For the past two years, I have been struggling with hearing loss. I knew I had some hearing loss but I was too vain to admit it. I developed the habit of just smiling and nodding when I was unable to hear what someone said. Generally, I was too embarrassed to ask someone to repeat themselves.   Finally, when I had to repeatedly ask a judge to repeat herself, I knew it was time to act. So, I took a hearing test, and I am in the process of getting hearing aids.  

While bitter cold weather might predominate many current discussions, some other kind of polar entity captures much of my attention of late.  A polar bear, of the sports variety, namely the one my team needs to re-sign, but cannot figure out how to achieve what needs to be done.  Yes, I want the Mets to re-sign Pete Alonso: indeed, I am not the owner or the team president, but always maintain as a strategic tactician, I judge talent rather well and better than mo

I read this quote the other day: “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” – Viktor Frankl.   It sparked some reflection, especially since life often presents challenges we can’t control. One powerful approach I’ve read that helps me is to reframe these challenges as opportunities to adapt and learn. While it’s not always easy, it does shift the focus from frustration to progress.  

Recently, a friend, a recovering alcoholic, told me she had a "high bottom", a term I was unfamiliar with. Too proud to ask, I later looked it up and learned that "high bottom" connotes an alcoholic who recognizes the problematic nature of their drinking early on and decides to pursue recovery before hitting a more severe low.   Well, it was news to me and it got me to thinking. 

We sent our four-year-old granddaughter a little Lego set for her birthday.A few days later, we received a picture of her proudly showing the completed project.We called (actually it was a video call) to congratulate her and asked whether it was hard to ass

To start off my first blog with GCN, I’d like to say that I am thrilled to join a group of respected, expressive individuals that share their thoughts, opinions, and stories in a medium that encourages continuous collaboration.  

My grandmother’s name was Jennie Levine.  She came to the United States in the late 1800s, most likely to the Lower East Side of Manhattan where she learned to be a seamstress.  

I visited the Queens group last week. As an aside, it’s a great group and everyone should stop by.   Before the meeting started, everyone was chatting. Two members of the group were discussing their affinity for running. Trying to join their conversation, I mentioned that I enjoy walking on the treadmill. Being among people I did not know very well, I began hesitating when I discussed my motivation for getting on the treadmill.