"Helicopter Parent" is a term used to describe parents who constantly monitor their children's actions and decisions. Similarly, "Bulldozer Parent" is a parenting style where parents actively remove obstacles from their child's path, which can hinder their independence and ability to cope with adversity. This can apply to grandparenting, too. However, have you ever heard of “Hands-In-Your-Pockets” Grandparenting? We coined this term to remind grandparents that you shouldn’t give cash to your grandchildren without meaning or purpose. Instead, keep your hands in your pockets and see what lessons can be taught to the rising generation.

Have you ever caught yourself knocking on wood or staying away from crossing paths with black cats? Don't worry, I do the same!

Across the world, in every culture and society, age-old traditions, customs, and beliefs have been passed down through generations. These practices are deeply rooted in our collective history and serve as a shield against misfortune and ill fate. One common thread among these rituals is the consumption of specific foods, believed to act as a safeguard against bad luck.

Being part of the one percent who have completed a marathon is an incredible feat that demands unwavering determination, steadfast dedication, and thorough preparation. By committing to a consistent training schedule, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and having the right equipment, I could conquer the physical and mental obstacles that come with the marathon distance. Despite encountering the infamous "wall," I emerged victorious; I finished.

Do you go to church? This is not a judgment question, just a simple question. Any church, synagogue, mosque, or temple in the past seven days? If you have, you are one of the 34% of the US adult population that regularly attend a religious service.

I was part of that statistic as a kid. I was raised Roman Catholic, more specifically, Polish Roman Catholic.

Family symbols such as crests, flags, and barn quilts are not just artifacts, but they are also timeless and living emblems of our lineage and heritage. They stand as guardians of our shared history and echo with the whispers of our ancestors' dreams and values. These symbols bind generations like a sturdy thread, weaving through the tapestry of time and igniting a flame of familial pride and unity. They light the way for our collective aspirations to shine through the ages.

For a passionate book lover like myself, there's nothing quite like the magical world a book opens up. Each volume is a portal to a different time, place, or perspective, offering a chance to escape the mundane and embark on thrilling adventures, explore profound emotions, or delve deep into the realms of knowledge. In the realm of books, every page is an invitation to explore the infinite possibilities of the human imagination, making it a sanctuary for those who crave the magic of storytelling.

During the Renaissance period from the 14th to the 17th centuries, individuals with a wide range of intellectual, artistic, and practical skills were known as "polymaths" or Renaissance men. These people were admired for their diverse talents, broad knowledge, and ability to excel in multiple areas of expertise. A Renaissance man was expected to understand several subjects, such as literature, philosophy, mathematics, science, art, music, and more.

Step with me into the shadows of history and architecture as we embark on a haunting journey to unravel the mysteries surrounding the legendary Ghost of Notre Dame. No, not the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris where the infamous hunchback and monstrous gargoyles, silent witnesses to the supernatural, could be found, but rather the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.

The hushed discussions about this prestigious school with high academic standards and rigorous programs were a grown-up conversation often heard after we were sent to bed.

Being a grandparent is a rewarding and cherished role. It's a chance to build strong connections with your grandchildren, watch them grow, and offer unconditional love and support. At least that's what "they" say.

However, "they" don't tell you how to accomplish that when distance separates you. Being a long-distance grandma, building a solid connection, watching them grow, and just "being there" can be challenging. How can you be a part of their daily lives, be there for the special moments, and develop a connection when you are miles away?

Once upon a time, in the quaint hamlet of North Chicago, nestled between the Great Lakes Naval Training Center and the state line of Wisconsin, there lived five young girls. They were known for their strong work ethic, kind hearts, and insatiable curiosities. Their days were spent working in the family business based in the heart of the hamlet. The family business began in the early 1900s, and their great-grandmother purchased the land alone long before women's lib became a thing.

Where does your story begin?

As a child, I learned the importance of sticking to my beliefs. Despite my dad's attempts to convince me that it was okay for different foods on my plate to touch each other, I stood my ground and stuck to my personal preferences. This experience taught me to trust my instincts and not be swayed by others' opinions.

No, it's not a game where players embark on a magical journey to help mice reach new heights by navigating a whimsical world filled with Jacob's Ladders and enchanted eyeballs. Nor is it a new Artificial Intelligent robot.

They are science fair experiments.

Science Fairs…this yearly event caused excitement, enthusiasm, dread, and everything. Once announced, the questions started swirling.

In our family, the intertwining of religious beliefs and cherished traditions plays a significant role in shaping our experiences and outlook on life. Rooted in Catholicism, our faith guides us in both the every day and the extraordinary moments of our lives.

Move over Picasso, Rembrandt, and Jackson Pollack. The next "master" of the arts is me…not.

As an adult, I learned to appreciate art, the lines, the strokes, the shading, and the visual stories that an artist tells, but let me take you back in time to how it was determined that my calling was not the world of paintbrushes and canvas.

I had an epiphany last night and had to share! I think handwritten letters are like warm hugs on paper, carrying the personal touch that emails can never quite capture. What do you think?

Hear me out. I am guessing that you and I live in the same fast-paced digital world. I have always been a communicator, but my communication, which used to be slower-paced, has morphed into mostly texting and social media posts. In this modern era of smartphones, laptops, and iPads, letter writing may seem obsolete.

Growing up in the 1970s, I dreamed large with Big Harry Audacious Goals (BHAG). During this computer age, Steve Jobs was changing the world in the personal computing industry.  I wanted to be part of that. Intel, Xerox, and IBM were already making groundbreaking strides in the industry, but it was Steve Jobs who had a vision. A vision for everyone to have a personal computer in their home, which seemed absurd at the time. Who knew personal computers were only a piece of the puzzle of him changing the world? He was an inspiration.

In the heart of our small town stood a time-honored establishment with a story as rich as the spirits lining its shelves. The family liquor store, once an ice cream parlor in the roaring twenties, transitioned through the years into a thriving hub for libations. My journey within its walls began at the tender age of 14, marking the beginning of a unique chapter in my life that taught me the value of hard work, family bonds, and resilience.

The 1960s was a decade defined by a cultural revolution, and against this backdrop, Junior Achievement (J.A.) emerged as a key player in nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among the youth. This blog explores the unique confluence of human capital development and entrepreneurship within Junior Achievement during the psychedelic 1960s, shedding light on the organization's role in shaping not just business acumen but also the creative and innovative mindset of young individuals.

Goals, achievements, or priorities? It doesn’t matter what they are called; everyone should have them. Yes, even young children. Maybe it is to have good grades or something as simple as making their bed, doing choirs, or trying a new food or activity. Generally, goals are made as part of a New Year’s Resolution, but since most resolutions typically don’t last a couple of weeks, you might need some techniques to help. The secret sauce ensures the why is discussed, especially if it is a goal inspired by a parent or grandparent.

Picture this: It's a sunny September school day in a quaint little town where everyone knows your family inside and out, including your family's bustling business. It's snack Tuesday, and like clockwork, the solemn nuns take the scheduled 10-minute snack break where the opportunity to purchase a penny candy or a single-stick salted pretzel on the honor system, has just begun. The line was about to be open for their hungry guests.