First jobs are not easy. But oh, the lessons we learn. As I have been observing my son’s journey with new jobs, it reminded me of my first job as well. In my Tribute to Dad on Veterans Day  blog, I mentioned that my first job was working for my dad, driving a wheat truck at harvest time. And…although I learned many lessons, a couple clearly stand out. I have to start with learning to drive. I didn’t learn to drive on a wheat truck; I actually learned in a pickup truck. I was

It’s hard to believe it’s almost here. It’s time to count down to the end of the year. Be thankful.   I ended one journey and started anew. I leaned into the uncomfortable, and I grew. Be thankful.   Intentional was the word that I chose for the year. I listed out people both far and near. Be thankful.   I connected with co-workers, friends, and family galore. I laughed, and I cried, and was ready for more. Be thankful.   Both baseball and son wound up High School years. In b

William "Bill" Louis Dale - US Marine Corps February 3, 2024 was the day my father, William “Bill” Louis Dale, left this earth. Although he physically left us, the numerous memories and life lessons learned along the way did not. Dad served in the United States Marine Corps from August 1951 to August 1953. He was eventually stationed at the Marine Air Facility in Santa Ana, California, and one of my favorite stories is of him telling me how he became a Marine. It was somewhat

About six years ago, my husband decided we needed to be more intentional about being grateful. He brought home a large jar. Cut up slips of paper, and encouraged us all to write something expressing our gratitude, and put it in the jar. Now, we started slow at first, and then through encouragement, each of us would think of something small, or an event would happen, and we would add our “gratefulness” or “gratitude” notes into the jar. Everyone participated - me, my husband,

Last week, I had a first. I attended the Disrupt HR Arizona event at the Scottsdale Boardwalk. Thank you to the committee members, sponsors, and, in particular, the speakers for a lively and entertaining evening. Here’s the big idea about DisruptHR if you aren’t familiar. People are selected to present. They pick a topic that is edgy, thought-provoking, or downright unconventional. Those chosen to speak have 5 minutes to present their topic. The Rules: 15 minutes per slide.

About 7 years ago, I had a layover in the DFW airport and was walking to find my gate for my next flight. Looking around for food on the way, I passed a very tall gentleman and immediately recognized him as Bill Walton (RIP, Bill)! I couldn’t believe it. My husband is a huge fan, so of course, I called him. He said to me, go get his autograph! To which I replied, an emphatic, NO, I’m not going to do that. That is so intrusive, and what if he says no! This past week, I attende

My husband and I recently started watching The Reluctant Traveler, staring Eugene Levy. It’s his journey to amazing locations around the globe learning about the local culture and most importantly challenging his own “reluctance” to visit new places, try new things and face his fear of getting off the beaten path. As he readily admits, he likes his creature comforts and the safety of his hotel. It got me thinking about my own reluctance. Honestly…I’m doing it right now…writin

What started out as a normal trek, one we had made many, many times, from Arizona to Kansas would soon become a trip for the books. And...

Thank you to JDA and their inspiring Wednesday for Women blog which you can check out here. You can read my original blog at:

Thank you to JDA and the Wednesday for Women blog. You can read the original post here: https://blog.jda.com/fearless/ #wednesdayforwomen