Let me start by saying that when I moved from Flint to Texas in the summer of 2008, I really didn’t know anything about it. Texas was not a place of interest to me before I needed a job and the whole state seemed to be hiring, whereas Michigan was not. I guess I imagined that being a sort of peninsula itself, it might be similar to Michigan in terms of availability of water to swim in. I was wrong.
An underappreciated risk in the U.S. economy is that Americans have lost confidence in the federal government. The Gallup Organization has tracked Americans’ trust in government since the 1970s. It is striking how much Americans used to trust the government compared to now. When Richard Nixon was president in 1972, 75% of Americans had a “great deal” or “fair amount” of trust that the government could solve international problems compared to 44% now. Seventy percent had this amount of trust that the government could solve domestic problems compared to 37% now.
Predictions about what the future holds never interested me much. As a child though, I did love watching “The Jetsons” cartoons. I especially liked the part where Jane Jetson would press a couple of buttons and a delicious hot meal would pop out of the wall. As an adult, I love watching cooking shows and preparing a home-cooked meal myself brings a lot of joy. But having a robot-like Rosie to do the cleanup would be nice.
In May, Moms receive all the love and attention on Mother’s Day – this month, it’s Dad’s turn. On Sunday June 16, Father’s Day will celebrate the role fathers play in the family structure and their influence on society. It’s a day to recognize not just fathers, but also the father figures in our lives; step-fathers, fathers-in-law, grandfathers and great-grandfathers and even other male relatives.
If you spend the better part of your summer in Michigan and find you’re bored, sorry … It’s your own fault. Entertainment abounds! I am not talking about the dozens of concerts going on or the myriad beaches and beautiful lakes to play in, either.
This year, Mother’s Day in my family will not be just about me, but also my daughter-in-law, Jane, my son Sean’s wife. They welcomed their son into the world just before Christmas last year and he will soon be five months old.
Moms and daughters share a special relationship. Sometimes it is good – and sometimes, it isn’t.
As a busy mom of three who is also running several businesses, I need meals that are quick and easy to make when the kids are already hungry.
Do you know your blood pressure? Right now, mine is 121/79.
Did you know that in Detroit, MI it is illegal for a man to scowl at his wife on Sunday? If you own an alligator in the Motor City, you can’t tie it to a fire hydrant. And in Kalamazoo, it’s against the law to serenade your sweetheart. No way!
This month’s column was inspired by happenings in April including two major events: First: the surge and rise of women’s basketball during March Madness (along with the elevation of women in sports and our place in this world) and second: the total solar eclipse! Over the past months, the SHIFT in energy has been palpable and inspiring, and has projected us into May where positive vibes can continue to thrive as we wrap spring and head toward summer.
For our spring UK trip, the main point of interest for my five-year-old son, Arthur, was the promise of a visit to the National Railway Museum in York. It was the carrot dangled before him to inspire good behavior, push through difficult kindergarten days and the highlight of many conversations in the months preceding the journey.
