Before I packed my bags to leave for California, a last minute trip for a chance opportunity to run into someone interested in my book, there was work to do. In the week leading up to my departure I found that it took all of me to believe in the choice that I had...
For years I wrestled with my desires (increasing revenue for my nonprofit, publishing my book, and speaking on stage), and what I could produce (none of those things). I had BIG desires, but low results. Ugh. I just had to work harder, obviously – wake up...
Twelve years. Twelve teams. 213 everyday, unique, amazing runners coming through America’s longest relay run, helping me shape what works and what does not. This weekend marks the completion of another year leading runners across the U.S. and I sit firmly...
When I was in third grade, I came home from school one day and my mom had surprised my two brothers and me with the cutest, most precious miniature dachshund puppy. I cried. Not because of how cute she was, or because I was overjoyed, but because I felt emotionally...
I am pregnant, my belly swollen in front of me with a full term baby while my husband and the whole labor and delivery team linger on my periphery, anxious for action. “When is the baby coming?” they ask in anticipation. The pressure increases between my legs and I,...
I had the honor of writing a piece for the National MS Society’s Momentum Magazine — an article about my mom’s MS and experiences as a carepartner (which is currently being featured on their homepage!). I am excited to share a section of the article here, while...
At the sound of my alarm, I open my eyes to a darkened hotel room. I stand to turn off the harpsichord chimes and stretch my arms above my head. It’s 4:30am and I have a flight to catch back home, a place where the suburbs of Milwaukee are a stark contrast to the New...
Let’s play! You readers are the best. You did such a great job this summer with my Title Quest that I am sharing the first chapter of my book and listening to what you have to say about it! For many reasons, Chapter One starts at the inception of my...
I never intended to start a nonprofit business. I intended to run across America for my mother, who was living with MS, and raise $500,000 for charity while finding sponsors to fund the motorhome, gas, food and lodging for the entire venture. I was twenty-four years...
I was in the last set of a 20 minute workout –10 pull-ups, followed by a 14-pound medicine ball toss to a nine-foot target 20 times, followed by 30 calories on the rower. All that four times over within twenty minutes. Or, that was the goal and I was deep in it. Deep...
Forged is a word that keeps coming up for me this week. As in, sturdy; fortified; tested. That’s how I feel about myself now. Stronger. I Googled the word for its meaning because I love to know the root of words and names. “Copied fraudulently; fake.” I winced....
I am growing. I feel it in my thoughts and actions. I can’t say that I’ve always welcomed it, because its come from difficult challenges, but I can’t deny the results. And in acceptance I wonder if this growth is exactly what is needed for what’s ahead. I know it is....
In the twilight hours of a Saturday morning I raged at God, calling him an unyielding bitch. I told him that I didn’t care that his ways are greater than mine; I didn’t give a fuck about his ways. I wanted what I wanted. I wanted my niece to live. Twenty miles north...