The Ups, The Downs, and Everything in Between
So I’ve had 3 experiences in the last 3 weeks that led me to make a phone call that started with “I’d like to speak to a manager please”. Apparently I’m a true blue grown up because while I hate talking on the phone and get anxiety over the mere thought of it, I have absolutely no problem calling a vendor to inform them how awful of an experience I had. Further, I don’t just get on the phone to vent or explain how bad …
Laws, rules, norms, they’re all synonymous to things you have to do or things you can’t do; or things you should do or things you shouldn’t do. How you may feel about laws may be different than how you feel about norms. While rules are usually put in place for a reason, whether or not you value the benefit of the rule vs the inconvenience of following the rule is usually the determining factor in whether you’re a rule follower or breaker. I don’t have …
What allows you to persevere, when the convergence of a perfect storm is literally trying to knock you on your ass? Perseverance is defined as: steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.”his perseverance with the technique illustrates his single-mindedness“ synonyms: persistence, tenacity, determination, staying power, indefatigability, steadfastness, purposefulness; patience, endurance, application, diligence, dedication, commitment, doggedness, assiduity, tirelessness, stamina; intransigence, obstinacy “in a competitive environment, perseverance is an invaluable asset” If you’ve reached this point on your screen, you read what I read. Beautiful sentiment, right? Reminds me of all of the mommas I blog with. We’ve been through it. We’ve come out …
This is not the first time it’s happened. I don’t know if it’s every September — I’m too sleep deprived to remember, but I do remember another awful September. It was the fall of 2016. There must be something in the air that August is over, summer is done. Time to get extra serious for a few months before the holidays. Time to turn everything on its head. Deadlines – end of month, end of quarter. It happens to be a “let’s try to do …
Today is Thursday and I celebrated my birthday on Monday. As wonderful as my day was, something has been bothering me since my day of ‘whatever I want’. I bought myself breakfast, walked down to the lake with my pink raft, sunscreen, and a mini-cooler full of beers. I lathered up in the annoying white substance that protects me from becoming a lobster and popped open a beer. I congratulated myself on remembering to bring a bottle opener and raised my beer for an invisible …
Whether you like hugs or not, you should know that hugs are good for you. There are hundreds of articles that explain the science behind hugs and happiness including the increased oxytocin levels that help strengthen bonds between humans. While hugs are scientifically good for you, they can also be a source of anxiety or stress. For instance, hugs may or may not be appropriate at work; hugs may cause awkwardness at family events; hugs may be a source of physical pain or discomfort for …
Mouth sounds, especially from other humans, fill me with rage. For some reason, the sound of another person chewing is a sound that I can hear 10 times louder than voices. While some people wince at the sound of nails on a chalkboard or rubbing styrofoam squeaks, I shudder, shake, and clench my fists at the sounds of chewing, teeth grinding, ice chewing, slurping, excess saliva, chomping, and deep breathing while eating. Interestingly I’m not grossed out by burping and farting sounds though. My husband …
When my hustle gets to be too much, sometimes the smallest gesture can make a world of difference, and bring me to tears. I had an encounter yesterday that reminded me of a few nice things people have done for me the past few months, that made a lasting impact. Starting with the most recent — I met a stranger at the nail salon. I bit my nails my whole life, so much that my hands/fingers hurt when I tried to do things. Several years …
We had a handful of people visit our home for the first time last month. Everyone commented on our trees and made comments about how much they wish they had trees like ours. Huh?!? I remember thinking. Yes, I love how beautiful our trees are. Yes, I spend quite a bit of time staring up at our (likely) hundred-year old trees while laying in my hammock or relaxing in our hot tub. Our trees are beautiful and provide necessary shade for my pale self and …