No one prepares you for when
There are times when life catches us by surprise. When things happen that we feel unprepared for, it's during those moments that we realize that no one prepares us for…
How much is this going to cost? When normal isn’t interesting
Growing up, I thought about my future. I wondered what I would do, where I would go, and who would be my husband. I had the usual dreams: to get…
Not like the others
What sets you apart or makes you unique? What is it about you that makes you not like the others? I don't want to be like the others. What I…
When was the last time you moved?
When was the last time you moved? I would be embarrassed to admit how many times I have moved. Do not get me wrong; I am not whining. It is…
How to slay the dragon alone in the dark
“It won’t be good enough,” I told myself. In 10th grade, I worked for weeks on a science project. I was sure my miserable project would barely earn me a…
I don’t like surprises: how to thrive in the unannounced
I don't like surprises. However, there are a few surprises that I don't mind like gifts, a lower electric bill than expected, or 50% off coupons for pizza (pepperoni with…
Living light at customs when you have 13 suitcases
Almost nine years ago, I stood in the Blantyre, Malawi, airport with my husband and young daughter, waiting for our luggage. It was hot, and sweat poured from my husband's…
A unique perspective
I have lived as an ex-pat (foreigner) for most of my life. This has given me a unique perspective. While my passport says that I'm an American, my experience says…
