Today I will receive an award from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee for LGBTQ+ Advocate of the Year. The mid-afternoon ceremony is a big one with more than a score of other awards being given for enduring contributions to the development of the University, excellence in teaching, distinguished service, research, academic staff service, academic staff…
This week I participated in a story telling event at the university where I taught for more than three decades. It is the same place where I earned a bachelors degree, a masters degree, and a doctorate. I earned certificates in teaching and in school psychology. I earned a fellowship in rehabilitation counseling. I worked…
Pete asked that I write more about my birthday now that the hoopla is over. First, I thought I’d write some random thoughts, things not sorted through nor — in the words of my friend Tom — sat with. Turning 70 is not better than the alternative. It is great all by itself. Sometimes celebrating…
This week I received a birthday greeting from a family member. Like all of the others from this relative, the rather expensive card was carefully selected — this one specific to a 70-year-old male — and simply signed with their name. There was no preface to the card nor a closing to personalize it. I…
One would think that the guy who is marking his 70th by spilling the beans, openly writing about death, sex, and money, could be a bit less precious about discussing money. A few days ago, I wrote, I had intended this week to actually say the dollar amount I have given, but I am still…
I was well into musing about what I would write today when I realized that some who read my posts may feel a need for reassurance. This piece is about death. I am fine. Although I like to joke that by the time Mozart was my age he had been dead for 35 years (Brahms…
This month I will be turning 70 years old. When I turned 50, I decided to prepare for the date by celebrating each month prior to the actual date. After all, I reasoned, I experienced my 50th August 11 months before I experienced my 50th July. These early celebrations put the actual day into a new…
