Mike Doyle

Family

Listening to You

This is the post of my lifetime. After 20 years, this week in the blink of an eye and in the face of tragedy, I got my family back.

Chicago

So This Is What Choice Feels Like, Chicago

It has been generations since Chicagoans have had a real choice for mayor. But for the next six weeks, the stakes are higher than they've ever been.

Chicago

Newcomers, Don't Dress Like Winter Chicagoans

Chicagoans should preface newcomer weather warnings with, 'Do as we say and not as we do.' Because we rarely follow our own winter weather dress code.

Pets

Ryan Gets His Cat

And then it was time. On the arrival of Lillian, and Ryan as a momma cat.

Family

The Day the DMV Tells You You're Old

Ryan never expected to feel old just from opening his DMV license renewal letter. The Illinois Secretary of State sure showed him.

Judaism

Eight Lights in the Desert

On Maccabean inspiration and deciding to remain in Egypt after all.

Judaism

(Not) Welcoming the Stranger

First impressions, lasting impressions--and adage that rings especially true when you're synagogue shopping.

Judaism

No Shul Like No Shul for Yom Kippur

Sometimes home is the holiest place you can be.

Elsewhere

If Not Now, I'll Tell You When

So we've set a potential date for heading for Los Angeles--and it's sooner than we both anticipated.

Disney Parks

Tashlich at Disneyland

Jewishly unaffiliated, tomorrow we'll greet the new year at Disneyland. May you enter 5775 from your own happiest place on earth as well.

Backstory

Seize the Day

Waking up on 9/11 and not realizing it's 9/11 is a joyful thing. It's worth remarking on--and holding onto.

Disney Parks

Wishing for the Disneyland HoJo at the Grand Californian Hotel

On how our first stay at Disneyland Resort's flagship Grand Californian Hotel was less than grand.