One thing I’ve learned through all the ups and downs is that if you’re doing things right, then you have a core group of people. Not just a core group like your homies or your buddies, but a group of people that has a good influence on you, who you respect and admire, and you know that if they’re on […]

“Don’t ever diminish the power of words. Words move hearts and hearts move limbs.” -Hamza Yusuf If a resolution is made on New Year’s Day and no one is there to hear it, does it exist? After all, they say revealing your resolutions will automatically void them and they’ll never come true. Or is that birthday wishes? Still, it may […]

“I am thankful for doors. Those we close forever and for new ones we have to open.” Of all the things I want to fix up or change around in my house, I find the one that creeps into my mind most often isn’t necessarily the most urgently needed. But there it is, presenting itself to me multiple times a […]

“Magic is something you make.” ~ Keegan Hall I grew up in a Catholic home, part of a family that went to midnight (literal) Mass every Christmas Eve. Year after year, I was one in a long line of kids wearing a robe and silver pipe cleaner halo, grasping a tiny candle as we marched up the aisles of the […]

“We need more people who are willing to demonstrate what it looks like to risk and endure failure, disappointment, and regret—people willing to feel their own hurt instead of working it out on other people, people willing to own their stories, live their values, and keep showing up.” ~ Brené Brown As it usually happens, I accidentally stumbled on a […]

“It’s coming, God help us all.” ~ Acknowledgement of the arrival of the first batch of seasonal pumpkin spice syrup, as posted on a “PSL support group” by a Starbucks barista for his comrades. Latte. Muffin. Cookie. Dip. Beer. Pancake. Scone. Smoothie. Donut. Ice Cream. Hummus. Pick your pumpkin poison. Everybody loves pumpkin spice. Don’t deny it. (And don’t knock […]

“Some things happen for a reason, others just come with the season.” ~ Ana Claudia Antunes One week ago I didn’t know Jeju green mandarin tea existed. As far as that goes, I didn’t know Jeju Island existed and I can’t say that I’d ever heard of a green mandarin fruit. This week I do know these things and all […]

“Your diet, exercise routine and stress level lay the foundation for how you feel. So fuel your body with good nutrition, break a little sweat each day and set aside time to unwind. Because it’s hard to feel bad about a body you’re taking care of.” ~ Somebody It started out so sweetly… just a surprise one-armed side hug from […]

I can think of one thousand places much worse than this.” ~ I Am Here, Pink It’s around this time of year – August – when Halloween items show up in stores. It tends to frustrate people to see bats and cauldrons lined up alongside back to school binders and crayons, but we can’t pretend to be surprised. It happens […]

“You have the same amount of hours in the day as Lin Manuel Miranda.” Don’t tell my kids but I’m cutting the cable. I’m talking deep cuts; down to the dreaded basic package. The one where Channel 8 becomes the highlight. I’ve been complaining for months, and I’m getting tired of myself. I don’t know when television became so important […]