Today’s review is a perhaps a lesser known title in the secular world, but I’ll venture to say, as gripping as Atomic Habits in the way that it calls out the obvious and challenges the most-accepted tenets of productivity and efficiency. My favorite element of this book is its thesis: “Too often we treat the symptoms of toxicity in our modern world instead of trying to pinpoint the cause. A growing number of voices are pointing at hurry, or busyness as a root of much evil. Within the pages of this book, you'll find a compelling emotional and spiritual case against hurry and in favor of a slower, simpler way of life”…

When we lived in Atlanta, GA, Colin and I were always up for an adventure. Whether it was a hike or a spontaneous day trip, we were known to take every chance we could get to see something new or make the most of a weekend. We were in our pre-parenting phase, so we were also known to host some form of family or friends every week, rarely having a week or weekend without out-of-town visitors staying with us in our little bungalow. So it was a typical weeknight in fall of 2009 when pouring rain caused the nearby Krog Tunnel to flood, but atypical in the sense that we didn’t have any plans—no scheduled activities, no visitors.…

Moms are so funny, we make over the top comments like, “Eleven years ago today I ushered greatness into the world with the birth of my firstborn!” It’s a testament to the gravity of parenthood, really. A mission field, a battle, and a blessing all at once. So yes, this day eleven years ago I became a mother. And yes, my kid is amazing.

Pete enjoys video games, like most kids, but also loves to yo-yo and solve Rubix cubes…

One of my favorite reads from last year was “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry” by Gabrielle Zevin. If you like strong, awkward, lovable protagonists a la “A Man Called Ove” or “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine,” you’ll love A.J. Fikry.

The story centers around A.J.’s experience with life after loss, running his bookstore, and unexpectedly building his new life and network. It twists in a critical and delightful way…

We left NY almost a week after mom passed, horrified to leave dad but aching for home. We brought a few of mom’s plants with us, which meant rather than chance the Canadian border officials we would take the US route back to Michigan.

It was the first road trip without mom texting me for updates or me calling her from our dinner stop to check in…

The summer of 2024 felt so sweet, a living memorial of what would come by fall and winter. In the summer we spent days biking, walking, hiking, swimming, beaching, traveling—definitely need additional posts on all of the fun we had—knowing that once school started and cold set in our days would look so different.

Mom completed her final chemo treatment in July and immediately came to Michigan for what would be her last trip…

I recently read the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. Most have heard of this book, everyone I’ve spoken to who has read it mentioned re-reading it because it is chock full of rich data on habits, psychology and maximizing the two for overall health and wellness…