Memoir Press Release (December 1)

My Life with Laura: A Love Story

Happy Thanksgiving!
As Charlotte and I sit hear watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade on TV, we wanted to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving!  We are off today for turkey and kimchi at Craig and Kathy’s.  Then, we will have some more desserts at Leah’s.  We are thankful for continued good health (and in these bad economic times, employment). This picture is my Mom’s favorite from last weekend&

No More Camera Envy
Earlier this year, we went to my nephew’s first birthday party. I offered to help my brother-in-law take some pictures, and he handed me his brand new SLR digital camera. It was nice – especially the ability to take continuous shots every couple seconds, capturing each expression of my nephew’s face as he ate his birthday cake. I was hooked and instantly had camera envy. A couple weeks ago, I did a quick search on eBay for SLR cameras, and before I knew it, I had bid on a Canon EOS Rebel XS. My existing camera was having som

Lean But Not Mean
As several of you know, I have lost 20 pounds since early June, settling in around 160 pounds.  When I say that, people often respond that they think that I did not need to lose any weight.  Indeed, my girlfriend has told me that I am too skinny now.  Nonetheless, I am happy with it, as it is nice to feel like I am in shape for a change. The usual second response is for people to ask how I lost the weight.  Since I am an economist, you will not be surprised that I tackled the issue in a very analytical way.  Each day, I keep a log using FitDay of everything that I eat, ensuring that I do not exceed 2,000 calories

If Only Every Day Were March 10
Not a single day goes by where Charlotte does not bring up her birthday.  She has been talking about turning five since she turned four.  In picking her up from school, I often overhear her inviting her friends to her Princess party.  (Of course, what she gives, she can also take away.  She has also told me that so-and-so is not invited to her birthday party anymore.  It is funny to watch her use her party as a weapon.)  The challenge to all of this is that Charlotte’s birthday is still four months away! If only every day were March 10.  Charlotte knows her days of the week, and she can recite every month.  But March 10 could be next week for all

Refocusing My Blog
Today, I will relaunch The Moutray Chronicles focusing more on events and thoughts from my life with Charlotte.  In doing so, I will not discuss professional issues as much as in the past.  While I might occasionally discuss a paper, a speech, or my thoughts on small business economic issues, it will no longer be the primary mission of the blog. Truth be told, there were some within the SBA who were never thrilled with my blending of personal and professional thoughts.  (The SBA’s Office of Advocacy has its own blog, which I also co