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Why Being a Mom is Hard
Being a mom is one of the toughest jobs that I have ever had. From the moment your child is born, you become responsible for their wellbeing, happiness, and success. It’s a tremendous responsibility, and it can be overwhelming at times. First and foremost, being a mom means putting someone else’s needs before your own. Your child’s or children’s needs come first, no matter what. This can be difficult, especially when you’re tired, stressed, or dealing with your own challenges. It can be hard to find time for self-care or to pursue your own goals when you’re constantly focused on your children’s needs. Your needs are now lower on the priority…
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The psychology of birds of a feather: Why we like people who are like us
I have wondered why I tend to gravitate towards people who share similar interests, beliefs, and values. The phenomenon known as “birds of a feather flock together” is a well-known concept in psychology, referring to the tendency of people to seek out and associate with others who are similar to themselves. This phenomenon can be observed in various aspects of our lives, from friendships and romantic relationships to work environments and social groups. Why do we tend to like people who are like us, and the benefits and drawbacks of this tendency. The phrase “birds of a feather flock together” is something we’ve all heard before, but what does it really mean?…
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Busy Weekend
What a busy weekend! We had two events in La Crosse, Wisconsin this past Saturday. We arrived around 10a. We went to the first event. I haven’t seen these relatives for a while, so it was great to see everyone. Since COVID, we have had limited social gatherings. This meant that we haven’t seen some folks since March 2020. It was a celebration for my little cousin, who was born premature and therefore spent a long time in the NICU. She is a miracle child. I remember seeing her when she was born and now seeing her running all over, it is indeed a miracle. We socialized until about noon then headed to the second event. The weather was also crazy…
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The Benefits of Breastfeeding: Why I Chose to Breastfeed My Children
Breastfeeding is a topic that has been widely discussed for years. Some mothers swear by it, while others opt for formula feeding. As a mother who has chosen to breastfeed her children, I can attest to the numerous benefits it offers. Not only is it a bonding experience between mother and baby, but it also provides essential nutrients, antibodies, and hormones that help protect babies from illnesses and diseases. Breast milk is also easily digestible, which means babies have less chance of developing digestive problems. Additionally, breastfeeding has been found to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer and can even help mothers lose weight. In this post, I…
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My Midlife Crisis: Confronting the Reality of Mortality
This past weekend was spent mostly at a funeral home to pay respects to an acquaintance that has been known by my family for years. The transition of his children from youngsters to parents of their own families reminds me of how time flies and how I, too, am getting older. Death is something that I’ve grown to ponder more about as I’ve aged. It could be attributed to several reasons such as the realization of my own morality, witnessing the death of loved ones, reflecting on my successes and regrets, health issues, and pondering the meaning of life. I know, way too deep. The thought of how many people…
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High School Spring Golf Season in Minnesota: The Pros and the Cons
Minnesota is a beautiful state known for its pristine lakes, lush forests, and stunning golf courses. With the arrival of spring, golf enthusiasts are eager to hit the greens and take advantage of the warmer weather. However, spring golfing in Minnesota can be unpredictable, with changing weather conditions and course conditions. I have had many years of being a parent to high school golfers and it is unpredictable each season. There are pros and cons to golf being a spring sport in the high schools. CONS 1. Winter doesn’t seem to end until late April or May. One of the main challenges of the high school spring golf season in Minnesota…
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The Saga of the Overnight Delivery
Last Friday seemed like any other day, until my work laptop began throwing tantrums. Tasks that were usually snappy took ages to finish, and I was barred access to a crucial website. As a newly started project for a fresh client unfolded, I anticipated some bumps along the way, but nothing like this. Two help desks and countless hours later, the verdict came in around 3 pm: I needed a new laptop. The address was verified, and a promise of overnight delivery was made – fingers crossed for Saturday morning or, at worst, Monday or Tuesday’s first light. I received the tracking link and according to the link, I am…
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An Unforgettable Work Trip: The Day My Purse Disappeared
In my line of work, I can be remote, on-location, or a mix of both options. Traveling for a job is a unique experience altogether and quite distinct from personal vacations. Over time, I’ve encountered various scenarios during my work trips. However, one particular incident remains etched in my memory and taught me valuable lessons. This event took place during a project in San Francisco – my very first work trip. As a newcomer, I had much to learn. My accommodations were in the financial district, and being unfamiliar with public transportation, I quickly adapted to navigating buses towards the Pacific Heights area. My assignment was providing support at a…
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When Snowfall and Pranks Collide: April Fool’s Day 2023 Winter Storm Edition
April Fool’s Day, 4/1/2023, Saturday Today has been quite an eventful day. It’s 3/31/23 and yet another snowstorm is upon us. The rain turned to snow and is expected to continue until this morning. With numerous snowstorms this season, they no longer surprise me. Last night, I went to bed around midnight—unusually late for me—and was awakened at 1:30 am by my daughter who needed to talk. To my surprise, my husband had also left our room. I found him working on his business. A few hours later, I woke up needing the restroom. My husband handed me a flashlight. Confused, I soon realized we had lost power, likely due…
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Sun, Snow, and Everything in Between: Embracing Truckee’s Unpredictable Weather March 2023
I spent two weeks in Truckee, CA, in March 2023. As a Minnesota native, I’m no stranger to snow, but apparently, snow in this region is an entirely different experience. I’m used to driving in snowy conditions, but people warned me that mountain driving was unique. They mentioned that I might need tire chains and should rent a four-wheel-drive SUV. Though skeptical at first, these warnings started to concern me. Upon my arrival in Reno, I was greeted by sunshine and pleasantly warm weather. I rented my four-wheel-drive SUV and headed to Truckee under a clear sky with dry roads. However, as I approached the first mountain range, signs indicated…
