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...

This weekend is the annual city festival in our town. Every year since the kids were small, we stop by, eat some “fair food”, check out the vendors, and let the kids ride a few carnival rides.

This got me thinking about the merry-go-rounds that we all see at every carnival, especially today, which ...

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...

I hope you're all enjoying the summer as much as we are in my family! 

I’m at the Professional Development Consortium (PDC) conference in San Diego, but I wanted to pop into your inbox and share a personal story from our family’s Fourth of July celebrations last week that offered a beautiful lesson...

Tomorrow is the Fourth of July - so here is an advance “Happy Fourth of July!” since you are hopefully out of the office tomorrow relaxing a bit. 

Before I check out for a long weekend of fireworks, s’mores around the campfire, boat rides on one of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes, and dousing myself regul...

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...

It’s not lost on me that during one fo the busiest weeks I’ve had in my business, yesterday, June 20, was World Productivity Day—a day dedicated to celebrating and promoting the importance of productivity in our lives and work.

Ideally, World Productivity Day is a chance to pause and think about ho...

I’m writing this to you from my hometown of Franklin Grove, Illinois (population 950). I’m here visiting my family for Father’s Day weekend, so I get to see both my dad and mom, but also my 91-year-old grandmother who still lives nearby.

My family and I don’t always see eye-to-eye on politics, so I...

Last week, my neighbors moved away after several years of living up the street. Although we didn't know each other well, we occasionally encountered each other at neighborhood gatherings. They certainly seemed nice enough, and we always exchanged pleasantries and small talk at the mailbox or waved a...

This weekend, our home will be bustling with excitement (and a bit of chaos) as we celebrate a significant milestone in our family: our two younger children are both graduating from high school! 🎓

As we prepare for their graduation party at our home with friends and family, I can’t help but reflect...

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...