Share Worthy Service Lives!

I subscribe to The Daily Blur, a fabulous blog from Miles & Company and they talk frequently about #ShareWorthyService. I experienced it today and had to, well, share.

I ordered a delicious, fresh salad from Pickleman's, a favorite sandwich shop in Columbia, for delivery to my office using their slick online ordering system. Salad arrives. I chat with the driver for a minute or two and then return to my desk. A few minutes later, I open up the plastic bag my salad came in only to find it was not the one I had ordered. Probably wouldn't have been a big deal - I love happy accidents - but this one had some ingredients on it that I'm trying to avoid, so I gave Pickleman's a call. Here's how it went:

"Hi, this is Sherry at {Name of Office Goes Here}, I just ordered a salad for delivery and I think I accidentally got the wrong salad."

"Sherry - we are so sorry! Someone else also ordered a salad and our driver was delivering both in one trip and must have just grabbed the wrong bag. I'll let her know and we'll get it straightened out."

"Ok. Thank you very much."

Not even five minutes later, the same driver arrived with a brand new, fresh salad. She not only invited me to keep the other one (which I gave to our receptionist), but she also threw in a freshly-baked cookie for good measure. She was so very polite and apologetic that I almost felt guilty for her having to make a trip back. And it made me wish that I had tipped her more - and I'm a generous tipper!

It was a great customer experience and yet another reason why I will continue to patronize Pickleman's. After all, everyone makes mistakes. It's how you deal with them that makes the difference. Thanks for hiring good people, Pickleman's, and empowering them to provide #ShareWorthyService. I will order again, and again, and again!

It's Harder Than You'd Think

Okay, today's the final day of the #YourTurnChallenge. I have a confession to make: I didn't post on all seven days. I failed the challenge. I remembered that I had forgotten to post first thing this morning when I woke up. And I felt guilty. I had accepted the challenge because I thought, "this doesn't seem that hard. Write a post each day for a week? Anyone can do that!"

Well, I'm here to say, it was harder than you'd think. But in a good way. It caused me to pause for a moment and reflect on what I wanted to write about. I jotted down other ideas for topics. I snapped a few pictures to go along with future posts. I wondered if this was something I could incorporate into my life on a regular basis. I think that it could be.

I missed a day of the challenge. I could have just quit, but I figured I should write another post to explain myself. Sometimes things don't always go how you want them to, and sometimes life gets in the way. But it is worth taking some time to write some notes about a brief moment in your day, or finally put that rant down on paper, or thank someone for the lessons they have taught you or joke about your own mortality. It's a release of sorts. It's valuable. Heck, it's fun.

And if nothing else comes of this, I dusted off my blog after 5 years and spruced it up a bit. Who knows? Maybe this will become a regular place for more of my musings. A creative outlet for the written word. Or more picture a day posts. Or recipes - you know I love to collect them. Or a way to document some of the crazy stuff I like to make. Or my obsession with yarn. Now that I think about it, maybe it's not as hard as I think.

You're Never Too Old, Until You're Too Old

Quick post tonight - I have 15 minutes before I would fail my #YourTurnChallenge by not completing a blog post - so here it goes.

I'm a {gasp} middle-aged woman with three kids. I drive a 2007 Honda Odyssey. I shop at Kohl's. I don't get out often. Tonight my husband and I went out with group from his work. After a lovely dinner and enjoyable conversation, we found ourselves at the local dueling piano bar.

We got there "early" in college-town terms - 9:30 p.m. We had the place to ourselves. We requested all our favorite songs. We danced and sang loudly. Then in the blink of an eye, the college students started pouring in. Suddenly, our group of middle-agers became swallowed up by 20-somethings. We rocked out to a rousing piano version of the song "Jump" by Van Halen (I know - at a piano bar - but it was great!) and then stayed for "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen. At the end of that one, we realized we were completely outnumbered and we made our break for it.

Live music makes me feel young and alive. Even if it's two sweaty dudes playing at a piano bar. But sometimes you just have know that you're too old and you have to jet. Someone should go back and tell that to the 50-something dude with the silver hair and the purple tie standing at the bar...

Please, Sweat the Small Stuff

I started the #YourTurnChallenge by following the first daily prompt and then I went off the reservation. That's usually how I do things. I'm sometimes bad at taking suggestions. But then I was looking back at the daily questions and decided to address the concept of "something that I think should be improved." At first I wasn't inspired to go on a rant, but this morning, I changed my mind.

If we can send people to the moon, collect ice samples from Mars and land a freakin' space probe on a comet, why for the love of all that's holy can't someone engineer a deodorant applicator that can actually dispense all of the special "invisible solid" from its clever ergonomic design?!

I'm pretty picky about which brand of deodorant I buy because I'm a person who perspires - a lot. I'm a sweaty Betty. As one can imagine, this could be a source of embarrassment, so after years of searching for the perfect product, finally finding a brand that worked was like a breath of fresh air - literally. I willingly pay a premium for said product and because of that fact, I would like to use as much of the deodorant in the container as possible. So why is it that when I get down to the final "clicks" of the dial at the bottom of the applicator, there is still a good half inch of the product nestled snugly inside the magic dispenser never to be actually applied to an armpit?

I'm probably throwing away at least $.50 of stupid "Ooh, La-La Lavender" or "Shower Fresh Clean" every month or so. Over the years, that really adds up, not to mention it stinks! It may seem like such a small thing, but if masterful feats of science and engineering can't fix this problem, what's a girl to do?

Find Creativity in the Everyday Stuff

Prosciutto-wrapped Mini-Frittata Muffins from Nom Nom Paleo

Ever since I was tall enough to reach the kitchen counter, I have been cooking. My mom started me out with making pigs in blankets, grilled cheese and pancakes. Not long after that, she taught me that with a few pantry items and a pound of ground beef, a person could make a decent homemade spaghetti sauce or some tasty tacos. Before too long, I was making dinner a couple of nights a week once my mom started working full-time. What I didn't know back then was that not only was she was teaching me to be a problem solver, but also to find creativity in even the most mundane tasks.

Flash forward to college where I made strange but edible concoctions with a few simple ingredients and my illegal hot pot in my dorm room. When I had my own apartment and kitchen, I prepared a roasted turkey dinner with all the trimmings for my friends. I had practically no money, but somehow I was able to throw some ingredients together and make it taste good. Or least no one got food poisoning.

Today, cooking is one of the most enjoyable things I do in my life. My favorite challenge of the day is to open up the pantry or vegetable crisper and think, "What can I throw together tonight." Even after a long day at work, as soon as I pull out of the parking lot, I'm already thinking about what I can create in the kitchen. The worries melt away as I'm chopping ingredients and stirring things together. I'm in the zone.

I collect cook books and recipes like a boss, but rarely do I follow them exactly. I have never stopped in mid-prep to run to the store to get a special kind of cheese or a bunch of scallions just because the recipe said I had to have it. More times than not, I'm winging it with a big smile on my face. And, no one has died yet because I didn't use the special cheese.

It's not all sunshine and rainbows - there have been some epic failures, but thankfully, they are few and far between. I almost always walk away from that experience having learned something new to try again in a different way (or I learned to NEVER try that again). I wish I had more time to experiment, but I mostly have to feed my family of five before they start gnawing on each other for sustenance. But there is joy in that preparation and nothing pleases me more than when the family says, "Make it again, Mom."

I'm trying to teach my kids to cook in the same way my mother taught me. To learn to solve problems. To learn from the mistakes. To try new things. To find creativity in the everyday stuff. I believe this is a skill that transcends the kitchen. And most of the time, the results are delicious.

It's the Little Things

The #YourTurnChallenge is already working.

I'm seeing the details again like how the paint is cracking and curling on the corner of the old building downtown. Like the intricate pattern carved into the old wooden door of the tavern I used to frequent in college. Like the old-fashioned barbershop pole. Like the mysterious stickers for local bands which are slapped onto a Do Not Enter sign at the opening of the alley way off 8th Street.

Walking briskly to my lunch date location in the crisp winter air, I am listening to new music I have never heard before. I hear each note individually and how they work together make up the whole song. I find myself humming out loud as I walk, a smile creeping across my face. This is intermingled with the sounds of traffic, a young man playing guitar in front of the bank and a jack hammer busting up some concrete in front of the pool hall.

I notice the nuances of the font on the sign of new apartment building. I see a discarded cup from a local bar tucked safely into a storefront corner. I smell fresh bread baking at the sandwich shop and sawdust from the construction site. I hear snippets of conversations as I pass people on the sidewalk. I inhale some second-hand clove cigarette smoke as I pass two women chatting.

I see the latest fashions in the windows. A forgotten Christmas wreath still adorning the top of the Strollway Centre. I see hand-lettered signs offering lunch specials and happy hour prices. I hear children laughing and playing in the corner church's preschool playground. I see someone sleeping off one too many on a park bench.

When I gave myself permission to let go of the pressure and the deadlines and responsibilities - even if just for a ten-minute walk - the flood gates opened and all the little things came tumbling into my perception. The images, the songs, the smells, the feel of the uneven pavement beneath my sensible work shoes. This is where the stories live. It's all about the little things...

Keep Moving Forward

Today I began the #YourTurnChallenge - to write a blog post a day for seven days in a row. Why do I begin this challenge? I recently had a birthday, and when that happens, I usually reflect back on the previous year and contemplate how it all went. Did I accomplish anything notable? Did I stay focused on what's important? Did my family get what they need? Did I?

The last question got me thinking that what I needed was a way to return back to a point in my life when I did not feel limited by kids' schedules, work schedules, budgets and time. When I felt free to grasp onto a crazy idea and just see how far it could take me. To create, to write, to ship. Somewhere long the line through marriage, parenting, career building, life - I forgot what it was like to take a risk or try something new or sometimes just to get started. This challenge seemed like a great way to throw myself into it and see what happens.

So, I begin this challenge with a quote that I saw many times today as many people reflected on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy:

"If you can't fly, then run,
if you can't run, then walk,
if you can't walk, then crawl,
but whatever you do,
you have to keep moving forward."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

This quote resonated with me as I realize that that's what I need to do to get started - just keep moving forward. I've gained momentum with cultivating a more healthy lifestyle. I've committed to moving my body more, and now I'm committed to let my mind keep moving forward.

For the first time in a long time, I am excited about the possibilities that this exercise will bring. It may only be seven days, but I hope it starts those rusty gears turning in my brain and help me crawl, then walk, then run and finally fly again.

I'm ready to keep moving forward.

Christmas Card 2010

Merry Moments Christmas Card

Make a statement with Shutterfly Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Happy Belated Birthday Girl (August 27)

Today, Ella got a surprise package in the mail from Aunt Orsi and Uncle Scott. It was a big box full of belated birthday goodies! She was so excited and had a great time opening all the nicely wrapped goodies. This kid got quite a haul - paper dolls, a Playmobil set, rubber stamps, coloring book, silly spy glass and more. She sure is a spoiled one - I think she got to celebrate her birthday four different times this year!

Video Debut (August 26)

At my new gig, I came in at the tail-end (pun intended) of marketing efforts to promote the opening of the new MU Women's and Children's Hospital in Columbia. There was a series of 5 videos made around Columbia starring T.J. - the Children's Hospital mascot - as he moved from the old Children's Hospital to the new home at the former Columbia Regional Hospital. Just weeks after I started, our office was gearing up to shoot the final video and they needed kids, so naturally I volunteered mine. They were pretty excited when they were asked to hold the banner for T.J. during the video shoot. I think the best part of this picture is Ella holding her ears because Mini Mizzou was playing "too loud" for her ears.

Big Smith (August 25)

This summer, the good folks at The Blue Note, worked hard to put together a fantastic free outdoor summer concert series called 9th Street Summerfest. They brought in some great names, but it seemed like every time there was a show, we had something going on that would prevent us from going. Tonight's show was The Carolina Chocolate Drops. We were so excited because we've been listening to their music quite a bit lately. Even though it was a school night, we packed up the kiddies and went downtown for this family friendly venue. There were two opening acts - this is the second one - Big Smith. They are a whole lot of fun to see at a live show and I highly recommend it. The kids were really impressed with the instruments the band was playing and danced around like crazy people in the streets. Sadly, we severely encroached on bedtime and didn't make it long enough to see The Carolina Chocolate Drops. Maybe next summer, kids!

Ewwww - Boy Feet! (August 24)

My son would go barefoot every day of his life if I let him. During the warmer months, we compromise with flip-flops. He runs in them, plays in them and rides his bike in them. He's blown out 3 pair of flips just this summer. We were sitting outside the other evening and I happened to really take a look at these feet of his. They are probably the grossest things I have ever seen. Yuck!!

Mmmmmmm....Peaches! (August 23)

Oh how I love peaches! Summertime fruit is the very best. I would eat two or three peaches a day if I could...get to them before the kids ate them all. Sometimes I hide them so I can enjoy them by myself without having to share with them. Is that wrong?

Ella Reading to Dad (August 22)

A nightly ritual at our house - the bedtime story. Ella picked one of her favorites, "The Little Pea" and commenced reading it to Marty. I know that she's got it memorized, but it is still so cute. She's actually reading simple words now and this book isn't far from her reach. I'm sure she'll be reading on her own before she starts school next year. Why do they grow up so darn fast?

Scary Face (August 21)

Ella gettin' her scary face on. Not much more to say than that!

Wicked Storm Coming (August 20)

I felt like a storm chaser today - only I was just trying to race to get the kids before the sky ripped open and swallowed us up. I was driving directly into the approaching clouds the whole way to the school. As I herded the kids to the car, we started getting sprinkled on a bit. We no sooner pulled safely into the garage when a huge clap of thunder shook the planet and we all ran screaming into the house. Nothing like a good Midwestern thunderstorm to get the blood pumpin'!

Ready for School? (August 19)

Today's the big, exciting day - school starts again! I got up extra early so I could be sure to get the obligatory first-day-of-school pictures of the kids. They hate that I have to take the first-day-of-school pictures. The fact that they hate it, just makes me want to torture them even more. They try to comply with my requests of "turn this way" or "don't smile like that" but this totally irritates them. This year, I told them to make a silly face to get them to relax. It was the best picture by far. Ten years from now, they will be SOOOO embarrassed by this picture, it will bring a whole new level of satisfaction! I can't wait!!

She's Ready (August 18)

School starts tomorrow, for the big kids anyway. Ella, who turned 4 in July, won't be able to go to Kindergarten until next August. She is ready now, though. She spent the evening trying to convince me that she was ready. She showed me how she draws faces. She showed me how she knows all the colors and shapes. She showed me that she can write her name all by herself. I know you're ready, Kiddo. But the rules are the rules. You'll be so prepared for school next year!

Boone County Back Roads (August 17)

My new office locale has allowed me a completely different route to pick up Ella from the sitter's after work. I have found a nice jaunt through the Boone County black tops to be the most efficient way to get where I need to go and a convenient way to unwind after work. There is not much traffic, the scenery is nice and I typically can let my lead foot down. On this particular day, however, I got stuck behind something I never would have seen on my old way home. I wasn't in much of a hurry, not that I had a choice, but this ol' feller caused me to slow down a bit and appreciate what was around me on this beautiful waning summer day. Thanks, ol' feller!

Toad on the Head (August 16)

"Mom - give me your camera! I have to take a picture of Ella. She looks so cute!" I handed over the camera relunctantly with the usual list of rules and regulations regarding it's unsupervised use. Naturally, I was in the middle of cooking dinner when the frantic request was made. Natalie's enthusiastic search for the camera resulted in this shot. Actually several shots, but this one was the best. In case you can't quite see the detail, there is a toad on Ella Grace's head. You can tell by the look on her face that she's not at all upset by this. If I would allow it, we'd have about 50 toads living in our house at any given moment. I kinda feel sorry for the little buggers. If there is a toad to be found, my kids have found it, dressed it up, forgot it in a bucket on a 90 degree day or dropped it several times from a dizzying height, for a toad that is. Poor, poor little creatures...