jennhesse

Blast those pesky words of the year

As an achievement-driven checklist junkie, I’ve long since punted on making New Year’s resolutions. These unnervingly eager declarations are a death trap for those of us planners who’re strong on the start-up and weak on the follow-through. January gets me bursting with fresh ideas and gleaming ideals, then by March I’ve melted into a puddleContinue reading “Blast those pesky words of the year”

When you can’t use a gift because you’re giving another

I have an unusual entry in my Top 10 list of favorite Christmas movies. Growing up, during the insufferably lengthy holiday break, my mom tried to snatch a moment of sanity by popping in a VHS of the luminous masterpiece that is the BBC’s version of “The Chronicles of Narnia.” My siblings and I merrilyContinue reading “When you can’t use a gift because you’re giving another”

Don’t shame me for not loving ‘Gilmore Girls’

I have a confession to make. I’m not talking about a “Yea, whatever, we’ve all done it” type of sham confession, like “I’ve sworn in front of my kids,” or, “I can eat a full bag of chocolate chips in one sitting.” Oh no, this is far more image-shattering. I could potentially lose half ofContinue reading “Don’t shame me for not loving ‘Gilmore Girls’”

Dear Church: Carry light in your lament for our nation

Fury. Grief. An overwhelming number of sad and seething emojis. If my social media feed is any indication of greater societal trends, people in the wake of the election are bursting with emotions – most of which are in some way negative – and are voicing them every whichway possible. This has turned what is alreadyContinue reading “Dear Church: Carry light in your lament for our nation”

Out of muddy water

My friend Jessica and I went to college together years ago. We lived in the same dorm, and she served as my sister’s RA our senior year. Since our days as Ballard Babes, Jessi has endured some incredible ups and downs in her family life: marrying her husband, Ryan, giving birth to her first son,Continue reading “Out of muddy water”