When I was a kid my favorite toys to play with were Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars. I had quite the collection back then. All the cars that would fit were put into carry boxes that I took with me everywhere I went. Sometimes I carried only one box which were my favorites. Sometimes I carried more than one box if I planned to share them with friends. Every opportunity that would present itself to acquire a new one from Kmart, I was all over it. The Easter bunny put them in

I am a self-professed, proud, “card-carrying” feminist who is in alignment with Merriam, of the Merriam-Webster tribe. Merriam defines feminism as the theory of political, economic and social equality of the sexes. The idea is that feminism is not the zero-sum game (see the reference in the Catalyst article) – as in one group wins and another loses – but a theory that is intended to positively impact, and is in the best interest of all. I know, however, that what I am about

It’s a sad day today around the Becker house. We have lost something very dear to most of us. Well mainly to me but it is still hard to say goodbye. My beloved “Swagger Wagon” has run its last errand, taken its last road trip, and will no longer be there for the milestones of our family. It has been a good run though. It is a 2010 Volkswagon Routan and has almost 182,000 miles on it. I think we got every last mile out of it in its current condition. I have to say that I

I sit here in the quiet of this Friday morning. All but one college son is still home. Number 1 made it back to Texas after a 13 hour drive in the freezing rain. Number 2 flew back successfully to California and is preparing for her 3rdtrip to Japan with the Young Americans. Kori drove back to her apartment in KC for work. That leaves 2 dogs, Number 3, Number 4 and me in the house. The Christmas decorations outside are all taken down and waiting to be put away in the gar