Don Hall 12/9/24 Don Hall 12/9/24

I Believe… [Love Actually?]

...that my favorite part of Love Actually (which, mind you, is like declaring my favorite part of a Sizzler sald bar) is the story about the aging rockstar who realizes he’d rather spend Christmas with his loyal friend than party with Elton John.

Joe Mallon 12/7/24 Joe Mallon 12/7/24

Jackie Walsh

From the porch, the two men listened to the thundering bass of rumbling trucks on journeys north and south along the Dan Ryan Expressway. To the west, Halsted teased out the melodies of car horns beeping and tires squealing, a harsh cacophony of symphonic summer street noises.

They smoked their tobacco.

David Himmel 12/6/24 David Himmel 12/6/24

Notes from the Post-it Wall | Week of December 1, 2024

Everyone hates their significant other’s therapist.

Don Hall 12/4/24 Don Hall 12/4/24

On Gratitude

But gratitude isn’t just about the big, existential stuff. It’s also in the details—the smell of gasoline on a cold morning, the sting of whiskey after a long day, the way the world looks at 4:00am when you’re too wired to sleep.

David Himmel 12/3/24 David Himmel 12/3/24

Dishing Out A Lesson in Politeness

“Great!” I said, still smiling. “I’ll get that for you right away.” And then I leaned a little and let my smile fade. “And if you ever snap your fingers at any of our staff again, I will personally escort both of you out of here and you will not be welcome back again. Ever.” Both of their faces went from smug to surprised. Like they’d never been told “no” before or, more to the point, like they’d never been called out for being unnecessarily rude. I straightened up, brought my smile back and said, “Just the cheese? Anything else right now?”

Don Hall 12/2/24 Don Hall 12/2/24

I Believe… [The Paradox of Wisdom]

...that good judgement comes from experience and experience comes from poor judgement.

David Himmel 11/29/24 David Himmel 11/29/24

Notes from the Post-it Wall | Week of Thanksgiving 2024

I’m thankful for my children for their humor, intelligence, and kindness even though they often act just like the worst version of me and look like the best version of my ex-wife.

Don Hall 11/28/24 Don Hall 11/28/24

From the Archives: Unpacking Branson: A Thanksgiving Improbability

For Thanksgiving in 2012, I was single and Mom decided that I should come out to my step-sister's place in Branson, Missouri for a good old-fashioned country Thanksgiving. The carrot was family. The stick was Missouri.

Don Hall 11/25/24 Don Hall 11/25/24

I Believe… [Intensity vs Depth]

...that intense and deep aren’t the same thing even if you’ve convinced yourself they are. Intense is momentary and fleeting; deep is the result of time and energy.

David Himmel 11/22/24 David Himmel 11/22/24

Notes from the Post-it Wall | Week of November 17, 2024

How do you want to be defined? By one action? By some opinion that could evolve? By a mistake, regrettable only with hindsight? Or by the sum of your parts? Okay, do that for other people. Start the trend.

David Himmel 11/19/24 David Himmel 11/19/24

The Hubris of American Anxiety

Anxiety is the thing that’s ripped our country apart. It has divided us, caused us to fear and hate those who think and live differently than us, and even caused us to hate those who only slightly disagree with us. It has led to panic and overreaction. And I worry that American Anxiety is only going to exacerbate the social and political divide in this country to the point that there is no coming back.

Don Hall 11/18/24 Don Hall 11/18/24

I Believe… [Banquet Platters]

...that few things are more appealing than leftover banquet platters.

David Himmel 11/15/24 David Himmel 11/15/24

Notes from the Post-it Wall | Week of November 10, 2024

Through conversation may come conversion.

Don Hall 11/11/24 Don Hall 11/11/24

I Believe… [Wrecking Ball]

...that, when coming in and making sweeping changes in an organization, it’s best to Miley Cyrus that shit and wrecking ball the place.

David Himmel 11/8/24 David Himmel 11/8/24

Notes from the Post-it Wall | Week of November 3, 2024

Life is a balance of comedy and tragedy. It’s best to tip the scales by finding the comedy within that tragedy.

Don Hall 11/4/24 Don Hall 11/4/24

I Believe… [Too Much Absence]

...that some absence makes the heart grow fonder; too much absence makes the heart forget.

David Himmel 11/1/24 David Himmel 11/1/24

Notes from the Post-it Wall | Week of October 27, 2024

If we truly believe in a united United States of America, then no matter who wins the presidency, we all lose.

Don Hall 10/29/24 Don Hall 10/29/24

The Why Behind the What

Therapy has its place, sure, but it shouldn’t replace the old-fashioned methods of dealing with life. Sometimes, a stiff upper lip, a little perspective, and a strong drink are all you really need.

Don Hall 10/28/24 Don Hall 10/28/24

I Believe… [In Live Music]

...that music, like sex, sports, and theater, is best enjoyed live.

David Himmel 10/25/24 David Himmel 10/25/24

Notes from the Post-it Wall | Week of October 20, 2024

Sometimes, life feels like you’re eating a delicious bucket of perfectly popped movie popcorn. It’s fresh, hot, buttery. Other times, it feels like you’re eating a bucket of the kernel shells. The ones that get stuck in your teeth, buried in your gums, suction cupped to the back of your throat. And everything tastes burnt.