When you have a problem, people often tell you to “sleep on it.” But what happens when an inability to sleep is the problem? The last few decades, I have suffered from frequent bouts of insomnia. Like many people who have trouble sleeping, I worry about my children, my parents as they get older, and challenges at work. When this happens, rather than getting worried about a lack of sleep, I have learned to accept that my mind will be…
Looking for Special and Memorable Gifts? You’ll Find Them at the Online Auction September 25-October 4 Auction catalog available here. A 1926 British Sovereign gold coin bearing the image of King George V, three Egyptian leather jewelry boxes, and baseball cards of Chicago legends Ryne Sandberg and Frank Thomas are among the treasures available at the online I-Cash auction September 25-October 4. “Our online auction offers a variety of distinctive, memorable items you can buy for yourself, a friend, or…
Cubs Radio Announcer, Steinmetz College Prep Principal, National Museum of Mexican Art Curator Among Those Recognized Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the great achievements of Latino community leaders. Treasurer Frerichs honored nine individuals: the Spanish-language play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Cubs, Bulls and Blackhawks; a brother and sister who own several Chicago-area restaurants; a Chicago high school principal; an airport concessions firm founder; a registered nurse and clinical coordinator; the…
Our twins have always loved going to the park: playing on the jungle gym, swinging, or swishing down slides. Recently, they have found an open path where they love running races. They will race each other, Mom, or Dad. Although they are identical twins, they have very different running styles. Max will pump his arms and legs in a way that makes me think he very well could be a sprinter someday. Theo has a more free-spirited way…
This summer, I was awakened by a tremendous storm in the middle of the night. My first thought was how much I don’t like the rain. I didn’t always feel this way. As a kid, I loved playing in the rain. I think my attitude started to change when baseball games were rained out. I also distinctly remember my first job detasseling corn really turned me against the rain. By the time I got through the field, my shoes were…
Last weekend, I marched in a couple of Labor Day parades. It’s important to celebrate the accomplishments of working people. Maybe you gathered with friends and family to grill and eat outdoors. Maybe you took the chance to get on the water one last time this summer. Or maybe you watched your favorite team play a game. Those are also worthwhile ways to mark the holiday. Not everyone should live to work. We work so that we can live better. And…
AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust Partnership Will Create Illinois Jobs, Build Affordable Housing, Generate Investment Returns Video will be available here: Ahead of Labor Day, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, labor leaders, and state legislators on Thursday highlighted a new law that will allow him to make investments to build more affordable housing. Senate Bill 3086, which passed with bipartisan support in late May, allows Treasurer Frerichs to invest in the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust. The fund focuses on building…
It can be hard to leave a house you’ve lived in for more than a quarter century. We make a lot of memories in our homes, but I think it’s even more difficult when you built the house yourself. I can’t say for certain because I don’t have the skills to build a house, unlike my older brother, James. Last spring, he sold the house that he built nearly 30 years ago. James has gone through two union apprenticeship programs.…