If you retire first, everything else you try becomes easier. Not easy. Just easier. In retirement, you have enough mental energy and time to structure big projects to minimize the possibility of failure. What works for you personally and specifically? How can you make it easy for yourself to succeed? Do it first and hope it spills… Read More »
I was watching Judge Judy the other day and she said something that stuck with me enough that I’m now telling you. She was talking to a man who was very obviously losing his case. He had taken a dog from his ex-girlfriend who, he acknowledges, had paid him $500 for it. He had no… Read More »
Do you remember me telling you about my friend, Leif?* I knew him when I lived in Chicago. He carries one of the best souls I’ve ever encountered. Kind and loyal and good, we saw each other almost daily for years and I counted him among my favorite people. He was also, unfortunately, a super… Read More »
Ever since finishing my book, I’ve felt adrift and wrong. This happens to me at the end of every big project — after graduating law school, after paying off my loans, after officially retiring — defeat takes over. I always expect to feel a sense of pride that never comes. It doesn’t help that there’s a… Read More »
Reading is everything. Wild by Cheryl Strayed After reading the magnificent book Tiny Beautiful Things, I’ve fallen in love with Cheryl Strayed. Wild is the book she wrote after the death of her mother and the end of her marriage. She walks the Pacific Coast Trail and tries to heal. Her voice is so achingly lovely and… Read More »
I wrote a book! Holy crap, you guys, I wrote a book! I’m just as stunned as you are. Probably more giddy though. Or maybe you’re not stunned because I’ve been yammering on about it for a while now. Regardless, I’m officially crossing off Life Bucket List Item #6. Yeah, baby! Give me a second… Read More »
In the days leading up to my 35th birthday, I spent more time than I’m proud to admit feeling mopey and old, bitter and overly emotional. Life isn’t a race. Logically, I know it’s not a race. I reminded myself repeatedly that it’s not a race. I still felt like I was behind and losing… Read More »
People have asked how I pick books to read. I have a large list entitled “books” in Google Keep and whenever someone recommends a book to me, I add it to that list. When I go to the library, I whip out my books list and see what that particular location has available immediately. I… Read More »
For years, I would check my credit report every four months. I can peek at them for free once a year from each of the three credit agencies, so staggering this way gives me the maximum amount of free without obsessing and still keeping a close eye. I like this strategy too because, if I do… Read More »
I’m working on life bucket list item #6 (write a book). I told you about the writing part of the book, which is super fun. I mentioned the publishing parts which has its moments of fun, but is mostly asking other people to do things you can’t. The final part is telling the world that your creation… Read More »