Balancing Holiday Chaos

Every year, as the air gets colder and the stores start playing Christmas music way too early, I’m reminded that the holidays are equal parts magic and madness. And if you work in an industry that deals with Thanksgiving week deliveries, you know exactly what I mean.

The Thanksgiving Delivery Shuffle

The week of Thanksgiving is like the Super Bowl of logistics. Customers expect fully stocked shelves, grocery stores need every product on time, and the universe seems determined to make schedules as complicated as possible. Holiday hours shift, trucks run at unusual times, and everyone is trying to adjust for a week where everything has to be squeezed into fewer working days.

It’s a puzzle every single year — one missing piece and suddenly a store is short on essentials, or a delivery gets bumped, or someone ends up working a 12-hour day to get turkeys, rolls, and pie crusts where they need to go.

But still, we make it happen. Somehow. Even if it means spending way too much time staring at a calendar and trying to convince yourself that Wednesday absolutely does not count as a full workday.

And Then There’s My Personal Calendar…

As if the professional chaos isn’t enough, the social side of the holidays kicks in around the same time. From early November through New Year’s, my weekends are essentially gone — booked solid with outings, dinners, gatherings, celebrations, traditions, and the occasional event I forgot about until my phone buzzed with a reminder.

Don’t get me wrong: I love seeing people, celebrating, and making memories. But when every single weekend is spoken for, it becomes a little harder to find those quiet pockets of time — the ones where you can breathe, reset, or just sit on the couch and do nothing without feeling guilty.

Trying to Carve Out Time for Myself

Somewhere between rearranging delivery schedules and RSVPing to yet another holiday get-together, I’ve realized how easy it is to lose track of my own needs this time of year. It’s like the season demands constant motion — and I’m just trying to keep up.

So this year, I’m making a point to intentionally block out time for myself. Even if it’s small. Even if it’s just an evening. Even if it means saying “not this time” to an event I would normally go to.

Because the holidays should be enjoyed, not just survived.

If You’re Feeling the Same Way…

You’re not alone. Everyone who works in a time-sensitive industry, or who juggles work and family and social expectations during the holidays, knows the struggle of trying to make everything fit.

Here’s to getting the deliveries done, showing up for the people we care about, and still remembering to show up for ourselves.

The Craziness Has Started....

As soon as October rolls around, life shifts into high gear. The holidays come with plenty of joy, but they also bring a season of planning, performing, and participating — all before there’s even time to take a deep breath.

Mastering the Holiday Delivery Maze

For me, the season starts with weeks of preparation to ensure our holiday delivery schedules for grocery stores stay within acceptable limits. It’s a puzzle with a hundred shifting pieces: adjusting for shortened workweeks, confirming product availability, coordinating driver routes, and making sure every store gets exactly what it needs—exactly when it needs it.

It’s satisfying work, but it’s also the type that keeps you up at night mentally checking off lists you haven’t even written yet. Every detail matters, because holiday shoppers don’t slow down, and shelves definitely can’t afford to be empty.

Music Amid the Chaos

Then there’s the part of my life that brings me joy in a totally different way: performing in a community band concert. Rehearsals, set lists, last-minute changes, and the nerves that sneak in right before stepping on stage — it’s all part of the experience.

Music has a way of grounding me, even when everything else feels chaotic. That moment when the lights go up and the first note rings out? It makes every hectic day leading up to it worth it.

Fundraising Season in Full Swing

On top of that, this time of year seems to be a magnet for fundraising events. Whether I’m volunteering, organizing, or supporting the cause, I seem to find myself woven into multiple functions before I even realize how crowded my calendar has become.

They’re meaningful, and I take pride in doing my part — but let’s just say my weekends have officially been spoken for until further notice.

Making Space for Myself

Somewhere between drafting delivery timelines, rehearsing music, and helping support big causes, I’ve had to remind myself that finding time for me isn’t optional — it’s necessary.

So I’m learning to carve out small pockets of breathing room. A quiet hour with a book. A walk without a schedule. A night where I say “no” without guilt. These little resets help me show up fully for everything else I care about.

The Balancing Act Continues

The holiday season will probably always be a whirlwind for me — full of behind-the-scenes work, meaningful commitments, and unforgettable moments. And while it can feel overwhelming at times, it’s also a season that reminds me of community, purpose, and the importance of taking care of myself along the way.

Here’s to balancing it all — one schedule, one concert, one event, and one quiet moment at a time. 

Go Lives and Wine

If I had to sum up the past month in one word, it would be: chaos.

Between work, vacation planning, and life in general, it feels like I’ve been juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle. At work, we’ve got a huge project go-live happening very soon. On its own, that would be enough to keep me busy—but of course, the universe decided to pile on a few more things.

One of our warehouses is closing, which means deliveries have to be rerouted out of another location. Sounds simple enough… until you realize that means creating dummy routes, moving stores from one billing to another, and rewriting the rulebook (a.k.a. the SOP) so everything runs smoothly. Basically, I’ve had my hands in every detail, and let me tell you—my brain has been living in spreadsheets and routing maps for weeks.

To add to the adventure, several coworkers have been out on vacation. So while I’m over here wrangling routes and timelines, I’m also covering for the people who are sipping margaritas on a beach somewhere. (No hard feelings, but I’ll remember this when it’s my turn!)

And here’s the kicker: the go-live date is the exact same day my husband and I leave for our own vacation. Talk about timing. We’re hitting the road right - driving across five states for a Food and Wine Festival to celebrate our anniversary. Honestly, I think that’s what’s been keeping me sane. Every time work gets overwhelming, I remind myself: “Okay, just get through go-live, and then it’s food, wine, and relaxation.”

So yes, this month has been busy, stressful, and a little wild. But I’m also excited. Excited to see the project finally launch, and even more excited to grab my husband, load up the car, and head out for a week of adventure (and maybe a glass or two of something really good).

Here’s to go-live weekends and anniversary road trips!

Refilling the Creative Well

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had some much-needed opportunities to reconnect with my creative side—and it’s been so refreshing.

It started with a visit to an art installation in Houston with a friend. The exhibit was incredible—an immersive blend of science, technology, and art that really sparked something in me. I shared photos and videos with my mom, and she loved them so much that I ended up going back, this time bringing her and one of her friends along for the experience. It was just as magical the second time.

That same friend and I also caught a live performance of Weird Al and Puddles Pity Party in The Woodlands, which was as entertaining and quirky as you'd expect. A perfect mix of humor, music, and theatrical flair.

And most recently, I spent a full day at a retreat for the community band I play with—and also serve on the board for. It was a full day of music, collaboration, and connecting with other musicians. Exhausting in the best way.

All in all, it’s been a creatively rich few weeks, and I’m so grateful. Sometimes you don’t realize how much you need that kind of outlet until you dive back into it.

Summer Busy times!

Summer always has a strange rhythm, doesn’t it? It speeds up and slows down at the same time. For me, things have definitely shifted into a faster gear—especially at work. For those who don’t know, I work in the grocery industry, coordinating delivery plans to make sure stores are stocked and running smoothly. And when summer hits, so does the hustle.

Vacations, cookouts, holiday weekends...they all mean more planning behind the scenes to keep things moving. Lately, I’ve been juggling delivery schedules like puzzle pieces—making sure everything fits, even when it feels like the pieces keep changing shape.

With the extra busyness at work, it’s actually been a good time for our community band to take a little break—we’re officially on hiatus until August. I already miss the weekly rehearsals, the laughter during warmups, and the joy of making music with friends. But I know we’ll come back refreshed and ready to play when the new season kicks off. In the meantime, it’s nice to have a little space to breathe.

I’ve still been carving out time to see friends—grabbing dinner, catching up, laughing a lot. It’s funny how even a simple patio meal or a spontaneous evening out can work like a reset button. No agenda, no expectations, just good food and better company.

I’m also trying—emphasis on trying—to keep stress from settling in too comfortably. That means getting outside when I can, saying yes to things that feed my energy, and giving myself permission to say no when I need space.

So that’s where I am this summer: working hard, slowing down when I can, and trying to be present for all the little moments in between.

Hope your summer is bringing you a mix of light, laughter, and maybe a little less screen time.

Trying to be a bit more professional...

I'd like to try to be a bit more professional in my blog posts, since this is not just a way for me to vent, but I know that others are reading through the posts as well! So, here goes nothing! My attempt at talking about our upcoming patriotic concert on Sunday, June 29th...

Behind the Scenes: Preparing for Our Patriotic Concert

As a board member of our community band—and someone who handles logistics for our concerts—I always look forward to this time of year. Our annual Patriotic Concert is one of our most cherished events, and this year, it’s happening on Sunday, June 29th at 4:00 PM at Holy Covenant United Methodist Church.

From rehearsals and stage diagrams to flag décor and making space for the community chorus—we’ve been busy.

Music, Community, and a Lot of Planning

This concert is more than just music; it’s a community celebration. That means coordinating not just our band members but also our community chorus, who will be singing with us on several selections. Adding singers to the mix always brings an extra level of excitement—and complexity.

We’ve worked hard to make sure everyone fits on the stage (which is no small task when you’re combining instrumentalists, vocalists, percussion gear, and patriotic bunting!). We’ve spent time adjusting our setup to ensure the band and chorus can perform together comfortably and with clear sightlines to the Music Director.

Rehearsals, and Red, White & Blue

Behind the scenes, we’ve been coordinating rehearsal schedules between the band and the chorus, and making sure our flag-themed decorations are ironed and ready to go. There’s something special about walking into a space draped in red, white, and blue—and we want every audience member to feel that sense of pride the moment they step through the door.

A Musical Tribute to Our Country

This year’s concert program includes a mix of stirring marches, reflective tributes, and classic patriotic favorites. From “America the Beautiful” to rousing Sousa pieces, it’s the kind of music that brings generations together. And with the voices of the community chorus added in, the experience becomes even more powerful.

Join Us!

If you’re in town, we’d love for you to join us. Admission is $11 person, and there’s no better way to kick off the Independence Day season than with live music, fellowship, and a celebration of the values we all share. Bring your friends, your family, and your love for music—we’ll take care of the rest.

Birthdays and PTSD

For years, I haven’t wanted to celebrate my birthday. Ever since my dad passed, the day has felt heavy—filled more with painful memories than joy. It’s hard to explain, but birthday wishes and well-meaning celebrations have sometimes triggered a kind of PTSD response in me. So I’ve mostly kept the day quiet, under the radar.

But this year was different.

My birthday happened to land on Memorial Day, and I spent it doing something meaningful: performing in a Memorial Day ceremony with the band I play with. The City of Sugar Land hosted the event, and they invited us to be part of the program. Jeff, Mom, and David came out to watch, which made it even more special.

And you know what? It was a good day. No stress, no anxiety—just music, remembrance, and a little bit of healing. 

Balancing Pasta and Pressure: Life Lately

Earlier this month, I had a much-needed evening out with a couple of friends. We discovered a unique Italian restaurant that had actual Fiat car parts incorporated into its décor—definitely not something you see every day! It made for a fun and memorable dining experience, and the food didn’t disappoint either. Those kinds of spontaneous nights out are always a great reminder to enjoy the lighter moments when you can.

On the work front, things have been far less relaxing.

We've had a couple of major projects roll out recently, and unfortunately, both ran into issues. The core problem? Key stakeholders weren’t looped in ahead of the changes, which led to confusion and miscommunication across teams. It’s been a frustrating situation—especially when you're trying to manage the chaos and still find yourself on the receiving end of the criticism.

One project, in particular, aimed to streamline operations by eliminating an estimated 25–30 delivery routes per week—a target we’re now successfully meeting. Ironically, the transportation director, who led that project and was informed of the planned reductions, is now concerned about having drivers without enough work. It’s one of those classic “cannot win for losing” moments.

Amidst the stress, there was a new opportunity for growth: leadership in action. Our department managers recently asked the supervisors to start leading our weekly meetings. I was the first one asked to step up. While public speaking isn't exactly in my comfort zone, I leaned into the challenge—and even added a little humor by creating nicknames for each of the supervisors based on the areas they oversee. It helped break the ice, and hopefully set a tone that the rest of the team will feel comfortable following.

It’s been a month of mixed experiences—some energizing, some draining—but all reminders of how unpredictable both work and life can be. I'm learning (and re-learning) that sometimes, a good meal and a laugh with friends can be just as important as meeting deadlines and running meetings.

Project Overload and Unclear Direction

It’s been a very active season at work, with several major projects moving through development and implementation phases. While I welcome the opportunity to take on new challenges, the process hasn’t been without its complications.

One of the more difficult aspects has been the sheer number of competing ideas and perspectives being brought to the table. Everyone seems eager to contribute their vision of how things should work—but unfortunately, many of those approaches have missed the mark when it comes to building a process that actually functions effectively.

As a result, both projects have experienced repeated delays. Now, we’re heading into a critical phase, with one project scheduled to go live this weekend and another shortly after. At this point, there’s still a lack of clear communication and direction across teams, which creates a lot of uncertainty heading into launch.

It’s hard to say how things will unfold—but like many in operations and logistics, I’m staying flexible, responsive, and ready to problem-solve in real time. Here’s hoping for smooth rollouts and a stronger sense of alignment moving forward.

When the Weather Doesn’t Follow the Rules

If the weather had a personality, you might say Houston’s has been feeling a little unpredictable lately.

This past January alone brought an unusual rollercoaster of conditions. We experienced two significant cold snaps, one of which was so intense it brought a rare sight—snow in Houston. In a region known more for humidity than flurries, seeing the ground dusted in white felt almost surreal. In between those cold spells, a tornado touched down, serving as a stark reminder that Gulf Coast winters aren’t always calm. And to cap off the month? We were suddenly basking in temperatures in the 80s, as if winter had been a brief, strange dream.

But January wasn’t an outlier—it was just the latest chapter in a year full of extreme events. Over the past 12 months, we’ve also seen:

• A second tornado, once again highlighting the increasing volatility in our local storm systems.

• A powerful spring storm that knocked out power across large parts of the city for several days, affecting schools, businesses, and daily life.

• And, of course, a hurricane that reminded us of the force of nature we always keep one eye on during the warmer months.

Each of these events on their own would be noteworthy. Taken together, they paint a picture of a climate that’s becoming less predictable and more extreme. For residents and businesses alike, it’s a growing challenge—how do you prepare for everything from snow to hurricanes, often within the same year?

As we move forward, it's clear that staying weather-aware isn’t just a good idea; it’s a necessity. Whether it’s investing in backup power solutions, updating emergency plans, or simply staying informed, adaptability is key. Because if the last year has taught us anything, it’s that Houston weather no longer plays by the old rules.

New Year New Travels New Weather

Jeff and I are finishing up our long holiday work weeks. We've been working mostly straight through since the middle of December. We'll soon be finished up and back on our regular schedules at work, but after we take a few days vacation to recoup, relax, and decompress after the busyness of the season. 

We have booked a room at a casino resort in Louisiana, but are also aware of a polar vortex heading our way around the same timeframe. While we are looking forward to getting away for a bit, we are taking extra precaution to secure the house for the freezing weather. 

Not something I wanted to plan for while trying to recoup and relax, but we will survive!