Author Archives: Kevin Janiec

Waiting is the hardest part. Tom Petty sang it. The Janiecs are feeling it. Jordan’s due date is today (July 30th). With her track record of going early, we assumed my July reflection would introduce our new child to the world. But since this baby is taking its damn time, the only thing to reflectContinue reading “July 2023: Waiting”

When my father-in-law was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer, doctors told him that he only had a few months to live. Yet here we are, 10 years later, and Pop is feeling more alive than ever! This June, our family watched Pop give the keynote speech at Jefferson Hospital’s Cancer Survivor Day. Then days later,Continue reading “June 2023: The 4 Fs – a prescription for living”

Since we left Penn State 10 years ago, our crew has upgraded from caps and gowns to diaper bags and mortgages. And things are a little different now. We are a little more responsible. A little more mature. A little more experienced. We’ve gone from Sperry wearing frat boys and student athletes to New BalanceContinue reading “May 2023: Back like we never left”

“What are some things that we can do with money?” A sea of little hands shot up in the air. As I called on each highly engaged 1st or 2nd grader, I heard a variety of responses. “Buy toys. Get things we need like food, water, and shelter. Go to Disney World! Give it toContinue reading “April 2023: Financially Lit”

I’m a headcase on the golf course.  At least on the first tee box, and especially when it’s my first time playing with a group. Experts say “Don’t grip the club tight,” but I damn near blister my hands on that initial swing.  They say “Keep your head down,” but I’m too often whipping myContinue reading “March 2023: Who is in your cart?”

I recently published my first children’s book, so I might as well share it with the world on Dr. Seuss Day! I love story time with my kiddos.  There’s nothing better than snuggling up with Charlie and Jack and seeing them learn and light up with each turn of the page.  Whether they are shoutingContinue reading “February 2023: I published a children’s book”

When the ultrasound confirmed that our 3rd baby was progressing right on schedule, Jordan and I took a sigh of relief and a moment to celebrate. We hugged and thought about how blessed we’ve been and how excited we are for this next chapter. But as we pulled away from our joyous embrace, my mindContinue reading “January 2023: Switching to a zone”

It was an honor serving as the Best Man in Justin & Jessica’s wedding last month in Brentwood, Ca. Here’s an inside look at my toast to Mr. and Mrs. Orton: “…I’ve been best friends with Justin since 7th grade. And I’m confident the same qualities that make him a great friend are the same qualitiesContinue reading “December 2022: “If life were like the movies…””

I can’t claim to be a true Phillies fan. I was all in on the Phils during their golden years from 2007-2011, but admit that I haven’t paid much attention to Baseball since their last playoff run. So I appreciate the Philly Sports faithful for welcoming me back on the bandwagon. Because the ride throughContinue reading “November 2022: Red October”

The Great Blue Heron visits a few days each week. It’s usually brief and relatively uneventful. He just pokes around the pond for a bit, quietly checking up on the scene. He stops for a quick snack and an occasional squawk, and then he takes off back towards the sunset. “Where do you think theContinue reading “October 2022: Pop Pop Bird”