When Life Laughs at Your Best Laid Plans

Posted on September 19, 2016 by Deirdre Maloney

This month found me exploring the country of Japan for the first time. Those of you who know me won’t be surprised to learn that I did a whole lot of planning…or, as I lovingly called it, “Japlanning”…in the months leading up to the trip. And that Japlanning paid off. Mostly. There were a few moments, however, when things didn’t quite go according ...

The Super-Simple, Super-Awesome Word that Makes You Happier, Less Stressed, and Less Disappointed in Life

Posted on March 28, 2016February 2, 2021 by Deirdre Maloney

Recently I took a trip to the poker table. Actually, I took a return trip to the poker table. You see, I used to play a lot of poker tournaments. A lot. In fact, I played in the World Poker Tour. (Note: Just kidding. I’m totally posing in front of the official backdrop after the real players went inside.) Several years ago, I took a prolonged...

Lessons from Dunkin’ Donuts’ Big Day

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Deirdre Maloney

It was a wildly anticipated event. For months we watched the signs go up next to our building, the ones announcing the impending arrival of the new Dunkin’ Donuts in town. Despite its reputation for its delectable pieces of sugary wonder, I couldn’t help but question if a health-conscious, avocado-lovin’ place like San Diego would welcome a Dunkin’ Donuts ...