It’s not just that I find it nearly impossible… It’s also that I’m not sure I entirely agree with the principle. (Some things really are about us, after all). Specifically, I’m referring to the second of Don Miguel Ruiz’ Four Agreements: “Never Take Anything Personally.” (sigh) Liste...

My social life has enjoyed a dramatic upswing. To be honest, I can take hardly any credit for this. Indeed, it is almost entirely due to Vlad’s popularity. Prior to his arrival, beyond my next door neighbors, I had at best a nodding acquaintance with my fellow residents. Given that Vlad is basi...

Even though it might tarnish my “victory,” I’ve decided to come clean. On Christmas Day, I played the spiritual board game Transformation with 2 friends. Even though no fetch was involved and he really couldn’t participate directly, Vlad was generally supportive of our 3-hour activity. More import...

Last Sunday, Vlad and I accidentally got caught up in a mob. (One brimming with teeth and claws.) Innocently enough, we were headed out for our early afternoon walk to the wine store when we spied a roving pack of dogs at the intersection. Vlad immediately recognized our friend Miku the Weimerehne...

It’s always important to consider the source of your advice. The wisdom I’ll soon reveal came from a college friend and, when it comes to business savvy, I believe this story demonstrates his credibility. During an intense round of interviews for a prestigious post-college position, the interviewer a...

It may be both the most sincere and also the most ruthless thing I do. Each year, I invite my nearest and dearest over to decorate our Christmas tree. It is a delightful gathering where I serve only gingerbread. At the same time, it’s also an incredible time saver. It’s perhaps a no...

The first time it happened was slightly unnerving. Vlad and I weren’t expecting anyone when we heard something that wasn’t even really a knock at the door. More like a subtle, almost eerie tap. The peephole revealed very little until I noticed some tan fur at the bottom. Vlad’s best friend Mali...

It began badly and it kept getting worse. Line after line of awkward prose. Poorly stated––even incorrect––facts––snowballing, one after another. Exaggerations going beyond the point of caricature into the utterly impossible. I couldn’t believe what I was reading. Unfortunately, it was my ow...

All elections are important but this one felt particularly so. Eager for the support, I brought Vlad with me to my local polling center which is a mere 3-minute walk from our home. The last time I voted there, they told me dogs were allowed. This time, however, I now noticed signage to the contrar...