Even if your life in general is going swimmingly, I would venture to guess you have things in your sphere that aren’t awesome.
My husband doesn’t have a job yet — not awesome.
My dog was sick as a dog this week — not awesome.
My creative juices are all dried up (with three big presentations on the horizon) — not awesome.
Can you ... Read More
Shortly after we were married, my father gave Saul and me matching work boots.
I remember being perplexed at the time. We didn’t live on a farm and I wasn’t known for my manual labor skills. Sure enough, Dad was right.
In 2009, my husband and I donned our matching boots hour after hour as we became part of the Fargo workforce ... Read More
I never post on social media on Saturdays or Sundays. I’d stand on my pedestal and say, “The weekend is reserved for my family” but the truth is I’m just a little bit lazy and I like to sleep in.
I couldn’t sleep this past Saturday so I shuffled into my office, threw on some headphones and started listing to music ... Read More
You know what’s better than one third-grade boy in the back seat of your car? Three third-grade boys in the back seat of your car.
In the course of a 15-minute ride, my son Ben will ask at least 150 questions, including, “Mom, does Area 51 really exist?” “Mom, do you think there will be flying cars in my lifetime?” “Mom, ... Read More
He turned in his keys, his parking pass, and his staff ID. My husband is no longer employed at Ohio University. I won’t say he was fired because as a general rule I don’t use the “f” word. His contract was up and the Athletic Director decided to go in a different direction. A gentlemanly parting of ways, if you ... Read More
Are you sick of winter yet? I know. Stupid question.
I’m in Ohio, so we’re seeing promises that spring will indeed arrive, but I remember all too well the 10 winters we lived in Fargo. Even if there are signs of new life, another cold spell comes blasting in and March feels like the dead of winter.
People are crabby. Everyone is ... Read More
Would you rather have 100 casual acquaintances or one special friend?
It’s a no-brainer, right? We all long to have someone special in our lives. But that can be tricky when the world only sees your disabilities.
Ciera Ball is mostly nonverbal, was diagnosed with autism and has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). That can be a tough combination when forming attachments ... Read More
I often say I have the happiest email inbox in the world. Every once in a while, I’ll also get a handwritten letter in my real mailbox explaining how someone is adding light to the world through kindness.
I’ve received the sweetest stories of kindness. Despite what you might see on the television, there is good in this world, no doubt ... Read More
1. There is no one better for the job of being you than you, so no need to apologize.
2. Hallmark Channel USA Home & Family Here I come!
Have you felt it? That overwhelming need to dispose of all clutter now that the holidays are over?
I’ve cleaned out one closet and have about seven more to go. I’m clearly not the only one feeling it, because I got a letter from a woman in Wisconsin whose need to downsize meant an upswing in kindness.
“I was in purge mode ... Read More
