Childhood was a magical time filled with endless possibilities, imaginative wonder, and a bunch of innocent misconceptions. For instance, I thought that all the smokestacks I noticed were cloud makers (maybe they are:) Another one involved traffic. I believed that all traffic jams were caused by one person driving really slowly in front and I alw …
Have you ever had a day that felt like it lasted forever and another that vanished in the blink of an eye? The funny thing is that time doesn’t change—it’s our perception of time that shifts. Psychologists say it has to do with novelty and attention. When we experience something new—like traveling to a new place or trying a new activity—our brai …
The cold is oddly reflective. It slows us down, forces us indoors, and creates just the right conditions for introspection and reflection. Sure, we’re bundled up like burritos with hot tea in hand, but aren’t those moments special? The world feels smaller, quieter, and more intimate. It’s a time for reading by the fire, organizing that area in your …
It’s that time of year again—time to make my predictions for the upcoming events! Or, in other words, take a few shots in the dark. :) Last year, I made a record-breaking six predictions and went 4-for-6. Since 2007, my total record stands at 29 out of 57—putting me at a .508 batting average. Here are my three predictions for 2024: Infla …
Ralph Waldo Emerson is quoted as saying, "The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." These words remind me that destiny is not a prewritten script, like some believe, but a path shaped by our choices, actions, and resolve. It’s easy to feel swept up by forces that seem out of our control — societal expectations …
The Gotham Holiday party this past week was incredible. Apart from actually seeing more than just squares on a screen, we were able to mingle, talk, laugh, cry, and enjoy each other in person. This is a similar feeling I had when I met my class for the first time last Monday. It can be a bit awkward at first, but being in someone's presence is so …
The last vestige of fall was scattered all over my lawn. I was compelled to take a picture to remind me of the colorful repast that fall makes before the gray skies and barren trees are in my view. I can only wait for snow to blanket the ground with a white, sound-absorbing canopy of stillness that transforms into a scene of quiet beauty. It is a …
I’m all in when it comes to smoking ducks and frying turkeys—it’s my thing. But I have to tell you it wasn’t easy this year. The weather was cold and wet. Keeping the smoker at the right temp was a battle, and the fryer took forever to heat up. But for me, no challenge is too big when it comes to the feast. I stuck it out, got everything cooked, …
Time is a funny thing. It’s always moving forward, unstoppable and unrelenting. Everything—people, plants, animals, even the things we create—has a time limit. Eventually, everything perishes, changes, or fades away. It’s a humbling thought but also fascinating. I've been thinking about time a lot lately, especially when I reflect on my company’s …
There’s nothing quite like the electric energy of the NYC Marathon—you have to experience it at least once, whether as a spectator or a runner. I know Fred has completed it 33 times, which is amazing. This year, my niece—a track runner living in Chicago who has participated in several marathons—qualified and ran in the race. We went, signs in han …
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), a week ago, declared a drought watch, and New York City issued a citywide drought watch after a historic lack of precipitation. It's really dry which has caused multiple wildfires, including one that burned nearly 200 acres and led to an evacuation in Livingston, New Jersey. The l …
Halloween is an interesting holiday. I bought a bunch of candy to give out and sat on the porch, and only three kids and two dogs came by. Yet two blocks away, there were hundreds. What gives? When my kids and I went trick or treating, we strolled down every block, filling their pillowcases until they couldn't carry them anymore. We were on a …
I encountered some new feelings the other day. They were fascinating and changed my perspective. I was driving a loaner electric vehicle while my car was being serviced, and as I passed gas station after gas station, I couldn't help but feel differently about them as I smiled. The car was extremely quiet yet took off like a rocket ship from a …
Had a thought the other day while driving...(how unusual:). It occurred to me while driving next to someone who was talking on her phone through the car, in an incredibly animated conversation. I guess she was screaming because she didn't look happy I wonder what would be THE list of all the things people do in their car while driving. Here's my …
Have you noticed that you tend to think negatively when you don't hear back from others? I tend to fill the silence with negative assumptions—maybe they’re upset or maybe I said or did something wrong. I think this response is from our need for social connection and validation. When I don't hear back from someone, my mind seems to try to solve …
It's Saturday...and anything goes.
