What does it mean to have liberty vs. freedom? I always thought the two words were interchangeable synonyms of one another, but that’s not necessarily true. “Liberty emphasizes the importance of individual rights and the limitations of government power, while freedom is more focused on the ability of individuals to pursue their own interests.” (from … Continue reading Liberty vs. Freedom

Today I’m sitting in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, enjoying a much-needed respite from a very busy week. I’m struck at all the families who are here celebrating various personal achievements and holidays, such as birthdays and anniversaries. My family itself is here celebrating two birthdays and a wedding anniversary! It has been fun interacting with people … Continue reading Experiencing Joy

I just returned from a fantastic trip to St. Louis, Missouri (of all places). The last time I got a chance to really enjoy this city was during the tail-end of the COVID-19 pandemic, so a lot of experiences were closed, including the Gateway Arch. I got to explore the museum, which was free and … Continue reading The Gateway Arch

Spring is in the air! The temperature is rising, we’ve seen the sun a lot more than the dreary wintertime, and when we have rain, it is warmer than it was (I was able to wear shorts on purpose outside). The animals are flourishing – just outside my office window I hear the trill and … Continue reading Spring – a time of renewal

At the start of February, Punxsutawney Phil, that ubiquitous groundhog known for his “uncanny” weather predictions, prophesied that this year in 2024 we’re going to have an early spring. Regardless of Phil’s predictions, we’ve been deluged with precipitation, with what some have perceived as higher than normal rainfall. It’s important to remember that while Punxsutawney … Continue reading What is “normal”?