Growing up, I always worked hard in the summers. As a first-generation college student who paid my way through college and graduate school, I had to have multiple jobs every summer (and throughout the school year). 

One of my (many) summer jobs was a lifeguard. I worked at public pools all day, eve...

Greetings from Franklin Grove, IL (population about 900)! 

I'm currently here for my 30th high school reunion, and I can’t wait to see my classmates tomorrow for a BBQ get-together and bonfire (thank heavens it’s a bit cooler than it has been - 78 and sunny will be perfect!). 

I grew up in this sm...

Let’s face it – saying “I’m sorry” isn’t always easy. 

But have you ever noticed how powerful those two little words can be? Apologizing isn’t just about etiquette; it can show a deep level of emotional intelligence and is essential for nurturing strong, healthy relationships. 

Especially in the l...

As Memorial Day weekend approaches here in the United States, many of us in the legal profession are gearing up for a much-needed break. This long holiday weekend isn't just a time to honor and remember those who have served; it's also an opportunity to recharge our own batteries.

For lawyers and l...

I’ve been trying to see the Northern Lights for years. I have an app to alert me when a sighting is possible. I’m in the “Aurora Chasers” Facebook group. Every time I’d hear the lights might be visible, I’d hop in the car and drive north in hopes of seeing them, to no avail. Ever.

This past weekend...

Last Saturday morning, I had the delightful opportunity to serve as the emcee for the University of Minnesota School of Law Alumnae Brunch, hosted by the Minnesota Law AluMNae Network during our alumni weekend. 

As someone who sits on the board and participated in the planning, the experience was n...

Earlier this week, I had an incredible (maybe once-in-a-lifetime) opportunity to take a road trip with my daughter, who's in her sophomore year of college, from Minneapolis to Indianapolis to witness the awe-inspiring solar eclipse. 

(Did you catch the eclipse from your location? I’d love to hear a...

Yesterday (March 20) was the “United Nations International Day of Happiness”, and it also marked the release of the annual “Happiest Countries” report. (Here’s the full report in case you are interested - fascinating stuff, but a hefty 158 pages!) This topic is always fascinating to me, and I haven’...

This past Monday was President’s Day, so our kids were off of school. We decided to grab lunch at their favorite place (Cane’s Chicken) and go see a movie (“Wonka”).

The box combo at Cane’s is a hefty meal, so we had a few extra chicken tenders. In my rush to get to lunch so that we could get to th...

I’m always watching for themes and patterns, and one thing that’s been coming up this last week in questions following the presentations I’m giving and in my private coaching is the theme of “seasons.” (And I don’t mean meteorological seasons, even though it is an oddly balmy 53 degrees in Minnesota...

Is it just me, or is January flying by? How is it already the third week of January? That being said, as a Minnesotan, I’m already longing for sunnier, warmer days and just bought some tulip bulbs in a pot for my kitchen counter to remind me that spring will be here soon!

One thing that can really ...

It seems like there are never enough hours in the day to get it all done. Work, family commitments, home management, community and volunteer activities, and so on, and so on.

What’s the first thing that falls off the list for many of us - hobbies. Our enjoyable pastimes and things we do “just for f...