Reconnect this holiday season

Take December’s Challenge: Reconnect! I was still in bed on Thanksgiving morning, enjoying the paper and some coffee, when my cell phone beeped indicating I had a text message.  Even though I didn’t recognize the phone number appearing after the “please call” message, I dialed and was surprised to be connected with one of my…

Happiness may not be what you expect

My husband e-mailed an article to me today – thinking I might find a way to “work it in” to a speech. Hmmm… could I work in comments from Harvard, Dr. Daniel Gilbert, author “Stumbling on Happiness“, in support of one of the major premises of my book? You bet I can. Dr. Gilbert suggests…

Your Own Worst Enemy

Picture this: After 15 hours of air travel and a five hour time change, you arrive home. Your children are elated to see you and quickly remind you of the Halloween costumes you haven’t finished. You smile and hold yourself together for a while, but then need sleep. After a nap, pumpkins are carved, dinner…

Connect with Joy: Ironman World Championship

Ironman World Championship My husband, Clay, and I are in Hawaii celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary. The planned vacation coincided with the Ironman World Championship on the Big Island of Hawaii. Once we discovered this happy coincidence, we quickly changed our plans and signed up to volunteer. Some might find it odd, giving up part…

Worn Out? Are you getting enough sleep?

Are you giving your body the sleep it needs? My friend Jill Fleming, a Registered Dietitian and wellness expert identifies sleep as one of the corners of the Wellness Triangle. Combined with good nutrition and exercise, enough good quality sleep is essential to good health. Are you getting enough sleep? Here are some clues: Do…

Connecting with friends: Clay’s Birthday

Last Thursday was my husband’s 40th birthday. Despite his protests ( “I don’t want a birthday party!”), I convinced him to let me plan a “small” party. Many people avoid celebrating their birthday — which I just don’t understand. Of course almost dying at age 35 does tend to change a person’s perspective on aging.…

Courage: Ironman In The Rain

A few weeks ago my husband, Clay, and I volunteered at the Ironman in Madison.  Why would we give up an entire day to stand in the rain? First, we were there to support three of Clay’s work buddies. Clay signed up for the Ironman this year and began training last September knowing the 2…