I like to think I know my wife very well. We have been dating for 26 years and married for 20. However, whenever we play a Newlywed-like game where we have to answer questions about each other, I usually fail miserably (or am slightly, but critically off). I explain it away to the fact that we are still discovering each other after all these years.

For our recent anniversary, I bought her what I thought was the perfect gift. It was a piece by an artist we collect and love (Elizabeth Peyton) in a medium we don't currently have (blah), of a subject that both of us love (Tim Riggins from Friday Night Lights). I previewed it for my daughter, who recently got into the show (Binge watched every episode), and she said something weird. "That is the piece she and I talked about." I didn't think anything of it. On the eve of our anniversary, I presented it to Meri who said, "How did it come so quickly???" Apparently, on the very same day from a different gallery, she bought the same Elizabeth Peyton print! The only difference was that she was not buying it for herself or me, but rather for our daughter, the next generation of Tim Riggins fans. Like-minded? Well, sort of.

Animal Spirit
Activity

What is your Animal Spirit? This is an essential step in the journey to self-realization. While on vacation, a friend of ours and fellow Louper Kelly K. asked, "If you were an animal what would you be." Then we did what all people in 2018 do, consulted the internet. And, the results were staggering. I am a ... Hummingbird; certainly, not what I expected. A bear, maybe. A wolf, likely. A lion, possible. But no, a hummingbird! While I like to think I am very self-aware, this realization brought many nuanced insights. The hummingbird I've come to learn symbolizes joy and playfulness, as well as adaptability (ok, it sounds better.). Additional symbolic meanings are:

A lightness of being, enjoyment of life
Being more present
Independence
Bringing playfulness and joy in your life
Lifting up negativity
Swiftness, ability to respond quickly
Resiliency, being able to travel great distances tirelessly

This does sound like me, right Loupers? Who, dare I ask, are you?

Ember
Home

Even though I may not know my wife's favorite movie, or Chinese dish (moo shoo veg, right babe), I do know that she values hot coffee. So, now that I failed miserably at the 20-year gift, I've been sprinkling presents on a routine basis, And, one winner is ... Ember. To prep the mind for the day, most adults need coffee. And, my wife is one of them. She loves her Green Mountain French Vanilla Keurig pod (see how well I know her). She also loves to sip, not chug like me, hot coffee. Problem is within minutes the coffee cools and makes it not as enjoyable. Then came Ember! It is a heating plate that keeps your coffee at a constant temperature. In fact, it has an app (of course) where you set the desired temperature. The only downside to this device is another charging device on your desk (a la the iPhone or iPad) and another app icon on your crowded smartphone. However, coming in matte black and white, somehow it fits in effortlessly.

AUDM
Activity

If you know me at all, you know that I like to consume an inordinate amount of information about a plethora of subjects. Therefore, I run out of time reading from my valuable sources. So, when I'm on the go, instead of jamming to songs I've heard hundreds, maybe thousands of times, I've started to use my ears more practically. In doing so, I've added AUDM to my pod-cast and Audible repertoire. AUDM is to magazine article like audible is to books --- that friends is an analogy. Remember those from the SAT's? Many people I know (like fellow Louper Rick L.) have the very good intention of getting through the latest New Yorker Magazine. However, despite their best intentions, they have a stack of unread ones literally taunting them. Now, you can use your interim times (between work, and the gym, or on the way to dinner) wisely. I want to thank fellow Louper Amy A. for my introduction to AUDM, which takes articles from magazines and records them. For a small monthly subscription fee, you can essentially subscribe to the audio version of a variety of great magazines, including the New Yorker, Esquire, BuzzFeed, The Atlantic to name a few.

WTF Did You Say?!?
Game

It is summertime which often means spending quality time with friends at home. Whether it's a BBQ or movie night, we always seem to end up playing some kind of card game. This game is not for the faint of heart (or ears), and certainly not for kids since it describes (very) inappropriate things. The object of the game, besides embarrassing each other, is to identify the person that is most accurately described by the card. This game will reveal whether you see yourself the way that others see you. When everyone votes, the truth is right there in front of you. For a PG example, "Who is the worst boss?" Loupers Evan and Lisa L. know the answer to that one! It becomes comical how others can have a very different impression of you than you do; however, it's all fair in love and war!

So, delve deep this Summer and discover who you are, and who you're with .... Consider Animal Spirit, Ember, AUDM, and WTF Did You Say FOUND!

Clear Eyes, Full Heart, Can't Lose!