52 Weeks Under the Bar: How Strength Training After 50 Changed My Life
A year of small, steady habits transformed my strength at 50. From rowing to barbell training, here’s how I became stronger than I was in my 40s.
Embracing Enough: Welcome to Lou LaMedica’s Personal Blog
"Embracing Enough" is my exploration of a life well-lived—where gratitude meets growth. From mindset and parenting to small business insights, easy family recipes, and personal finance, this blog shares practical wisdom on appreciating what we have and finding fulfillment in the everyday.
Featured Posts
Onion Broth Udon with Shabu-Shabu Beef | Sweet Onion, Smoky Bacon & Mushroom “Noodles”
A cozy onion broth udon inspired by a bowl I used to order during my Wall Street days — now a family favorite. Sweet onions, smoky bacon, mushroom “noodles,” tender shabu-shabu beef, and a quick 국밥 twist for the leftovers.
Rooting for the Hopeless: A White Sox Reflection
A funny, heartfelt look at what it means to cheer for the White Sox when they’re historically awful. From a lifelong baseball bucket list to a superfan yelling her heart out, this is a tribute to showing up even when your team can’t seem to win.
Your Gut Knows the Way
From culinary school to combat zones, parenting through COVID to rebuilding a business—this is the story of trusting my gut when nothing else made sense.
How I’m Going to Teach My Kids to Drive (Assume Everyone Else Is an Idiot)
Driving is the most dangerous daily task. These seven driving commandments will help new drivers stay safe, avoid accidents, and keep their insurance rates low.
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The Flowers Never Stop Coming
Two roadside memorials near our home—one for a 13-year-old girl—have become quiet landmarks of love, loss, and the rituals that never stop. This is a reflection on parenting, grief, and what it means to keep showing up when the world has moved on.
The Case for Tyrone Taylor: Because He’s Enough — Nuff Said
The Mets are searching for answers, but Tyrone Taylor already is one. This is a defense of “glue guys”, quiet contributors, and why enough is more than enough when October baseball is the goal.
A Warm Hug in a Bowl (Angel Hair with Butter, Romano & Peas)
After a whirlwind family trip to Chicago—complete with Wrigley magic, Italian beef, and Vinny Capra Day™—we came home bloated, tired, and over it. One warm, silky bowl of angel hair pasta with butter, peas, pancetta, and crispy breadcrumbs was all it took to feel human again. A reminder that coming home doesn’t have to be fancy—just real.
Third Grade, Forever
On the last day of third grade, my daughter came home heartbroken — and reminded me just how deep a child’s heart can feel. A small story of grief, comfort, and boba tea.
The Woman Who Taught Me to Love Food
A personal story about the woman who taught me to love food — and how lasagna, crepes, and a secret pan of bacon changed the way I cook forever.
Borlotti Bean & Farro Stoup with Pancetta, Cabbage & Herbs
I wasn’t trying to go full Jacques Pépin tonight. This Borlotti Bean & Farro Stoup is quick, filling, and hits the spot on busy nights.
Rolling the Curse: The Secret Hand Gesture That Still Haunts Mets Opponents
Behind home plate at Shea in 1986, a simple fan gesture became something more: a good luck charm, a curse, and a piece of Mets magic. Here’s the story of the rolling hands that still haunt opposing pitchers — and why the tradition lives on today.
Oh… This Is Why I Started Blogging
A reflection on how a simple Dad’s Advice slide deck became the seed of this blog — a place to store wisdom, life lessons, and love for my kids to return to someday.
How Jeff McNeil Reinvented His Swing — And What That Can Teach All of Us About Growth
Jeff McNeil retooled his swing and his mindset in 2025. His story offers lessons for anyone trying to evolve, adapt, and grow.
Turkey Apple Pita Pressed Sandwich (And a Reminder That Your Fridge Is Enough)
Hungry after rowing, I made a turkey, apple, and Muenster pressed pita sandwich from what I had in the fridge. Simple, satisfying—and a good reminder that eating at home often hits the spot.
What Feels True: The Fall, The Wire, and the Power of Integrity
How The Fall and The Wire reveal the danger of performative goodness — and why integrity, small acts of care, and living with a clean feeling matter more than appearances.
Chautauquas: Communicate Like You Give a Damn
Why email is a terrible way to communicate, why clarity matters, and why you should still pick up the phone if you want to lead. A chautauqua on leadership and communication from Apple Spice’s front lines.
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