travel

You’re Not Back Home So Stop Acting Like It

One travel memory that makes me smile doesn’t involve a beach, a famous attraction, or even a great meal. It involved a conversation at the next table. I was on vacation in Cozumel, Mexico, enjoying dinner when a woman at a nearby table started complaining about how long everything was taking. The service wasn’t movingContinue reading “You’re Not Back Home So Stop Acting Like It”

The Vicious Circle of Wanting What We Don’t Have

Years ago, drummer Charlie Watts was asked about life with the Rolling Stones. His answer wasn’t about fame, money, sold-out stadiums, or celebrity. Instead, he described a problem that many people understand immediately. Because of his work, he had to leave home and spend long periods on the road or in a studio somewhere. TheContinue reading “The Vicious Circle of Wanting What We Don’t Have”

Summer Is Not Over, People. Calm Down

Let me repeat that: It’s only July 16. And yet, if you listen closely—on patios, in lineups, even from your friend grumbling, you’d think we’re already packing away the sunscreen and hauling out the flannel. Apparently, summer is “half over.” Or worse, basically done. Why? Because the MLB All-Star Game just happened. Because the CanadianContinue reading “Summer Is Not Over, People. Calm Down”

Discovering Small-Town Living: Community, Nature, and Security

It has been 10 months since I moved from a bustling city/region of 650,000 people (about half the population of Hawaii) to a village of 1,000 people at most. It is located a half hour north of a city of 85,000 so all the major amenities are nearby. I wasn’t sure I’d manage all rightContinue reading “Discovering Small-Town Living: Community, Nature, and Security”

Whatever happened to table manners and etiquette when eating in a restaurant?

I was dining with a friend at a local restaurant the other day and while no one is perfect, I noticed an appalling lack of table manners and consideration for others by two guests sitting maybe 20 feet away. And it’s not the first time I have noticed this. I’m a stickler for manners andContinue reading “Whatever happened to table manners and etiquette when eating in a restaurant?”