From the moment I saw Enid, I knew I was going to like her. Not necessarily like in a "let's be best friends" way. More like her in a "My, what fun huge pointy rhinestone-rimmed sunglasses you're wearing!" way. I was sent to visit Enid as part of my job at a non-profit that matches volunteers with isolated senior citizens. My... More..

I'm sitting in Cafeneo, the new coffee shop in Lincoln Square, taking in the sweet sounds of Nina Simone's "Lilac Wine", and assessing the potential happiness of my fellow cafe-goers. The two men by the window, speaking a mix of English and Tagalog, taking breaks from their giggles to sip sparkling water and eat banana crepes... More..

This morning Becki and I went to a Bikram yoga class at Om on the Range. (Oh, how punny!) Since it was our first time there we had a short orientation before the class started. The instructor, Beth, told us that we shouldn't worry about keeping up with the poses. Our main goal was to stay in the room for the full 90 minutes. ... More..

Chicago, where you Bean all my life? A couple weeks ago my friend Anne and I met up in Denver, and drove our Rav 4 rental up to Missoula, where we met up with Kristen for a week of fun and relaxation, Montana style. It was a truly fantastic time. We cooled down on a 104 degree day with some tubing down the Blackfoot River.... More..

When I was about eight years old I had a dream that I'll never forget. I was standing in the kitchen, on the phone with my mother, arguing about something mundane. After hanging up the phone, I sat at the kitchen table, frustrated and sad. My pity party was quickly interrupted by a rapping on the screen door. I went to the do... More..

The other day I was informed that Marcia, an old gal I knew when I worked in Boston, just celebrated her 99th birthday. This made my day. Marcia is one of the sweetest people to walk the earth. The organization I worked for offered vacation sessions for elderly. Many of the vacations take place at a beautiful, giant farmhouse... More..

"Okay! Great! I really truly look forward to working with you, Mary!" Do you have any questions for me?" Yes, Bill. I do. Is it your hair gel leaking into your brain that is making you this unnaturally chipper or are you honestly wetting yourself with glee at the prospect of finding me temporary office jobs? "No, Bill. ... More..