Browney Bites - Shower Thoughts and General Insights

Do your body a favor. Skip the cookies, and go for the jerky. 

Does dissatisfaction root from a lack of gratitude? Lack of gratitude is certainly not the only root of dissatisfaction, but it is certainly one of them. Many times I find myself dreaming of what's next, and how that next step can make my life better. A side effect of that has been discontentment in my current situation. The fact is, I have so so so (yes, times 3) many things to be grateful for. When I spend more time dwelling on those things, I find satisfaction in what God has blessed me with. Why me at a high end job in Chicago? Why me growing up in Oak Park? Why me with the education? Why me owning an SUV (4Runner to be exact)? The fact is, I have been blessed with these things, and I need to be a great steward of them while I have them. Lastly, I am not saying hunker down where you are at right now and never leave. Maybe it's time to move on to something else. You will know best. In the meantime, try stirring some gratitude into your coffee in the morning (and lay of...

I just told my coworker that I am going for a run this evening, to which he responded, "you're crazy, its like 10 degrees out." I responded, in my mind, "that's some weak sauce." Don't let being uncomfortable temporarily slow you down. No pain no gain has never been so real....just kidding, but it still does apply. So get out there, breath in that cold - crisp air, feel it in your lungs, and do your body a favor. 

In case you do not know, I decided to move to the West side of Chicago this past month. I have been there for nearly a month now, and have already added a few interesting chapters to this adventure. The one I am writing about now is how we have not had any heat in the apartment. November has been full of many temperature ups and downs, so some days/nights have been easier than others. Two nights ago, the temperature finally seemed to take a final turn towards winter. Since, I have regularly measured temperatures in the 40's (F) in our living room and bedrooms. I really miss heat. It has a lot to offer. It offers:  A good nights rest Comfort during the day A desirable place to be Ability to work from home Time Many other items in an at-home setting I am hoping that the time item and good nights rest item caught your attention. Those two have really struck me, and here's why; The neighborhood I am living in has an extremely high poverty and unemployment rate. I mo...

Welcome to my first ever blog. I am 27 years old, and I have absolutely no idea where that puts me in the spectrum of ages of people starting their first blog. Just a little bit of background information about me which will help set the scene for this blog. 1. I am a practical person....hence why I am writing a numbered list and not getting all wordy. 2. Once again, I am practical. I like to make decisions based on overall benefit to my community, family, friends, environment, and lastly myself. 3. What feels good right now is hardly ever what's right. I intend to populate this blog with little tid-bits that I pick up, or dream up. They will be things that I want to remember for myself, and come back to in discussion with those who read this. Lastly, I am excited to start this blog so older sibling of pickles (yes, inside reference to maintain anonymity) can have a blog neighbor. I can't recall any one of our other friends doing this. I have always been very impresse...