My neighbor Dave shared an interesting observation with me the other day. He went to the ever yummy Buffalo Wild Wings to pick up some 25-cent boneless wings for the fam (yay for Thursdays!) As he sat down at the bar to wait for his order, he noticed five guys in a row sitting on bar stools, each one glued to his smart phone. He shared, "No one was talking to one another. It was kind of sad. Those guys missed out. These devices prevent us from 'real connections' with people. What a shame. I'm sick of all of the surface level conversations and interactions. I feel like I rarely go deeper …
Give Your Stalkers Something to Think About
After 10 years of being online, a fear of mine has been realized. I have a stalker. She's unpredictable. She's crazy. And she's managed to obsess over me and Jason for the last two years, mimicking our day-to-day habits and traits. It's starting to pick up in intensity. I feel like I am under constant surveillance. Some days, it feels suffocating. …
[Read more...] about Give Your Stalkers Something to Think About
6 Ways to Start a Stuff Diet
I am officially sick of stuff. I'm overwhelmed by it all. As much as I try to limit the amount of stuff coming into my life, it still shows up on my doorstep. Literally. Exhibit A: I walked out to get the mail yesterday and found Rock & Roll Elmo in a brown grocery bag with a note, "Dear Lucy, I need a home and new batteries. Love, Neighbor Lisa." This is Neighbor Lisa's second toy drop-off. Her grandkids no longer appreciate the joyfully high-pitched singing of this furry muppet, so she's excited to see another small friend enjoy him. Super thoughtful! And I must say, Lucy enjoys …
5 Simple Warning Signs That Your Life is a House of Cards
I met a woman recently who taught me a valuable lesson about life balance: "Your sanity should never become the sacrificial lamb for your success." - Kim Kotecki (I should mention upfront, when I refer to "success" in this article, I'm talking about prosperity in one's career, which I realize is not everyone's definition of success.) After years of hard work, risk, and sacrifice, the woman in question has a successful business with a big future. She's young, beautiful, in good health, and has a supportive family. What more could a woman want, right?! Well, although she is winning in …
[Read more...] about 5 Simple Warning Signs That Your Life is a House of Cards
The Rocket Man Principle
When I first took the job as a kindergarten teacher, little did I know that I would soon become exposed to a remarkable amount of loose teeth. We enjoyed perpetual Halloween, what with the number of kids looking like jack-o-lanterns all year long. It was not uncommon to be reading a story to the class and hear that familiar squeaky noise, the one that can only be heard when a child is wiggling her baby tooth with her tongue. (Did the thought of that make you cringe?) That subtle yet distinct noise means one thing and one thing only: time to pull it, honey. …
What Are You Selling? And Is It Fun?
I am convinced that every single adult -- no matter their profession or educational background -- is a salesperson in some form or another. If you are a parent, you are constantly selling to you kids, persuading them to try hard in school, stay away from the wrong crowd, be polite. Heck, I am selling Lucy on veggies every night at 6 p.m. Teachers sell good conduct and self-sufficiency. Nurses sell healthy habits and discipline. Managers sell hard work, respect and communication. If you are ever persuading others to do something or act in a certain way, or you find yourself promoting …
What’s Your Number? How to Stop Being Stretched Too Thin
With the new school year upon us, life inevitably starts to pick up. Sports, civic groups, music lessons, church activities -- everyone distributes their fall schedules and before you know it, the day-to-day is officially busy again. (We hardly knew ye, summer! See ya again in nine months!) This is your chance -- right now -- before everything is completely up and running, to have a conversation that will decrease your stress and increase your happiness this fall. Don't miss this opportunity! Here's what you need to do... …
[Read more...] about What’s Your Number? How to Stop Being Stretched Too Thin
How Many Wows Will You Miss Today?
Lucy and I experienced quite an amazing site the other night and I bet you'll never guess where... After all of the travels this kid has done so far (34 flights in 20 months), one of the coolest sights was found right in our local grocery store parking lot! (Isn't that how life goes?!) We walked out with our cart full of yummies to find a FULL rainbow right before our eyes. It spanned the entire sky. (I felt five!) "WOOOWWW!" Lucy instantly proclaimed in her shaky toddler voice, pointing up at one of the coolest things I had ever seen in my 32 years. I found myself echoing her joy and …
All You Can Do
I saw someone get really bad news today. It was upsetting to witness. We were walking along the always interesting State Street, Madison's hot spot for fun and folly. This woman in her mid-20s was on her cell phone and it was obvious that she had just received news that would change her life. She stood there devastated, crying and hiding her face from the crowded street, shuddering into her boyfriend's arms. I couldn't help but wonder. What happened? …
Your Daring Adventure Is Waiting
Most people I run into seemed bored with their life. The status quo for a "happy life" these days is pretty watered down, pretty blah. Once you get your demanding (and often life-sucking) career, the 2.5 kids, the dog, the house with the white picket fence, two nice cars, yadda yadda... you should officially find happiness (as if it arrives in a FedEx box upon completion of such requirements.) But does this magic formula for happiness really work? If so, why are so many people so darn bored, seeking fleeting moments of happiness in trivial things? …