“Sometimes things just don’t work out,” I heard myself saying over the phone. “It’s okay.” While my voice sounded convincing, I felt anything but okay. With that phone call, I had just given up my dream apartment with my dream roommates in my dream town. I said goodbye to my… Read More

“James* collapsed this morning while running a marathon, and he passed away.” Those are the words my husband whispered to me in disbelief as he pulled the phone away from his ear. The man who had stood with us in our wedding, the man who had enlisted in… Read More

This was my day, and I was all smiles It took a holiday to do it, but our family was finally all together again. As I welcomed them all into the house, I anticipated the low hum of great adult conversation as children giggled and played quietly in the background. Read More

Being an idealist at heart, I often start my days with the highest of expectations. Morning Expectations Expectation: Wake up with the dawn. Exert maximum energy from the moment my eyes open. Go for a run. Shower. Fry myself an egg and make some coffee at home to… Read More

When I moved to England in 2014, the first few days felt like I was living in an alternate reality. The unfamiliar sights and sounds made something as simple as walking to the grocery store feel like a life-defining moment. England’s air smelled older and wetter than America’s. Its… Read More

Are you a Wazer? You know, the app that gives drivers directions to make sure they’re on the quickest route? When I’m driving, the Waze voice helps me know I’m headed in the right direction. It also controls my anxious and uneasy wanderings. Even in unfamiliar places, I trust my… Read More

This is my first Christmas without my grandfather, who passed away earlier this year. He never allowed me to call him “grandfather” or “grandpa” – he was only to be “pop-pop.” Christmas was my pop-pop’s favorite time of year. At 96 years old, he felt the joy of Christmas… Read More

Some days are better than others. On good days, you feel hopeful–festive, even–about the holiday season. The sight of a Christmas tree’s twinkling lights brings a smile to your lips. A Christmas jingle plays in the grocery store as you run some errands, and you find yourself humming… Read More

My first Thanksgiving with my new bride signaled the death-knell of our honeymoon phase. We planned to celebrate with a small romantic meal on Thanksgiving Eve because we were traveling the next day. We planned all the fixings of a traditional Thanksgiving meal and expected it to be picture-perfect. Read More

I tend to always think ten steps ahead. I’m always trying to figure out what I need to do next or what needs to happen next in order for life to go on as it should. I constantly have ideas swirling around in my head of what I imagine… Read More