Maybe it’s just because I spent much of my childhood chasing my brother and his friends around or trying to force my way into the cool kids group in college, but something I really appreciate is when someone is able to be talking to more than one person while still making everyone in the group feel like they’re included in the conversation. I know it’s not intentional, but it’s a social skill that can either…
A good friend of mine, Lauren Plumey, posted this little quiz on her Facebook page one day last week. Since there are few things I love more than hearing what Ben thinks of me, I immediately cornered him and told him it was game time. The only rule is that you need to write down exactly what your significant other or best friend says. Now go corner someone, play the game, and pass it all…
If you’re over 40, you know the number one question you get around your birthday is, “How does it feel to be 40?” I know what they’re saying, but it’s really sort of a funny question. I think people are really asking something more along the lines of, “How do you feel about turning 40?” But, that’s a much more loaded question than the alternative. I think it’s sort of like the difference between asking…
Jonah is one of those people that so badly wants to give the best gifts to his family and friends on their birthdays. It’s super cute how much thought he puts into it, how excited he gets when he thinks he’s landed the all-time greatest idea, and the way he loves to surprise them with it…waiting patiently to see their reaction once they open it. But, I’ve always told him that thing that my parents told me…
I’ve been on Jonah’s case about not being so nervous when it comes to having uncomfortable conversations: with people when you disagree about how something should be done, when you feel an argument coming on, when you feel like someone did something to you that they shouldn’t have, etc. Look, he’s 12. He’s about to start middle school. I don’t expect him to be able to address people like an experienced attorney, but I do think…
Look, I just don’t understand boy anatomy sometimes. Bode is constantly saying to me in the morning, “My penis is getting so big, Mommy!” What the hell am I supposed to say to that? “That’s awesome!” “Good job, kiddo!” “I see that!” “I’m so proud of you!” “Keep it up, buddy!” Seriously. Am I supposed to look at it or not? If I look at it, it’s weird. If I don’t, he gets upset and…
Our little kids are finally at the age when you can take them to a playground and actually absorb what’s going on around you. I didn’t realize it until today because, to be totally honest with you, I haven’t built up the courage to take them to one because it has always been pretty exhausting…and, usually ends in a borderline public fight with them about needing to leave after being there for hours. All of the…
One of my favorite things about coaching and taking classes in New England in the summer time is the post-workout 200 meter walk that we do as a “cool-down”. Yes, it’s a way to rally and peel yourself up off the ground. But, more importantly, it’s a way to bring some closure to the workout and dedicate some time to chatting with someone who just suffered through the same thing you did. I’m not sure if it’s…
Such a great message I got yesterday from an old CFNE member after he read my post about why Ben’s a great coach: “One day I was at CFNE trying to learn how to climb a rope. I kept falling. I kept failing but I kept trying. It was a Goat day and so I was working on it. Ben was working out Spealer about 30 feet away from me at a lift station. All of a sudden, Ben was…