Category Archives: presents

A couplet so true

I had originally wanted to call this post “Props to JT” but I realized that I’m not seeking a slangy vibe like that. So we’ll use that as the subtitle, but the bigger title will be a bit more formal. My teenager is into all things music. Her favorite present that she received on herContinue reading “A couplet so true”

Grinchiness

I am generally not fond of putting pictures of myself in this space, but here’s one that helps to tell a story, and that’s what matters the most to me. A few days ago, I was in the process of loading up some book donations that were being made by the company I work forContinue reading “Grinchiness”

This is Mean Street

I’ve written about Van Halen several times in this space, and with good reason. I listened to a lot of their music in high school and college, and I’ve never really lost my appreciation for their sound. I hope that I never will, either. So when I received Guitar Hero: Van Halen for a ChristmasContinue reading “This is Mean Street”

A Christmas miracle

Chicago hadn’t had any measurable snowfall for months. As Christmas drew near this year, it looked like everyone was going to have to do without the white stuff. Bah, humbug. But I had a plan. Yesterday, at the last possible minute, I removed the tangled mass of fake red berries that passes for our ChristmasContinue reading “A Christmas miracle”

Expert or connoisseur

Yesterday I was referred to in a piece on ChicagoSideSports as a “baseball card maven,” which pleased me greatly. I’ve been called many things in my life, but never a maven before. I did some internet research, and was surprised to find it’s a relatively recent word. It’s very flattering, though, and I won’t disputeContinue reading “Expert or connoisseur”

Time sure flies

Tonight is the first night of Hanukka, the second day of our annual Nutcracker weekend (five shows in three days, but only one left after tonight), and another reminder of how quickly time can pass by, particularly when children are involved. The bashful girl who posed for this picture seven years ago has since becomeContinue reading “Time sure flies”

The best desk calendar

Over the past year, my job allowed me the flexiblity to work from home for long stretches at a time. On the days I was in the office, the first thing I would do is tear off the daily entries for the Lincoln desk calendar that I received as a gift last Christmas. Lincoln’s wordsContinue reading “The best desk calendar”

My present of choice

It will be Christmas morning soon, and my children will run out to the living room and see what kind of gifts Santa left for them. They’re good kids, and so I’m sure he’ll remember them. And they’ll have fun for an hour or two, and then it will be on to whatever comes nextContinue reading “My present of choice”

Once somebody loved me

The saddest three minutes I’ve ever seen in a movie takes place in Toy Story 2. If you’ve you already seen it, and you read the title to this post, you know exactly what part I’m talking about, but if you haven’t, a brief set-up is required. Toy Story was an animated film series (they’ve madeContinue reading “Once somebody loved me”

Crafts with a grown-up twist

A friend of mine just turned 40. I’m the type of person who, whenever possible, likes to give birthday gifts that are tied to a person’s age. For example, every one of my daughters’ friends gets a Magic 8 Ball when they turn 8. Pink princess color, if available, but otherwise the classic black one.Continue reading “Crafts with a grown-up twist”