Originally published - August 27, 2013 My mother has cancer. It started in her lungs, though she's a nonsmoker. I always feel inclined to say that she never smoked, because lung cancer has such a negative connotation. But she was never a smoker. Ever. I haven't been real vocal about it. When my mom was... Continue Reading →

Originally published - July 29, 2013 About a year ago, our family packed up and moved to the Windy City. All we had really ever known was life in Oklahoma, mostly Oklahoma City, a little Tulsa Time and some smaller towns. As you grow up in Oklahoma, you are instilled with this sense that Oklahoma... Continue Reading →

Originally published - July 23, 2013 Thrift store shopping has gone through a bit of a revival in the last few years. When the unemployment rate sky rocketed and the economy tanked, many people turned to thrifting to keep clothes on their backs. But we all learned something during that time. Thrifting is pretty cool.... Continue Reading →

Originally published - June 15, 2013 I have a diverse and large group of friends. Somehow, it's something that happened when we moved to Illinois last year. I've always had friends, but when we got here, we had a whole neighborhood to meet. Maybe it's because the kids are older. When your kids make friends,... Continue Reading →

Originally published - July 8, 2013 Congratulations, you're all grown up. You get up and go to work everyday to make a living. Maybe you work in an office, or maybe on a sales floor. Maybe you have to drive around and meet clients. Maybe you sling coffee, or pour drinks, or make spreadsheets, or... Continue Reading →

Originally published - July 1, 2013 It's summer time in Chicago, and that means a lot of outdoor activities. Every weekend is a different fair or festival, outdoor dining and neighborhood gatherings. The weather has been perfect. Happiness requires work life balance, so after you take off your tie it's time to unwind, kick back... Continue Reading →

Originally published - June 24, 2013 You know what I love?  Professional Development Tests. You know, those tests your boss makes you take to learn more about yourself and how you like to work and what your communication style is and if you like groups, or if you like data, or if you like creative... Continue Reading →

Originally published - June 17, 2013 A month ago I wore a tie on a Tuesday. Another guy at work noticed and asked if it was for "Tie Tuesday". What is this "Tie Tuesday"? I had never heard of such a thing. Could it be? A legit reason to wear a tie once a week... Continue Reading →