about Wendy Worden, July 2022 Adultitis Fighter of the Month
Is Life Giving You a Better Offer?
My mind whirred to life, like a computer booting up from sleep. I was awake, but my eyes remained closed. After a momentary delay, my ears tuned in to the hushed symphony of rainfall. Not a storm, not a weak drizzle, but the sustained sound of polite applause. Bliss.My mind turned its focus to the day ahead. My Monday morning to-do list was waiting, and my brain divided against itself. “It’s important to start the week off strong. If you give in at the start, the rest of your plans have no chance,” said one side.The other half calmly responded, “Mornings like these don’t come along very often. …
Why “Ugly or Beautiful?” is a Trick Question
One day Kim wrote a social media post about how ugly our backyard is after having been ravaged by a cataclysmic storm. The harsh, violent, apocalyptic hellscape is heartbreaking. And very, very ugly. A well-intentioned commenter felt the need to correct her, "No, it's beautiful." Of course, the commenter is right. It is beautiful, in many real and metaphorical ways. And the photos Kim has taken of the carnage have captured some of that beauty. But you know what? It’s also ugly. Especially in comparison to what it was before. It can be both. It is both. And that's ok. As …
[Read more...] about Why “Ugly or Beautiful?” is a Trick Question
How to Help Someone Who Is Grieving
My young traveling companion poked me on the elbow with a request I didn't see coming. From the moment Kim and I made the decision to move ahead with taking Ginny on her first Daddy Daughter trip despite the storm that had wrought havoc on our home, my mind was in overdrive. From forcing it to focus on what needed to land in my suitcase, to finding a gas station that had power so we could refuel, to asking the gate agent if he could make sure our seats were together, my brain was busy anticipating and solving every challenge that presented itself on our journey to …
Life Keeps Going
I woke up. The face of my bedside clock was expressionless. Still no power. It felt like time was standing still, but I knew otherwise. A quick check of my phone, whose battery was holding on for dear life, confirmed that I'd been asleep for exactly one hour. I was awake, but unfortunately, the nightmare persisted. It was 1:30 am, but no more sleep would be had by me that night. Eerie lightning flashes periodically silhouetted the stripped and broken trees rising from the backyard like a witch's bony fingers. It's an image I'll never forget. I had to leave for the airport …