By Lauren Chesley How much is enough? Once upon a time, I lived my life in complete excess. If one pair of shoes was good, two was better and three pairs in different colors—well that was complete euphoria. I was a salesperson’s dream come true. Who else...
If the truth be told, the empty nest is hard. I miss my children. I miss the noise. I miss the dinner table. I miss the routine. I miss the mess. I even miss the laundry---somehow smelly soccer socks remind me that an 18 an...
Once I made the big decision to move to Chicago I began reaching out to anyone and everyone who knew somebody that knew somebody…and on and on. The networking game is the most valuable tool we have. Think about it—by the time we are 50...
By Lauren Chesley I am finally up and running. In fact, my new best friend is Bruce—the computer guy. I am actually surprised he hasn’t changed his phone number by now because I have literally called him day and night for the past week. The Internet and...
By Lauren Chesley What was I thinking? This thought has crossed my mind several times in the one week since I uprooted my safe and familiar life in Cincinnati to set up my new home in Chicago. What was I thinking? I arrived one week ago today. I have...
By Lauren Chesley Sometimes it's all about the anticipation, but when it comes to the moment-- it's far simpler than we expect. My mom always said "keep it simple." (aka KISS.) That is certainly the case today. College send off-- a strong hug-- a quick (my son...
By Lauren Chesley Sunday, August 30, 2015 It is this day. The one I have thought about…dreaded…counted…contemplated. I just went to wake my 18 year old son. He is sleeping diagonally because his beautiful six foot self has outgrown his bed. He is sprawled out corner to...
That’s that what I feel like this week because I’m back in Cincinnati, still running into old friends who are saying “you’re back already?” It’s more a question of finishing up final details. Or maybe more “critical details” are appearing because it’s harder to say goodbye...
Sometimes a sign is more than just a sign. I had to laugh out loud when I saw the logo on the side of the moving truck as it backed into my driveway, a loud reverse beep beep warning of imminent danger. "Make the BETTER move”...
Most of the boxes are packed and labeled and ready for their new home. I spent the weekend trying to follow my own advice on packing—and purging, which had me thinking about the continuum of my life, and how one thing leads to the next,...