Category Archives: 2023 Reflections

If you don’t see you… You can’t be you… And if you can’t be you… You won’t free you… So take time to see you Because the world needs YOU. The other day, a repairman came to fix my washing machine. When I greeted the repairman with a “How ya doing,” he quietly grumbled somethingContinue reading “December 2023: Coming alive”

As I attempted to digest those extra scoops of mashed potatoes and stuffing last Thursday night, two competing sensations overcame me. The first was an uncomfortable tsunami of tryptophan… the second was pure gratitude. Gratitude for things like: The best life partner to share this special journey with. A 5 year old daughter who isContinue reading “November 2023: Thankful”

“Daddy- why didn’t they drop us off at the apples?” Charlie asked with a trace of confusion and disappointment in her voice.   I didn’t have a good answer for her.  Frankly, I was kinda confused and disappointed too. When I reserved the tickets for the Hayride at Lin Villa Orchards, I assumed that we’d beContinue reading “October 2023: Enjoy the ride”

When I turn 90, I hope to look back at my life with good health and a sharp mind to see: A wonderful marriage that lasted more than 60 years. A home that brought me joy and peace on the ordinary days and hosted my all time favorite moments on the extraordinary ones. In fact,Continue reading “September 2023: When I turn 90”

“What’s it like having 3 under 5?” That’s been the question since our daughter, Payson, arrived on August 1st.   And it’s a loaded question.  Because it’s not always easy, but it is really special. We’re in the trenches over here caring for a needy newborn while potty training a little bull in a China shopContinue reading “August 2023: 3 under 5”

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?”