Disrespectful Alarms

Today's prompt:

Perhaps it was a dream, she thought. Perhaps if she pinched herself, she would wake up. But she didn’t want to wake up. She wanted to stay in this dream where...

Perhaps it was a dream, she thought. Perhaps if she pinched herself, she would wake up. But she didn’t want to wake up. She wanted to stay in this dream where everything felt light.

She sat at the patio table, sunlight warming her shoulders as she watched the kids splashing in the pool, their laughter bouncing off the water. Her husband stood by the grill, music humming from the speaker beside him, a cigar resting between his fingers like he was auditioning for a commercial. The puppies curled at her feet, occasionally nudging her as if to say, “Don't forget about us.”

She opened her notebook, letting the pen glide across the page. A soft breeze carried the smell of charcoal, and she breathed it in like medicine. Days like this — slow, warm, unhurried — were her favorite. Family time always felt like a reset button for her soul.

Her mother stepped outside, smiling. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, a vibration buzzed against the table.

Her eyes flew open. “Oh damn,” she groaned, slapping at the nightstand like she saw a mosquito. It was her phone. “That was a vivid dream.”

The phone kept at it, rude and relentless, like it had absolutely no respect for the peace she was enjoying in her head. She sat up, squinting at the ceiling. Another workday. Another morning of pretending she wasn’t betrayed by her own subconscious.

She swung her legs out of bed. “If this ice isn’t melted today, I’m filing a complaint with the universe.”

But for a moment, she stayed still, letting the warmth of the dream linger — the sun, the laughter, the ocean‑level peace — before stepping back into the real world.

Dreaming Big

First, let me say Happy New Year.  I hope 2025 did right by you and your 2026 is even better! Now, OMG!!!! I can't believe it's been this long since I've blogged.  

I decided to switch things up  — stretch my imagination a little, have some fun. Years ago, I bought a writing‑prompt book because I wanted to sharpen my storytelling skills. It’s been sitting on my shelf giving me the side‑eye ever since, so today I finally cracked it open.

The prompt starts like this:

“At first, we thought the black liquid was oil — that we’d struck it rich, that we’d finally be able to retire and live in leisure. We actually started writing down all the ways we’d spend the money. Our first choice was…”

So…..

If Jamie and I ever stumbled onto a fortune, we wouldn’t suddenly turn into those people buying gold‑plated toothbrushes or pet tigers. No, we’re realists. Practical dreamers. So our first move would be simple: wipe out any remaining debt — ours and our parents’.

Honestly, the idea of our parents living the rest of their lives without financial stress feels better than any yacht ever could. Plus, I don’t even know how to drive a yacht. Do you need a license? A tutorial? A YouTube video? I don’t have that kind of time.

Next up: investing. Not the flashy, “I day‑trade from my balcony in silk pajamas” kind. More like the “let’s make sure we can retire without eating beans out of a can” kind. Sensible, steady, grown‑up investing. The kind that whispers, “Relax, you’re good.”

Then comes the dream we’ve been carrying for years:
a beach home in Hawaii.

There is nothing — absolutely nothing — like sitting on a patio with the ocean breathing in front of you. The waves don’t just crash; they exhale. They do that slow, soothing “shhh” sound like they’re telling your worries to sit down somewhere. Jamie and I realized long ago that the ocean is our reset button. Our therapy. Our free mental health plan.

Of course, we wouldn’t forget our family — sisters, nieces, nephews, etc. Not in a “here’s a stack of cash, go wild” way, but in a “let us help you get where you’re trying to go” way. Support that lifts, not spoils. We’re generous, not reckless.

And because striking oil apparently comes with responsibilities, we’d need a team — accountants, advisors, people who understand how to manage wealth so it doesn’t manage you. Basically, adults who are more adult than us. Secure the bag, yes, but also secure the people who know what to do with the bag.

Then comes the fun part: travel.

Jamie and I are travelers in our souls. You already know we’d be out here collecting continents like Pokémon. Every country we can reach, every culture we can learn from, every food we can’t pronounce but will absolutely try — we’re there. Life is too big to stay in one place.

And finally, we’d give back. The communities that shaped us, the elders who paved the way, the children who deserve a future full of possibility. St. Jude would definitely be on that list — the work they do is nothing short of miraculous.

I could keep going, but I’ll stop here before I start planning a whole imaginary budget. It’s funny how a simple writing prompt can open the door to a whole universe of dreams. Maybe that’s the real treasure.

Hey y'all!

Well, it has been some years since I have posted here. So, first things first, let me catch you up. Over the past three years (yep, I said what I said), I have celebrated twenty years in my marriage and at my job. My husband and I have celebrated various graduations of nieces and nephews and several milestone birthdays of loved ones. We have used our vacation and blessings by visiting several places (namely Hawaii, Curacao, Montreal, Puerto Vallarta, Switzerland, and St. Lucia).
 
I have also lost my last living grandparent (love you, granny!), a brother-in-law who always made space for me, a first cousin, and an uncle. I had a major surgery that messed with my head a bit (so grateful for my support system in family and friends). I have also been able to reconnect with family members and friends who mean a lot to me, and I missed more than I realize. I received feedback from friends who are special to me and let me know that I am seen in an important way that supports my purpose (thank you, ladies, I love you!).
 
Through it all, the one message that is clear and repeated, that I hope we can all use daily, is that life is not waiting for you. As we go into this year, I hope we approach every situation with that in our hearts, minds, and actions. 

Guess whose back...

Ok so, I know I’ve been missing in action for a long while now.  In my defense (because yes, I must defend myself 😊 ), 2020 was a whirlwind of a year.  Even beyond the pandemic, I had several things that occurred then began to pile up.

• I started a new job in which my goal was to stand up a department and processes to support a sales channel shift.
• I started a 9-month long leadership project that required a great deal of time outside of my normal job.  Wonderful experience but it required a great deal of evening and weekend work.   In the end, the team, our sponsors and our ExComm team were incredibly pleased with our work.  In fact, our ideas were implemented into the strategy and goals for that group; now that’s success!
• Once the pandemic hit, my husband and I had to figure out the best way for both of us to be comfortable and productive.  I was used to working from home, but he did not work from home often. Trust me, two people that have days jam-packed with meetings is not something you do in a shared office.  😊  But, we figured it out and have created great spaces for both of us.
• The social unrest brought about several conversations with colleagues and teammates that are not typically commonplace.  While I could go several places and have many thoughts on this topic, I will say only this, “It is my hope that at some point we could all simply approach and respond to one another on a human level.  On a level that says, this person is a human just like me."
• It took the contractor EIGHT MONTHS to complete our kitchen.  At after all of that, the work was still subpar.  I would not recommend them to anyone and they got great details on the workmanship.  Do I love my kitchen?  Yes, you should have seen what it looked like before. 😀 I am happy that my kitchen looks 30 times better than it did, but the work and process could have been a lot better. 
• While we were able to get a great deal of things done around the house, not being able to travel like we normally do put a great strain on our ability to destress and focus on our family and friends.  For those that don’t know, travel is basically how we remain sane in the Morris household.
• I got selected for multiple leaderships seminars and workshops, which was great.  I was happy to meet and network with people from various industries and backgrounds.  That too took a toll on my stress levels.  All-in-all, I made great connections and learned some things

So, I’m going to stop there.  I think that gets us caught up through 2020 and I can get through 2021 in my subsequent posts.  The overall message here is that 2020 was an interesting year that brought about a lot of change for us all some good and some not so good.  I fell short on some things like many people did, so now I just need to refocus on some things.  I will say this though…if you are still here today and can read this message with no issues, COUNT THAT AS A BLESSING!!!

Quote of the day!
“Appreciate what you have before it turns into what you had.”
-A variation of a quote by Ziad K. Abdelnour

Just thinking...

So, it probably is not the best idea to write a post when your emotions are everywhere but we’re here anyway.   What I want to talk about today is giving.  What are your thoughts?  For me, I thought giving was about doing things for others with no return. Meaning that you do not only do so because you can but because someone or something came to you with the need.

Maybe my thoughts are too simplistic, but I don’t feel that you can opt to “give” something then come back at a later date or time then hold that over someone’s head.  If you give to someone and expect something in return, you should define that upfront and let them make their choices from there. You can’t have these things in your head and never express or share your expectations; that is unfair to everyone involved in the exchange.

Just thinking out loud...via the internet.  Thoughts/comments?

Ahhhhh the memories…

When I saw the word scent, my mind immediately went to a small house sitting on the pacific ocean on the Oahu island.  Scent is a powerful thing; it sparks forgotten memories and emotions.  It’s amazing how that works. So many great memories with scents.  I think of the elephant ears that the seaway festival when I was in my hometown; my husband’s cologne when he kisses me goodbye when he’s headed to work; nephew Desmond’s hair when we used to babysit him; our old house. 

Such a truly awesome sense.

Quote of the Day

“Smell is a potent wizard that transports you across thousands of miles and all the years you have lived”

-Helen Keller

Books and Me

Books as a part of my life.  As far back as I can remember, I’ve always love to read books.  My mom tells stories about how I used to sit in the library for hours then bring at least ten books home every month.  What’s the fascination?  It’s the stories, the characters, the plots.  When I was younger, it was probably more of an escape for me, a place for my dreams.  I even wrote short stories of my own.  Now, I think it still serves as an escape or a place of my own.  It’s where I can go to clear my head of everyday stresses.

I won’t say that I don’t watch a lot of TV, but I am usually not up to speed on current shows.  I tend to watch streaming television in spurts.  When I find a show that I like (typically funny), I must watch it until its done. What I found is that I watch TV like I read books.  It must be something that doesn’t consume my mind and heart, basically nothing too heavy.  Not to say that I don’t read heavy books at all; I just sprinkle in more light ones than heavy.

The issue is simply that I feel deeply and can carry those emotions and stories for a while.  This, in itself, can be very draining.  Life comes with many stresses naturally and relieving this stress is key to a healthy mind, body and soul.  Books allow me the opportunity to release and manage life anxieties.

Quote of the Day

“She reads books as one would breathe air to fill up and live.”

-Ann Dillard

What did you learn today?

Being a person focused on helping others, I find myself in many situations where I have the chance to teach and/or learn.  These opportunities present themselves often and in the smallest forms and are so often missed.  Traditional thought approaches teaching and learning as something that happens mainly in a classroom or at home, even in earlier stages in life.  But learning is an ever-evolving aspect of life. 

Case in point, I am learning a new role at work; it involves new business partners, new focus, a new team, new customers and new skills.  Everyday, I am exposed to something new.  But, what I’ve also learned (through the help of a couple of colleagues) is that I am in a position to teach a few new managers.  Things that they are experiencing or up against, I’ve managed through and was successful.  So, rather than simply telling them that I understand and move on to what’s most important to me, I try to offer not an answer but an ear, support, perspective and insight.  Not only am I teaching them how to be better managers, I am teaching them (while also learning) to become a stronger more valuable team player.  The more perspective we have, the better we are at dealing with and resolving a broad spectrum of issues. 

People, communities, cultures, countries grow by being exposed to more.  How did you contribute today?

Quote of the Day

“The best part of teaching is that it matters.  The hardest part of teaching is that every moment matters every day”

-Todd Whitaker

Consider this...

We are in very unusual and uncertain times and have had to adjust in many ways.  For most, it’s been tough.  I’m not saying that it’s been a piece of cake for us but we still have each other, shelter, food, and our health.  Our families are doing well and have the same.  But for some, it’s been tougher.

My best friend’s mom is experiencing some challenges with her health and my friend can’t be with her (about 200 miles away).  She is getting information second-hand, is over-stressing and has no outlet.  Another friend lost her grandmother last Thursday.  She lives about 400 miles from her family.  She can’t go home, she can’t be with her mother, they can’t even have a funeral right now.  These situations truly bite.  I can’t imagine how hard this time is for either of them right now.  My heart goes out to both them and their families.

It’s easy to focus on ourselves and what we want; complain about the inconvenience.  That energy is wasteful.  Don’t forget about those who are experiencing this time differently.   Use that energy to be gracious, be helpful, be supportive, reach out, love on your family.  Be aware, be selfless.  We’ll never know if and when we may be facing something worse, enjoy what you do have now.

Quote of the Day

“Sometimes life turns out hard, Isabel.  Sometimes it just bites right through you.  And sometimes, just when you think its done its worst, it comes back and takes another chunk.”

-M. L. Stedman

Planning...who me? (Day 10- Orchestrate)

So, I guess my husband was right… I do spend a lot of my time orchestrating my life.  From personal, professional and volunteer relationships, I spend a great deal of time ensuring that the needs of others are met.  Need to check-up on someone, I have a plan or reminder for that.  Need some guidelines for a meet and greet?  I have some talking points.  Need to get the parents some essential items?  I’m your girl and Amazon’s my best friend.  😊  Team feeling unheard? Hey, I’m here, let me help. 

It’s important to me to connect, to help and to resolve; these things motivate me.  So, I guess I do spend a lot of time in ‘coordination’ mode… now, if only I could execute. 

Quote of the Day

“Your first and foremost job as a leader is to take charge of your own energy then to help orchestrate the energy of those around you.”

-Peter Druckers

Catching up with Day 9

Had some challenges but let’s see if I can catch up….  So, day 9 was ‘Pairs’.  When you think of pairs, you tend think of things meant to fit perfectly together.  But, is that always the case?  I think of Jamie and I when we first started. I wasn’t exactly his type nor was he mine, but we fit.  Perfectly in our own space, we fit.  My best friend and I are opposites in so many ways but similar in those that matter, we fit.

I guess the main point is that pairs are not always simply the other side of one dimension; sometimes, they simply coexist in a favorable environment.  Pairs don’t have to be perfect, they simply have to work well together. 

Quote of the Day

“Great striking partnerships come in pairs.”

-Nigel Spackman

This One Was Tough

Curve….This one is a hard one.  Nothing came to me with this one; my husband even tried to help me.  Still, I had nothing.  So, I started to think of things with curves, me (I’m a curvy girl), my life (sometimes things veer left), roads, smiles.  In thinking of these things, it made me remember coming around roads in California and Blue Ridge and coming up on some beautiful scenery, Facetime with my friend and her two-year old’s wonderful smile, the different curves that landed me with my husband. 

What I decided is that curves add an essence of beauty to everything they touch.  Find the beauty in your curves.

Quote of the Day

“Curve…The loveliest distance between two points.”

-Mae West

Where’d All that Dust Come From?

The year before last, we had the carpet replaced in the several rooms in our house.  The guy that lead the work had a great deal of experience for the company and was a very pleasant guy to talk to.  After they pulled up the old carpet, there was a great deal of “dust” that had formed below the carpeting and padding.  The guy explained that most of that “dust” was actually residual carpet freshener that simply collected below the carpet for years on end causing the buildup of “dust” that we saw.   He further explained that using the types of fresheners actually cause your carpet to wear quicker and appear dirtier.  Why this story?

I chose this story because, for me, it solidified this thought that you should always understand different surfaces and how to keep them healthy; understand how applying different additives to them impact their overall strength, agility, appearance, and response. 

I chose this story to show how this same knowledge could have easily been my heart, my body, my brain, any of my relationships.

I chose this story because sometimes emotions are too complex.

I chose this story because sometimes we simply need a different perspective.

Quote of the Day

“…There’s always more going on just below the surface”

-Rob Bell

The Joy of Hand Puppets

Do you guys remember those turkeys we used to draw using our hands?  Ha!  Those were the best turkeys I’ve ever drawn in life.  It’s funny that that’s the first thing that came to mind with I saw the word, hands.

Guess what the second was? Shadow Hand Puppets.  Early on in our relationship, Jamie and I used to stay up late listening to music like three or four times a week.  Every time we did this, at some point during the night, we ended up making those shadow puppets with our hands.  You know the dogs, fish, horses, deer and the like.  It was the silliest thing, but we did it repeatedly, we had shadow puppets skits and even fights between the animals.  I remember we used to laugh so hard thinking we are the goofiest people playing with shadow puppets in the middle of the night.

Anyway, it was a simpler time but we always found a way to laugh.

Quote of the Day

“We can’t profess love without talking through hand puppet.”  😇

-David Sedaris

Dishing Up Love

On a softer side of everything that’s going on, Jamie and I are having a great time cooking u some of our favorite dishes.  Being at home together allows us the ability to discuss all meals and time to prepare them.  We’ve had awesome cornbread from scratch, homemade potato wedges and a blue cheese dip (still seeing how that’s going to turn out).

I typically work from home for 2-3 days out of the week normally but having my hubby home has been an awesome treat.  Don’t get me wrong, our home office is a shared office so figuring that out with us both having several calls daily was a challenge.  However, now that we are beyond that, we’ve been able to eat all meals together, get some house stuff done, have a successful date night and get into a groove from our daily dish to finally catching up on TV shows we’ve tried watching together.

Create a favorite, talk about it, just go with the flow. We call it the positive side of this pandemic!!! 

Quote of the Day

“Food brings people together on many different levels. It’s nourishment of the soul and body; it’s truly love.”

-        Giada De Laurentiis

Why we still in these streets?

Just a few weeks ago, the counts of confirmed Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Shelby county was less than 10.  Today, the county is close to 700.  So, I just gotta ask, why are we still traipsing around here as if this is not a big deal?  I know, I know… I too thought it’s simply a strand of the flu that we haven’t solved for (and that may still be the case).  However, when numbers are increasing as quickly as they are right now, even I have to say, “Really guys, how long are we going to do this?” 

Don’t get me wrong, I am the most social person of my marriage and understand that we all have people that we like to see and hang out with.  We’ve been asked to limit social interactions, “Shelter in place”, for two weeks and we cannot comply.  Meanwhile, I have parents at high risk, family members that have to go into a hospital to not only assist but themselves at risk, yet even I have not totally committed to “sheltering in place.”  I mean, ‘I feel fine’, ‘people just need to learn how to wash their hands’, ‘stop coughing and sneezing on others.’  Here’s what I had to realize… a cough and congestion doesn’t impact me in the same way it does my mother.  She is impacted two times worse than anything that I may be impacted by; my grandmother is five times worse.  So, if I care about my mom or my grandmother being okay during this time, I need to sit my tail down and just wait.  Allow people smarter and more focused to find a solution to this pandemic. 

They’ve asked for two weeks.  I guess my question is… If you are at home and feel that you cannot be there with whomever is there for two weeks, are you sure you’re in the right place?

Take heed and stay out these streets!

Quote of the Day

“Do or do not.  There is no try.”

-Yoda

Stories of Our Lives

Music can be so powerful.  If I think about the music I listen to that impacts me most, it is the story (the song) that moves me.  Songs are stories, stories describing something important to either the vocalist or the songwriter.  The story that they felt needed to be told.  Music, songs, beats…. They all touch us differently, the commonality.  The commonality is that they touched us in a way that draws us in, turns us away, makes us feel, makes us think, or simply release much that has been inside of us. 

How can a simple song do all of that? My immediate response… it’s an ingenious ability of the creator.  To be able to mix the right words, sounds and beats to invoke an emotion (whatever it is) is absolutely amazing.  My secondary response… whomever wrote this piece and I experienced something so similar that it triggered a powerful response in me.  While I may express my response via another medium (perhaps writing), we mare connected through this song that made me feel so deeply.

I guess the bigger question is what story is most important to me.  Have I gotten out what I need to about it?

Quote of the Day

“I wish you’d listen harder to the songs I play because the lyrics speak the words that I fail to say”

-Unknown

Why Not Try It?

Open is the choice today and the first thing that popped in my mind was, ‘what’s the harm in trying it out.’  Many times, we close ourselves off to new things, ideas, and opportunities simply because it is unfamiliar to us and those we know.  

Don’t get me wrong stepping outside of the norm isn’t always an easy thing; it can be scary, unnerving, and uncertain.  On the flip-side, it can be rewarding, eye-opening and something that changes your path forever.

Opportunities to be open to something different present themselves every day, from trying out a cheese you’ve never had to deciding to wade through waters in caves.  Don’t miss the chance to find something new you enjoy.

Quote of the Day

“When you become comfortable with uncertainty, infinite possibilities open up in your life”

-Eckhart Tolle

Happy New Year! (Yep, better late than never!)

I’ve been writing this post since the turn of the New Year.  2019 was a fabulous year and I was torn on how best to share.  Since it is the last day of January, I figured if I was going to share, I’d better do it now.

As we mature, we learn that there are several reasons that people do and say many things and we must understand their intent and motive.  As such, Jamie and I often don’t share things because we just don’t like people to ‘piss on our parade’.  However, we have several things to be thankful for, to get excited about, and to just talk about with those that matter to us.  And this year, I am sharing regardless of the reaction of others.  I guess the point is we can’t keep letting negativity win out.  In most situations, you must exude the behavior you want to see; this is true inmost aspects of life, relationships, work, spirituality. 

We expect a lot out of 2020 so get ready!  I’m sure I missed something, but these are the things that occurred in 2019 that we are extremely thankful for and hold dear.

• Jamie got promoted
• With total and full support from his leadership team – Woohoo!
• All student loans paid
• Think several years of schooling and most paid for via loans (for 2 people)
• Traveled to Hawaii twice in one year
• Started to rebuild some broken relationships
• Didn’t go as planned but I accomplished a goal and have experienced some promising results
• Got the remaining windows in the house replaced
• Ahhhh, heating and cooling systems are much more efficient now 😊
• The LA Rams made it to the freakin’ Super Bowl
• What?  I’ve been watching this team for at least 17 years
• Finally created and sent Christmas cards
• I’ve been doing this since our first year of marriage (yes, we been married 16 years)
• Started to exercise routinely
• Although I kick and scream each time, I’m doing it
• Read more than 25 books
• Yes, of course, many of them a quick romance reads!  Mind ya’ business!  😊
• Joined a women’s network
• And I am actually participating  
• Our second oldest niece spent the summer in Spain
• Started using a paper (hard copy) planner
• Strangely enough, this was a goal. Though, I still use both, this has been a great help
• One of my good friends got married
• She and I have been through a loot over the years with men and in our relationship.  I am so crazily happy for her
• Our good friends (family really) finalized the adoption of the most beautiful little girl in the world
• They were truly the only parents she's known
• Found a new community organization to support

Quote of the Day

"Please don't kill my reasons of happiness if you can't be one"

-Akash Thakur

Feedback: Supportive or Spiteful?

Wow!  In my attempt to let go of some entirely separate things this week, I stumbled upon a conversation about feedback (or honesty).  It’s an interesting situation to request feedback on one thing and receive an onslaught of unsolicited feedback about something totally separate.

It’s interesting to be provided feedback of not being self-aware and unable to receive feedback, when no evidence is presented to support the accusation.  The most disappointing part of the ‘feedback’ is that it came from someone to whom I’ve shared insecurities, negative feedback, and unsolicited commentary.  To receive unsupported feedback like that from someone you trust feels spiteful and intent on purposely hurting me.  So, for me, it feels like commentary meant to either put me in my place or destroy my confidence.  Let me take a step the feedback came with a promise to point it out when it happens in the future.  I realize that I am not all-knowing, but I thought the purpose of feedback was to identify a concern about a behavior or completion of specific tasks with the goal of future improvement.    

How do you come back from that?

I serve as an ear to many people both professionally and personally and I love it.  I enjoy being the person that people feel comfortable enough to just let go of things that they are carrying on their heart.  Being an ear and a confidant, I understand that honesty is hard to swallow especially if given in the wrong way.  Knowing this, I try to be mindful of who I am and how I respond to anyone requesting feedback.  I like literally had three such conversations this week.  In each one, the feedback was requested, I considered the person receiving the feedback, stated that the feedback was my perspective then gave the best possible response in a respectful manner.  Point is, I try to be mindful of my commentary with EVERYONE with whom I converse. 

I needed to write tonight so I could release and while I feel like I have let go of some older things.  There are new things to address.  NO need for cursing or even holding on to this one; it’s feedback to do with whatever I choose.  I just hope that as we provide such feedback, we not only formulate supporting examples, but we self-reflect on the feedback as well.  Thanks, back into my headspace I go!

Quote of the Day

“Everyone is a genius.  But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree.  It will live its whole life believing it is stupid.”

-Albert Einstein