“...grapple them unto thy soul with hoops of steel.” — Shakespeare
The Morning Chalkboard
Just a typical Chicago guy juggling fatherhood and bachelorhood. I’m an old trading floor broker who drives around in Chet the Ford Lemon and lives by the river. Most of these stories are life lessons meant to make you laugh, cry, and think. The “Chalkboard” is a daily post scribbled on the blackboard in my kitchen ... it has become my morning ritual, a bit of therapy and a small win to start the day. All Chalkheads are welcome to ride along.
Saturday, July 26, 2025
July 26th, 2025
Friday, July 25, 2025
July 25th, 2025
We have seen some major celebrity deaths this week. We don't plan on it, but celebrities become a part of our lives. When we lose one who we grew up with, it can leave a void. Maybe not like when we lose a family member, a colleague or an old neighbor.
Thursday, July 24, 2025
July 24th, 2025
Hey you with the pretty face, welcome to the human race is fitting for July 24th.
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
July 23rd, 2025
The Glory of Late July...
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
July 22nd, 2025
Let me tell you something about barking dogs. Because I have met a few in my time. They sit behind the Goldman desk with their cufflinks and overpriced cologne, acting like their trade ideas are commandments from Sinai. When all they are is an overpriced phone clerk.
Monday, July 21, 2025
July 21st, 2025
Here we go with another Monday. The kind of Monday that separates the doers from the dabblers. While some people are still shaking off the weekend or nursing regrets, I’m already lacing up and leaning in. Because life doesn’t wait for you to feel ready. It just shows up and it is up to you whether you answer the bell or roll over and hit snooze.
Sunday, July 20, 2025
July 20th, 2025
Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion?
Saturday, July 19, 2025
July 19th, 2025
Last night, the sunset didn’t do its job. Neither did the lightning bugs. Neither did my jazz music.
Friday, July 18, 2025
July 18th, 2025
The first habit I picked back up after my Exile West of Mannheim Road was making my bed.
That was my bed again, no one else’s. I got in it alone and climbed out of it alone. So, every morning I made it my way. That simple act gave me a win before the day even got rolling. At night, no matter if the day was glorious or a full-blown shitshow, I climbed into a freshly made bed.
That’s closure. That’s pride.
Thursday, July 17, 2025
July 17th, 2025
A quote from Scotty Fitz to inspire the Morning Chalkboard today...