Best Friend was in a serious accident recently (details and photos here). As we aftermath wade — well wishes, follow up appointments, insurance forms and calls, lawyer forms and calls, delivery doorbell buzzes, questions, updates, uncertainty, return to “normal” — there’s so much underlining of what I already knew and so much learning of what Read more…
I’ve known Keri for many years, I think initially through her attendance at my events (pitfall of the job — I meet so many folks, it’s hard to keep track of the initial when, how, why’s). I’ve always found her to be a thoughtful, kind, participatory spirit, eager to support others and to challenge and work Read more…
To anyone whom has ever shared their infertility, debt, miscarriage, abortion, firing, disease, depression, sexual assault, mental illness, eating disorder, grief, social anxiety, addiction… — thank you. You have helped someone. I had these hideous lavender blinds in my childhood bedroom which I adored even though we got them, per usual, used. A result of Read more…
Growing up, I always felt abnormal and envious. One of the reasons? We never had a Christmas tree. I took matters into my own hands one year, age 12ish. Dragged one of those full-size suckers up three flights of stairs to our apartment. It was beautiful. Of course, not having money, said tree was from Read more…
I have a friend who’s about to get Companion Pass status with Southwest. She’ll need to choose her companion — “companion” being someone who gets to fly anywhere she goes for free, for a year (of course the nice thing would be for you two to split the one ticket). And it can’t change, it Read more…
Will I be happier elsewhere? Should I move? Where should I move? Should I change jobs? Where is this job going? What should I do if I’m fulfilled but… something’s missing? Can I travel more? How can I travel more? What about solo travel? How can I deal with depression? Dissatisfaction with personal relationships? With Read more…
Best Friend and I have been kicking around the idea of a podcast. Then we get distracted by french fries and travel deals. Then we go to a conference where everyone’s all “You’ve gotta be on YouTube!” and we think, “Yeah, YouTube!” Then we get hired to do Workplace Camp and focus on nothing else but Read more…
An excerpt of this was first presented at Flick Lit: Reel-to-Real Storytelling for Movie Lovers, the Musicals! Edition, at Chicago’s Logan Theater. Performers shared personal stories about a musical film of their choice (Newsies, Purple Rain, RENT, and Flashdance) and its impact and their love/hate for a film (Grease). Some of us used projected images (sampling below). Before each share, Read more…
Reasons I Love This Birthday Surprise Flowers! Surprise! Gift via local Chicago company Flowers for Dreams which is one of my favorites because they started as an unassuming college project about making money AND a difference organically transformed into an innovative business saw a problem and addressed it have accessible prices chose to have every order benefit a local Read more…
I have been loving the Guest Posts that have lit up the Mac & Cheese blog as of late. All the authors so different in their demographics, backgrounds, and connections to me, yet all with the common thread of people willing to not only be vulnerable but to share their vulnerabilities. Which is powerful to the umpteenth Read more…