Still in the Thick of It… but Looking Ahead

I’ll be honest—I’m still feeling the burnout.

If you read my post in April, you already know I’ve been running on empty for a while now. I was hoping that by the time May rolled around, things might ease up a bit… but instead, the calendar seems to have filled itself right back up again. Between rehearsals, planning, and everything that comes with band season wrapping up, May and June are shaping up to be just as full—if not more so—than the past few months.

It’s a strange place to be—knowing you need rest, actively wanting rest, but still having so many meaningful responsibilities that require your time, energy, and heart. The work is important to me. The music is important to me. But that doesn’t magically make the exhaustion disappear.

That said, there is something on the horizon that I’m holding onto.

Later this month, Jeff and I are heading to Branson to celebrate our birthdays. And this year feels a little extra significant—turning 50 is a milestone I’m still wrapping my head around. To make it even more special, we’ll be meeting up with my mom, stepdad, my brother, and my sister-in-law. It’s not often that we all get to step away from our routines and just be together, and I’m really looking forward to that.

I’m hoping this trip gives me a chance to breathe—to laugh, to rest, to reconnect, and maybe even to reset a little before diving back into everything waiting on the other side.

Because once we return, it’s full steam ahead into preparing for the Memorial Day Ceremony and our annual patriotic concert—two events that mean so much, but also require a lot of focus and energy.

So for now, I’m somewhere in between: still tired, still stretched thin—but also grateful for something joyful ahead.

Maybe that’s what this season is about… holding space for both.

Quiet Exhaustion

There’s a quiet kind of exhaustion that doesn’t always come with a clear cause. It’s not the dramatic, crash-and-burn burnout you can point to and say, “That’s it, that’s what did it.” It’s softer than that. Sneakier. It settles in over time until one day you realize you just… don’t feel like yourself.

That’s where I am right now.

I’ve been trying to pinpoint the reason, but the truth is, it’s probably not just one thing. Maybe it’s band commitments and the constant rhythm of rehearsals and performances. Maybe it’s work. Maybe it’s the steady hum of responsibilities at home. Or maybe it’s the layering of everything at once—helping plan a family reunion for the summer, organizing a milestone birthday trip, keeping all the moving pieces of life from slipping through the cracks.

Individually, these are all good things. Meaningful things. Things I care about.

But together? They’re a lot.

Lately, I’ve noticed a shift. The motivation that usually comes so naturally has been harder to find. The excitement I typically feel for projects and plans has been replaced with a kind of emotional fatigue. It’s not that I don’t want to care—I just don’t seem to have the energy to engage the way I normally do.

And yet, there’s this one small thread keeping me grounded: planning next year’s bullet journal.

It’s funny how something so simple can feel like a lifeline. Sitting down and mapping out pages, themes, trackers, and ideas for the future gives me a sense of control and creativity that I’ve been missing elsewhere. It’s forward-looking without being overwhelming. It’s structured, but still personal. In a season where everything feels like “too much,” it’s one thing that feels just right.

At the same time, I’ve been consistent with my writing journal—something I’m quietly proud of. Every day, I’ve shown up to the page. Some days it’s just words, other days it’s layered with bits of junk journaling—scraps, textures, little pieces of life tucked into the margins. It’s become less about documenting and more about processing. Less about perfection and more about presence.

Maybe that’s part of the lesson here.

Not everything needs to be solved immediately. Not every feeling needs a clear explanation. Sometimes burnout isn’t a signal to overhaul your life—it’s a signal to slow down, to soften expectations, to find the small things that still bring a sense of calm or clarity.

I do think there’s relief on the horizon. When the concert season wraps up, when the birthday trip is behind me, when the reunion has come and gone—I imagine I’ll feel some of that weight lift. Not because those things are burdens, but because they’re temporary peaks in an already full landscape.

For now, I’m trying to give myself permission to exist in this in-between space. To keep showing up where I can, to rest where I need to, and to hold onto the small rituals that make me feel like myself.

Even if that’s just a pen, a page, and a plan for what comes next. 

Two Years Later: My Bullet Journal Journey

Back in January 2024, I wrote about my fascination with bullet journaling and junk journaling — the aesthetics, the creative possibilities, the relaxing feeling of designing spreads and adding stickers and die cuts. At the time, my journals were mostly unused, and I felt guilty for not having the time to commit to them.

A year later, I’m happy to report some progress: I finally found the time to create a bullet journal that I consistently fill in every month. I’m now in my second year of journaling, and the difference is remarkable.

I’ve learned what works for me: which spreads I actually use, which decorations enhance my pages without overwhelming them, and what I want to track versus what I can skip. My design has improved, I’m more intentional about my layouts, and I’ve embraced the balance between aesthetics and functionality. It’s no longer a source of guilt — it’s become a creative habit I genuinely enjoy.

Looking back, I see the first year as a learning period — figuring out what I wanted, what I could realistically do, and how to integrate it into my busy life. This year, journaling feels like a reward rather than a task. It’s become my little corner of calm and creativity amidst a busy schedule of work, travel, band activities, and family life.

Bullet journaling has shown me that even small, consistent efforts can grow into something meaningful and beautiful. And while I still admire junk journaling, I’ve found a rhythm that works for me — one page at a time, one month at a time, and with a lot less guilt along the way.

When the Office Feels Uncertain

There’s a different kind of quiet that settles over an office during a round of layoffs.

It’s not the normal hum of focused work. It’s the quiet of uncertainty. The kind where conversations get softer, inbox notifications feel heavier, and everyone seems to be wondering the same thing without saying it out loud.

This week, several people I know were let go. It has impacted our local office directly. Last year’s merger brought together two companies with overlapping roles, and now it appears the organization is trimming duplicated positions. From a business standpoint, I understand the logic. From a human standpoint, it’s harder to process.

Layoffs create an invisible tension. You find yourself wanting to keep your head down, avoid attention, dodge every possible “bullet.” There’s an instinct to hide — to just do your job quietly and hope your name never comes up in a conversation you’re not part of.

But here’s the hard truth: hiding doesn’t actually bring peace.

What it does bring is anxiety. It shifts focus from doing meaningful work to self-preservation. It makes you question your value, replay conversations in your head, and measure every interaction.

The reality is that mergers often come with restructuring. Duplicate positions are reviewed. Roles are evaluated. Decisions are made in rooms most of us will never sit in. And while it’s easy to internalize those decisions, they are rarely personal.

Still, that doesn’t make watching colleagues pack up their desks any easier.

Moments like this force you to reflect. On your contributions. On your adaptability. On your resilience. They remind you that while job titles can change, your skills, experience, and work ethic travel with you.

Uncertainty tests us. It reveals whether we will shrink or steady ourselves.

Right now, I’m choosing to steady myself.

To keep showing up.

To keep doing good work.

To support the people still here.

To trust that whatever happens next, I am capable of navigating it.

Because while layoffs may be outside my control, how I respond to them isn’t.

And sometimes courage isn’t loud. Sometimes it’s simply continuing to show up when the ground feels shaky.

When the Storm Passes, the Work Doesn’t

Last month’s storm has come and gone, but I’m only now starting to feel just how much it took out of me.

When the weather first hit, it was clear things were going to be messy. What I didn’t fully realize at the time was the scale of it all. I found out today that the storm affected 11 different warehouses across the country at the company I work for. That meant a constant stream of moving parts behind the scenes — rerouting, rescheduling, problem-solving on the fly — all while waiting for roads to reopen and conditions to be safe enough to move again.

Once the roads did open, the real scramble began. Deliveries had to happen when and where they could, which meant over a week of off-schedule, special deliveries layered on top of already full workloads. Long days blurred into longer nights, and the extra hours quietly stacked up. You push through because the job needs to get done, the stores are waiting, and people are counting on you — but eventually, your body and mind start sending reminders that they’ve been running on empty.

I’m feeling that now.

The stress didn’t just stay at work, either. It followed me home, into my sleep, into the quiet moments where you expect to finally relax but can’t quite shut your brain off. I’m proud of the work we did and the way the team showed up under pressure, but it’s okay to admit that it came at a cost.

That’s why I’m really holding onto this coming weekend.

A friend and I are heading to San Antonio for the TMEA convention, and I’m hoping it does what it usually does — gives my brain a reset. TMEA is always a bright spot: great music, inspiring performances, and the chance to reconnect with community band friends I only get to see once a year. There’s something grounding about being around people who share your passion and remind you why you love what you do outside of the day-to-day grind.

I don’t expect all the stress to magically disappear, but I’m hopeful that a few days surrounded by music, laughter, and familiar faces will help me breathe again. Sometimes recovery doesn’t mean stopping completely — it just means stepping into a space that reminds you who you are beyond the chaos.

Here’s to rest, reconnection, and letting the storm finally pass. 

Bracing for Winter...The Stupid Storm This Weekend

This weekend’s weather forecast has been sitting heavy with me.

A large winter storm is expected to impact much of the country, and here in Texas, the words that keep popping up are the ones that make my stomach tighten: freezing rain, ice, prolonged cold. The timeline — Saturday evening into Sunday — feels uncomfortably familiar.

I’ve done what I can to prepare. I made sure we have food, water, batteries, blankets. Phones and backup chargers are ready. Faucets are wrapped and cabinets are open. On paper, we’re as prepared as we reasonably can be.

And yet… I’m still nervous.

If you live in Texas, you probably understand why. Winter storms hit differently here. They don’t just bring cold weather — they bring memories. For many of us, 2021 is still very close to the surface. The uncertainty, the long nights without power, the feeling of being unprepared by systems that were supposed to protect us. That experience permanently changed how I watch winter forecasts.

So when I see people panic-buying at grocery stores again, it doesn’t surprise me — but it does make me sad. Fear spreads fast, and once it takes hold, logic tends to fall behind. Empty shelves don’t make storms safer; they just make communities more anxious.

What worries me most, though, is the power grid.

I want to believe that ERCOT is ready. I want to trust the reassurances that things are different now, that lessons were learned. But trust is hard to rebuild once it’s been broken. And when freezing rain enters the picture — coating power lines, stressing infrastructure — it’s hard not to imagine extended outages, even if they’re isolated.

I don’t think this storm will necessarily be a repeat of 2021. I hope it won’t be. But hope doesn’t erase concern, and being honest about that feels important. Preparation doesn’t mean fear — it means respect for the reality that winter weather in Texas can be unpredictable and unforgiving.

Right now, my plan is simple:

Stay home if possible. Stay informed. Stay calm.

And most importantly, stay connected — to neighbors, to loved ones, to the idea that we get through these things better when we don’t let panic take over.

If you’re feeling uneasy too, you’re not overreacting. You’re responding to lived experience. Do what you can, take a breath, and remember that preparation is power — not fear.

Here’s hoping this weekend passes quietly, the lights stay on, and the ice melts quickly. But if it doesn’t, at least we’re facing it with eyes open.

Stay warm. Stay safe. 💙

Making Space for the New Year

The calendar may flip to January with fireworks and fanfare, but for me, the new year doesn’t truly begin until things get quiet.

I work for a company that supplies product to grocery stores, which means Thanksgiving and Christmas aren’t just holidays—they’re the busiest, most demanding time of the year. When most people are planning meals, hosting family, and enjoying time off, we’re working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure shelves are stocked and stores are ready. It’s rewarding work, but there’s no denying that it takes a toll. By the time Christmas passes, I’m usually running on fumes.

So when the holiday rush finally comes to an end, the focus shifts from deadlines and delivery schedules to something just as important: recovery.

My husband and I have built a tradition of taking the first week of January off. It’s our way of pressing pause after months of go-go-go. In past years, that often meant getting out of town for a few days—a change of scenery, a hotel room, and the mental reset that comes with leaving everyday life behind.

This year looks a little different.

Instead of packing bags and heading elsewhere, we’ve decided to stay home and embrace a quiet week together. No alarms. No schedules. No expectations beyond rest and connection. And honestly, that feels exactly right.

There’s something deeply comforting about choosing stillness after chaos. About letting your nervous system catch up. About waking up slowly, sharing coffee, taking walks, watching movies, and simply being present with the person who’s been right there beside you through every stressful moment of the year.

This week at home isn’t about productivity or resolutions. It’s about decompressing. About giving ourselves permission to be tired. About acknowledging that we made it through the busiest season of the year and deserve time to recoup—mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Getting ready for the new year doesn’t always mean jumping straight into goal-setting or self-improvement. Sometimes it means rest. Sometimes it means quiet mornings and early nights. Sometimes it means choosing togetherness over travel and simplicity over plans.

I know that once work ramps up again, the pace will return. It always does. But starting the year with intention—by honoring the need to slow down—feels like a gift we’re giving ourselves.

As January unfolds, I’m hopeful, refreshed, and grateful. Not because everything is perfectly organized or planned, but because we took the time to breathe. And for me, that’s the best possible way to step into a new year.

Chasing Christmas: So Many Outings, So Little Time

 Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. There’s something about the lights, the music, the traditions, and the collective permission to slow down just enough to enjoy something magical. In recent years, though, the holiday season has transformed into something even bigger—an ever-growing list of experiences, exhibits, performances, and events that make December feel less like a month and more like a full-blown festival season.

And honestly? I love it.

This year especially, it felt like everywhere I turned, there was another holiday outing calling my name.

One of the most meaningful moments of the season came when a friend and I finally checked something off my bucket list that had been sitting there for years: A Christmas Carol. Seeing it performed live was everything I hoped it would be—timeless, heartfelt, and deeply nostalgic. There’s a reason this story has endured for generations. Sitting in the audience, wrapped in the familiar themes of redemption, generosity, and second chances, felt like stepping into the very heart of Christmas itself.

That same day, we leaned into the holiday spirit a bit more casually with a visit to the “A Classic Christmas” exhibit at Katy Mills Mall. It was festive, charming, and a reminder that sometimes holiday magic shows up in unexpected places. Between the decorations and the cheerful atmosphere, it felt like another small but meaningful way to celebrate the season.

Not to be outdone, my husband and I made time for the Light Park exhibit at Katy Mills Mall, and it quickly became one of my favorite outings of the year. There’s something uniquely joyful about experiencing Christmas lights together—windows down, music playing, surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights synchronized to the season. It felt cozy, romantic, and wonderfully simple, the kind of memory that lingers long after the decorations come down.

On a quieter note, I also made a trip to Bayou Bend to see the Christmas Village, which offered a completely different kind of holiday experience. Stepping into that space felt like stepping back in time. The craftsmanship, history, and attention to detail created a peaceful, reflective atmosphere—one that reminded me that Christmas isn’t only about spectacle, but also about tradition and storytelling.

Even with all of that, I still ran out of time.

I had every intention of attending Dickens on the Strand, experiencing Drunk Christmas Carol, and visiting Artechouse Houston’s Holiday Special exhibit, but December had other plans. The calendar filled up faster than I expected, and suddenly the season was winding down before I could do it all. And yet, that seems to be the new reality of Christmas—there’s simply more to choose from than ever before.

Beyond my own outings, Houston itself seemed to glow with holiday energy. The Houston Zoo’s Christmas setup continues to be a seasonal favorite, while Santa’s Wonderland offers an immersive, larger-than-life experience that feels straight out of a Christmas movie. Add in pop-up markets, themed bars, concerts, and neighborhood events, and it’s clear that the city fully embraces the season.

While part of me wishes I could squeeze in every single event, another part of me appreciates that I don’t have to. The abundance of holiday experiences means there’s always something new to look forward to next year—and that the magic doesn’t disappear just because I missed a few things.

Christmas isn’t about doing everything. It’s about choosing moments that bring joy, connection, and meaning—and this season delivered all of that in spades. Even if I didn’t see it all, I felt it all. And that’s what makes Christmas my favorite time of year, no matter how busy it gets.

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! 

Tornados...Tornados Everywhere

Yesterday, my phone began blowing up with weather notifications. I picked up my phone to look, and two different apps were sending notifications to seek shelter. Like RIGHT NOW. That's unusual - as I'm normally only getting a notice from the pushes to my phone (i.e. the Amber Alerts). But the actual weather app was now also pinging my phone.

The notices said there was eminent (extreme) danger and to seek shelter immediately, as there was a tornado warning in effect. I've gotten tornado warnings before, but never to this degree. So, I did as any normal person from the Texas Panhandle does, and I went outside to look. 

Sure enough, just to the south of our house was a tornado. It was forming, but I could absolutely make out that it was a tornado. It was traveling northeast, so it ended up going just to the east of us, in an open field just past the houses to our left. I could see debris flying up as it was getting closer to us.

I ran inside and woke Jeff up (he sleeps during the day as he works overnight), and made sure he was dressed, and in the hallway for safety. We both looked outside once again, and the tornado had passed us at that point, and was continuing to go east. We found out that two different neighborhoods not far from us were hit pretty hard (Sunterra and Winward). 

The storm carrying this tornado continued on, and the tornado itself bounced around all the way to Beaumont, and possibly beyond! I stopped tracking it when the storm crossed over the Beaumont area.

This marks the second time this year that there has been a tornado very close to our neighborhood. In May 2024, there was a tornado in the fields across FM 529 from us, making its way to Cypress. That tornado did some major damage to some transformers and towers near the FedEx depot at Grand Parkway and West Rd. It also took down some of the power lines along FM 529, leaving our neighborhood without electricity for several days. 

Jeff and I went to stay with my mom and step dad after that one, because they still had power. It was crazy because we could follow the path of destruction of that tornado all the way from Bellville past our neighborhood in Katy!

Speaking of spiraling cones of wind, we also made it through Hurricane Beryl in June. The eye of the hurricane went directly over our neighborhood. We kept electricity through most of it! 

The only damage we took from the two tornados and the hurricane was needing some shingles repaired after the hurricane. We've been quite lucky this year!