GRIN & BARE IT
Read (and subscribe to) Grin and Bare It, my daily blog on storytelling, productivity, current events, teaching, my family, and other musings.
I have been posting to this blog every day since 2005.
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A word filled with predators
I’m listening to an audiobook production of “Sandman” by Neil Gaiman. I was especially excited about pressing play on this particular audiobook. “Sandman” is a Read More
My choice of teacher
In a recent interview, I was asked, “If you could choose anyone to teach your own children, what kind of person would you want?” I Read More
McRib sauce is a premium product
Last week, McDonald’s sold 500 half-gallon containers of its McRib barbecue sauce online for $19.99. The sauce — with a label dressed up like a Read More
Resolution update: November 2024
Every month, I report the progress of my yearly goals to monitor progress (or the lack thereof) and hold myself accountable. I’ve also begun the Read More
Unacceptable theater behavior
Later today, the family and I will journey to the movie theater to see Moana 2. A new survey asked Americans about potentially divisive behaviors Read More
Everything happens for a reason…
“Everything happens for a reason…” I hate these five words. Do you know who says them most often? White people. Americans. Citizens of first-world nations. Read More
In every small way, find a way.
I bumped into someone last night while shopping — a friend who told me he was feeling despair over the state of the world. He Read More
Fastballs “The Way” is based upon what?
When it comes to music, I have always been a lyric person. I pay attention to the words. I pay close attention to the words. Read More
Not quite from nothing…
While discussing how tiny seeds grow into enormous trees, Clara shouted: “That’s kind of like you, Dad. You came from nothing!” I appreciated the sentiment, Read More
Million dollar banana
In 2019, artist Maurizio Cattelan created “Comedian,” which consisted of a single banana duct taped to a wall. It first appeared at Art Basel Miami Read More
What is something someone who has never been poor wouldn’t understand?
Someone named Precious Michael on Threads asks, “What is something someone who has never been poor wouldn’t understand?” As someone who struggled in poverty for Read More
A poorly phrased request
Charlie and I exchanged emails from school to school yesterday. Neither of my children owns a phone, but they can use their Chromebooks during the Read More
25 Things again
Years ago, my friend Kate sent me a message entitled 25 Things via Facebook. It included a list of 25 random facts about her and a Read More
The Heavy Metal Playhouse
This is a pin I had made in 1991. It’s still one of my favorite pins today. The HMP was The Heavy Metal Playhouse — Read More
Pizza, chicken, hot dogs, and anger. And a little love, too.
A former colleague—someone I have not seen in a decade—was speaking to me this week, and while reminiscing, she said, “Remember that time you brought Read More
John Batiste makes me happy.
Joy. Art. Hilarity. Music. Brilliance. It’s not often that you can find all of them in one place. John Batiste brings it here. I love Read More
Divider or continuer?
Here’s a quick exercise to understand yourself better: Try to remember life as you lived it years ago. Back then, you cared deeply about certain Read More
Dating differently at Stop & Shop
I was explaining to a client that doing something differently is often the best way to do it. While most people try like hell to Read More
I’ve never liked onions so much
Small victories are still great victories. Momentous victories. Hilarious victories. Case in point: The Onion — the brilliant satirical publication that skewers newsmakers and current Read More
Early morning cravings go unsatisfied
I’m sure this has happened to you. You awaken — bright-eyed and excited about the day — but then you feel the pang deep in Read More
