Being on the road can be tough. The adventure is fun, but lots of little "stuff" can add up and wear you down. Stuff like lugging heavy suitcases and extra boxes filled with books through the airport...waiting an hour on the runway for some last-minute plane repair to be documented...taking your shoes off for the hundredth time while a uniformed official looks at you suspiciously...being in so many different hotels that you forget which numbered door your room key will open...and trying desperately to catch a few moments of sleep on a red eye flight in a seat that seems more like a sardine can …
Maintain Perspective
An Evening with the Cubs
Well, I wish the Cubbies would have ended the night on a better note, but attending Game One of the the National League Divisional Series in Phoenix last night is an experience Kim and I won't soon forget. We've been in Arizona since Sunday for some speaking gigs. What are the chances that my boys would happen to be opening their playoff push in the exact same city on the day before we fly out, and our hotel is only about 15 minutes from the ballpark? It was an opportunity we couldn't let pass us by, and were able to find a pair of tickets on the internet. I spent more on these tickets than …
On Curve Balls
One of the most challenging things to do in baseball is hit a curve ball. Especially the nasty ones. When I played ball in high school, we used to practice with whiffle balls to try and get used to the spin and trajectory of the pitch. But nothing compared to the real thing. In the heat of the battle, the eyes of the spectators are on you. If a strong, tall lefty unleashes a big bender, your mind suddenly goes into decision-by-committee mode. Your upper body lunges forward, eager to pounce on the offering that is slower than a fastball. Your knees buckle, as if to say, "Mayday! Mayday! It's …
An Experience So Grand
I'm not sure it's possible to explain the Grand Canyon experience in words. Or pictures. Or anything else, for that matter. Talk about an escape from adulthood and all its worries and stresses! The ride north from Phoenix was a treat in and of itself. We took the "scenic" route through Prescott, Jerome, and Sedona. In the desert, the cacti looked like prickly green fingers pointing to the bright blue sky. As our elevation increased, the rock formations reminded me of old men with wrinkled faces and sunburned cheeks, looking over the pine trees standing at full attention like a million green …
Stress Begets Stress
Remember Jeff Foxworthy's, "You might be a redneck if..."? Classic! Recently in our speaking gigs we have started helping audiences identify their Adultitis by giving some examples in a similar way. For instance, you might have Adultitis if... you consider your cell phone a body part. You might have Adultitis if... it's dark when you leave home in the morning and it's dark when you get home, and you don't live in Alaska. This last one is quite an issue. I happened upon an article talking about the trend of commuters leaving earlier and earlier, while also leaving work later in the day to …
No More Negativity
Continuing my “Beyond the Elementary" series (helping adults move out of childish behaviors, to live more childlike lives with less stress and more success), here's lesson #4... 4. No More Negativity Have you ever met a kid who makes a big deal out of nothing all of the time? This is the kid who gets a papercut and cries uncontrollably until the entire class has seen and heard about it. This is also the kid who interrupts a Dr. Seuss story to tattle on someone- again! There are many reasons why this child insists on being a "handful." Often it's a cry for help, a way to get attention, …
A 9/11 Tradition
Kim has already posted a pretty good take on September 11 and the events that transpired six years ago. (Six years already?!) I'd just like to add a simple question: How has your life changed? Some of us have had friends and family members who have fought in Afghanistan and Iraq. But for many people, the only big change has been the extra security at airports. Other than that, life has settled into the same hurried ruts that were prevalent in pre-9/11 days. …
Living Free
As I sit on my front porch this September 11th I can't help but be in a mood that is equal parts melancholy, nostalgic and inspired. Such a strange combination. Life changed as we know it six years ago. Not only were lives lost, but innocence was stolen. The fight against terror is overwhelming and persistent. We are all so blessed that there are courageous men and women willing to give their lives for our safety. Boy, do we take that for granted. What I find horrific as a sit and reflect is the number of people who were not victims of that awful day, but who are waiting for a tragedy …
5 Ways to Prevent a Stressful School Year
There is something about the new school year which brings a healthy balance of anxiety and optimism for both kids and parents. This year will be even better than last year. There are still many unknowns and things out of your control, but overall a fresh start is always a good thing. With this hope in mind I have five things you can do to prevent a stressful school year. 1. Do not over schedule yourselves. 2. Do not over schedule yourselves. 3. Do not over schedule yourselves. 4. Do not over schedule yourselves. 5. Do not over schedule yourselves. The reality for most kids between …
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When Mosquitoes Attack
The other night Kim and I were on one of our famous walks. It was late, and our steps were guided by the full moon's glow and the occasional street light. We were immersed in a great conversation brainstorming about the business. As we passed a park, my wife, who has a bladder the size of an infant leprechaun, spotted a port-a-potty. She had to go. Did I mention it was dark? Ink black dark. My role as husband meant that I was enlisted to hold the door open for her so she could see what she was doing. (Although in my experience, the less I'm able to see in those things, the better.) No …