I am privileged. As a white, straight, middle class Midwestern woman I have not had to fight to gain access to my rights or many of the opportunities that I have accessed. Honestly, I have no idea what it is like to be discriminated against based on factors far beyond my control. This is my … Continue reading Priviledge requires listening.
Jeff in his designated spot with his designated best human. Jeff is one of those accidental cats. He just kind of appeared on our little farm and decided we were his home. He was tiny, adorable, and the kids found him first... and named him Jeffery Albert Batman, Jeff for short. He wasn't going anywhere. … Continue reading Jeff the cat, provider of love, laughs, and teacher of empathy.
Let's just be honest here...
Passion is a motivator. Pursuing a passion is supposed to be one of the greatest accomplishments in a lifetime. When reading obituaries it is common to read about what passions helped to shape and fulfill the life of the person lost. Passion is what forces action, compassion, and change. However, it is important to remember … Continue reading Burnout is a bitch.
Christmas is full of planning, stress, and obligations. The anxiety of the day can take over rather quickly. The distractions of the holiday details can blur your view of what is truly important. Many times this holiday season I have found myself worrying about preparing to have a perfect day. I worry my children will … Continue reading Presence Not PresentsÂ
I randomly discovered an hour of time. The littlest kids were asleep and the oldest wouldn't be home from school for a bit. The laundry was done, dinner was cooking, and the cleanliness of the house would probably pass a CPS inspection. This was a true hour when I could do anything I wanted. I … Continue reading Being a mom has made me boring.
There are days that are more emotionally taxing than others. We've all been in an emotionally vulnerable frame of mind that leaves us exhausted. For me, today was one of those days. Emotional vulnerability is not something I am comfortable with. I prefer to keep my emotions tight-lipped. Honestly, I'd rather have a colonoscopy than … Continue reading Tonight I cried in front of my kids.
You find a seat, pull out your notebook, new pen, and you are stocked with caffeine. You are ready to absorb knowledge. Then the scenario begins to shift. The speaker begins to introduce themselves... on a personal level. You take a deep breath and prepare yourself for what is to come. Then it happens, you … Continue reading Ice Breakers: The biggest nope of all.
Written by Shasta Westaby Edited by RNplusmommy May 16th, 2017 was a day that turned the lives of so many upside down. Seriously, a damn tornado flipped my community. 83-miles of damaged homes, barns, crops, woods, businesses. It was and is overwhelming. I won't minimize my anxiety over storm season but I get to remember … Continue reading A tornado was my wind of change: Seriously, it took a freaking tornado.
Tired Not Dead 