Appreciating Family While You Have Them

I have been thinking a lot about my mother this week. I officially became an orphan at the age of 38. My father died more than 10 years ago, and my mother just passed away two summers ago. I'm supposed to be a mature, responsible, highly-functioning adult -- but in many ways, I still feel like a lost motherless child, nonetheless.

It's A Job, Not A Prison Sentence

It feels as though every person I've spoken with this week hates his or her job! I understand being unhappy with your work situation, but I don't understand simply tolerating those frustrations without making some changes. You may feel as though you have no control over the outside forces causing you stress at work -- but you have more power than you imagine. Controlling stress is all about drawing boundaries, and teaching other people (even your boss!) how to respect your time.

Tiger Mother, Burning Bright

I was recently introduced to "Battle Hymn Of The Tiger Mother," in which Yale Law professor Amy Chua advocates "the Chinese way" of raising children -- suggesting that Asian-style discipline provides the structure that kids need to succeed, and that lax touchy-feely "Western parents" are ruining their offspring. On first blush, I'm inclined to agree with her -- at least to some degree.

Admission Fees -- Through The Roof!

As Matt and I full-time RV our way across the country, we like to partaking of all that an area has to offer -- zoos, aquariums, museums, historic sites, the works. And after more than three years of year-round travel, can I just say that I don't know how a family with children can afford to go on vacation anymore -- damn, but this stuff has gotten expensive!

Career Pressures And The Joys Of Irresponsibility

As I sat here today, trying desperately to be witty and engaging in my latest blog (my poor, tired brain fighting me all the way), I thought about the mixed blessing that is my job. Being self-employed means that I'm not allowed to simply punch a time card and go home. I have to always be creating, producing, doing something different than the day before. And it's exhausting! Some days, I wish that my biggest responsibility involved nothing more challenging than serving up hamburgers!

Single Servings And The Death Of The Environment

I went to the store the other day in search of edamame beans, and the only brand in stock had "Dora The Explorer" printed all over it. I was pleasantly surprised that kids were being encouraged to eat a soy product, rather than junk food. But when I got the bag home and opened it up, surprise changed to disgust as I found a dozen small snack-packs of edamame -- each one in its own micro-bubble of plastic!

Child-Free Pride Or Breeder-Bashing?

Within the no-kidding community, I've noticed that conversations about procreation vs. not have a tendency to turn ugly -- what should be a rational discussion about personal choice ends up devolving into a rant about the sins of "breeders." I do understand those child-free individuals who feel misunderstood and unfairly oppressed by society wanting to lash out -- but I am starting to wonder if this misguided backlash against natalism isn't hurting our cause.

What Work Are You Willing To Do In Exchange For Your Travel?

I was chatting with a fellow RVer the other day, and when he found out we were full-timers running our own businesses on the road, he asked if we'd ever done any workamping. I jokingly said no, that I don't like cleaning toilets -- he laughed, and then said, "Really?" I laughed too, and said, "Really!"

The A-To-Z Of Getting Organized: E Is For Efficiency

How many times a day do you hear the word "efficiency" in a conversation (especially at your workplace or during a professional meeting?) This has become one of the most overused and least understood organizing catchphrases of the decade! Why then is it that so many people who think they are being "efficient" by going 90 miles an hour are still stressed-out and overwhelmed? Because they're focusing their efforts in the wrong direction.