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A Reflection on Childhood Activities

A few months ago I came across a video online that was collection of interviews across three generations of families from various locations. The question for each interviewee was the same idea — What did you most enjoy from your childhood? The interviews started with the oldest participants. As you can imagine, the grandparents of the group reminisced on memories that involved individual memories or past-times with siblings, playing outdoors in nature or among animals, making up games indoors, etc. Next, the parents of the …

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All About Compliments; Including the Best One I Ever Received

I have been fortunate to have received quite a bit of feedback over the years —and given the overthinking, analytical person I am — it replays often over and over in my head. Feedback – I welcome all of it — good and bad — because I’d rather talk about authentic things (even if it stings!) rather than waste time on bullshit small talk. Anyway, about 4 years ago, I received some feedback that has since carried the distinction of being the best compliment I’ve …

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Show Me How Big Your Brave Is

I have no clue if my family has a real, official family crest. When I consider what image or symbol might be fitting for our group, one idea comes to mind. One characteristic demonstrated in more than six different ways. Our common denominator is “bravery”. What do you think of when you hear the word “brave”? The first idea that comes to my mind, is what I call “courageous bravery”; someone who is willing, someone who opts in/chooses to do something most others would be …

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No Time For Apathy

I’m turning 34 on November 6th.  This year, not unlike several other years of my life, my birthday is shared with Election Day. A planned c-section, November 6th was the first day available for my mom to choose and she often says she picked it because she couldn’t wait to meet me.  Having recently had my second child, I realize she was also probably at the point of no sleep, swollen ankles, reflux and overall discomfort. The year I was born was also an Election …

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What Are You Deeply Passionate About?

I am passionate about thinking and about learning, usually centered on the theme of constant improvement. Some of these passions developed as a result of the best compliment I’ve ever received. I feel most valued when someone asks for my opinion. I love being a sounding board, knowing that I bring a unique perspective to the table. If I have insights or experience to help make something better, I jump at the chance to share what I know. If I haven’t been there/done that, I …

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New to Country

When J was born I started listening to country music.  It was something I’d listened to before, but never regularly.  I had the stations in my car tuned to Top 40, Oldies and a Local Station that played just about everything.  As I crossed the threshold into motherhood, there was just something instinctive about making the change to country.  Even if the lyrics were about partying or a woman’s revenge, the melody was calm and the chorus always seemed sunny. One thing I noticed though, …

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What’s Your Personality Type?

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a big fan of personality tests. My latest favorite is 16 Personalities; it closely resembles the Myers Briggs test — but it’s free and “freakishly accurate”. Once your personality type has been identified, the summary sheds light on everything from your career choices, to how to find the work environment best for you, along with information about friendships, romantic relationships, etc. Understanding my personality type has helped me further hone in on my strengths and has helped me …

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Who am I?

Get to know me:  Where do I begin … well, I’m married to my high school sweetheart Mark, and together we have four incredible kids, 2 girls and 2 boys.  My parents immigrated from Ireland to San Francisco then settled in Chicago. I was born and raised on the Northwest side of the city.  My Dad worked incredibly hard to provide a good life for our family, and my Mom, a true saint, taking care of my Dad in the most traditional sense, making a …

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Get to Know Jennifer and Her Family

Get to know me Who am I? I think this is going to be the hardest post I have to write! I hate getting my picture taken. I don’t like being in the spotlight. Thinking and writing about who I am makes me feel so exposed! But here goes . . . . I am loyal to a fault. To people and products. I had three Toyotas in a row. This past spring we bought a Chevy, and I felt terribly guilty! When it comes …

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Who am I?

The question that seems so simple but has layers and layers of defining moments.  And not just the moments, but the people. The people surrounding us mold us to the person we are today and I am so proud of that person today.   I am a mom, a sister, a daughter, a really good friend and so proud of each of these areas of my life.  I am so lucky to have my community, my family, my friends, my neighbors, my co-workers. My girls …