The Staying Power of Sisterhood

As a very amateur photographer, I sometimes wonder what draws me to the amazing young women participating in high school sports.

I am really starting to get it now.

1. I have 6 sisters so I'm keenly aware of the power of supportive sisterhood.
2. My high school was too small to offer all of the girls' sports opportunities.
3. I'm a boy mom and there was never an opportunity/option to raise a girl in this atmosphere.
4. As I age, I realize that once we "outgrow" the instinctively "catty years," many of us sisters end up supporting each other.

Why does this matter today? Well, first, I took the picture at a softball game tonight that was not going our way and I love how our catcher went out to calm down our pitcher and assure her she has this and she's doing great.

And .... This was following a crap day at work and (sorry Mom in heaven) a recent shit-show of several weeks at work.

The negative things I have discovered (and bear with this 50+ lady) is that after surviving the first decade of my career as a newspaper reporter and talked down to by city and county officials as "sweetheart" as if "bless you for trying." Then into the bigger publishing world where a female publisher had to act extra tough and aggressive to match her male counterparts – and us worker bees suffering as a result. And now (as a female obviously and at that special age) feeling undervalued and fighting for what I desire and, more importantly deserve, it's been a ... crap spring.

While hubby and I should be looking forward to retirement on the horizon... his way closer than mine... I am in a negative mindset. So negative with recent things at work. (Though I still absolutely love the company and its benefits.)

But the positive, as always since forever, is that there is this random network of sisters at work who get it and are willing to give me a hug and try to convince me to not feel "undervalued," but recognize how valued I am!

I'm sharing because I want high school girls to latch onto this. Don't be a "Mean Girl." Extend the support to your "sisters" (on a sports team or wherever) and they'll extend it back.

College girls, same thing but also stand firm that you've learned things and deserve a job.

Early career girls... prove your worth through your work quality first before getting cocky. 

And the rest of us... if you are a great sister (aka supporter), I think you'll find women who return the favor.

Not to say men can't do this ... because a male co-worker took me lunch today to talk me off the ledge... but just lean into the opportunity to support (and hopefully enjoy) the potential staying power of sisterhood.

End note: I'll be OK. I just have things to think about. And I did get a few of the best hugs this week!

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!!

Two-Day Brain Drain

Today was the first of two days of quarterly planning for work. Which means nothing to you. In January, this process was new and we spent most of the two days learning what to do and how to do it. Today went more smoothly.

But it was still basically being in one continuous meeting since my alarm went off. Well, practically!

I was physically exhausted after work and I was just sitting all day. But at the computer. And working. I guess brain drain can also drain or other energy. I made good progress so tomorrow shouldn't be too bad.

At least my brain was not too fried. I remembered my – OUR – important task/privilege today. Voting! In our township, all the races fit on one side of the ballot. Not a ton going on. But some very important decisions to be made.

Hope you all exercised your right to vote. For me, that was the only exercise I got all day. I think my FitBit should give me double steps for that, don't you?

Hump Day, How?

 

I have no idea how it's already Hump Day, but as I stopped behind this vehicle (and bumper sticker) this morning I realized things could be worse. Thank goodness I am NOT living in a van down by the river!

I have so much work and tasks on my list right now, but I can take comfort that I can work in an office and at home. Not down by the river. Close to a creek, but not any type of vehicle by the river.

Last night, I took photos of our girls' basketball team dominating the opening round of regionals with a 50-3 point halftime score – and I'm sure something incredibly impressive by the end. I still have to edit those photos and hope to get to that tonight.

I am trying to allot myself some time, but know other priorities may surface. All I can say is let's all do our best to get to Thursday! 😁

Shout Out to My Spice Girls

I can't love this enough. Or stop laughing. Why did I not think of this clever comeback long ago? So even though it's not pumpkin spice season, I still maintain my Spice Girl status.

Yay, me!

Er, no?

I have been going a little bit extra cra-... mentally spicy lately. Still in this new "different way of doing my job" phase. Just going to take awhile to transition. Not because I'm old or resistant to change. It's just THAT different. We'll get there!

Also frigid weather adds to the spice. I know. We chose to live here in Wisconsin. It's the same thing every year. Maybe we just feel it more in our bones as we age. Didn't know that happened at 40. Bwaahaa. Let me have my moment.

I did venture in to take some girls basketball photos tonight. But the snow was a bit icy coming down on the way in, so I just stayed for the first half. Did not want a slippery drive home. The way it was, there were no tracks to follow. Guess it's supposed to keep snowing for the next 24 hours. 

You know. Wisconsin.

Be careful out there, my fellow Spice Girls!

The Fog is Trying to Lift

My morning commute was trying so hard to display color despite the lingering winter darkness and the fog.

Naturally I realized this was the most appropriate metaphor for the past few days. My brain is foggy and mushy from two days of training and my color (aka Creativity) is trying to show through!

Pretty spot on, actually.

I was trying to do my "normal" job today and found it challenging to put words together. I guess upending how you normally do your work can cause a bit of fog. Not to mention mental and physical exhaustion.

So I am just sticking close to home tonight. Was going to shoot some pictures at school but I just don't have it in me. From what I've read about New Year's resolutions, it's a good one to realize and practice the art of saying no. 

Especially when it's a non-paying volunteer gig where someone else is capable of handling it. (Also known as: Note to self, Robyn. You don't need to be the hero here.)

So I'm going to veg a bit, maybe hook a little, then go to bed at an absurdly early time. Because I really want to. Really need to. And because I can.

Don't forget to make choices for yourself this year!

Tell Me it's Finally Above Freezing

This is my "Tell me it's above freezing in Wisconsin winter without telling me the temperature" photo. 

I knew on the way to work that on the way OUT of work, I'd have to get gas or risk the Low Fuel light humiliation. That's when I realized we actually had a surge from sub-zero a few days ago to 40 degrees ABOVE zero.

Now you see the evidence! 😀

It was a whirlwind of a day. Got to work early to get work done but then stayed late to help wrap presents for the family our Marketing Dept "adopted" through Operation Boot Straps. Also where I confirmed I am a bit of a gift wrapping perfectionist with advice from my mother in the back of my mind. In the best possible way.

I'll admit when our new hire on the writing team volunteered to help – but didn't know how to wrap a present – I was a bit surprised and challenged but realized quickly I could teach a class on how to wrap presents! So that's my post-retirement plan.

Which based on current work stress I sure hope falls in 4 years, 192 days, and 1 hour. Not that I'm counting down or anything!

After work and wrapping, I sort of sped (don't tell the officers) to Gordie's on Rapids' west side for our monthly Girls Night Out at 5:30. I was slightly late. By the time I got my food, I got a few bites and had to box it up to head to choir practice.

We're singing Sunday, Christmas Eve (2 songs) and January 4. So this was a longer practice since the next 2 Wednesdays are holidays. I am sure we have it down and will entertain the large audience of church choir fans. Ha.

Hubby also had his Christmas practice at his church. Based on our post-work schedules I think I'll see him late Thursday night. We can't ignore that hockey photos have also sneaked into the schedule!

Embrace the "warmth," people!

A-maize-ing Friends

Work has been full of changes and severe adjustments lately that have caused me more than a moment of stress. But then you have that one co-worker who you've known since a previous job 20+ years ago, and they can turn your day around.

I love puns and my first thought was "Boy, I wish I could share this one with my mom. She'd LOVE this!" 

It really did help me get through another day of too many meetings (the new culture I'm moving into, apparently) and too little time to write (you know, my actual job). 

Not having the easiest time adjusting to changes but I love and appreciate having "a-maize-ing" friends who have my back. 

Unfortunately, my focus right now is buying the right lottery tickets so we can both retire right now. We're so close. But that extra little bit (it doesn't have to be a billion) will push us over to the edge. Of happiness. 

Oh, Mom and Grandma J, please work your luck from heaven!!

Non-Trad Holiday Lights

At the end of a pretty busy workday, I was looking forward to seeing some Christmas lights to calm me on the commute home. I did see plenty in Stevens Point, but it was the non-traditional holiday lights that caught my attention.

And yes, caused several moments where I pulled over to the edge of the road and capture them. Enjoy and see God's handiwork – even in the toughest of times for some people...

And 5 minutes later, we're in winter darkness mode. Still, the beauty of a sunset (any time of year) just gives me pause to remember God is huge, my problems/moments of angst are little, and we need to figure out how to take a deep breath and appreciate it.

The "holiday light show" was perfect timing for me. Hope you feel the same!

Find Your Happy Place

Love Chuck's good advice! I sort of did embrace this concept today. At the end of the work day I was talking with a co-worker who had a question. I said "That didn't come up in yesterday's team meeting." She's like, "That was this morning." My response: "Today has been 3 days long!"

We've all been there.

I had a very last-minute rush project come in right before lunch. Let's just say there were a few ways I wanted to react. None positive. Instead, I said, "I'm going to leave the building and go to my happy place over lunch to reframe my mind."

Sometimes my happy place is a golf course or the front deck or even King Cone. Today it was Hobby Lobby. Did I need anything? No. But I found a big multi-color pack of fine tip markers ON SALE to use at scrapbooking camp this weekend! 

And that was all the happy elixir I needed.

I will credit yesterday's speaker for some of that. He pointed out that there's this space in time when receive information and when we react to it. Try to make that space wide enough so you make a wise choice in your reaction.

Frankly, yes, it IS hard to do. 

Thank goodness there are happy places only 10 minutes away!

Find yours.

Step Aside: I'm a Pro

I was so excited at work today that I got another opportunity to meet and hear inspirational words from Paul Wesselmann – The Ripples Guy. Refer to last year's blog when he first visited my workplace. 

Today's 90-minute session was called "Thriving with time, energy, and focus." Basically, I figured it was going to be about time and stress management. But as usual, he spoke to me in so many different ways. So much to unpack from that, but I'll share a few tidbits that hit home first.

When he started talking about procrastination, I was like whoa, how does he know I'm not just a regular crastinator, but a PROcrastinator?!

Part of the reason we procrastinate is because the task facing us is DUST (fitting for my housekeeping procrastination):

• Difficult – so we feel overwhelmed
• Unclear – so we're confused
• Scary – so we're afraid or it triggers fears
• Tedious – it's too boring to do

Which totally makes sense. Honestly, it is not an issue at all in my professional life. But personal life... yup, I would say most things are in the D category because I am overwhelmed... and it usually involves D-cluttering efforts. You know what I mean? (If you don't, you don't need to read anymore – unless you want some ideas how to address it.)

First, the fact that we can recognize why we're acknowledge that we are actually procrastinating is a good first step. That means we realize there's something we're pushing aside and maybe we can figure out why.

Second step is to forgive ourselves or, as he put it, "unjudge" ourselves for not doing the task sooner or letting it get out of hand so that it's overwhelming. We're human! (That step will be a journey for me. I can't help but think negatively about myself any time I look at my office a.k.a. Scrap Cave a.k.a. Oh My God Room. I don't want to be my parents when it comes to clutter chaos, yet here I am.)

Third step is reframing how we're thinking about procrastination. It is actually a good thing we are taking time to figure out how to address this. It's good to consider the emotions involved instead of just thinking about it as "poor time management."

When we sat at our tables, we discussed his suggestions for resolving or overcoming procrastination. My favorites that I feel I could apply are:

Baby steps: Break the task down into smaller segments so you can actually feel some productivity and sense of victory. We'll get to the WHOLE thing eventually.

Get rid of distractions: If you're on your phone for a minute, you're probably on it for an hour. How much time each day does this take away from tasks that need to be done or, more importantly, here-in-the-now time with loved ones?

Meet your future you (I love this one): Develop a relationship with your future version of you. What can you do today that your future you would thank you for?

It wasn't necessarily magical advice. I just needed to hear it today. And since hubby's out of town, I did the "not as overwhelming as I thought" task of cleaning out the fridge for garbage day tomorrow. Simple: Check expiration dates on things and toss as needed. 

Now I just need to assign little baby step tasks for a few other things. 

P.S. If you want to sign up for Paul's amazing weekly inspirational email, sign up here. It's always a great way to start your Monday! 

Hunt the Good Stuff

I warned you that our inspirational speaker at work might have a long tail life in this blog! The one thing I thought of during my long and somewhat boring day of work was that there were some positives.

As the speaker said, "Hunt the good stuff" and look for the wins. Every day.

When I was the last person to proof some copy and found an error, I was grateful that I pay attention to every single word of a 26-page document! When I jetted down to Rome for their Farmer's Market, I was so grateful my work is flexible and I get more than a 30-minute lunch.

And so grateful for those fresh Crab Rangoon! Yum!

Then after a long-ish afternoon at the computer, I was grateful for some fun ribbing with co-workers who rarely golf. Highlight that with a little time with Mr. Deck Chair after work and some fresh produce for dinner, and we're good. 

Who cares if my hanging flower baskets are dying despite me watering them? Who cares that my back still hurts 4 days after a deep-tissue massage? Who cares that rain is forecast for some important appointments this weekend?

I mean WE care. But how much of our sanity and internal happiness is it worth?

Today I am vowing to say that it isn't worth it. Hard to say and follow through for real... But I am going to give it a try! Hang with me and keep me honest.

Post-Tryptophan Return

I feel like I'm in the middle of a tryptophan coma. I finally woke up today from a week's vacation and had to face reality.

And yes, like the meme above indicates, I'm already looking forward to the next vacation... In 17 days, 21 hours... Not that I'm counting.

Most of us know the sad reality of taking a week off is that you work like crazy BEFORE your time off to get things done. Then face a steaming pile on your RETURN – as a punishment of some sort for using your much-earned vacation days. It's corporate reality.

I literally had hundreds of project-related emails in my inbox this morning. And got to those after ticking off other urgent items on my to-do list. Thank goodness I had a chiropractic appointment today to adjust my back – if not my attitude, too. 

But I do admit to missing my amazing team. I will not, however, understand or appreciate the need to set an alarm while it's still dark out. 

Lord, help all of us get through December until our Christmas vacations! 

P.S. I will lay off the leftover turkey this week!

Sunday Stress

While I was happy my Vikings were televised early since the Packers played mid-afternoon, I didn't welcome the stress.

I forgot how close our Central Division games can be. And was so grateful we finally have a field-goal kicker on our team who can make the shot. So we won! Beating my father-in-law's Bears in overtime. Sorry, not sorry, Johnny.

Other the stress of singing in choir and then that game, Sunday was pretty easy. 

Put a few things away for the winter – like golf clubs and cart – from the garage to the basement. And put a few boxes of leftover garage sale stuff I never did sell – so it went from garage to my trunk, destined for GoodWill.

It just wasn't warm enough to tackle much else out there. Maybe this week yet when I'm off. If not, the stuff will just stay by the wall and out of the way until spring when we either have the time to deal with it or be empowered to just get rid of it!

Hope you addressed and released all your Sunday stressors today! And if you're lucky like me, you can do it gradually during some time off this week. 

Chillin' Out on Monday

When the "wake up and crawl out from under the covers" temperature is technically below freezing, it's time to make a power move.

I walked down the hall and turned on that heat again with no one the wiser. Well, until you could hear the air vents anyway. My promise to the man in the office on the other side of the wall was that I'd shut it off as soon as the house warmed up.

Fast forward to 4 p.m. when I remembered that. At least I was cozy to in my office today – assisted by hot Pumpkin Spice coffee, naturally. 

I also warmed up because we got special visitors after work that washed away all Monday stress-itude. (Not a real word, I know.)

Casey and Emily were visiting from Minnesota and we were excited to see them. But we also were super-duper excited to see our grandpup Rey, who we hadn't seen since their wedding a year ago!!

She was my little helper in the kitchen. I was trying to teach her how to make a trifle, but she was so cute and distracting, I actually forgot a layer and it's not symmetrically pretty. I'll share the images and recipes for my Trifle Tuesday blog tomorrow – if it gets positive reviews. 

I mean it's Pumpkin Spice Trifle so I know at least the birthday girl and I will enjoy it! 

The four of us humans went out to grab a quick bite to eat. It had been awhile since we ate at Tamarack's Pub (formerly Cheers, formerly 19th Hole, and who knows what else), but since it was close to home, we went there so Rey wouldn't be alone too long. We weren't sure if she'd invite the guys in the neighborhood over for a party. But Charlie and Buddy stayed home. As far as we know.

Had a delicious meal and it was great to catch up – much easier to talk across a table then down a row at Target Field. We love having them close by again. And Rey, too, of course! 

She's a big sweetie. And no, I didn't give in to her begging brown eyes. Though Grandma Robyn may have let her lick the Cool Whip-covered spatula! 

Spoil while you can!

Back to School and Whatnot

My fault for a lack of memory, but I wasn't prepared that my first day back after a long holiday weekend was the first day back at school for a bunch of high schoolers who used the same roundabout as me to get to work.

So when I got off the interstate, I was immediately at a standstill while we all navigated that traffic circle together. Meanwhile, my big concrete office was in the "near" distance the whole time. Good thing I don't have a super strict work schedule. I do also remember from last year that it was pretty just the first day of school that was hectic. Crossing my fingers that is still the case.

Good thing I was rewarded for my slow work day start up with a relaxing golf league ending to it. We had our whole OG foursome so that was fun. Plus, since I woke up with crazy back pain, it forced me to swing slower and, therefore, more successfully. Not a bad evening at all!

Naturally, we hated seeing the sun sink so low during our round. I mean we all flipped the calendar to September, but we'd love some grace to embrace it and still get in our league rounds during daylight. Two more weeks. That's all we ask.

Side note: I'm playing my best rounds (finally), so don't blow it, Mother Nature.

Hope you had a nice return to reality – and whatnot!

An Above Par Tuesday

When a person plays golf on that 6-inch course between their ears, it can be stressful sometimes. Well, a lot of times. But when you are trying to escape stress (aka work situations), sometimes it works to ignore the "golf pro" on that course.

In other words, even a not-up-to-par round of golf is better than a day a work sometimes. Like today. Feel so fortunate that my escape course is the beautiful SentryWorld.

It was pretty warm, but our golf league foursome still managed to put work (or other) stress behind us and have a good time. How can you not with our surroundings?

Per usual, I have up days and down days. Today was a return to my typical double-bogey golf. And you know what? Who cares? It wasn't stressful compared to some things! 

Our man P-Daily couldn't make it so we had 3 women representing marketing tonight instead of just 2.

We're smiling here because we're done and can go home and take showers! Just your typical 80+ degrees with 123% humidity!

Frankly, we can't really tell. We're just grateful to golf there, where it's beautiful at every turn. Yup, even ugly golf looks pretty!

Hope it puts us all in a positive frame of mind to push through the second half of the week with some joy. We got this!

How to Get Out of a Broody Mood

Our new neighbors are a bunch of turkeys! I mean, literally. I think there are a few broods that have taken residence down the road. Because this is not the same group I saw yesterday. They had smaller young 'uns. (If you pay me during turkey hunting season, I'll show you where!)

But there are easier ways to get rid of a brood, er broody mood.

This morning after a I finished a slightly stressful work project, I thought, "What a nice day to take an afternoon off!" So I did.

Yes, the rest of my steaming pile of work will still be there Monday, but it was just such a nice, upper 70s temperature kind of day that will be fleeting before we know it. So I logged off, took a nice lunchtime walk with my friend Jenny, then did some weeding (very tall weeds) in front of the house, rested in the sun a minute, then decided to go golfing. 

Now that my golf partner is retired, I thought there was a chance she was free! That worked out great!

So I evaporated my broody mood by splitting my time between Mr. Deck Chair and Mr. Fox. Sorry, no time for Mr. Austin today! Plus he's taking stats at the Royals' first football game of the season down in Markesan. (Don't worry, I had to Google it, too.)

Of course, coming off my best round last night, I was expecting greatness on the course. Guess that's an every-other-day kind of thing. Ugh. The good news there is that I'll be "on" for our golf scramble tomorrow! 

After our round, Marigene and I grabbed dinner at the clubhouse. This week's hot honey spiced chicken sandwich is mucho yummo! Loved it so much, I brought half of it home so I could enjoy it for another meal. 😋

Now I'm relaxing at home, taking care of a bit of laundry, and might catch up on a little Emily in Paris season 4 while crocheting a raffle basket blanket. 

And that's how to uplift your mood. Any day. Follow me here for more stress-relief hacks. 😆

Taylor Trifle Tuesday

Sometimes, when you have a major Swiftie birthday girlfriend in your life and it's a milestone at that, you have to pull out all the stops.

So while I was out of the office for my mom's memorial service, my fellow birthday fairies at work did some major work for the big 3-0.

As a result, our friend MS (can't say her real name now that I revealed she's 30) was totally surprised! And yes, that flag says Save America Again!

For my part, I printed out a few of my "birthday era" signs to hang around the office. Yes, I do know a few TS songs, but have no idea what this "era" thing is all about. So I did what I do best in these situations.

I made a trifle! Actually it's been quite some time since I brought one to work so it was well-received. In fact, when Jim asked me mid-afternoon how much was left, my response was this...

Sorry, Jim. Desperate times (without trifles) mean desperate measures. But now that some stressful components in my life are gone, maybe I can do a little more on the make others happy front.

Hold me to it! And stay tuned.

Some Bunny Loves You

Hubby texted me this backyard photo today and my first thought was, "Awww, some bunny loves us!" We can think that way because we don't have a garden and concerns he will nibble through it.

Instead, when Jim sent me the second picture, I thought, "Is there anyway you can order it to eat through those weeds he's trying to see over?"

No such luck. But I appreciated the cute photos.

Especially this week. Good grief, is it only Tuesday night? This has been a very stressful few days for reasons I can't blog about – for fear of offending the people who are contributing to my stress. But, I'm learning life lessons in patience. And learning that there's always some bunny out there who loves me.

Just need to focus on loving myself and trying to be the best version of Robyn that I can. And try to be that some bunny who makes someone's day brighter. Just like our little visitor.

May you all find positives in negative situations this week. Some bunny's got your back. And some bunny (this bunny) cares!

We Got This, Right?

I attended a funeral visitation tonight for a friend who lost her dad just 4 days after my mom died. We both declared that 2025 was definitely going to be OUR year! Unless the powers that be could grant us a great second half of 2024. We'll take it!

For now: We got this!

We think. And we hope. 

By sheer coincidence, we had a motivational speaker at work today who basically gave us a pep talk on resiliency and agility that we can apply at work and our personal lives.

He was quite the entertaining and engaging speaker. So glad my company invests in resources like this to help us with our work-life balance. If you ever get the chance to hear Paul Wesselmann, do it. You won't regret it!

He considers himself The Ripples Guy – sharing inspirational messages that turn ripples of possibility into waves of opportunity.

I needed to hear this today. I won't regurgitate his whole presentation, but I will share what I learned about the graphic above. The premise is that to get through any major change or challenge, we go through 3 stages: Survive, revive, and thrive. But they don't necessarily occur in that order – and we may be going through all 3 at once. Depends.

CURIOUS MINDS

Part of our resilience is pausing to see how our brain is adjusting to things. Ask yourself: "What am I thinking?" and "What am I feeling?"

If you put a label to a positive feeling, it can last longer. If you apply a label to a negative feeling, it means you're actually acknowledging it and it could shrink. But in the meantime, we must acknowledge that even though we can't control our immediate reaction to something, we can control our response. That requires a second to step back and ask those questions above and figure out what response would be helpful to the situation.

OPEN HEARTS

The lesson here is that we send generosity, kindness, and compassions to ourselves. Then extend that to others: First, your friends or family who need it, then people you know but might not be as close to, and then finally, everyone. 

Not gonna lie, it's not an easy step.

CALM SPIRITS

When he talked about calming yourself, he suggested taking deep breaths – thinking HERE when you inhale and thinking NOW when you exhale. This calms you and helps you stay centered in the here and now. 

Pretty much anyone who deals with the whirlwind of daily stress – whether in the workplace or home – can identify with the need to center. Find it and figure out how to return to it and stay there in order to thrive.

NUTURE HEALTH

This can involve physical, mental, and spiritual health. The survival part is basically triage. We assess the situation. We all know life is tumultuous. What's working? What isn't working?

The revival step prompts us to figure out what we need to do. What needs to change? What doesn't?

The thrive part means we finally remember that being HEALTHY is not just about "not being sick." It's saying no. It's positive choices. It's letting go. 

It's not easy if you're wired like me!

Anyway, just wanted to share because I needed this message today. Needed to know that even when life deals you a crappy hand, there's still a way you can find to make it work without folding. 

We need to accept that every version of ourselves deserves to be loved. Deserves grace. We got this!