Ever gotten to a restaurant with a hankering for a specific dish only to be told they’re out? Talk about disappointment! And for those of you who know me and my love of food, you know I’m talking BIG disappointment.

Most people let it go and pick something else on the menu.

But if you’re like me, this is challenging, to say the least. Mostly because I’ve already “enjoyed it in my mind.” I’ve already longed for that salted butter-pecan ice cream, dreamt about the perfectly tangy, braised short ribs and savored the sticky toffee pudding. Anticipation is a large part of my food pleasure picture.

So, when those expectations are dashed, I can hardly summon the courage to revisit the menu. Yes; I admit it: I’m a card-carrying foodie.

But do you know what usually happens next? (more…)

“Impressive resume. He looks like the total package. But I sense he’s a wild card. Should I hire him or take a pass?”

“I’d really like to go to a Big Ten school, but I doubt I’ll get in. Might be a total waste of time and money to try. Should I apply anyway?”

“Tell him the truth? I *wish.* He’ll freeze me out. But if I could count on him to listen objectively, I think we could really get through this impasse in our relationship. Do I dare?”

All of these scenarios have one thing in common: RISK. For some people, this is a never-to-be-chanced, four-letter word. Others are more willing to see the opportunity inherent in each toss of the dice.

The truth is, most situations aren’t a total “toss of the dice.” There are a small number of decisions that involve “seemingly random and capricious” risk. And then there’s the other category – situations where risk is calculated. Those are circumstances where there’s some risk involved, but the odds can be stacked in your favor.

Now, if you find yourself in one of those truly random scenarios, you may as well use a dart board. Go with your gut or play your favorite lottery numbers. (more…)

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a sucker for a really good quote. I recently came across this little gem:

“Semper Gumby”

With apologies to the US Marine Corps, this twist on the familiar motto reminds us to “Always [be] Gumby.” However, it’s not lost on me that if you aren’t of a certain age, you might not know who I’m talking about. A little background:

Gumby, created in 1955, was “a dark green humanoid figure who was the subject of a 223-episode series of American television shows over a 35-year period. He was animated using stop-motion clay animation. The show also featured Pokey, a red clay pony, and Gumby’s nemeses, the Block-heads.”*

So, what does “Semper Gumby” mean to you? Ask any fan what the character stands for, and they’ll probably recall his green, bendy body – which allowed him to twist and contort himself into a multitude of poses, escaping countless tight spots and always managing to help others. In the eyes of many, Gumby’s best feature was his FLEXIBILITY. (more…)

What are your memories of New Year’s Eve, 2007? I know – it’s February – why dredge up the past? Bear with me; what do you remember about that night? Unless some major life event happened on December 31st, you probably don’t remember that evening altogether clearly (and that’s without alcohol factored in).

Here’s an even better question: what were your New Year’s Resolutions this year? 2008 has barely begun – but which ones do you remember? Are you living them? Or have you already shelved them for 2009?

Have you taken the time to sort out what you really want this year? (more…)