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Heather

HeatherPandemic Thoughts

Stop Breaking the Boomers

I believe that starting today, the President should be able to approve any and all marketing plans for products that target our senior citizens as consumers. The specific advertising categories are drugs, unsound financial gimmicks or any service that uses fear and panic as the tactic for a call to action. Here's my why story to support that statement. Like, what the hell is this add about Heaven? Watch this - I couldn't believe it. https://youtu.be/Y-GIlSVpK-c These commercials run across all cable networks during the day. It's also the most affordable time to buy ad placements so if you're targeting seniors, you have impressive margins of return. Catch the Price is Right or Judge Judy sometime. You'll see. What bothers…
Heather
March 17, 2020
Heather

Yeah, Me Too. Same.

I think enough time has passed to return back to the original common phrase for agreeing with something that someone else says. Yeah, me too. After all, it’s as common of language as the basic aisle chatter at Kroger: How are you? Fine, and you? Good to see you. Yeah, me too. From basic acquaintance to friend to family to a stranger in line at the store - The ‘understood’ exchange of words that happen when you take a moment to interact with someone who speaks your language is in a state of pause and rethink a response. I fully get and support the intention behind the repurposing of the agreeable salutation with a hashtag in front of it. The…
Heather
February 29, 2020
Heather

Let’s talk about poop

There seem to be more game-changers in our life now than any generation before us. Or are there? We still say new inventions are the best thing since sliced bread so maybe every age has game-changers to talk about around the water cooler. Here's a twist on one game-changer that takes the ewww out of poo. Let’s forget inventions like flying, driving, television and the internet. Those are world-changers. I'm talking game-changers. I’m talking about hacks you didn’t know you needed until someone showed it to you or told you about it. No way, nuh-uh… because it takes a lot these days to get us to look up from our phones and be pleasantly surprised about something. tell me more...…
Heather
February 17, 2020
Food for thoughtHeather

Overthinking the Repercussions of Accepting a Status Quo Mindset.

Do I give in or get back up? Chicken or the egg? I’ve really been trying to crack my own code. Get out of my head. Practice the repetition needed to recondition my mind to healthier habits while trying to give up the unhealthy ones. I'm digging deep to find ways to relax, reflect the conundrum of whether I create more problems or simply point out theories of why we accept certain things as, well, acceptable. With or without merit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YabW4B5Wjwk It's a sailboat, right? You know, a little R&R. Rest and Reflect. I figure I may be missing a treadmill here or there, not make my steps for the day and hindering my progress to that ultimate bod, but…
Heather
February 11, 2020
Heather

This ain’t Your Momma’s Broken Heart 2.020

‪ ‪In reflection, I think it would be so cool if Miranda Lambert read little ole me’s story post of this idea. I felt inspired to create a flip side to that beautiful vinyl. Here’s my opportunity thought: I relate to 100% of her intentions within every song she‬ writes solo or in group. Whatever her issue, anyone can relate to the pain of that. That’s why she’s awesome anyway. It shows.  What if she tweaked the context of the main lyrics to my all time favorite , “Ain’t my Momma’s Broken Heart” to “Just Trust My Momma’s broken heart” as a dedication to special women who’ve got a lot of stuff going on right now so that the overarching…
Heather
February 5, 2020
Heather

Mmmmm … Matches

Since our daughter grew up and moved out, I’ve been the single woman in my home. Meaning I live with my husband, two teenage sons, a challenged male puggle, and a high maintenance female little white dog that doesn’t count because she needs to calm down to qualify as my girl which happens barely often enough to try and help her overcome her type A hole syndrome. So imagine my surprise when - for the third time since the weekend - I’ve come home to my candles lit. The men in my life are lighting them. Which is new. This is new. Who knew? Sure, I still appreciate Scentsy - especially the Cinderella scent. Thanks to my daughter, it’s my…
Heather
February 4, 2020
Heather

Connecting with Content – another Case Study

I appreciated how Brie, June Diane’s character in Grace and Frankie has been since day 1. I’ll admit, without her I think I would’ve given up around S5 E2. Oh, wait, I did. It wasn’t until I took a day off-grid to write much-needed content for work that I flipped it on as my typical think tank background noise. I typically capture the gist of a series to know the overarching crescendo of it. I can always tell how captivating a show is by how much I accomplish with it distracting me. It helps spark so much side road rabbit hole thinking and decipherings. It's still just enough that if Mark ever wants to watch a series I played as…
Heather
February 3, 2020
Heather

The tragedy of Kobe brings Hollywood together.

Today, as we hear the sad, awful news that the VP of the NBA, Kobe Bryant tragically passed away in a helicopter accident, we can take comfort in knowing that his passing has not been in vain. It's caused a country of healing. It's caused the largest forgiveness movement of Hollywood's biggest proponents of burning every man who ever had a questionable action against women. The tragedy has allowed us to move past #8 Kobe, and focus on #24 Kobe. We truly are becoming a united society of partisanship. Like for instance, John Legend jumped out for the R Kelly documentary to explain why he regrets profiting off of partnerships with him as he was unaware of what his behaviors…
Heather
January 26, 2020
Heather

Will Gen Z save us all? Thank Boomers.

I’m classified as Generation X. Raised by Boomers. Raising Generation Z teens. Here's my story as to why they may just be the saving Grace we need. But don't tell them - they've got enough things to worry about right now. So what do these titles mean? I’m stereotyped into a certain generation, just like Millennials and those observant Gen Z kidderoos that are growing up way too fast for this happy nester. As any person in the midst of their generation’s wet blanket of assumptions goes,  I went through my formative young career days being told by the media and bought-in boomers that I was ‘grunge’ and a ‘slacker’ and probably not going to be a contributor to a…
Heather
January 21, 2020
Heather

Do You Still Clip Coupons and Buy Newspapers? Yeah, Me Neither.

We had a Sunday paper on our doorstep this morning. I figure they must be doing some free thing to drum up some New Year subscribers? Who knows but when I used to get the Sunday paper I did like the flyers and coupons. Today, even though I know people who could be on extreme couponing and probably win, I think of what it would take for me to 1. Subscribe to the big city Sunday paper and 2. Cut out coupons and take them to use. Why did we get one? I still looked, though. What would it take to subscribe to a newspaper? My Answer: They have to change the revenue model, total format layout, distribution system, and…
Heather
January 5, 2020
Heather

The New Resolution – A 2020 Revolution?

It's that time again. The one time of the year you get very serious about a fresh start. Even more so when it's a new decade to boot. Here's three breakouts of what resolutions to consider for the best decade every. The first part is the Resolution marketing we're bombarded with and our role in it. the second part is a resolution commitment and being in the skin you're in, and finally, part 3, if you're still reading and committed by that point, is about women who skin shame other women - a challenge for the biggest resolution of all. Part 1: The Resolution Market I know, it’s currently NYE and everybody is thinking about a what to change about…
Heather
December 31, 2019
Heather

$19 a month and a free blanket

For only 63 cents a day, you can impact a life... All of these organizations' commercials, production and social proof of the need pull at every heartstring. Since they are all $19 a month and come with a free blanket, I thought It may be beneficial to combine them in one place, for free to help you pick which one. Shriners is wonderful. These kids are absolutely precious, their charity is on the 'good list' of legitimacy and their national media company does a great job. Hopefully at a significant discount. Here's hoping. Here's there statement about what the $19 does: The children in these commercials are wonderful. Oh, my heart. 'At Shriners Hospitals for Children®, stewardship is one of…
Heather
December 31, 2019
HeatherPandemic Thoughts

Take a Day

My wish, hope, prayer is that you get a day that’s yours. Here’s how I started mine. A day where the only interruptions are made by you. A day where the only decisions are made by you. A day where you create something satisfying. A day where you feel something gratifying. A day where you feel validated for taking your day. A day you cut out just for you, like a thin slice of pie after everyone’s had their fill. True Days Off A day you look forward to, experiencing positive anticipation while working up to it. A day you recognize is open and block on the calendar - without any guilt. A day where you can do whatever you…
Heather
December 30, 2019
Food for thoughtHeather

Confrontation Constipation

We’re afraid to offend the offensive.   It’s like confrontation constipation with a touch of avoidance followed by an uneasy head nod and a forced smile. But that's not all that happens. That's just the external indicators that you are internalizing whatever on-no-you-didn't thing that just happened while you keep it together. That's ok though, take a moment. Breathe. Contemplating your reaction allows you to process everything happening around you and whether it's worth a reaction or not. Doing something so that it doesn't stay inside, festering like gigantic, explosive turd fecal-ing it's way from your brain to all extremities slowly but surely tearing at your arteries and clogging your inner core. No, not really. You gotta get it out.…
Heather
December 28, 2019
Food for thoughtHeather

Finding Free Adrenaline

If I were a stereotypical thrill-seeker, today I went skydiving after work. I accomplished things that gave me an adrenaline rush that kept rolling. It doesn’t change anything, but the rush is fuel for my soul. I conquered some fears that pick up every metaphoric brick I let fall away and put it back where it belongs. I got this. Lol. I almost forgot. Today I cold-called the president of a company to pitch an idea I have to diversify his revenue stream without investing in new machinery. Random, right? I actually wrote the presentation more than two months ago and tested it on a few trusted, objective people from different relationship circles in my life with flying colors. Why…
Heather
December 17, 2019
Food for thoughtHeather

Words of Wisdom from Jessica Lange

If you didn’t already love every beautiful, tormented, multi-layered, strong and sometimes very ill and wretchedly fearsome articulate character portrayed by Jessica Lange, you’re going to love her much more when you read her wisdom playing the greatest role ever - her life story, unscripted. These quotes remind me that to live a life of extraordinary, pretend like Jessica Lange is watching you - and cheering you on. you wouldn’t want to let her down, after all. Here’s just a few gems of honest vulnerability by the queen herself. Enjoy! Acceptance and tolerance and forgiveness, those are life-altering lessons. For me, nothing has ever taken precedence over being a mother and having a family and a home. At a certain…
Heather
November 19, 2019
Food for thoughtHeather

7 Ways to Fight Anxiety and Reduce Stress

We don’t talk about anxiety enough. We don’t learn how to identify it, where it comes from or how we internalize it. We can take pills to suppress it, and before I get any further into this story – I fully understand that some people biologically, hormonally – require medication. I’m not trained or schooled in any medical way either. I’ve just taken a lot of pills to try and fix me as a teenager and I’ve required them for anxiety after all three of my children were born. I haven't taken any since, and I think this is why. This is my story and what has been the best peace I’ve experienced in my constant thinking, high expectation, idea…
Heather
November 7, 2019
Heather

What I Think About Teen Trick Or Treaters

I’ve heard people talk about older kids trick or treating and they didn’t agree with giving candy to them. I kindly disagree.   Tonight, my 15 and 13-year-old sons are out there, with their friends and a pillowcase loving life right now.   These are good, kind, smart, funny young men who are not playing video games.   They aren’t on their phones or computers.   They’re laughing. They're running around, respectively.   They’re ordering funny costumes in advance and getting into character.   I learned that you have to teach someone how to apply nail polish if it’s their first time. Yikes! It was comical. And messy. I’ll always remember that memory.   For the record, my son suggested…
Heather
November 4, 2019
Food for thoughtHeather

Destination 40 Vacations are a Must

It all began when we began to approach 40. When Mark was turning 40, we planned a Mexico all-inclusive and invited any couples or singles within our friends and family to join if they wanted, here’s a group link just in case. We were going regardless, but hey, you only turn 40 once. No one was able to make it, but we had the best time together ever. It was also early November, So the place was maybe half full, mostly Canadians and Wisconsin. They were all awesome and great people. We had a free upgrade in suites, restaurant/beach access and premium shelf status! Couldn’t beat it. Every day was a clear, sunny 85-90 degrees. Ahhhhh….I want to go baaaaaack.…
Heather
October 20, 2019
Heather

Dancing with Our Stars – The Clear Winners Are…. These Guys

Remember those friends of ours I mentioned in the Desitination40 story? Well, here’s a good reason why my Mark and I agree they’re our people. Why their best friends I hope all grown-up, lifelong #NoRegerts married couples seek in life to be their people. A mirror couple to be BFF’s with. Cause you have similar foundations. We had quite a few of these gem couples in Iowa. We’re grateful to be related to quite a few. They exist here, too. Here's a story about one of those couples. AKA golden rule couples Golden rule couples aren't common like having beer on tap. They’re more like $5 PBR pitchers. Every town has them, but you have to network to find the…
Heather
October 20, 2019
Heather

Why Dermographism Woke Me

In hindsight, I should've listened to my skin sooner. I kept getting itchy, very itchy - and once I scratched, it tripled in itchy and turned into hives. My nose and cheeks flush red. Anything rubbing or touching my skin snuggly triggered the itch areas worse. I had no idea what was going on. So after nearly two weeks, I called my doctor. She observed and said it could be a viral infection. 'When you start to feel it come on, take a Zyrtec. Call if it gets worse.' I felt silly like I wasted a doctor's appointment.  I didn’t even think of taking allergy pills. I was using anti-itch cream on it, the clear calamine kind used for bug…
Heather
October 14, 2019
Heather

Good girls gone bad to even worse.

I actually knew this girl. I knew lots of girls similar with challenging childhoods. Hundreds of girls. Girls like her have a harder place to succeed from. These teens come from all race and zip code. What they shared was their cyclic life, raised generations deep in a void mindset. I think that when you see that spark of possibility, of hope and see that they truly want to break free and not be in this, you gain more hope, too. I think of the characters like Julia Garner as Ruth in Ozark.  Emmy and Shanola’s as Fiona and V on Shameless. These raw, authentic women keep fighting. Like phoneix who rise from the ashes each and every time because…
Heather
October 5, 2019
Food for thoughtHeather

The Stories Your Scars Tell Are Up To You

I used to be embarrassed by these two small scars on my left hand. That translates to 24 years of hiding or avoiding a conversation. "What happened to your hand?" usually occurs at some point or another and I didn't want to talk about it because admitting how it happened sounded weak to me. I didn't want to deal with judgments or pity. weak. So the years progress, and over time I grew from not necessarily hiding my hand to just not acknowledging that someone is looking at it, ready to ask, whether intentions were curious and innocent or not. I’ve spent the last year - year #25 -   thinking I’m a goofball. I should never be embarrassed again. Silly…
Heather
October 5, 2019
Heather

Rappers in Suburbia Paradise

I really like the man my teen son is becoming. I believe his group of friends are, too. They're good boys. They listen to music with meaning. Today marks a transitional day in the Oh Hey Heather house. Our oldest son has decided at 15.5 years, we should take the hardly used basement family room to convert into his bedroom. His friends use it most, anyway, for playing video games. He's right. His younger brother is excited to claim his vacated room, too. So the family project commences. I left work early this afternoon to surprise him and get started. I'm self motivated, too, because when it's all said and done, I claim the final smallest bedroom as a seven-year…
Heather
August 30, 2019
Heather

I got big Plains

The plains. So wide. Just wide. I mean, Iowa is wide. Headed to Bree’s new house in Iowa yesterday. Ohio has wide places. Ohio’s sunset last week This highway is so far ahead straight that it’s like you just can’t see that far straight ahead. Moments when I wish I had a fancy camera because this doesn’t do it justice. But this.  It’s just wide, open, uninterrupted consistency. They must of laser grid this for hundreds of straight miles. Very little anything of height but an occasional grouping of trees who managed migrate towards a small water pond in between fields of crops or wild grass. Billboards and road signs litter up when you get to a place of human…
Heather
August 4, 2019
Food for thoughtHeather

If America was a Company

I am so over politics.  I don’t even want to call it that anymore. It’s no longer politics or bipartisanship anyway. So for this story, I am going to use the analogy that our wonderful country is actually a company. We as Americans whether working, stay at home parenting, student, retired, volunteering – however you contribute(d) to the economy and progress of this country – are the employees. Then in business terms, our House would be like different department leaders meeting at the table to make big decisions for the company. Regardless of where you would sit at the table as an elected representative, you better be savvy enough to see the forest through the trees. The cause and effect…
Heather
July 12, 2019
Heather

Dear Husband, Here’s the Card Hallmark Didn’t Write.

I didn’t want to write a post on Facebook. I didn’t want to stand in the card aisle at Kroger reading card after card trying to find the one card some stranger wrote that came close enough to capture what I am trying to say to you so I can sign it as if it’s a stamp of approval. I also didn’t want to wait for a milestone year to say what I want to say right now. This is Anniversary #22. Not 20, 25 or 50. But 22 complete, season cycles of marriage since 2002. And here’s what I feel and think that I want to say about it. With great love comes a great fear. Not fear like…
Heather
July 5, 2019
Heather

ABC’s The Bachelor Needs a Makeover

An Open Letter to the Bachelor Can you imagine the scenario: a perfect gentleman has a serious girlfriend whose parents aren’t frequently able to visit? Cue in ABC's The Bachelor, specifically the third to the last episode - also known as - the top 4 finalists' home visits. So here’s my vision of a new, revamped Bachelor season. Yes, a swooning, record-breaking season where you actually expand your demographic to a larger base of new psychographics. Here goes the plan: I don’t know about you, but at this stage in the show, I would think that if I was in love-love, I'd know by now. You're meeting the parents! You would have to at least know if it's serious, last…
Heather
June 13, 2019
Heather

Rain – The Nasty 4 Letter Word

The rain that most of the midwest, agricultural states have received this year is something awful. In my 43 years of living in WVa, then Iowa and now recently, Ohio - I have not experienced in memory this heightened concern. I'm not sure how many ways it's affecting so many unknown factors with farmers who still can't plant any seeds because it hasn't been dry enough. And it's May 22nd. And it just got cloudy again and we're supposed to get more. It kind of feels eerie when year after year, no matter which state we lived in, May meant the sparks of green on our daily commutes and drives. It was signs of the best time of year. Bright…
Heather
May 22, 2019
Heather

When You Know Where Everything Is

If you’re like me, you know where stuff is. For some, it’s a photographic memory, where you can see exactly where the random pack of 3M strips are or where that engraved flask is that he got from his brother’s wedding 19 years ago.  Only for crap though. I am glad networking events have name tags. But it’s impressive. Kinda like that refreshing baby boomer or veteran at Lowes that says, “Oh, you’ll find that on aisle 63, to the middle left next to the lumber aisle. I’ll walk you there. What kind of project are you doing?” Then we proceed to discuss it, he either commends us for the size of the task ourselves or recommends another option that…
Heather
May 21, 2019
Heather

If You Grew Up in Beech Bottom, West Virginia

If you lived in Beech Bottom in the 80’s and early 90’s – you know what I’m talking about. The playground of fearless equipment Sure, there were simple swings or a concrete dolphin to lay on, but you know why you begged your mom to take the wax paper to the park. You may have waxed that slide enough to think you were going to go up over the sides, and you may have. But the bravest, by far, road the giant stride. And if you were really brave, you let the older kids see how fast and high they could make you fly. Lock your arms in, and make sure you have a safe word. Dodd’s field If you…
Heather
April 28, 2019
Food for thoughtHeather

Can We Keep 2019 Hairstyles in Fashion – Forever? Please?

I do stuff to my hair for work. Or if I'm going somewhere nicer than usual. You know, a date or concert or something. But that's about it. Over the years, as I am sure everyone, even short hair folks, switched it up. Changed something. Color, style, length, part... We will do so in the future, too. Cut and color is always fun to experiment with, but can we please leave style methods as is, forever? Today's hair trends are my favorite so far and have held strong for a few years now. I hope it stays that way. Here's why. Your hair is styled either straight or curly. Flat irons and bigger barreled curling irons are a necessity, but the…
Heather
March 28, 2019
Food for thoughtHeather

Why Game of Thrones is So Addictive To So Many

So think about this. Game of Thrones. Why is it so fascinating to the point of a full-on merchandising frenzy of money business? I admit I may have a few bottles of GOT wine, a blanket, couple glasses, shirts, a House Stark bathrobe, etc. Sure, it’s film mastery like any other amazing vision like Avatar to Lord of the Rings to Ole’ HP and the wands. Yet on HBO and almost 10X longer and epic than LOTR. The emotion of S6:09 Battle of the Bastards still terrifies me and awe inspires my adoration of cinematography keeps my eyes open as much as possible. Maybe it’s the script…or screenplay genius that is the powerful moments of greatness from our top players…
Heather
March 27, 2019
Food for thoughtHeather

Accepting the New “Weak “- Shut Out The Mean Girl in Your Head

A lot of people are ashamed. Scared. Embarrassed. Too afraid to tell their story that brought them here today. I’ve done that all of my adult life. I felt the shame from people who knew little bits of my story back in high school and before I left town. With my head hung low. Why? Every. Single. Person. Every single person has a story. Sure, some are more graphic than others. More sad. More heartbreaking. More triumphant. More inspirational. It does not matter what size of mountain you climbed to overcome your own mind’s voice of doubt in yourself. What matters is that you climbed it and overcame it. And understand that just because you overcame that mountain doesn’t mean…
Heather
March 7, 2019
Food for thoughtHeather

What Your Children Teach You About Leaving Neverland

Sitting in a hotel room, two hours off my timezone and sleepless. Here's HBO with a new documentary. I'm curious. I didn't expect it to align with anything I'm already talking about. On the HBO documentary, Leaving Neverland, James Safechuck explains how his son is growing to the exact age that he was when Michael Jackson began abusing him in the early 90’s. He went over the emotions that realization caused him and he struggled. Wade Robson discusses this same phenomenon with his son, but it was triggered more at the point of fatherhood when his son was about 18 months old. The love of having a son and the innate need to protect him caused horrible mental pictures of…
Heather
March 5, 2019
Food for thoughtHeather

But Did You Die?

Today I found out I have a hole in my heart. I spent a week of wait for an echocradiogram after three weeks of figuring out the right blood pressure med for my new high blood pressure scare. The hole - It’s called a PFO. You can live with it. There’s a concern about blood clots passing through it and getting in the wrong stream but if I keep pumping in my blood pressure meds I should be fine. Translation: You're not going to die. I mean, I feel so much better. Not physically better. Still have the same new pain and breathing weird as before, but I feel better everywhere else. Cause I’m not going to effing die. This means,…
Heather
March 1, 2019
Heather

Walmart is Gaining Ground on Becoming Amazon’s First Rival.

I think Walmart is gaining ground on Becoming Amazon’s First Rival.I ran to Walmart today because I wanted the cheapest copy I could get on Blu Ray for Office Space. And they had it. With Deadpool on the cover! For $5 no less. So Funny I went ahead and bought Castaway and Fight Club too. I already had Fight Club, but it's got Deadpool on the cover. For $5. The things that they now stock on their shelves, like the $8 lounge Pants for my man child that are an illusion that looks like my son has little legs and he’s on a bear’s shoulders. It’s also where I find the best cat shirts that Hot Topix and Amazon don’t…
Heather
March 1, 2019
Heather

Yardscaping and Good Kids

Funny story really. My son’s friend was hanging out here the same time my parents from West Virginia were spending the weekend to visit. Well, it’s Sunday afternoon and they have their stuff packed by the door while we play one last game of train dominoes. So by their last trip to the car, three pairs of shoes sat there. I knew my stepmom was going to wear one of them back and a second pair were boots. Put the boots in a Kroger sack and noticed my Dad was already wearing a pair of shoes and put the black guy’s shoes in a sack. They head back to the mountains. About 45 minutes later, my son’s friend is looking…
Heather
February 24, 2019
Heather

Reality vs. Really Good TV plus How the Bachelor Could be Better

There’s TV shows you can’t really double or triple screen with because you have to watch it. You might miss something. And you don’t want to miss something. You know, Game of Thrones, This is Us and Schitt's Creek to name a few. Sure, you might play a quick round of Words2, text someone back or check some snaps but generally, you watch them scene to scene. Then there’s the ones you kinda watch. Like, you can have them on-demand while you’re cooking dinner, or on your iPad while you’re working on your computer. You hear just enough and look up just enough to get the gist of what’s going on to hold your own if you talk to someone…
Heather
February 21, 2019
Heather

Abandoned Cats In Suburbia. It’s a Catastrophe.

Early last fall a cat decided to go up under our deck and have kittens. It’s not our cat, but they were kittens none the less.  She tried to move them into the small wooded area behind our house, which is merely a tree line between backyard suburbia. We heard her screams and fighting but couldn’t find them – our neighbors have fences and don’t maintain their section of wood line like we do. They were back there somewhere. She returned, one kitten short. The kitten with the disfigured eye. He never came back. Sadly, this one was my favorite. We assume a possum (We found a mean one under our shed when looking for momma and her kittens) or…
Heather
February 10, 2019
Food for thoughtHeather

Why Sears is Out of Business

Had a free Saturday afternoon with the hubs and we ended up at the mall. Parked at Sears. Big signs hanging on it “Everything Must Go” and “Store Closing” Wow. Didn’t know that. We were going in that way anyway, so let’s check it out. They weren’t kidding, the place was loosely organized and there were things grouped like they were trying to hold the departments together. Great deals on the ellipticals and treadmills. They were even selling shelves, mannequins and racks. Here’s three reasons within 45 minutes that Sears became doomed. Everything must not go. So we worked our way downstairs to check out shoes and what not and right now, I care about baby stuff. I have a…
Heather
February 3, 2019
Food for thoughtHeather

Five Steps To Building Your Story Wall

I know we are all talking about Tidy Up, but that Sentiment stage – or the final stage where you dig out all of those boxes of pictures, awards, kids’ school papers, holiday cards, knick nacks etc. – that it’s ok to have a cluster or clutter of sentiments while still tidying up. What if we made a win-win-win where we create a behavioral shift from over spending on holidays on gift exchanges amongst everyone you like enough to suprise with a gift and cover your bases in case they did too while instead creating a place of things that spark joy in one concentrated place, and more importantly –displaying  a story worth sharing. I’m calling it Story Walls Here’s…
Heather
January 27, 2019
Heather

The Secret Recipe Behind Tidy Up with Marie Kondo

So as I was sitting there refolding all of my clothes that still bring me joy (the proper way Marie Kondo demonstrated), I got to thinking. Why is this a sensation, why does it work and how do you apply this to all the other sensations that move the masses? It’s motivational, emotional and repetitively changing your old habits. While clearing out this heap of clothes on my bed and determining if piece by piece it brings me joy, I’ve found myself thanking them and putting it in the donation sack more frequently than I imagined I would. It makes you look at everything with a totally different perspective – emotional connectedness to things. What serves a purpose or used…
Heather
January 19, 2019
Food for thoughtHeather

Skin Theory

So I have a theory. I have no educational training or formal experience to back it up. Just my story to convince someone out there that does to check it out if you think it’s plausible. Think of all the new pills you can make! I think that moles after the age of 38 are actually the diarrhea of the skin. You'lll recognize yours by the cute little mole on her shoulder. Hear me out. Here’s my attempt at rational science-ishness and personal experiences to attempt at validating my theory. Similar to all the other organs you have, you know, let's pick your stomach* - which is a linchpin for a successful digestive system. But every part of the system…
Heather
January 17, 2019
Heather

Mark Tears Down His Harley Davidson to Build Something Better

When a Harley starts burning oil, you have two choices. Find out why or ignore the burn and keep a fresh quart in your side bag. Mark’s was burning oil and it’s not that old. It’s a 2013 Street Glide, second owner and the first didn’t ride it a whole lot. I think it had maybe 5,000 miles on it when Mark bought it out of his barn a couple years ago. The burning has been something he keeps an eye on because he doesn't like it but knows it's a pricey repair. There’s a stigma about these bikes leaking oil. It’s accepted because it's just what a Harley does. (Talk about branding!) Mark was a Kawasaki loyalist for a…
Heather
January 16, 2019
Heather

The Good Thing About Bourbon

Do you think people like the taste of bourbon because of how it actually tastes or because of the story on the bottle that is so good you accept their flavor better? I mean…. Nineteen Crimes made me a believer in dry, red Cabernet. Now I have developed the taste for it and love it, but it took practice.  I can’t even consider it cold, let alone a Rose. I giggle when I think I thought it was cool. And don’t worry ladies- I appreciate that you do. Enjoy the journey. I sure did. I’ll keep a sweet, cold one in my fridge…just in case you stop by. So what if bourbon is now the wine of men? When they…
Heather
January 8, 2019
Heather

If the Red Cross is Reading This….

Red Cross I struggle with giving blood. Not the idea of giving it, the actual action of giving it. For reals. It takes a special Red Cross employee to get me flowing without trying and calling over others to help. I have gotten sick, had bruises for weeks, rashes... But I give.  I give 2-3x per year. Yep. I’m a Type O Hero! Every year, my favorite community facilitator, Emily Davis McElroy tells me, "Please just make cookies. It's ok. This is traumatic for me to watch". Aside from doing the most badass part of the magic sauce donation process that is called Red Cross volunteering,  I also love the convenient check-in app that tells you exactly what hospital received…
Heather
January 8, 2019
Food for thoughtHeather

Marwencol: Why The Guardian Gives Me Hope

I genuinely appreciate the truth in this headline by The Guardian. Marwencol: the incredible WWII art project created by a cross-dresser who was beaten up by bigots This poor artist who was beaten wasn't injured by a race, gender, career status, political preference, religion... because it doesn't matter what any of those details are. Most of our media have been loosely focused on journalism writing and more focused on PR/Creative writing skills to find leverage that helps push an agenda beyond stating the unbiased facts and letting the world decide. That headlines could have been rewritten in so many ways to push an agenda. Imagine the channel or website that would have possibly said it one of these ways: Marwencol:…
Heather
December 28, 2018
Heather

Top Five Christmas Gifts for Older Kids

I'd like to begin by saying the results are in. They've been carefully tabulated by office rant sessions, the Christmas party adult circuit, random neighbors, people waiting in long lines to check out next to you... oh and the occasional Kroger run-ins with acquaintances. How many of you have had the colorful conversations that begin with asking your kids, "What do you want for Christmas this year?" or "What can I tell grandma you want for Christmas this year?" Here's the top five teen responses for Christmas wishes this year, in order. "Uhhhh, how about an Amazon gift card?" "Steam card"  (And if you tell someone a Steam card, you get the pleasure of explaining what the hell that is)…
Heather
December 21, 2018
Food for thoughtHeather

5 Ways To Appreciate Ohio Winters

Let's face it. We all wish we could be snow birds but if you're in the thick of life that includes work, school and a mortgage - you have to find the bright side when you truly despise the hard, cold, dark winter months. So how can you look at that proverbial cup as half full (of snow) versus half empty? Here's my top five. 1.When you get groceries, you can accidentally forget them in the trunk. 2.  Your garage becomes the fridge, only bigger. Perfect for those holidays parties or a great deal at Costco.  3. The snow will hide all the leaves and dog poo you didn't get time to clean up. 4. It's not as cold as Iowa.…
Heather
November 29, 2018
Food for thoughtHeather

Keeping Your Vote Valid. So Your Vote Really Matters.

  I wanted to share a post an old colleague pal (He's not old, we just don't work together anymore) wrote about why ethical, legit voting matters and why we should not stand by and accept tampering of any kind by any side. Preach John. Here's his post:   Be Concerned. By John Blabaum, managing partner at Wax Xtatic Record Audio Stereo Shop "Whether you are on the right, the left, extreme left, extreme right, or in the middle.....YOU as an American Citizen and voter should be very concerned about Florida, Arizona, and other places where vote counting has turned into a charade, if not a crime. Our votes are a sacred trust, with one vote counting just that. Allowing those…
Heather
November 13, 2018
Food for thoughtHeather

My Values, Connected to Stress if Breached

Identifying the physical reactions in your body that are tied to anxiety or stress is key to diminishing the chaos swirling within your body.  When I start getting upset with someone, or a situation, it’s because they did something that hit me wrong. If something shocks you, upsets you, angers you, worries you, scares you... the longer it's allowed to manifest in your mind and get playback reviews over and over until you're sick - you have to get to the root of it. If you don't understand why, you can't process it or justify it so that you can move on and preserve your health. So what are the things that I value and need? By identifying them through…
Heather
November 8, 2018
Heather

American Horror Story Review

American Horror Story. Seasons 1 - forever. These writers cause me to salivate on their artistic screenplay among a "what if" scenario of what humans are capable of if it were to happen (or already possibly did) I cannot handle violence, abuse or make you flinch horror. So why am I in awe of AHS? It is dialogue genius. From the best arguments, debates, discussions and manipulations - the story writing of characters is almost as awe inspiring as the actors portraying them. Sometimes I think it works better and better because everyone on both sides of the stage have learned one another and built a solid crew. I love the homage to amazing soundtracks and weaving of one season…
Heather
October 9, 2018
Heather

Oh Hey, Boss… Two Kinds of Bosses. What are the Odds?

When you have to report to someone else, have someone else dictate their work life and goals, let you know if you’re allowed to leave…you know, another rung up the ladder – you’ve got a boss. It’s ok to have a boss. I have a boss. Even if you become your own boss you still have all the people who are paying for what you do as your boss. I read that once. Anyway, You know working up is exactly that. You’re working up. Working up the chain to either learn everything you can or make a lot of money or both and get better perks. Then either start your own, leave and move up again or retire early. (Well…
Heather
October 9, 2018
Heather

Oh Hey, I’m Heather and We Will Disappoint Each Other

Sure, you don't mean to. Everyone begins any discussion with the best intentions. I know I will not intentionally hurt or disappoint anyone. But it will happen. You will be disappointed. It will happen to my colleagues, coworkers and clients. More importantly, it will happen to my family. My spouse. My children. My parents. My brothers. On and On. Funny part, is many of those mentioned all blur together. I have friends I consider clients. Family I call coworkers my children in this thing called running a chore filled home. You get it. And all of them will disappoint me, if they haven't already. How you value the relationship and feel about their character identifies how you decide to handle…
Heather
October 2, 2018
Heather

Shameless Season 8 Episode 10

This episode tells all. 1. She didn't have to show her boobs. 2. She's watched all her children grow up in their special shameless grown yet awesome gift of success. Lip the Mind. Ian the Gift. Carl the Domesticated crazy trust fund girl hubby. Debbie the hard working bad ass hot welder looking for any way to pay for school. Liam, learning a cleaner hustle than they did with Frank. And it keeps him busy. 3. This episode made me tear up three times, laugh a couple and feel heartfelt authenticity the whole time. 4. It has an awesome Fiona and V chat on the stairs. Endearing BFFs catching up.   I haven't felt this much feels since the episode…
Heather
September 22, 2018
Food for thoughtHeatherUncategorized

What’cha been up to lately? How You Doing?

How do you answer that?  Don't worry. This isn't one of those motivational stories that are gonna help you love yourself more. I mean, yeah, you should but that's not what this about. I'll quit hugging myself and get to the point. This is the worst question I get asked. It's a robotic greeting sub sentence because ended a cheerful greeting/bump in (especially in a small community) because simply saying ,"Hello" and having that awkward, hesitation pause of "Okay, who's going first?" would happen and then you'd have to say something creative. Some people will even add that third...or when very exited to see someone you actually would like to prioritize time to see them more often. "Oh Hey!!!! Oh…
Heather
September 18, 2018
HeatherUncategorized

Greatly Done Shows and Movies Streaming with Some Okay Parts

Shameless. I. Love. Shameless. There is something about how it stirs a full range of different emotions within you because of the amazing acting talent living out a genius script of the human strength to persevere when driven to win at any cost in a local anarchy zone of city poverty. These kids, neighbors and odd friends they pick up season to season - they all are united because they all got dealt a shit hand of their own and persevere with the same hustle and sweat to get out of there. They will get dirty if that's what it takes and they will be loved unconditionally enough to have no fear in finding out who they are and why…
Heather
September 17, 2018
Food for thoughtHeather

20 Things that Prove #Adulting is Worth it.

Sure, we all say #Adulting is real and hard. We laugh at ourselves by posting selfies that tell people we did something that we didn't want to do but we had to because, well, we had to.  But at what point is hashtag adulting actually a good thing that you are proud of? Let's be honest.  If oversharing daily tasks that suck is more fun than the cool things you get to do because of the sucky tasks, maybe it's time to reevaluate why being all grown up is no different than any stage of your life so far. You have to do things you don't like to get the freedom to enjoy the things you do like.  So if…
Heather
September 8, 2018