What’s the difference between feeling “busy” and “overwhelmed?” To illustrate the difference, think of your parents. Were they busy? As busy as you are today? How often did they ever use the word “overwhelmed?” Personally, I don’t remember my parents describing themselves as overwhelmed back in the 1980s and 90s. Perhaps they were at times? […]

Last year, my sister found the following biographical data in our archives: “It is believed that Matthias Hoffer came to America seeking religious freedom. He came to America on the ship, “Loyal Judith” via Cowes and Rotterdam.  He landed at Philadelphia on September 2, 1743. By trade he was a weaver of fancy over-lids, but […]

I recently heard Jason Fried, CEO of Basecamp, talk about how he intentionally misses out on information so that he can increase his focus on matters of importance. Instead of the oft-used “FOMO” (Fear of Missing Out), Fried has coined the acronym “JOMO” (Joy of Missing Out) in its place. For example, Fried no longer […]

I wanted to hide. I wanted to get away, or be anywhere but there. “There” was earlier this month at our golf club’s “Invitational Tournament.” I was playing with a friend. Like everyone else, I wanted to play my best at this event. But, as the event approached, I noticed a twitch in my hands. […]

A month ago, Will (7 as of today!) called for Sarah from his bedroom upstairs. It was about ten minutes after he went to bed. The kids seem to always call for “mom,” which is not surprising, but I decided to give Sarah this time off. Up I went…. Will was not pleased to see […]

I did not sleep well last night. I was thinking about the inefficiency of one of our departments, the leader’s lack of attention to it, and how I would fix it. I was thinking about our family’s jam-packed fall schedule and the pressure I feel to keep scheduling events. I was thinking about my own […]