Need or want? Me and my stuff.
A funny thing happens when you have your house torn down to the wood studs. As the demo crew hacked up the plaster walls, pulled out the frayed nob and tube electric, and disconnected the century-old rusting galvanized pipes, I felt dizzy….
Symbols–How Oscar Meyer keeps me on track
In past posts I’ve written about teachers, mentors and situations that have edged me along on life’s path. Guides that have been invaluable in providing directions during my 47 years on the planet. Maybe you’ve had similar experiences. But as you…
Letting go–The high road: Real or an urban myth?
Have you ever been shouted at in public by a complete stranger? Flipped off while driving for no apparent reason? Rammed by an overly aggressive grocery cart? Disrespected and lashed out at by an individual in your life who’s really angry…
Kindness versus weakness: Does it have to be one or the other?
“Hello up there,” I shout, standing at the bottom of the proverbial hole that I swore to never step into again. “Hadn’t I learned this life lesson already?” With a heavy heart thumping in my chest, I conclude I still had work…
Mentors: Need one, Want one, How to become one.
“Got a minute?” The cro-magnon looking plumbing contractor hollered from the front walk. I dropped the two, 55-gallon trash bags I was carrying and raised my eyes to see the hulky man trotting up the front walk. “What’s up?” I asked, bending…
Experts: The sure fire way to know if you have the real deal.
During my eighteenth month stint generaling my own house remodel, I met and hired my share of experts. People who said they had a comprehensive and commanding skill set in a particular work description. Pretty straightforward right? You’d think so, but have…
OMG-The remodel: Day three
I I woke breathless, feeling like a winch was tightening on my chest. Popped up as disaster scenarios streamed through my thoughts. “Did the concrete guys double-check measurements before pouring cement? Did the carpenters consult the plans before framing the first two…
Your Village
pic courtesy of holycow.com Families are complicated. Especially when something runs amuck. Marriages, divorces, births, illness, deaths all test the strength of genetic bonds, for better and often times worse. Believers in Newton (Sir Isaac, not Sir Fig–even though fruit-filled cookies can…
Getting What You Want
It’s simple. Just ask my cat. But before I reveal the secret, the answers to the “how to get what you want” test, let me share what will bring the exact opposite. Actions that keep dreams at arms length, rendering us unable…
Incidental Life Skills and High School Sports
For the better part of my childhood, I was a gymnast. An all around competitor, balance beam being my best event. Odd choice for someone with my body type and particularly strange considering my discomfort with heights. That’s right, I pilot planes,…