Michael Mackie

Thursday night marked my 15th B-52s show—a proud milestone since I first saw them way back in Cedar Rapids on a frigid winter day in 1990. Mind you, I had been … Read more

Later today, after their final walkthrough, a couple from Wisconsin will be the proud new owners of Mom and Dad’s house. Finished in 1969, the house turns 50 this year … Read more

I posted this on my Facebook page yesterday:
 

It seemed to hit a nerve with people who completely understand what I’m going through. Right now, I wouldn’t wish this ever-present wave … Read more

It’s been a min since I blogged about my god-awful, kill-me-now diet plan lifestyle change. In January, I decided to detail the good, bad and ugly of going sans sugar/sans sweeteners/sans … Read more

This whole yearlong no sugar/sweeteners/starches/gluten diet thingy I’ve been on has been a win-win-win-win thus far. How so, you ask?
*Win—it proves my inner fortitude (read that: sheer, unadulterated willpower to … Read more

Did I tell y’all I found a speeding ticket that Dad got late last year? True story. My old man was busted going 77 in a 55 m.p.h. zone—which I … Read more

I eat when I’m happy. I eat when I’m sad. Hell, I’ll even break bread when I’m pensive, overwhelmed, giddy or on the cusp of a nervous breakdown. If that … Read more

Given that Dad quietly passed away two weeks ago today—on the 9th anniversary of my stroke, no less—I’ve had a little time to be pensive and reflect on what I’ve learned. … Read more

As awful as the past two weeks have been, there have been several moments of unexpected levity that broke up the general, lingering anguish going on around me. Most of … Read more

On the day I turned 21, my dad handed me a yellow-tinged envelope. Inside was quite possibly the best gift I’ve ever received or, at least, the most heartfelt.
It was … Read more