lifestyle Archives
Turning 40 with style
This is the year. It seems that every month I am raising a glass with a group to celebrated the big 4-0. And last night, a group of people who haven't hung out since 1988 got to enjoy some wine, great food, and a gorgeous night out in Chicago.
Summer Solstice great time to de-clutter
The beginning of summer, or the Summer Solstice is a very spiritual time of year. Many feel it signifies starting anew, or a time of healing. Others claim it's the perfect opportunity to get realigned and say "out with the old, and in with the new."
For me- it meant, "Time to clean out the garage!"
Cell phone dangers- finally hitting network news
I've been banging the drum about the dangers of cell phone use since my blog began. On this day, June 17th- the anniversary of my Dad's death from brain tumors- I want you to watch and pass on this video to everyone you love. Scientific studies prove that brain tumors rise 40 percent if you use cell phones daily for a decade. Get informed, dammit!
The push for cell phone warnings on packaging
I recently was forwarded an article about a Maine politician pushing to get warnings posted on the packaging of cell phones warning about the radiation dangers of over exposure. So why aren't more people talking about this? Because just like with tobacco giants- people are afraid to tattle on these companies- I mean there's MONEY to be made- so why care about exposing people to cancer?
Kids see things we don't
The other night I was tucking my son into bed.
"Look, Mom!" He said.
"What?" I asked.
"The Angel," he said, pointing to the sky.
Laughing baby cures everything
I reconnected with an old friend recently, and she told me that thing that helped her through a very rough patch was Monty Python's Flying Circus.
"Laughter is the best healer," she said.
She's so right.
Rielle Hunter gives spiritual warriors a bad name
I was driving home from work yesterday and I got an email from someone telling me I had to watch the Oprah interview with Rielle Hunter- John Edward's mistress.
"She says she's spiritual- but really- she's so full of it!" The email said.
So I watched the re-run at 11pm last night. I still feel sick to my stomach.
Mary Schmich's article is right on...
I was excited when I got an email from Tribune columnist Mary Schmich yesterday.
"I'm writing a column on the dearth of women in Chicago talk radio and just stumbled on your recent blog item on it..."
Fart jokes on WLS Radio- I rest my case...
Yesterday, I wrote about my frustrations with the demise of talk radio in Chicago- that no women are hosting shows on the top rated talk stations in this city. I received tons of emails in support from upset females around town agreeing with me. "Women are thirsty for content that makes a difference and not monologues about Tiger Wood's mistresses or fart jokes," I said.
Then as if on cue- I was driving home from the city yesterday and I heard 23 minutes of talk about farts on WLS.
Hey Chicago radio bosses- what do you have against women?
I am a lifelong Chicago broadcaster who tries to be supportive of the local media. But lately- the demise of talk radio in this town has me wondering one thing: What do the men who run these stations have against vaginas?
Don't take it personally!!
So I recently put in my facebook status, "If I have so many friends, why have only 127 people read my blog in the last few days?" I was kind of amazed at the message I received from one of them, accusing me of being a "one-sided" friend.
Write your kids a letter- NOW!
Today, my son turns four. It's hard to imagine my life without him. I told him that many times today, all to be told, "Move Mommy- I need my fiyah twuck!"
So in this digital age- where everything is texted and tweeted- I am going to take a minute to write him a note. I will print it up and put it somewhere safe for him to read someday. I suggest you do the same...
Are your kids gifted or intuitive? You are not alone!
Do your kids have imaginary friends? Maybe they get anxious in crowded places? Do they walk on their tip-toes? Maybe they even talk to dead people? Then you need to be at the Wilmette Theatre tonight for a very important event.
Holy week can be dangerous, dammit!
On this "holy week"- I'm staying busy with the usual: Snacking on chocolate, enjoying the warm weather and trying to figure out what the hell a bunny has to do with the birth of Jesus. But today- my good mood was briefly dampened by a snotty twenty-something who almost killed me.
Real friendships survive political differences
I had a talk the other night where I interviewed Richard Roeper at the Wilmette Theater. Rich is pretty vocal in his column about his liberal beliefs- which is why I was surprised when my very Republican friend Ann said she wanted to come and meet him.
The Healthcare debate- would Jesus be covered?
I recently had a friend tell me he is "De-Friending" any of his friends on facebook if they are FOR this Healthcare Bill. I'm sure we've all had people we know forward us emails to sway us to their beliefs. So how do we handle this? What is the answer? How can I stay "spiritual" when I want to punch some of these people out?
Hey Starbucks- get your drive-thru in gear!
Can you imagine a life without using a drive-thru? From dinner on the go- to coffee before work, most of us take advantage of this service without thinking twice. But the hard of hearing or others with communication problems usually skip it. Why? They are often harassed, just for pulling up to the "pay" window to place an order.
Give up control- and "allow"...
I was talking to a friend yesterday who was having a rough day- computer troubles- work concerns- kid birthday parties stress.... basic life stuff. I too was worried about things. Mainly trying to get my son up for school. We haven't been able to get him ready for school lately without having to issue several "time-outs". (Some people talk about "the terrible two's- but for us, it's been "the terrible three's"!) And with the time change- I was sure he would be tired and confrontational.
As I plopped in to bed, I looked up at the ceiling before grabbing one of my 20 woo-woo books from my night stand and said, "What do I need to hear?"
God loves sinners- even Tiger Woods
A comment from a reader-
Dear Jen,
i agree that only God has the right to judge a woman who is an exotic
dancer. And He loves her just as He loves me or you. However, the fact
still stands that she is causing other people-her brothers in Christ-to
sin. When the 10 Commandments say not to commit adultery, He also means
lust (Matthew 5:28). Disobeying one of the 10 Commandments is sinning.
Is it better to cause one of your brothers to sin than to commit a sin
yourself? I believe it's worse to knowingly cause someone else to
stumble.
dancer. And He loves her just as He loves me or you. However, the fact
still stands that she is causing other people-her brothers in Christ-to
sin. When the 10 Commandments say not to commit adultery, He also means
lust (Matthew 5:28). Disobeying one of the 10 Commandments is sinning.
Is it better to cause one of your brothers to sin than to commit a sin
yourself? I believe it's worse to knowingly cause someone else to
stumble.
Brittany
Addicted to psychics? Get a grip!
A letter from a reader...
Dear Jen:
I am wondering if you can recommend some psychics for me? I have been using them for years, and I haven't had much luck with my "usual suspects", as they say. Could you tell me- out of all the people you've interviewed- who is worth calling or visiting? I am really looking for some advice in my career and love life.
Thanks-
Lost in Westmont
Can clearing energy help sell a house?
A letter from a reader-
Dear Jen-
I have had my house on the market for two years, and despite dropping the price WAY below it's worth, removing all clutter, re-painting the rooms per my realtor's request, and changing realtors several times, we are still unable to sell. One of my friends suggested I contact a medium to "clear the energy" of my house, but I don't even know what that means. I know you have interviewed a lot of mediums and psychics. Do you have any recommendations?
Sincerely-
Desperate on the Northshore
Jesus likes dancing
My last post about God loving everyone, even exotic dancers- generated this response from someone with the name "Heisthelight"...
God loves you- even if you're a stripper
An email to share from a reader...
"Dear Jen-
I wanted to ask you a question about judgment. Â I was raised Catholic, and feel guilty about everything. Â I am a single mom and because of this tough economy, I have had to resort to getting a second job dancing for a strip club. Â Does that mean I'm going to hell?
Positive attitude a good reminder during winter blues
It's January in Chicago. Ick. It's cold, and snowing and most of us have broken our resolutions. Lots of people get depressed, or feel down. So what could possibly motivate us to feel better? How about choosing to be happy?
Dear Abby meets "I'm Spiritual Dammit.."
I got a note tonight on facebook from a reader who wanted to know "Where can a good girl find a guy who won't take her for granted?" I've never been asked about relationships advice- but I do know from interviewing lots of spiritual guru's that when you're LOOKING for love- something is missing inside.
Three things you need to know this holiday season
If you want to be spiritual for the holidays, I have a couple of ground rules... They're pretty simple and I've already seen several people I know and love break them. Of course, in my attempt not to judge for the month of December, I am torn whether or not to share... but for now, I will say this is guidance...and not judgment.. (You buying this? Cuz I'm not sure that I am..)
Nurture your family this holiday season
So it's that giving time- and we are wondering where, if anywhere, we should donate to charities before the end of the year. I've been honored to be helping with a group called NURTURE since last fall- and if you are passionate about creating healthy eating habits for you and your kids- this is for you...
Eating bananas feeds VIOLENCE!
I always thought that eating bananas was good for me. I feed them to my son all the time. They are supposed to be filled with nutrients- low in calories.. the "perfect" food. As a "spiritual" mom, I will never be able to buy another banana now that I know how many people die to bring them to my Chicago grocery store.
Is judgment acceptable if someone's in danger?
I would like to make an amendment to my "no judging" challenge. If you put someone's life at risk- then not only should you be judged- you need to be STOPPED!
Do you believe in Santa?
So my son got to meet his hero this weekend. Yes- my three and a half year old sat on the lap of what he believed to be THE Santa Clause at Northbrook Court. So now I worry -- have we created a monster?
The judging challenge continues
I put out a challenge last week on vocalo.org asking people to stop judging for the month of December. It's their "Month of Faith". I figured- since Jesus said not to "judge"- let's see how many people can follow the word of the guy they say they worship. I thought it would be do-able. But after just a few days- I'm embarrassed to say that I officially suck at this.
Can you stop judging others for a month?
I've been asked to take part in vocalo.org's "Month on Faith" by issuing a challenge to my readers and the vocalo listeners. This challenge doesn't have to be specific to any particular faith- (which is good, because I am a combo platter..) and should make others want to share their experiences.
Psychic predictions from a 3 year old
A few weeks ago, my brother Rafer was getting the feeling that his soon to be born son was coming early. While the baby's due date was Nov 19th, in early November, my brother had a hunch it wouldn't take that long. My 3 year old son Britt, however, begged to differ.
Uncle Rafer with his nephew Britt
The end of the rose experiment
I wanted to update everyone on the status of my roses. They were going strong for nearly three long weeks- amazing considering that most cut flowers from the grocery store last just a few days. And as you can see- the "positive energy" has left the building...
my dead flowers
Need parking karma? Start by being spiritual, dammit!
I was reading Theresa Carter's blog The Local Tourist this morning about where people should park in Chicago. I recently shared some of my own experiences about this very topic in my blog last week. While it's great to know where all the parking garages are, I feel you can take advantage of the many street spaces available. You just have to know how to order them.
Cooking with olive oil at high heat levels can be toxic
Like most Americans, I have adopted the concept that the first step to healthy cooking is to use extra virgin olive oil. We hear about this from just about every chef on The Food Network, and Rachel Ray starts almost every dish by drizzling her "E-V-O-O" in the pan. But did you know that heating olive oil is actually toxic?
Mediums in the Bible? You bet!
I've gotten a lot of flack from religious folks about the content of my book, Stay Tuned. What seems to set them off is the fact that I interview several mediums and psychics who claim to be able to talk to dead people in an attempt to talk to my dead dad, the late Tim Weigel. They think that the Bible cautions against this, saying it's "the devil's work." But I met a Catholic priest who told me otherwise...
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