When I was a teenager, I worked at a car dealership. The garage where I spent my days smelled of used oil, antifreeze, and in the summer, sweat (hooray for no air conditioning!). My job was to wash cars, run errands, and keep the shop relatively clean. It was good pay for a good job with good bosses and flexible hours. And I learned how to drive a stick shift and detail a car like nobody’s business, which will come in handy when I buy my Porsche someday :) By all accounts, it was a pretty great career for a teenager. But that doesn’t mean I liked it. …
The Blog
The Phone Call No One Wants To Get
Cooties is pretty devastating. But Adultitis is probably more so, because at least you can grow out of Cooties. Awareness is the first step. Better get yourself tested. …
My Birthday Comeback Story
Birthdays come with a a lot of pressure! Everyone -- including myself -- hopes that it's a GREAT day. Some years this greatness is easier to achieve than others. Last year was a breeze. We played hooky as a family, savoring the early spring weather at the zoo. It was a VERY awesome day! But this year (my 35th) was shaping up to be a real challenge. …
Small Rebellion #6: The Ugly Treat Initiative
According to the Interwebs, the first week of April is Laugh at Work Week. If there’s one thing work could use more of, it’s laughter. Inspired by our most recent Champion of Childhood award winners who made an epic ugly cake for a co-worker, we are introducing a new Small Rebellion and we'd love to have you join us! It’s called The Ugly Treat Initiative, and the instructions are very simple: The MISSION: Step 1) Make a delicious dessert that also happens to be really, really UGLY. Step 2) Bring it to work to share. Step 3) Enjoy laughter and improved morale with your colleagues. (And …
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Grammys, Mushrooms, and the Practice of Patience
You know what there isn’t enough of these days? No, not Twinkies. Patience. Here in Wisconsin, it appears that Spring didn’t get the memo about showing up. The weather suggests that Old Man Winter is holding on for dear life. I can’t help but wonder if the slight sense of panic that is bubbling up among citizens of the North is partially caused by our lack of patience. With smartphones keeping us constantly connected, our DVRs editing out commercials, and information on Twitter speeding by at warp speed, patience is more scarce (and valuable) than ever. Marketers promise and the …
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Easter Clothes
A quick cartoon drawn in Photoshop. I like imagining the words being spoken by George Costanza's mother. …
Sendoff of Co-Worker Gets Ugly
Kathleen Molland, Jeanette Raab, and Susan Withey were at a speaking program I did in Williston, North Dakota. I told the Ugly Cookie story. Then these three took it to a whole new level. Here's what happened, in the words of Kathleen: …
Daughter Teaches Dad Proper Way to Eat Banana
A few years ago, a TV reporter referred to me as "The Champion of Childhood." Although I never received a jewel-encrusted crown or an oversized gold-plated belt, it's a title I wear proudly. Admittedly, I don't actually consider myself "THE" Champion, but rather "A" Champion of Childhood. There are scores of people infinitely more qualified than me in this arena, but I quite fancy the idea of acting as "a militant supporter and defender" of the ideals of childhood. Ultimately, I like being a verb more than a noun. Kim and I love using the platform we have to highlight the brilliant …
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Just Out of Curiosity
On any given day, we make lots of decisions. Most, like the decision to stay a bit later at work, never seem all that consequential. But slowly and surely, they add up to tell a story. Take some time to be mindful of every decision, or else you may one day find that those choices have created a story you never intended on telling. …
What’s The Best Part of an Oreo Cookie?
According to physicist David Neevel, it's the cookie, hands down. And this quirky machine will separate your Oreo and remove the offending substance for you. Plus it uses a hatchet. Nice touch. …
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