My plan was a good one. A really good one. My wife was going to be out of town for the night with our son looking at colleges, I would have the night all to myself. As soon as I finished up my last meeting for the day, I would get a quick shower, call... Continue Reading →
Test driving being empty nesters
I ordered a beer, my wife asked for a tall glass of sangria. We ordered an appetizer and watched the Summer Olympics on one of the many televisions scattered across the bar and restaurant. We listened too to the music that blared throughout the restaurant. After about twenty minutes, my wife even ordered a second... Continue Reading →
College advice!
I hugged my parents, told them I would call them soon, turned and started the long walk back to my new dorm room. We had unpacked all of my clothes and boxes and they were heading home. I was heading back to meet the other guys on my dorm floor and get settled in the... Continue Reading →
When life brings hard choices!
We face tough choices every day. We can make the best of the day or we can curse the sun for rising up over the horizon. We can react positively to life’s little annoyances or we can let them lead us down a trap of frantic frustration. We can put others first or we can think... Continue Reading →
From one parent to another
I had plenty of things I wanted to tell the couple. The thoughts floated in and out of my head like colorful fireworks going off on a clear Fourth of July night. They would blast onto the scene, make a bright entrance, and then disappear into a dark void. I wanted to tell them to... Continue Reading →
Go away bully!
I walked out of the back door of the courthouse, focused on my thoughts. I was working as a small-town newspaper reporter in Virginia and needed to get back to the office to write up my story for the next day’s paper. When I returned to my desk, I would be pressed for time, so... Continue Reading →
Herding the humans
Our family dog Nittany laid glassy-eyed on the sofa cushion next to me. When I got up to go into the kitchen, she lay still. When I opened up the refrigerator, she barely even registered a look. Now normally in our house, Nittany, a 12-year-old Lhasa Apsa – Bichon Frise mix, knows where everyone is... Continue Reading →
Packing and always being prepared
My wife walked into our bedroom closet and came out with a few outfits that she laid on the bed. She added a couple shirts and other things from a drawer. We still had a couple of days until we left for our weekend away, but her packing was coming together. Of course, you have... Continue Reading →
Listening for the pin to drop
Let me just say it: we stink as listeners. We all do. For those still talking and not paying attention in the back, let me repeat, “we stink as listeners.” Let me explain: I’ve noticed lately that listening skills are not what they used to be, mine, yours, and every one else. For example, I... Continue Reading →

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