The freelance life: that time I told somebody no

As a freelance writer (or gig worker), I've found it's incredibly hard to tell people no. If I say no, I won't get the work. If I say no, they won't ask me again. If I say no, that's one less chance I have to put something in my portfolio. If I say no, that's …

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quarterly corporate training taught me how to date

Once upon a time, I grabbed some screen shots from the quarterly training we were required to complete at work. This training happened to be about "harrassment [sic] prevention". When I took it, I was single, but it gave me the best dating advice I ever received and I credit it for my success in …

Our Family Kanban Board – What happens when mom was a CSM in her previous life

The place where I work at home, used to look like this: Okay, so the books are organized. That is because it was one of the first things that Nathan and I did when we moved into our home. There are still un-unpacked boxes in the garage and storage, but the books, well, we took …

20 Lessons from corporate games

Ten years ago, I first found out about corporate games. I was ecstatic. I could play sports for free! And look how many options they have! This is totally worth using all of these exclamations! Seriously. I was excited about it. I signed up for all of the attractive options: soccer, basketball, dodgeball, ultimate frisbee, …

Turning titanium one toe at a time

I have a titanium toe. You are probably envious. You should be. It’s pretty amazing, being part metal and all. During the 2009 calendar year, I made good use of my insurance at work by hitting my deductible with one toe surgery and then hurrying to get the second surgery done within the same year. …

Certified Emergency Response Team Training

(Part 2.) Staci and I were victims. Victims of something terrible. An earthquake, a fire, a bomb, the apocalypse. The meeting room was in shambles, tables overturned, chairs strewn about, and moaning employees trapped in the dark. Well, we were supposed to act like we were trapped and really moan like the end of the …

Taking diet coke breaks

I submitted my resignation letter, people. This is really happening. After over a decade with the same company, I am telling them THANK YOU AND GOODBYE, and staying home with my favorite son and favorite daughter. When I wrote the email to my current boss to coordinate a meeting with her, it hit me. This …

award-winning companies ain’t got maternity leave

Several years ago (before Dom was born), I was offered a job at a company that is ranked as one of the best to work for in the state of Utah. I knew their culture was outstanding. Plus, they told me that they were really excited about the prospect of adding me to their team. …

pregnant coworker? a few things you shouldn’t say…

Have you reached the waddle stage yet? You look like you're in pain. Oh, look how pregnant you are. Look at you, poppin' out. Nice curve there.

Sitting on a stability ball at work

Pregnancy is not a kind thing. For me, pregnancy means nausea, vomiting, rhinitis, headaches, back pain, and absurd dreams. Absurd. Last night, I dreamt that one of the teams of developers had set up beds by all of their desks and everybody was curled up under their blankets when I went in there looking for …