Rooting For Each Other

Last week I went on a date and (for the second time this month and, I swear, the umpteenth time in my life) a guy I had literally just met told me how I should wear my hair (at the time down and curly-- as it naturally grows). He said he liked it how I had it in my current Facebook profile picture, seen here.  Not a big deal? Sure, except that this happens to me literally all the time and (somehow) men seem to always feel the need to tell me what to do with my body.   But, "Don't be a 'femi-nazi', Maddie."  I told myself, taking a deep breath. "Don't overreact. He doesn't mean any offense. He was just sharing his opinion. He's allowed to have opinions. Just remember that you're allowed to not take his advice."  So I said, "Thank you, I liked it that day too." But he just had to push it. "So why don't you wear it like that all the time?" "Because my hair is naturally curly-- wha

After the sudden passing of Chad Seely yesterday, I've decided to write a few of my thoughts here-- perhaps more to help me process than anything else. First, I would like to acknowledge Chad's close family and friends, and his students, and let them know that while I am not in the Yakima area to help directly they all have my sympathy and support at this time. To Chad's wife Amy, especially: you are in my prayers. I don't remember ever meeting Chad. There must have been a day--a moment-- that we first met; but I'm pretty sure that whenever that happened I was too young to remember anything at all. My grandparents met Chad when he was just a kid. So, as far back as I can remember, Chad has just always been... there. Like his parents, like his "second family" the Akins, permanent fixtures in my life. Since first entering adulthood I've had the privilege of getting to know Chad in a different capacity. He transitioned from an uncle-type figure t

Growing up, my siblings and I had the privilege of living in the same town as my paternal grandparents for our entire pre-college lives. My grandparents have always been a fixture in my day-to-day routine. I'd see them at least once a week growing up. Now, away from home, I call them all the time. Growing up they were at every recital (my Grandma even taught me piano), at every play, at every sports game, and at every birthday party. I have been beyond lucky to have their support. My grandparents have also always been and remain my biggest heroes. Today, I'd like to take a little time to list just a few of the lessons that I've learned from my Grandmother. Family is most important.  Music is one of the most powerful forces in the world and can heal broken hearts. You can't expect to get any better at something if you don't practice.  Send handwritten thank you cards-- and often.  When in doubt, always go for Mexican food. Exercise often and for your entir