Check out “Life Lately,” where I mix personal updates with professional insights. I’ve learned having things to look forward to boosts my mood — both at work and on the homefront.
Here we are…two months into the new year already!? Amidst the daily grind and the world’s relentless news cycle, I stumbled upon a quote from @womanceosayings that reminded me that sometimes it’s the small things that can be our sanity savers.
“Romanticize your life, take pretty pictures, feel like the main character, light up a candle, read books, go for a walk, dance to your favorite music, buy yourself presents, do whatever you want, be happy—this is your life, don’t let anyone take it from you.”
I’ve realized just how much having little things to look forward to has provided a mood boost in both my work and personal life. Here’s a round up of some of the highlights so far…
Work Highlights
Back in October, I bid on two mentor sessions through the Microsoft GIVE campaign with some formidable women leaders. They both did not disappoint!
January: Kicked off the new year with a 2-hour lunch (yes, you read that right—2 whole hours!) with Sydne Mullings and a couple of other lovely women at a cool restaurant on campus called Ingredients. Sydne, who was just featured as one of 50 Inspirational Black Women in Marketing was so generous with her time and offered to meet with us again in March.
February: Switched gears to a virtual session with Alysa Taylor, Kelly Soligon, and fellow bidders. Different format but just as valuable – it was an opportunity to make new connections and get a backstage pass to valuable insights. They even sent us goodie bags ahead of the session which was such a fun surprise.
Marketing Learning Summit: Braved the snowy weather that hit Redmond for a day full of learning and networking. It was also a great week to meet our wonderful new general manager in person!
Happy Hour at Black Bottle, Bellevue WA: Met with my team to connect in person at Black Bottle to brainstorm professional development topics to invest in our growth throughout the year. Excited about bringing in guest speakers who will help us sharpen skills and elevate our career journeys.
Family Highlights
Visit with Mia in Vancouver, BC: After my work trip, I ventured further north to spend a long weekend with Mia in Vancouver, BC. I got a tour of her new digs, we hit a film festival, and I soaked in her Canadian lifestyle. The long drive back was tough but worth it to have that special time experiencing her college life in BC.
Dylan’s Adventures: Dylan was fortunate to be invited to Mt. Hood with a friend for a snowy weekend, where he discovered a new love for skiing. He then wrapped up his first and last high school swim season where he competed in districts. We’re planning one last hurrah in Hawaii for his final spring break as a high school senior.
Friend Highlights
Valentine’s Lunch for Senior Moms: Honored to join a Valentine’s Day lunch hosted by talented friend Jill Baricevic, who, despite her own health hurdles, kept up her tradition of gathering Senior moms to celebrate this upcoming graduation milestone. Bittersweet for sure but so grateful to Jill for not only opening up her home for such a beautiful gathering but for the lovely community of moms I’ve been blessed to get to know through the years.
Birthday Bash at The Headliners: Celebrated my friend Connie’s birthday with a night out at a 80’s inspired concert in Lake Oswego—great music and even greater company!
LinkedIn Webinar Wisdom: Caught a LinkedIn webinar by my talented friend Bill Dolan, packed with nuggets of wisdom about living life with purpose and meaning.
That’s a Wrap
If you have tips on keeping the positive vibes going, I’d love to hear them! I find that intentionally planning energizing activities and staying open to spontaneous opportunities really helps. Let’s keep those good vibes flowing!
thanks for reading xx
