Breaking Through
I should have known something was up when she stopped class 15 minutes early. This was my favorite cardio class instructor, the one who works you like you’re in basic training, but with really good music. The second clue was this pile of boards she was carrying. ...
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,...
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