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 my life is not exempt from obstacles and challenges but I can thrive, learn, and have hope in the midst of them

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 buttered popcorn and binging on football with my husband. 

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 with my daughter who was one year old at the time

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 a time, clean up one area at a time, one day at a time. The biggest challenge: earning their trust and staying committed when obstacles overwhelm

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 access to cultural and educational opportunities, allowed my husband to complete law school and ultimately was the stepping stone to the job I have now.

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’ve started, smiling at a stranger, resist the urge to be judgmental.

What makes you nervous?

I despise conflict and arguing and when people are shouting over each other and going out of their way to be cruel.  It wears on my nerves if I am not successful as a peacemaker and achieving a resolution.