Columns

My husband, Jared, and I have been working on some big home renovations lately. Under the supervision of my dad, who is a civil engineer, Jared learned how to do various jobs. He rerouted some water pipes, plugged up some holes, and painted. He also watched as an electrician installed…

Priscilla Oren, a member of the hemophilia community, recently shared her family’s history with me. Her son was a victim of the “hemophilia holocaust” in the 1980s. During that time, many people with hemophilia contracted HIV/AIDS and hepatitis from the factor products used to treat their bleeding…

Preparing for change is never easy. For Caeleb, my youngest son, this season of his life is stressful yet exciting. After graduating from high school, he is marching on as a freshman at the University of New Mexico this fall. He’s excited about attending college, but has some…

Game shows have experienced a resurgence in recent years, captivating audiences with their blend of entertainment, competition, and nostalgia. I’ve always liked game shows, especially those involving trivia. In “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?,” contestants answer multiple-choice questions; if they’re correct, they advance to the next level, with…

I recently stumbled upon a thought-provoking post by “Typical Pinoy Crap” (TPC), a well-known Filipino digital creator who shares insightful views about social issues. The post commented on a line from a song by the all-girl Filipino pop group BINI, titled “Karera” (“Race”). The line is…

I spent part of a day this week trapped in my condo’s elevator. Since Hurricane Ian hit my town of Punta Gorda, Florida, in September 2022, the elevator has been temperamental, frequently trapping people inside. With high humidity and the outdoor temperature at 98 F, I was hot inside…

Cazandra and Caeleb, my wife and youngest son, rode with me several years ago to see a movie in Albuquerque, New Mexico, near our home. Caz and I planned the whole day with one goal: to have fun. After the movie, we’d have lunch and then go to a…

The Summer Olympics are around the corner. Gymnasts there will soar through the air with grace and precision, showcasing incredible feats of strength and flexibility. Athletes will push their limits, running at record speeds, demonstrating the peak of human endurance. Divers will climb to dizzying heights, performing acrobatic feats as…

I recently received an intriguing piece of jewelry in the mail. It’s a prototype of a design I hope to sell someday. But I loved it so much that I wanted one for myself. The design is rather goth-themed, featuring a coffin-cut black onyx gem in the center flanked…

Feet and ankle problems are common for people with bleeding disorders, including hemophilia B and von Willebrand disease. As someone living with these conditions, I’m no stranger to these challenges. I recall a trip to Disney World when I decided to wear a pair of Birkenstocks for…