A Baby Named Hope: How a Child I Never Had Helped Me Love the Ones I Did [Operation Give a Little: Give a listening ear and Give a public accolade]

“I almost lost my son, once,” she tossed it out, as if she were saying something as casual as how’s the weather out there or socks are buy-one-get-one-free today. But the way she looked at me, darting glances away from her cash register, made me realize that it was meaningful to her. And how could it not be? As …

This Season Give a Little Gift to an Animal: Operation Give a Little Day 6! [What’s your favorite pet story?]

My kids are obsessed with this commercial! They think it’s hilarious. (Click through to see video) “Luna! Luuuunnna! Here, pretty kitty!” I crooned, shaking a bag of cat treats as I circled the tiny hotel room for the 50th time. “Are you sure she was, ah, here?” The hotel manager asked as his assistant lifted …

That Time I Tried To Help Someone And Ended Up Totally Insulting Them [Operation Give a Little Days 3 and 4: Give a helping hand, give up your parking spot or place in line!]

This little guy in the middle would be me: Trying hard but getting it all mixed up – but still throwing some stellar JAZZ HANDS! Jazz hands make everything better.  “Aiieeee!” There was a shout and loud clatter as a woman nearby us in the parking lot of the hardware store watched all of her …

What To Give When You Feel Like You Have Nothing Left To Give [Day 1 of Operation Give a Little: Compliment]

A fist bump. Being alone at the gym is unlike being alone anywhere else. For one thing, it’s an oddly intimate setting for interacting with strangers. I mean, when’s the last time you all stripped down and got sweaty while singing to yourself on the subway? Or at church? Or the mall? (Don’t answer that.) …

For the Love of a Zucchini: What to do with Summer’s Most Ubiquitous Veggie? [Use it to fix my crappy self-esteem, of course!]

 This was taken after my MMA video shoot with the hilarious and talented Jen Sinkler for Lifetime Fitness. She brought me squash which is pretty much the best gift ever. Plus it makes a great weapon. Vegetables are easy to love. They’re crunchy and colorful and full of yummy nutrients. They’re especially easy to love …