In January, complications from cancer resulting in my dad’s passing, so today is my first father’s day without my father. I know I’m not alone in this dubious distinction, and I want you to know that you’re not alone either. A friend mentioned that during his first Father’s Day after his dad died, the day … Read more
On Tuesday, I shared that I was in the midst of my closest brush with COVID: A prolonged exposure on Saturday to someone who would start to show symptoms the next day. When I learned about this on Monday, I began quarantining at home in my office. I have to say, it’s been an odd … Read more
We’ve all had different journeys through the pandemic over the last 2+ years. I really, really do not want COVID, nor do I want to spread it to anyone else. Even if it’s just a mild cold for me, I don’t want it–I don’t want the risk that it wrecks my lungs and brain, that … Read more
Mother’s Day was yesterday here in the US, so I wanted to celebrate the choices that two mothers who were instrumental in giving me life had the power to make: My mom and my biological mother. I’ll start with my biological mother, as that’s where it all started. She got pregnant in 1980 and wasn’t … Read more
Many years ago, I was offered my first career-level job at the end of my senior year of college. I asked the recruiter if I could have a day to make sure it was the right decision, and they agreed. This isn’t the biggest decision I’ve ever made, but it was the first of several … Read more
I’m incredibly fortunate that my career is so closely tied to one of my greatest passions, board game creation. I’m very happy at my job. I had two other careers before this, one at a textbook publishing project management company and one at a nonprofit. While neither was quite as fulfilling as Stonemaier Games, I … Read more
When I was in Virginia recently for my father’s funeral prep (and the actual funeral), family, neighbors, and friends of my parents converged on the house with food. There were flowers too, but mostly food. My aunts believe that carbs and chocolate provide comfort for those in mourning. Since returning to St. Louis, it’s been … Read more
We listened to episode after episode of the delightful Smartless podcast on the recent drive to and from Virginia. One of my favorite episodes featured comedian Martin Short, who–in the midst of a lot of laughs–offered a thought-provoking insight. He talked about how long ago he created a system called “The Nine Categories.” He uses … Read more
I’m now back in St. Louis after spending an unexpected week in Virginia for my dad’s funeral. I really appreciate the support and words of wisdom I received on my post about grieving earlier this week. Before I close out the week, I wanted to share with you just how fast things happened last Thursday, … Read more
For the last decade, I’ve donated blood twice a year, typically on my birthday and half birthday (I’m not big into my own birthday, and I’ve found that donating blood on that day just gives me some time to sit, reflect, and be grateful). But I must admit that due to my fear of COVID, … Read more