It’s been awhile since I’ve written, and I think there are some good excuses for that, aside from the fact that I’m notorious for starting journals and fizzling out after four entries. In my defense, I have spent the past two years pretending I know what a teacher does. That was exhausting. But also, I… Continue reading This is a story about knowing your “why.”

Well, it’s November 1st again. A day that’s always seemed to hold some kind of significance over the years: the day to start secretly swapping out my brother’s Halloween candy…an upcoming college visit circled on the calendar…the date of a first exhibition game…my Hallmark anniversary…and now, The Day Dad Died. I’ve shared quite a bit… Continue reading This is a story about laugh lines.

Today, I wore one of my favorite shirts. It’s designated such because (a) I love giraffes and (b) I’m highly amused by the double meaning of the words. And I guess I’ve reached a point where I want to be entertained by my wardrobe. Unfortunately, two young ladies in my life do not share in… Continue reading This is a story about personal achievement.

Suzanne and I finished school on the same day, May 4th. Since then we’ve spent almost every moment in each other’s company. Suzy and I walk Vivian to and from school each day, and in between we do stuff. Together. Side by side. My best bud. My little shadow. This stretch of time didn’t sneak… Continue reading This is a story about my shadow.

There are a lot of things about being 38 that I love. For example, most of my dearest friendships are older than anyone on the Royals roster, including Alex Gordon. Our closest relationships age right along with us. I love that. Also under the LOVE column: in less than 2 years, I’ll be 40 and… Continue reading This is a story about being new here.

Vivian turned theven today. (That’s “seven” for those who still have their front teeth.) It’s well-documented that she’s become fascinated with American presidential history over the last year, to the point of starting a collection in her bedroom. Included: a Herbert Hoover bobblehead, a pocket-sized Constitution, and a vintage 80s book entitled, The First Ladies: From… Continue reading This is a story about being presidential.

It’s October 2005. I’d been living in Kansas City a little over a year, and had just moved into a new apartment. Loving the independence, but hating the loneliness, I decided a dog would be just the remedy. And once I locked in on this notion, that was it. I was getting a damn dog.… Continue reading This is a story about finding your best friend during your lunch hour.

I’ve always loved this bit of wisdom from Zora Neale Hurston: There are years that ask questions and years that answer. Well, Dad died exactly one year ago, and I have a lot of damn questions about the last 365 days. Most of them start with, Why…?  A few, How…?   But most of the time,… Continue reading This is a story about the things we say.

Today is my cousin Matt’s birthday (HBD, Matthew!) and as I was reminiscing about when he was born and how he’s all old and stuff now, it dawned on me that Diggs and I met for the first time on September 6th. Ten years ago. Which means having to acknowledge that we’re in that weird… Continue reading This is a story about Sept. 6, 2007.

Dear Vivian and Suzanne, Today is Father’s Day and you’re spending it with one of the best. The scavenger hunt you designed for him was a hit this morning, as were the cards and the “RYAN” beer bottle opener. As you reminded us, Suz, we don’t want him to forget what his real name is. We… Continue reading A letter to my daughters about stories.