Kansans work hard to debunk the idea that our state is flat. Outsiders like to make fun of Kansas, complaining about the endless seas of grasslands without trees or mountains to break up the view. A Kansan will sputter and argue, usually pointing out the truly beautiful, gently rolling Flint Hills. Even in Wichita, people point out that the College Hill area is “hilly” compared to the rest of the city.
Yet, let the snow fall and we all fold on the issue. Admit it, it’s just too flat here for …

Tension can run a little high when Mom comes into town. Is your apartment clean enough? Is your pantry equipped with the right ingredients for meals that she approves of? Sometimes having Mom over is more stress than it’s worth, like when her nagging about your financial situation overshadows the quality time you’re supposed to be having.
But you can’t avoid her forever! Need to get her out of your house and somewhere that distracts from the quarrelsome direction your conversation seems to inevitably take? I’d go with the …

“New Year’s Day is every man’s birthday.”  - Charles Lamb
Yes, I’m one of those suckers who makes New Year’s resolutions. I’ve always loved a good makeover story and the New Year always brings out my desire for a fresh start. Of course, I’m not alone in this point of view. According to Health Net, around 100 million Americans make resolutions; however, about four out of every five people who participate in this annual tradition don’t see their resolutions through.
The resolution I made last year to work out more led to a …

This is the first time in three years that I’m not spending Christmas alone. Look, there are lots of great things about having my entire family reside in California, but the insane cost of airfare during the holidays is not one of them. And while I love my family tremendously, I also enjoy visiting them during less crazy/stressful/expensive times of the year.
I doubt anyone is ever really jazzed to fly solo on Christmas, but it’s not ALL bad. You can avoid the inevitable “Why are you still single?” question (or …

The holidays are filled with traditions of all kinds – sacred, off-beat, classic, new…
I recently took an informal Twitter poll about the holiday traditions Wichitans hold near and dear. Some of these may be just like your own and some might become new additions to your list of must-dos for the season.
I will start with mine because, frankly, I’m writing this article and can do what I want. A holiday tradition my husband and I have had every year is to drink champagne or wine and watch A Christmas Story …