Looking for Joy
When my oldest was 4 years old, we had a bit of a problem. He was a typical 4-year-old boy: pushing boundaries, being curious, annoying his siblings. And I was a stressed-out mother of 3 young children, who was working full-time and trying to keep everything together....
Two Words for the Highly Competent
I am an extremely competent person. No, I really am. I can navigate around foreign countries by myself. I can change a tire. I can figure out which smoke detector is beeping at 3am, and change the batteries. Heck, I can even put together any IKEA piece, all by myself....
Choosing Well
After seeing my postings on recent travels, a friend said to me “You have a fun life, Janet”. It was a brief statement, but one that has stuck with me...because is it true. And it is true because I CHOOSE to make it so. Trust me, I have my share of life’s ups and...
How To Meet Anyone
It starts with the eyes. Meet their eyes. This is then followed by a nod, or a smile, or a hello. If they look away, they’ve told you a lot. It’s generally not worth pursuing at that point. But let’s say they’ve met your gaze in a positive, if not just neutral,...
Lost in Translation
When my son went to China and started a relationship with his (now) wife, he said the most difficult part of communication was not the language, it was sarcasm. It just didn’t translate well. This could have been a major problem, as our family is just a tad sarcastic...
Shifting My Perspective…Again
I have been on a mission this year, with the end goal to look good in the pictures at my son’s wedding in December. I had wanted to “release” a few pounds and get back into shape (again), and this was good incentive. I put myself on a very realistic and reasonable...
Because I did that, I now…
One of the fun facts about me is that I was once a security guard at a GM plant in Detroit. Actually, it was one of the most fun summer jobs I ever had. Definitely the most unusual and interesting! I was sharing the story of how I found myself in that position with my...
When Listening to Dead Men is a Good Idea
Traveling is not easy these days. A daily train commute starts with a wish and a prayer that a) it shows up and b) there will be a place to sit. I’ll add another: c) that no one is talking loudly on their phone. Hey, a girl can dream… Airline travel is another level...
That Time Stacy’s Mom, Chet Baker and Jason Mraz Gave Me The Answers
It was Monday and freezing. And I was tired. Up since 5am, I’d already taught a class all morning, dealt with TSA and an erroneous airline ticket, and now was walking back to catch the 5:30pm train home after a quick coffee with a friend and colleague. Well, that is,...
Thanks-Getting
I love this season of Thanksgiving, when the emphasis is on love and family and gratitude. There is nothing like a large boisterous gathering, where people you’ve known your whole life travel to be with one another and give thanks for their blessings. It can be...
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