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Organized by Frustration
I love things neat and organized.
Boxes, bins, baskets, bags—I don’t discriminate.
If it has sides and can contain chaos, I’m in love.But my ultimate frustration?
Other people do not treat things the way I do.
And nowhere was this more obvious than the toy room when the kids were little. -
Tangled Memories
I’ve always had long, straight hair. You’d think that would make life easier—no curls to tame, no frizz to battle. But somehow, my straight hair has always managed to find its own special ways to get me tangled in trouble.And honestly? That theme started way back in childhood.
The Daily Ponytail Pain Olympics
When I was little, Mom took charge of styling my long, straight hair every morning—ponytails, braids, neat little parts. She had a vision, and my job was simply to sit still and survive it. What didn’t help was that even as a kid (and still now), I couldn’t stand “sticky-outies.” Every single hair needed to be smooth, tight, and perfectly in place. One little piece sticking out of a ponytail could send me into full hysterics, and Mom would have to stop everything and fix it before I could function again.
Mom would grab the brush and immediately begin working like she was on a mission. I’d wince, pout, or try to subtly shrink away from the next swipe. Naturally, the more I reacted, the firmer her brushing became.
Eventually came the line every child of the 70s and 80s heard at least once:
“If you think THAT hurts—I’ll show you something that really hurts…”
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The Great Unloading Disaster
We’d been camping in Peninsula State Park in Door County. We’d survived the mosquitoes, eaten soup for two weeks straight (thanks, Lisa), and even Grandma Doris—cruising around on her power scooter—had enjoyed herself. The trip was a success by all counts.But as soon as we pulled into the driveway, our luck ran out. It was time to unload the camper—otherwise known as “the part no one volunteers for.”
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Wealth Is in the Moments
As a kid, I always knew we were rich.
Opening presents on Christmas morning usually took over an hour — partly because Santa went a little overboard, but mostly because Lisa opens presents slower than molasses in January.Every Easter, we practically got a new spring wardrobe — new shorts and shirts for summer, maybe some outdoor toys, sandals, and a few nice outfits. It always felt like a seasonal upgrade — trading static-filled sweaters for flip-flops, mosquito bites, and the sweet smell of fresh-cut grass.
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Fate Had Other Plans
I like to think I’m in charge of my own life. I’ve got color-coded calendars, synced reminders, and a to-do list that could scare a project manager. My inner control freak sleeps better when everything fits in a nice, neat box.But every so often, fate rolls her eyes, tosses my list in the air, and says, “Cute plan. Watch this.”
It’s never dramatic at first. Usually it starts with some tiny glitch—Wi-Fi dying during a meeting, a dog emergency, or the weather deciding to monsoon on my “productive” day. I huff, I mutter, I question all my life choices. And then, like clockwork, something unexpected falls into place. I’ll stumble across an old photo, get a call from someone I’ve been meaning to reach, or realize that fate just canceled my plans so I could actually notice my own life.
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Kool-Aid Dreams, Sugar-Free Reality
Growing up, our kitchen was basically a shrine to non-sugary food. Cereal came in shades of brown and tan, full of twigs, nuts, and the promise of “regularity.” The sugar cereals—the bright, cartoon-covered boxes that called to every kid on Saturday mornings—were strictly forbidden. I swear, if it didn’t say bran somewhere on the box, it didn’t make it past the pantry door.The same rules applied to drinks. Kool-Aid was a four-letter word. Sugar was the enemy, and my mom was the general leading the war against it. While other kids stirred neon-red powder into their water and shouted “Oh yeah!” like the Kool-Aid Man himself, we were mixing up Crystal Light—because apparently, if it was sugar-free, it was “just as good.”
It wasn’t.
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Fireplace Fails and Fixes
I was never the fire starter in our family—that job belonged to Dad and Lisa. They were the official flame whisperers, armed with newspaper twists, matches, and patience. I, on the other hand, preferred to enjoy the fire from a safe, soot-free distance.Honestly, I’ve never been a fan of the whole process. Building the fire, keeping it going, making sure it doesn’t go out—it’s way too much work for something that’s supposed to be relaxing. The last time I tried lighting my own fire, it was a campfire, and all it was good for was sending smoke signals.
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Sunday Faith, Fun, and Cleanup Duty
When I was little, Sundays had a rhythm all their own. The morning always started with Sunday School—Bible stories, crafts, and songs sung a little too loudly by kids who had way too much energy. But first came the ritual of getting dressed in our Sunday best. Dresses, shoes that felt a little more special than the everyday pair—it was all part of the package.After church came the real highlight: coffee and donuts with family friends. Most Sundays it was at their house, where the adults lingered over mugs and conversation while we kids played. But every once in a while, the gathering was at our house.
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Y2K: History’s Most Boring Apocolypse
In 1999, my job description was basically “professional panic manager.” By day, I was a Senior Field Consultant for Consultis. By night, I moonlighted with my own company, Schneider Consulting. Translation: I got paid to keep computers from throwing a digital temper tantrum at midnight on December 31st.The “crisis”? Two-digit years. Computers thought “00” meant 1900, not 2000. Which, according to the news, meant banks would collapse, planes would fall from the sky, and your toaster might start a small nuclear war. Basically, we were all one spreadsheet away from the Stone Age.
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Fingernails: Chewed, Glued, and Screwed
As a kid, I chewed my nails down to the quick. There was never an ounce of white at the tips, and I had this strange habit of folding my pillowcase and shoving the crease under my nails, pushing that tender skin back. Gross, I know. The truth is, that habit never really went away. I still “crease” my nails to this day, and after years of it, my fingernails are barely attached to their nail beds—a long-lasting reminder of my own weird fidgeting.By the time I got to college, though, I traded one bad habit for another. With my $25 monthly allowance, I wasn’t buying ramen or stretching a dollar the way Lisa bragged she could with her $20. Nope—I was in the salon chair, blowing my budget on acrylic nails. Scrimping was never my style.
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Sickness & Sanity
Sickness has a way of leaving its mark. Not just the aches or the fevers, but the memories—how people react, who shows up, and the chaos that comes with it. Some of my sick days were miserable, some were funny in hindsight, and all of them taught me something about the people around me.When I was a kid, missing a day of school was not an option. Anytime we said we were sick, Mom’s response was, “Take an aspirin and a Geritol and you’ll feel fine.” Sympathy wasn’t really on the table. One time that I did manage to stay home from school, I remember making it far enough to be standing in the bathroom doorway, dry-heaving and trying to get my bearings. Dad took one look, grabbed my shoulders, and shoved me toward the toilet. No gentle words, no comforting back rub—just “protect the rug.”
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Flower Power… Minus the Power
As a little kid, I loved planting flowers with Mom. She taught me the whole process—dig the hole, sprinkle in a little fertilizer, set the flower in, pack the dirt around it, and then water. We repeated that ritual for years.But somewhere along the way, my love for gardening wilted. It was much easier to just let Mom do it for me! When I moved to Beaver Dam, she handled most of my gardening. She’d practically have to drag me outside to help her—and I’d usually be holding a kid or baby, trying to use that as an excuse. Truth is, if Mom didn’t come over, the planting simply didn’t get done. Still, those years quietly taught me what worked and what didn’t.
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Truthful: Because Filters Are for Coffee
In some families, politeness is the rule. They’ll smile sweetly, tell you your casserole is “just delicious,” and gush that your new haircut makes you look so young. In our family? Not so much. We don’t do polite lies—we do truthful answers. Sometimes brutally so.If I ask my sister, “Does this outfit look good on me?” I know I’m not getting a sugar-coated reply. If it makes me look like I’ve gained ten pounds, she’ll tell me. If my hairstyle is doing me no favors, she’ll announce it. And honestly, I’d rather hear her truthful opinion than a polite fib.
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Lessons from a Kayak
Life doesn’t hand you a motorboat. Most days, it’s a kayak—one paddle, one person, and a lot of figuring it out as you go.Motorboats are for people who like speed, money, and confidence. Kayaks? Those are for people with balance. Which is exactly why I’ve never set foot in one. I can trip over a flat floor, so climbing into a kayak is basically begging the fish to get a free laugh. Honestly, I’d rather be the one on shore with a chair, a snack, and a towel ready for whoever tips first.
But even from land, I get it. Some days in life feel like gliding across smooth water—work goes well, the house is (mostly) in order, and the current carries me along. Other days? I’m spinning in circles, paddling hard but not making any progress—kind of like trying to juggle work, family, and a house that seems to breed laundry and dust.
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Enthusiasm Without the Fireworks
Some people seem to have a bottomless supply of enthusiasm. They throw themselves into everything — from book clubs to bake sales — with the same wide-eyed excitement a kid has for an ice cream truck. I’ve never been one of those people. My enthusiasm runs on the quieter side. I can enjoy something, appreciate it, even love it, without feeling the need to clap until my hands sting or yell “Wooo!” loud enough for the neighbors to hear.Take the Origami Owl conventions I used to attend. Every year, they’d introduce a few new $5 charms, like a red high heel, a little purse, or a pumpkin, and the room would explode in applause. Women would leap to their feet, squeal, and “ooh” like they’d just been handed the keys to a beach house. The enthusiasm in the room was contagious — at least for some people. I’d sit there smiling politely, thinking, We’re cheering over that? Don’t get me wrong — the charm was cute. But it wasn’t life-changing. I guess my enthusiasm scale for “worth freaking out over” just sits a few notches higher.
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No Escape From Exhaustion
There are different kinds of exhaustion.There’s the kind that makes your legs ache, your eyes droop, and your body scream for a bed. But for me, the exhaustion that hits the hardest is the kind that settles in my mind.
When I’m truly tired, I lose the thread of my own thoughts. I walk into a room and have no idea why I’m there. I stare at my calendar like it’s written in code. I’ll be mid-sentence and suddenly—poof—gone. I’ve got no idea what I was saying or why I started saying it in the first place.
It’s not just forgetfulness. It’s like someone unplugged my brain and forgot to turn it back on.
This kind of tired showed up early. I remember falling asleep in school during film strips—the moment the lights went out, so did I. I was still involved in everything—after-school activities and dance—but during the day? If I slowed down for even a minute, my body would try to shut off.
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Shedding My Inhibitions
In the early years, I was a people pleaser. I didn’t want to create waves. I was the teacher’s pet—the one who followed directions, finished assignments early, and made sure my name stayed in good standing. I didn’t argue. I didn’t question. I did what I was told, because somewhere deep down, I assumed other people knew better.I didn’t trust my own opinions or ideas. It wasn’t that I lacked them—just that I didn’t think they held much weight. My inhibitions were rooted in the belief that someone else’s voice mattered more than mine. So I made choices by looking around and following the lead of others. When my sister Lisa chose a college, I chose the same one. I didn’t tour campuses. I didn’t compare programs. I just figured, she made a good choice. That’ll work for me too.
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Inherited Anchors
I am a creature of habit—always have been. And it’s not just how we decorate cookies or the way I fold towels (the way Mom taught me, of course). It goes deeper than that. My habits are stitched into the way I live, the things I hold onto, and the way I move through the world. Ninety percent of my home is filled with hand-me-downs: my Great Uncle’s clock, Grandma’s dining room set, Mom and Dad’s bedroom set. To most people, they’re just old things. To me, they’re anchors. They tether me to the people who shaped me, to a way of life that feels solid and familiar. I don’t keep them because they’re trendy or valuable. I keep them because they remind me who I am—and whose I am. -
Almost Prosperous
There have been times in my life when I thought I was this close to having it all together. I’d finally have the bills paid and a little money in the savings account… and then the car’s check engine light would start blinking and making a funny noise. I’d be feeling good for a week—eating better, getting some exercise—and then I’d have a doctor’s appointment and they’d say something “looks concerning.” I’d clean the entire house, light a candle, pour a glass of wine… only to see a mouse run through the living room. -
When Serendipity Called
There was a time in my life when I felt stuck. Not falling-apart stuck—just that quiet, restless kind of stuck. The kind where the days blur together and you wonder if this is all there is. I wanted more. I wasn’t even sure what “more” meant—just that I was craving connection, joy, maybe even a little magic.That’s when I read The Secret.
Say what you want about manifesting, but I was in the mood to believe. I pulled together pictures of everything I wanted more of: smiling faces, friendship, money, laughter, purpose. I made a dream board and set it as the background on my computer so I’d see it every single day. No plan. Just intention. Just trust.
And then—one day—my phone rang.
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Candlelight & Chicken Nuggets
Ah, family dinners. That magical time of day when everyone was supposed to gather around the table, hold hands, and share stories while eating a well-balanced, home-cooked meal.Yeah… that never happened.
When my kids were little, I tried. Really, I did. I dreamt of Norman Rockwell moments. But instead, dinner became a nightly episode of “Who Hates What?”
One kid didn’t like vegetables. Another refused to eat meat. At one point, the boys would only eat broccoli and cauliflower if they were doused in ketchup, which is a crime against both vegetables and condiments. If I served fish, someone cried. If I made meatloaf, someone gagged. Chicken nuggets were the only universally accepted food group.
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Confessions of Serial Side Hussler
At some point in my life, I got it into my head that the next big thing was always just one starter kit away.It started, as these things often do, with admiration. Some women I respected—smart, capable, magnetic women—invited me to join Origami Owl and TEAM. I didn’t join because I was easily swayed. I joined because I believed in them. If they saw something in it—and maybe in me—then surely it was worth a shot.
Origami Owl was all about lockets filled with tiny charms that told your life story. Mine told the story of high hopes, a shrinking savings account, and way too many charms shaped like flip-flops and coffee cups.
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Seasons of Me
Some people live for summer. Flip-flops, fireflies, and late-night bonfires. Not me. I mean, summer has its place, usually in the outdoors… with the mosquitoes.For me, the seasons have always felt more like moods than months.
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Sidetracked Anniversary
Thirty years ago, we weren’t writers -we were women with glue guns, glitter, and a dream. The Sidetracked Sisters started as a mom (Sandy), her two daughters (Lisa and me), and her sister (Judy), selling hand-painted crafts in someone’s living room. -
Unsolicited Surprises
Ah, surprises. Once upon a time, they meant birthday parties and spontaneous flowers. Now? They’re mostly the kind that pop up in your bathroom mirror, your inbox, or your medical charts. Here’s a list of the little delights midlife has tossed into my lap—unsolicited, un-returnable, and often unwanted… -
Ocean Shm-ocean
People talk about their first ocean experience like it’s some sort of spiritual rebirth.They say things like, “The vastness made me weep,” or “I finally understood my place in the universe.”
I looked at the ocean and thought, “Cool. But… where’s the pit toilet?”
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Toys I Can’t Let Go
Toys used to be just toys. Something to entertain the kids, to keep them busy while I folded laundry or tried to drink a cup of coffee while it was still hot. But somewhere along the way, they became markers of time. Tiny, colorful reminders of who my kids were, and who I was, at different moments in our lives.
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Because Mama Rules
Let’s get one thing straight—when it came to decorating the house, I had Mama Rules. And Rule #1? Mama picks the colors.When I was a kid, my “choices” were laughable. I got to pick between yellow and red… or yellow and red. I’m pretty sure those weren’t even my choices. They were just the two colors my mom picked out of her pea-brain. So yes, my bedroom looked like it was sponsored by Heinz (you know – ketchup and mustard).
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Bathroom Cleaning is a Lost Cause
Let’s be honest—cleaning bathrooms is the worst. I’m not saying I love scrubbing anything, but there’s something uniquely soul-sucking about tackling a bathroom. Maybe it’s the combination of soap scum, mystery splatters, and the inevitable hair clog. Or perhaps it’s just the cruel reality that the minute it’s clean, it’s dirty again. -
My Sadness Superpower
Have you ever had one of those days where all you can do is cry?I don’t mean the kind of cry that follows heartbreak or tragedy—although those certainly have their place. I mean the quieter kind. The kind that sneaks up on you after a string of long, exhausting days. The kind that comes from carrying too much for too long. No single reason. Just a slow build-up of sadness that finally needs somewhere to go.
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Learning from A to Zzzzz
Learning my ABCs was one of the first big “school things” I had to figure out. I can still picture those oversized letters lining the top of the chalkboard and remember how serious it felt to get them right—especially when the teacher pointed at you during the alphabet song. It was the beginning of learning for me, and at the time, it felt like a very big deal. -
Highway Karma
I’ve never been a big believer in karma. The idea that the universe somehow keeps score, handing out little cosmic rewards or punishments based on our behavior, feels more like wishful thinking than truth. If karma were real, I wouldn’t be the one getting pulled over on the highway while cars fly past me doing ten or fifteen miles faster. -
The Power of Simplicity
Simplicity wasn’t always something I thought about. In my younger years, I didn’t chase after things—I simply moved through life without questioning the pace or the noise. I filled my time, my home, and my mind without really noticing the weight of it all. Life just was, and I kept up.But over time, I began to feel the quiet pull of something different.
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Gossip Girls
Every Thursday night, the Sidetracked Sisters gather around the table to write. Our stories center on family memories, life lessons, and reflections about where we’ve come from and where we’re going. But before the pens hit the paper, there’s always a bit of catch-up time—a chance to share what’s been going on in our week.Naturally, those conversations often drift to the people closest to us—our kids. And, well, not all of them are thrilled about that.
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From Board Games to Bullsh*t
Some families bond over sports, others over shared hobbies—but for me, the heart of our family connection has always been board games. From my childhood at Grandma Is’s house to summer vacations and even Mother’s Day, board games have been a constant thread, weaving together laughter, competition, and the occasional scandalous act of cheating. -
Snoozing Thru Sunrise
I hear people talk about sunrises like they’re some kind of magic spell—whispers of pink and gold painting the sky, a quiet moment of reflection before the world wakes up. It sounds beautiful. Really, it does. But I wouldn’t know. -
Hot Mess Survival Guide
We’ve all been a hot mess—running late, hair barely brushed, coffee spilling, and somehow still expected to function like a responsible adult. But here’s the secret: no one really has it all together. Some people are just better at faking it. -
Patience Tested Daily
Patience has never been my strong suit. I thrive on immediate gratification, often wanting results without the wait or the effort. This trait has followed me for as long as I can remember—and it extends beyond just personal goals or projects. It also affects the way I interact with people, especially when it comes to technology. -
The Curiosity Factor
Curiosity isn’t just about exploring the unknown—it’s about anticipating the future, wondering about possibilities, and hoping for the best. As I move through different stages of life, I find myself constantly questioning what’s next. Some answers will come with time, while others may always remain a mystery. -
Home Is Where The Lifeline Is
Some people can start a new life in a new city with no ties to anyone or anything. I am NOT one of those people. For me, family is the one lifeline I cannot live without. -
Growth in Progress (Kind of)
I’m 15 years old and I’m begrudgingly awake for the day trying to get ready for school. “Mommmmmmm…. What should I wear today?” I could never make this decision easily. She enters my room while I’m dozing against the doorframe of my closet. “How about this?” as she pulls out a sweater. “Nah – I don’t want to wear that!” I sneer. “Ok – fine. What about this one?” as she picks out a different shirt. “Nah – not that one either.” I again reply. “If you don’t like my suggestions, why did you ask me?” she queries. “Well – now I know what I DON’T want to wear!” I bantered. Mom then left my room, shaking her head. -
What Comes Next?
The question of what happens after we die has been on our minds since forever, hasn’t it? Everyone seems to have their own theory or belief—some rooted in religion, others in philosophy, and some in pure speculation. While none of us can say for sure what’s waiting on the other side, it’s fun (and maybe a little comforting) to imagine the possibilities. So, let’s play with the idea of five possible endings after death. Picture this: what if there were five different roads we could take when our time here ends? -
Crash Course in Control
It always starts the same way. I’m driving my car alone, music playing, and the world outside the windows rushing by. There’s something peaceful about this moment—just me, my car, and the open road. But then, something strange happens. I begin to float out of my body, detached from the physical world. Suddenly, I’m not driving with my hands on the wheel, but controlling the car with nothing more than my mind. It’s a feeling of power, of control—until it’s not. -
Discipline or Negotiation
I hated being disciplined as a child. If Mom ever said, “Just wait till your dad gets home…” I would instantly change my behavior to avoid getting yelled at. I don’t remember Dad ever actually yelling at me, but his look of disapproval would send me into an immediate fit of tears. Mom’s discipline never had the same effect on me.
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Resilience, Relatives and Rolling with the Punches
Ah, the holidays. A time for twinkling lights, delicious feasts, and… navigating the emotional minefield of family gatherings. Add in the inevitable challenges—burnt turkey, last-minute gift shopping, and Uncle Bob’s annual political rant—and you’ve got the perfect storm for testing your resilience.But resilience isn’t just about surviving the holidays with your sanity (mostly) intact. It’s about showing up when it matters most—especially during the hardest moments, like the loss of a loved one. When grief collides with the season of joy, resilience is what carries us through.
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The Perks and Pitfalls of Expectations
We all have expectations, whether we realize it or not. Expectations about ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us. The question is: how do we handle them? Do we set high standards and run the risk of disappointment if things don’t go as planned, or do we eliminate expectations and leave room for surprise and contentment if things go well? I find myself torn between these two perspectives, constantly weighing the pros and cons of each approach. -
Resilience and Reflection
As I look back on 2024, I can only describe it as a roller coaster—a year filled with moments of joy, deep sorrow, and everything in between. Life had a way of keeping me on my toes, and through it all, I found strength, love, and resilience. -
Who Is ‘Chelle?
This year marks my 17th year working at i3 Verticals (formerly known as Kiriworks). I still love what I do, but always wish I was independently wealthy and didn’t have to work ever again. I haven’t had to go into the office since 2020 and I love being able to work from home. It does provide some challenges, like thinking that doing a load of laundry or emptying the dishwasher in the middle of the day won’t disrupt my day, but it sure does. The hardest part of working from home is when mom calls in the middle of the day and asks “Whatcha doin?” My response every time is “Uuuummm – working!!!” -
Glue Guns and Glitter
I’m a big fan of DIY Christmas items. As a crafter, I’m not able to let this holiday go by without creating something new. If it’s not new ornaments for my tree, then it’s presents for the kids. This all started when Sidetracked Sisters started doing at-home craft shows back in 1996! -
Letting Go of the To-Do List
The holidays are supposed to be a time filled with joy, love and celebration. But for some people, it can be a very challenging and stressful time of the year. Somewhere between endless lsit of things to do: house cleaning, picking out the tree, decorate the house (inside and out), buy gifts, wrap gifts, bake cookies, and work full-time, we are supposed to find time to enjoy the holidays. -
Let’s Ask Mom
I was always a people pleaser as a young child. I never wanted to disappoint my parents with my actions. For example, on a Sunday morning when I was 6, I was ready for church before everyone else and was told I could go outside if I didn’t get dirty. I was found a few minutes later, sitting in my little lawn chair by the side of the road, patiently waiting for the rest of the family. See… people pleaser. -
Tiny Home Survival Kit
I love the idea of becoming a minimalist, but I don’t know that I would ever be able to accomplish it. I love watching the show Tiny House Nation where they build tiny dream homes in spaces under 500 sq ft. They always have some type of multi-function item like a kitchen island that converts to a table that also converts to a storage bin or some other wonderful contraption. They also have lots of nooks and crannies that items are stored in. You’d have to be very organized to live in such a space and I LOVE to organize. BUT… -
Presents from the Past
I never received many heirlooms from either of my grandmothers, but in retrospect, I received a few items from my great-uncle Lloyd. He may not have meant them as heirlooms, but I chose to look at them that way.
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Small-Town Adventures
People have differing opinions on what it’s like to live in a small town and throughout my life, I’ve had differing opinions myself. When I was little, I loved it. Living in a small town allowed me to ride my bike to Grandma’s house every day in the summer. It allowed me to walk across a major street to the local Dairy Queen for a sweet treat. I felt safe and secure in my little Beaver Dam bubble. -
Drama, Abs and Time Travel
So, here we are again. It’s the weekend (or Tuesday afternoon, because who even knows what day it is anymore?), and I’ve decided to once more embark on an epic journey through the lands of Outlander, Grey’s Anatomy, and Arrow.You might be asking, “Why? Why do you keep doing this to yourself?” And my response, my dear reader, is this: comfort. These shows are like my emotional support blanket, my trusty old pair of sweatpants, the thing that’ll never betray me—unlike my Wi-Fi when I need it the most. And yes, I’ve seen every episode at least seven times, but here I am, clicking “Play” on the first episode like a moth to the flame.
Let’s break it down.
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Cool, Calm and Toothless
Some people don’t have a very high pain tolerance. Then there are others that can handle quite a bit. My Nathan has always been the latter. His pain tolerance often shocks me. -
Battle of the Network Stars
When I was a kid in the 1970s, there were only 3 major TV stations: ABC, NBC, and CBS. During the day, there were only soap operas on (which didn’t appeal to a young kid), and at night, sometimes, there were no shows that I was interested in. There wasn’t the plethora of channels and choices that are available today. -
The Next Best Thing
In today’s world, we’re surrounded by endless choices — from what we eat to where we live, and even whom we date. This abundance of options can make us feel like there’s always something better out there, especially in relationships. The allure of the “next best thing” can pull us away from the person we’re with, making us wonder if someone more exciting, attractive, or compatible is just around the corner. -
Crazy Cat Lady
The idea of having cats is unreal to me. Growing up, I was always allergic to them. Lisa would have to sanitize her house before I came over so I wouldn’t have a severe reaction. When Jess got her cats 6 years ago, I was prepared to take allergy pills daily for the duration of them living with me. Turns out, I’m not reacting to them at all. I guess I’ve grown out of my allergy!! Thank goodness! -
The Power of Pride
Some people feel extreme amounts of joy, compassion, or awe when they move throughout their day. For me, those emotions are among the least experienced. After taking a positive emotions test on https://www.idrlabs.com, I found that the positive emotion I feel most often is pride. There are two kinds of pride, both good and bad. ‘Good pride’ represents our dignity and self-respect. ‘Bad pride’ is the deadly sin of superiority that reeks of conceit and arrogance.
-John C. Maxwell
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Scarred for Life
As usual, our 2 labradoodles had managed to break out of our fenced-in backyard and I hadn’t had a chance to fix it. They needed to go out and I didn’t want them running away so I asked Jessi to let them out on a leash. She put Lucy on a 20-foot leash and Lily on a 6-foot one and started to open the sliding glass door. -
Salon Nightmare
I was in high school and it was time for the Turn-About dance, where the girls invite the boys to the event. I had everything planned, from where we going to eat to how I wanted to do my hair.
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Back to School Bliss
The beginning of the school year couldn’t come soon enough for me. The first day of school meant new supplies!! Crisp, clean, pretty folders with pictures of rainbows, flowers, or butterflies with matching notebooks, sharp, colorful crayons or colored pencils, and a new backpack to carry my supplies. It didn’t get much better than that, except for the new school clothes that I would also receive! -
Rindercella
My first job out of college was to train adults on how to use computers. As I would begin a class, I would inevitably stumble through my words because I was a bit nervous and would be talking too fast. At this point, I’d have the opportunity to take a breath and add a little levity to the morning. I’d start out by saying “You’ll have to excuse me. You see, I grew up hearing my dad tell me stories of Rindercella and at the moke of stridnight, she was running down the stairs and slopped her dripper.” -
Eclectic Musical Taste
I have an incredibly diverse taste in music. It ranges from country to Top 40 to classic rock to music from the 70’s. I’ve even been known to listen to polka and bluegrass on occasion. My only criterion for a good song is that it needs to have a good beat. I’m not a fan of slow songs. It has to be something you can tap your toes to. -
Bible Camp and Butterflies
During the summer of 1983, I went to Sugar Creek Bible Camp. It was for our confirmation class and all my friends were going. Unfortunately, 2 weeks before leaving for camp, I came down with chicken pocks. -
Sandyisms
Do you know what malapropisms are? A malapropism is a verbal error that occurs when someone uses a word that sounds similar to the intended word, but is incorrect in context. Malapropisms are often unintentionally humorous and can be used in everyday speech or as a literary device. I didn’t realize that there was a word to describe this. One person in our family does this more than any other and it always gives a good laugh when it happens. -
Photo Recreations
It was during my 2-week summer vacation last year when all my kids came up to stay for the weekend. We wanted to get as many adventures in as we could. On the night they all arrived, we discussed the possibilities. Horseback riding, winery tours, mini-golf, beach time, and the list goes on. Everyone decided that instead of doing our traditional activities, we would try something different. -
Chicks Can Camp
It was the summer of 1997 and Lisa and I were invited to go on a “Chicks Can Camp” adventure with her husband’s sister-in-law and her sisters. No boys were allowed and we were going to camp on the banks of the St. Croix River and go canoeing. We couldn’t wait for our weekend trip! I dropped my 3-year-old off at Mom’s house, we packed up our sleeping bags, our tent, some food and our handy 2-man canoe and set off for Minnesota. -
Dessert Disasters
It was wedding season and the family was getting ready for a bridal shower. Everyone was doing their part. Someone was bringing a few appetizers, someone else was bringing a salad and I was asked to bring the dessert. “No problem!” I thought. I should’ve known better. -
Big Ass Hair
There were so many fads of the 80s that I tended to follow. I had Care Bears, a Cabbage Patch Doll, a Boom Box, Neon clothes and accessories, talked like a Valley Girl, went to the Video Arcade for fun, and… had BIG ASS HAIR! This is one thing that immediately makes me think of the 80s. From rock stars to television personalities, everyone seemed to embrace the motto: the bigger, the better. -
My Children are Innocent!!
We were up at our family cabin, enjoying our vacation together when Lisa came flying into the cabin and yelled, “Fire!”Prior to this hysteria, we were all doing our own thing. Lisa was cleaning up the kitchen after dinner and the rest of the family was milling around or watching TV.
Part of the kitchen cleanup involved taking the garbage to the shed. When she went to the shed and opened the door, she was confronted with a garbage can spewing flames! She immediately ran into the cabin and didn’t know where to turn first. It was like stuttering but with her body instead of her voice. Suddenly her voice returned and she yelled “FIRE”!
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I Am Who I Am
It has taken many years to get me to where I am. In the past, I let myself be dictated by what others thought of me (or what I thought they thought of me), I focused on the wants and needs of everyone around me instead of what I wanted or needed, and I let others decide how I should think and feel. -
The Sleeping Porch
School is out and summer is here which, when I was a kid, meant it was time for Lisa and I to sleep out in the patio every night! This was one of the best parts of the summer. -
Special Birthdays
Celebrating my birthday has always been important to me. When I had kids, I wanted to make their birthdays as special as I could so maybe they would enjoy them like I used to. In the beginning, I did tend to overdo! -
Bullshit!
Have you ever thought about when and where you have been the happiest? For me, the first thought that comes to mind is the time I spent with my kids and mom playing “Bullshit”.If you’ve never played this card game, here is how it goes.
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That Was Then. This Is Now.
When I was younger, I eagerly anticipated my birthday each year. Month by month, I impatiently waited for the day of celebration, believing it would never arrive.That was then. This is now.
Now, I still anticipate my special day each year, where everyone should celebrate me, but it seems to come much faster than it used to.
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Sleep Procrastination
There isn’t much that can rouse me in the morning. Not my Alexa blaring music at full volume, nor my Sonic Bomb alarm clock with its bed shaker attachment under my pillow, nor my Pavlok electrocution watch that zaps me. Suffice it to say, I’m NOT a morning person. -
My Five Fears
As a child, I experienced the typical fears: fear of the dark, fear of talking to people, and fear induced by watching scary movies. These fears would often provoke anxiety and lead me to do irrational things, such as running through dark areas of the house to stay in well-lit areas or hiding under Grandma Is’s skirt if someone tried to talk to me. While my current fears don’t paralyze me or cause anxiety, they are thoughts that trouble me. -
The Good, the Bad, and the Honest
Since I was young, people have called me different names. Some were based on my real name, others on how they saw me. I don’t know why I got each one, but here are a few I remember. -
Camping On My Own
When our family went camping, it always turned into a massive production. We had a 22-foot screened tent that served as our family meal area, and each family member had their own tent or camper setup. It was reminiscent of a family commune. I didn’t truly appreciate the contributions that each family member made to our camping adventures until I found myself setting up a campsite entirely on my own. -
Mortified at the Dance
I was a sophomore and starting my first year of senior high. We were having a dance at the beginning of the school year. I was very interested in a senior guy that I had met, but we weren’t going out. He and I both decided to meet at the dance and I was very excited. -
Gimmie the Pennies
Picture this. I’m 5 years old and it’s Mother’s Day. We are all getting ready to go out to eat and I’m ready before everyone else. I’m bored and asked Mom if I could go outside. She told me that was fine as long as I didn’t get dirty. Apparently, I took that message to heart, because I was found just sitting at the side of the road in my little lawnchair. Lisa called mom and said “You have got to check this out!” In my defense, I was just doing what I was told. -
The Green-Eyed Monster
I have a bad habit of comparing myself to others and then feeling bad about how things are going in my life. I look at the people around me and see people with more money or bigger houses or people going on fancy vacations and I get jealous. Why isn’t my life like that? -
Pat McCurdy
I can’t say that I have a favorite or least favorite well-known celebrity (with the exception that I CAN’T STAND the Kardashians), so I thought of a local celebrity that I really enjoy. Pat McCurdy! -
A Few of my Favorite Things
<music note> “These are a few of my favorite things…” <music note>Thank you Julie Andrews for putting that song into my head.
We’ve talked about our favorite things before and the first thing that comes to mind are physical things. This time, I thought I’d also incorporate some non-tangibles.
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Spring Organizing
I have never been a big advocate of cleaning in general. It’s not my favorite thing to do. So, when asked what I do for Spring Cleaning – you will see a glazed look on my face. As a child, we always cleaned on Saturday mornings, but I don’t ever remember being subjected to a major Spring Cleaning undertaking. Maybe this is an idea from years ago. Maybe some still abide by that idea. I’m not sure. All I know is that I don’t do it.
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The Notebook
I had a hard time thinking of a movie that I would deem romantic. To figure that out, I had to determine what I find romantic. What gives someone that feeling? Is it having someone do thoughtful things for you? Is it having someone speak sweet nothings to you? Is it having someone who thinks of nothing but you? -
More Holes in My Head
All my friends were getting their ears pierced and I felt like the odd man out. I swear I was the only girl in my school that still had my earlobes intact. I begged and pleaded with Mom to let me get them pierced, but it did no good. She was a rock. It wasn’t happening. Finally, it was Christmas and Mom and Jackie had conspired together to gift each other’s daughter with a coupon for “Two more holes in your head”. -
That Would Feel Luxurious
Have you ever thought about what feels luxurious to you or what would it take to make you feel like you were living a luxurious life? At first, I had absolutely no idea what would give me that feeling. Others were talking about having cleaning ladies or cabins on the lake or someone taking care of them, but none of those resonated with me. -
Waitressing Summers from Hell
During the summer of 1989, I decided that I needed to keep myself busy. I already had my waitressing job at Larson’s Family Restaurant, but thought “Why not get another job?!” Apparently, I was a glutton for punishment. -
Atari Love
I can still remember the Christmas that I got my Atari 2600. I think this is where my love of technology began. I received the game system that morning and as soon as the presents were opened, I had it set up on our basement TV. But with my luck – by the time I was ready to play with it – it was time to get over to Grandma Is’s house to celebrate the holiday with the remainder of the family. -
Escape Room Adventures
This past weekend, my kids, their significant others and I went to an escape room in Wisconsin Dells. It was a Christmas present from me to all of them and we wanted to do it before a couple of them went back to school. Last year, for my birthday, they treated me to an escape room adventure in Madison and we had so much fun that I knew we had to try it again. -
Funky Cheese Enchiladas
Every night was a struggle to find something to make for the kids that everyone would eat and enjoy. Between 2 young boys, my husband, and myself, we all had varying tastes. For example – the boys would only eat vegetables if they came with ketchup, I don’t eat vegetables at all and one boy wouldn’t eat “sweet” meat. -
Dance Motivation
During my childhood, every Saturday was cleaning day. It was the last thing a kid wants to do on the weekend, but it was not an option. Everyone had their certain jobs, like my job was to dust the entire house and Lisa’s job was to vacuum everything. -
No Stress Allowed
So many times in my life, I would wake up and the first thing I would focus on would be all of the things I would need to accomplish for the day or the stress of yesterday, which would negatively influence my day. It wasn’t until recently that I realized that I am in charge of how my day will be and how I handle my stress.
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Family is Everything
To some people, the presence of family brings stress, challenges, and dread. They don’t like to be around family because of differing opinions or hard feelings. I have difficulty relating to those people as my family is the exact opposite. I couldn’t imagine life without them. -
One Tree is Not Enough
I’m 8 years old and it’s Christmas time. Mom has gone to the tree farm and asked them for just the top of 2 trees. The guys look at her like she has 4 heads, but they proceed to find her 2 trees about 4’ in height. Now, it’s time for me to decorate my tree. I can do anything I want with it. Mom has given me access to all of the decorations and I can use whatever I want. As my room is yellow with red accents, we put little yellow lights on the tree which give off a soft glow at night. (Yellow lights on a tree are my favorite, but I don’t have a yellow room with a tree anymore) -
I Believe
I can’t say that I remember believing in Santa Claus as a child, but I always knew that it was just a topic you didn’t bring up or question. I was concerned that if I ever questioned his existence, he would just stop showing up. But one thing I do remember was the magical way the presents appeared under the tree. -
Happy Hallothanksmas
I am definitely a holiday purist and can’t stand the fact that stores start putting out Christmas decorations before Halloween. It actually aggravates me to hear Christmas music before Thanksgiving. I’m the type of person who wants to enjoy each holiday before moving on to the next event.