My Golden Retriever Alton Had to Have Surgery
I have written a lot about our Golden Retriever Fur Son, Alton, on this blog. And good Lord willing, I will be able to write a lot more in the years to come. But for today’s post, I wanted to share about a recent surgery Alton had to have. Thankfully, it was a minor procedure. But any time a pet has to go under anesthesia, there are risks. Additionally, Alton is eight years old now. As they say, for a large breed dog, he’s getting up there.
My Journey of Writing in a 5-Year Journal
Fun fact about me: I’m not too fond of journaling. I wouldn’t think this is weird if it weren’t for the fact that I like writing. What writer doesn’t like journaling? I feel like I’m breaking some cardinal writng rule or living some fake writer’s life.
It’s not for lack of trying, either. I have attempted to journal in the past. I’ve invested money in pretty notebooks, cute journals, and plain diaries. I’ve attempted to do Julia Cameron’s Morning Pages and various other guided journals. But I’ve never stuck with any of them for a long period of time.
Food Network Fantasy Land: Why “Simple” Recipes Are Never Simple
I’m sitting here watching a “behind the scenes” special of Food Network celebrity cooking shows, and with every passing second, my blood pressure ticks a little higher. Why? Because the whole thing feels like a glittering, butter-soaked lie.
My Own“This I Believe” Inspired by the late Edward R. Murrow
I want to share my own “This I Believe," inspired by the late, great broadcast Journalist, Edward R. Murrow. In case you aren't familiar with "This I Believe," it was a five-minute CBS Radio Network Program, originally hosted by journalist Edward R. Murrow from 1951 to 1955. The show encourages both famous and everyday people to write short essays about their own personal motivation in life and then read them on the air.
Why Being a Barry Manilow Fan is Such a Guilty Pleasure
I have a confession to make: I am a big Barry Manilow and I have been for years. I first saw him in concert in the late 1990s, and again about 8 years later with my mom. And yes— I own his box set as well. While I am not ashamed of being a “Fanalow” I definitely think it is a guilty pleasure. Only true fans will understand and not give that familiar grown when you want to have your own little carpool karaoke when one of his iconic hits like Copacabana, Mandy, and Can’t Smile Without You come on the radio. I say, turn up the volume!
Sometimes It's About Just Showing Up When You Don’t Want To
Sometimes, you just have to get up and show up. Even when it’s early, and every fiber of your being wants to stay in bed. Even when you wish for a magic wand to freeze the spinning world and let you rest just a little longer. That’s exactly how I felt at 8 a.m. this past Saturday. A few weeks ago, in my role as organizer for a South Bay girls’ Meet-up group, I had scheduled a fun outing to the DeAnza Flea Market. At the time, it sounded like a fantastic idea.
The Sweet Medicine of Love: The Health Benefits of Chocolate This Valentine's Day
People always tease me about how much I love chocolate. For me, it’s basically the fifth food group. Of course, everything is best in moderation. With that said, since Valentine’s Day and chocolate are an inseparable duo, I thought it would be fun to explore the healthier aspects of chocolate. This Valentine’s Day, let’s explore why treating yourself or your loved one to a little chocolate isn’t just delicious but can also be surprisingly good for your health.
The Origins of January: Why It Became the First Month of the Year
I’ve always been curious, why is January, the first month of the calendar year? I mean after all, it holds a unique position as the beginning of new beginnings. But where does the name "January" come from, and how did it earn its place at the start of our calendar? The answers are steeped in history, mythology, and the evolution of timekeeping systems. Come learn with me.
Why Christmas Eve Gift Opening is the Superior Holiday Tradition
The holiday season is full of traditions that bring joy, nostalgia, and a touch of magic to our lives. But let’s be honest: not all traditions are created equal. Among the age-old debates—real tree vs. fake tree, eggnog vs. hot cocoa—there’s one that sparks particular passion in my household: When to open the gifts.
Barack Obama’s Historic Win: Reflections on a Groundbreaking Election
I decided to put off publishing this blog post a week, because I knew I was going to want to write about the election, win or lose. As America went to the polls last Tuesday, I have to say I wasn’t sure history was going to be made. I wasn’t sure that America would be ready to elect a Black man for President. I am so glad I was wrong. I don’t think it can be overstated enough how historic Barack Obama’s win is. Obama, a first-term senator from Illinois, shattered centuries-old barriers to become the first African American elected President of the United States.
The Art of Intentional Gift Giving
The holiday season is right around the corner—a time of joy, celebration, and, of course, gift giving. While the tradition of exchanging gifts brings happiness to many, it can also lead to unintended consequences when gifts miss the mark or become burdensome.
If you’ve ever received a gift you didn’t need, want, or love, you understand how a well-meaning gesture can turn into clutter. This year, let’s rethink our approach to gift giving by focusing on intention and thoughtfulness. The goal is to give gifts that truly add value, spark joy, and make lasting memories—not ones that end up collecting dust.
The iPhone 3G: Redefining Communication in the Digital Age
There seems to be two kinds of people in the world: iPhone people and Android people. I land firmly in the iPhone camp. So I’m just as excited as all other Macalites out there about the release of Apple’s iPhone 3G. Launched just two months ago in July, this groundbreaking device has already reshaped how we think about mobile communication and technology. With its sleek design, innovative features, and the introduction of the App Store, the iPhone 3G is not just a phone—it’s a phenomenon.