Increasing Volunteer Engagement

I’ve been racking my brain lately about the Pareto principle and how to engage the 80%. While I have come up with no concrete solutions… I did realize that I speak about the 80/20 principle as fact. (Which may be in economics (A topic I am completely unqualified to discuss.)) However, in terms of volunteerism and participation, the 80/20 rule is more perception than reality.

Oops Paint - Leftovers of the Painting World

Do leftovers exists in the paint world? Oh, yes they do! I’ve painted nearly my entire house with them! Leftovers are the paint that was mixed and rejected at the paint store, (more commonly referred to as “oops paint”) or the remnants of your own past projects. My personal collection started with 11 gallons of paint that we acquired when we first moved into our house. It is as though someone was planning to paint every surface, got started … and gave up. Boy am I glad they did! It would’ve been a huge waste of time to paint the interior of a house white before someone as exuberant as me moved in. I would go crazy in an all white house! I need color! Big color! The more saturated the better…eggplant accent walls, anise entry way, blood-red half-bath, navy blue living room, and my favorite: a peacock-inspired master bedroom. (That’s right: purple, teal and green – delish!)

Mom Friends

Here we are, another Mother’s day ... what a year it’s been. Having only been a mom for 7 years, I’m still getting a handle on this whole Mother’s day thing. It’s different as an honoree, but I am really enjoying my role as mom. But I couldn't do it without a huge support system. My hat goes off to all my mom friends (you know who you are.) You are my band of sisters. So this weekend, as we prepare to accept our handmade gifts and construction paper cards ... I reflect on what it means to be more than a mom but to be a “mom friend.”

Monday Sucks!

Mondays are the worst. It has nothing to do with the start of another work week, or the blinking light on the phone from calls that have come in over the weekend ... Mondays suck because I MISS MY KIDS!