Joy Phenix's Blog

Did you know there are at least two universal truths that apply to all people no matter their culture of origin? I  am further convinced of this fact after hearing a story from Michael Palin, of Monty Python fame, describing his travel experiences. In the 1990′s A&E  co-produced a show with the BBC, Pole to [...]

When Billy and I were first met, he was a non-sushi eater. Fortunately, this wasn’t a deal breaker because I was supremely confident I could get him on a program not to merely tolerate sushi, but actually to request date nights at Japanese restaurants. The first time he suggested sushi, WITHOUT PROMPTING, I did a [...]

I think my kids are defective. I don’t know how they got that way, but they can’t seem to remember simple instructions like “put away your shoes” or “turn off the light when you leave the room.”  They seem to have little to no capacity to recall straight forward instructions on tidiness, and they will [...]

Do you have Monday off? How are you spending the day?  Are you getting out and about celebrating freedom?  Or are you taking the opportunity to sleep in?  Whether you’re watching inauguration festivities or tackling chores around the house, if you’ve got the day off with your family, think about mixing it up a little. [...]

Is eating out a hobby? Date night adventures, challenges of sampling “The List,” and a general propensity to explore make our search for fun restaurants an ongoing sport/hobby for me and Billy! If you’re similarly inclined, here’s a list of the favorite Atlanta dishes we discovered in 2012.  The items appear in the order you’d [...]

“Beer is made by men, wine by God.” Martin Luther Team Phenix is spending the week out west visiting my family.  My brother had the good sense to settle in the Central Coast of California, just north of San Luis Obispo, so that’s where we’re headed. Billy and I were married here 15 years ago, [...]

“Security is an illusion.  Life is either a daring adventure or it is nothing at all.” Why do I get lulled into expecting life to follow a schedule and a plan? I make my lists and check off my tasks as if I could manage my way into order and predictability.  I behave as if [...]

Are you ever lulled into taking the same, safe paths over and over? Do you spend time looking for new challenges, fresh approaches, and daring adventures to live or do you stick with what you know? Have you ever noticed anything odd, strange, or new that was both intriguing and scary? How do you respond [...]

“Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions.  All life is an experiment.  The more experiments you make the better.  What if they are a little course, and you may get your coat soiled or torn?  What if you do fail, and get fairly rolled in the dirt once or twice.  Up again, [...]

Danny MacAskill has an interesting job; he’s a free-style cyclist. His job is to ride his bike bouncing from place to place, object to object.  And, when you watch this video, you’ll see Danny does his job very well. Why does he ride?  Joy and Accomplishment.  He rides for Fun and Adventure. When I see [...]