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Humor

In this column, you will read humoristic stories and essays.

1 year ago

Dad’s Spicy La-Z-Boy: A Study in Valulosis

My dad had a La-Z-Boy recliner in green tweed fabric, likely purchased in the late 1960s or early ‘70s. If you’re picturing Archie Bunker’s chair from All in the Family or Martin Crane’s from Frasier, think worse. Much worse. By the time I came along, the seat had shed its tweed…

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1 year ago

Falling on a Cactus – Impatience with Impatience

As we kick off this new year, I find myself reflecting on how I’ve spent years chasing productivity and perfection – crossing things off lists and rushing toward the next task, holiday, or goal. But a recent tumble onto a cactus taught me a valuable lesson: life isn’t just about getting to the end…

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1 year ago

Bad Communication or How I Ended Up Yelling in Spanish Sign Language

As we get older, we tend to think we’ve got this whole “communication” thing down. We’ve had years of practice, and by now, we ought to be masters of getting our point across clearly. And yet, sometimes, even with our best intentions, people hear something…

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1 year ago

The Early Bird Gets the Nap

When I first retired, I had this fantasy about sleeping in. I pictured myself lounging until 10 a.m., with the sun already high in the sky, a steaming cup of coffee in hand. I’d be well-rested, with a full day ahead to read, exercise, and maybe conquer the world – or at least…

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2 years ago

The Hidden Side of a 45 Record: Embracing My B-Side

I have a side I want the world to see. This side of me is shiny, positive, smart, and practically perfect, like Mary Poppins. It’s my A-side, the one I spin for company, acquaintances, and anyone who might catch a glimpse of me from afar. It’s curated, polished, and, let’s be honest…

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2 years ago

Am I Really Rocking Retirement? 25, Yes 25, Things to Try

Retirement is like a second adolescence, only with more naps and hopefully, fewer pimples. We’ve spent decades clocking in, clocking out, and now, suddenly, every day is a Saturday. But with all this newfound freedom, the big question looms…

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2 years ago

From Breastfeeding to Whitewater Rafting – My ‘Last’ Laughs and Lessons

I was a sucker for firsts – just like every other new mom. The first steps, the first words, the first time my boys, Michael and Sam, slept through the night. Sam, at 2 months old; Michael, at age 8. Sigh. Even their first caterpillar in a jar, oblivious to the coming trauma if it didn’t make…

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2 years ago

Finding Fun in the Mundane: Grading Everything

Let’s talk about the bathroom scale. No, not that bathroom scale; the bathroom rating scale! Over the years, I’ve noticed that some public bathrooms desperately need an upgrade. So, I developed a one-through-ten scale for public bathrooms, rating them for all my friends and family…

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2 years ago

5 Weird Things I’m Missing in My “Maturity”

Ever notice how the gadgets and gizmos that were supposed to make our lives easier have somehow made them feel more complicated? I don’t know about you, but there are days when I feel like an out-of-place relic, trying to navigate a world…

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2 years ago

This Day Was a Total Waste of Makeup

It began when I was driving home from teaching 3rd graders after a long day. I was about 38 years old. As a child, I must have had deep thoughts, with my nose always in a book, because I had resting “frownie” face. This cultivated deep furrows…

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