Author Archives: Elaine Sycks

What gives you direction in life? First and foremost, the Bible. It contains wisdom for daily living, encouragement when life is tough, reminders of peace in an anxious world. Then my husband who for 30 years has been able to give objective advice, steer me through difficult problems!

Do you have a quote you live your life by or think of often? “for I know the plans I have for you saith the Lord plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” I keep this written in several places as a reminder that myContinue reading “Jeremiah 29:11”

What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite? Hands down mine is Thanksgiving.  I love cooking a huge meal for my family and enjoying the annual traditions that are woven into the day.  Going around the table and focusing on what each of us is grateful for.  Making a huge batch of butteredContinue reading “Thanksgiving – great traditions, games and gratitude”

Have you ever been camping? Yes! My husband and I were church youth leaders a long time ago and we took 8 teens camping at Itasca State Park in Minnesota.  Lots of hilarity ensued trying to set up tents and cooking over a campfire.  I ended sleeping in the back seat of the van withContinue reading “8 teens in a van and a baby”

When do you feel most productive? It’s amazing how one product/beverage has become a universal symbol of jumpstarting a day, boosting the mid-afternoon slump etc.   Coffee gives me energy to hit the ground running or that second wind at work when the productivity train details

What are your favorite emojis? 😄 because I hope what I post brings a smile to someone’s day 🤦 because I work in retail …enough said 😡when discussing what’s going on in our world

What topics do you like to discuss? During my evening commute home, I love discussing the news of the day with my husband. Then when I get home, recapping the highlights of my kids’ day.  And I will discuss sports with anyone within earshot

When is the last time you took a risk? How did it work out? Great prompt.  I am currently in the middle of a big risk for which the jury is still out.  My company asked me to relocate from Colorado to Washington State and rehabilitate a store that was failing.  One project at aContinue reading “Caution: Risk still currently in progress”

Describe a risk you took that you do not regret. In 2011 my husband and I had a young family and were living in Minnesota in a small town of 3,000 people.  We made the decision to relocate north of Denver Colorado.  It was not without loneliness and struggles, but it gave my kids accessContinue reading “Trading the safe for the unknown”

Write about a time when you didn’t take action but wish you had. What would you do differently? I think for me it is not one huge overwhelming action, but daily following through on the small actions:  showing acts of kindness when the opportunity presents itself, following through on completing that book or project I’veContinue reading “Follow through/act/complete”