Apparently many American’s do not take all of their allotted vacation time. What’s wrong with us? I just read a very interesting article about this on WashingtonPost.com, called “Vacation Deprivation: The Lost Art of Taking Time Off.” The article pointed out, ‘workers are expected to give back 574 million vacation days in 2006, depriving themselves of much-needed breaks, according to Expedia.com's annual vacation deprivation survey. The number of vacation days employees are skipping this year increased by one over last year. On average, Americans leave at least four days unclaimed annually. …
Delight in the Little Things
Taking Things for Granted
This weekend Jason and I got a chance to see Toad the Wet Sprocket in concert. They are one of the bands that Jason and I listened to all of the time in college and have in our many iTunes playlists. Every song was a “classic.” The concert was awesome! When we got home I was listening to some of my favorites on our iPod in bed that night. One song hit me more than the others. It’s called, "I Will Not Take These Things For Granted.” It’s a slower song and well worth the 99 cent download, if you don’t already have it. The lyrics hit me because of a recent tragic death of a family friend a few …
Little Cubs Field
Now here's a story that will warm any baseball fan's -- and especially a Cubs fan's -- heart. I got an e-mail the other day from Dennis Garkey, the president of a non-profit group called Build Little Cubs Field. The aim of the group is to build a wiffleball-sized replica of Wrigley Field in Freeport, Illinois. The project, which has been supported by Ron Santo and the Chicago Cubs, will feature brick walls, the famous ivy (some supplied by the Cubs), the basket over the wall, and even a replica scoreboard. It will be used for Little League (7-8 yr old boys and girls), kickball, wiffleball, …
A Lesson in the Little Things
Tonight Kim and I had the privilege of babysitting our goddaughter Isabella. We took a field trip to the park. Upon arriving, I did the typical grown-up thing: scope the playground equipment in search for the most fun, unique, "big budget" installation. We grown-ups are naturally geared to skip past the things that appear ho hum. We have this "been there, done that" thing going on. Of course I expected that Belle would follow suit and make a beeline for the big multi-slide, suspension bridged plastic edifice. Nope. …
Six Years of Childlike Wonder
As Kim mentioned in her latest post, we celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary yesterday. After picking up some delectable morel mushrooms at the Farmer's Market, we had lunch at Ian's Pizza (Mac and Cheese pizza for Kim, Philly Cheesesteak for me.) Then we toured the new Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and the Olbrich Botanical Gardens -- both free! -- and capped off the evening at The Eldorado Grill for dinner and the Hilton's Olive Lounge for some dueling piano action. It was a beautiful day, packed with new adventures and a cornucopia of childlike curiosity. Ever since we spent a …
Foods Collide
Yesterday Jason and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. Man, the way this marriage is flying, we’ll be up to 60 before we know it. Jason had the whole day planned by the time I awoke to breakfast in bed. (He makes the best scrambled eggs!) After enjoying the spring weather as we bummed around Madison’s famous Farmer’s Market, Jason excitedly shared with me one his new discoveries in town, Ian’s Pizza. Talk about childhood! You can read all about Ian’s at Jason’s recent blog post. …
My Mom Won
I don’t know if you are aware, but my Mom is THE BEST MOM EVER. She is the official #1 Mom! I have collected the evidence right here for you to see for yourself. Here’s one piece of evidence for every year of my life. 1- Labor and delivery, late night feedings, cloth diapers, teething… need I say more? 2- My Mom would refill the orange juice in “my baby cup” (as I called it), what probably seemed like dozens of times a day. I loved juice, apparently. 3- After I “helped her” run her errands we’d stop at the bakery and get the best gingerbread men cookies, together! …
Moments With my Dad
The first memories I have with my Dad start when I was about three-years- old. In honor of his birthday, Monday, April 24th, I would like to share with you a special memory for each year of my life. This list reminds me how important it is to take time for the people we love. My Dad has blessed my life with so many wonderful moments and memories…and many more to come! Age 3- I sat with my Dad on the riding lawn mower and helped him cut the grass. Age 4- My first ring was given to me by my Dad. Every once in a while he would smoke a cigar and give me the paper ring, which I proudly wore on …
Hobbies
Kim and I are on the first leg of a four state, thirteen day, nine speaking engagement whirlwind. Tonight finds me in a hotel in Indianapolis. I spoke to a group of adults this morning, and about 100 teenagers this evening. Tomorrow is another group of grown-ups, followed by a family presentation. Kim and I like to play a game where she says, "Gun's to your head: where are you?" Today I passed the test with flying colors, but it might be tricky in a week. …
From Bracelets to Blankets
This week I dove into my beginner’s crochet book. After making a number of what Jason fondly referred to as “nose warmers,” I decided I was ready to try a blanket. About an hour into this I realized that I will probably be about 80 years-old when this blanket is finished. I know I will get faster but it is overwhelming at this stage in the game. …