Tip Toe If You Must...

Facebook has exploded with job announcements, engagements, weddings, and baby news over the past week.

And I couldn't be happier for everyone's joy!

Just an observation by a thoroughly happy girl.

Estrogen Fest

So... John is in Houston this week for work... and it's been a full-on estrogen pumping festival over here. 

Last night I turned up the N*Sync Pandora station and did some household chores and checked things off of my personal to-do list that I've been meaning to get around to. Then, I had dinner/dessert with a friend before she leaves for a trip to Europe. I came home and did some nice reading on California environmental goals and policies (don't laugh... I actually enjoyed it) and then hit the hay.

Tonight I got home late from work, went across the way to hug this guy (yay for summer and his delayed bedtime!), and then called it a night.

Tomorrow night I plan on some in-home Zumba and finalizing/closing out all of our wedding stuff before John gets home brings back the testosterone and limits my amount boy band listening. The best thing about youtube is all the free work out videos. Seriously... there's great yoga, visualization relaxation, and dance workouts!

I mean... how can you not love this?

Because I'm pretty sure I sang this song multiple times every day when it first came out.....

And.. in honor of Team USA's 30-second goal and amazing win this week...

In Search of Work-Life Balance

The problems we work on in the world are too important for us to get burned out.

I've always been a go-getter- not matter what area of my life. However, it came out especially strong when I was in school. It's true. If I got a 99% on a test, I stressed over the 1% I didn't get. If I missed an extra credit opportunity, I begged for an extension... And forget turning in homework late. It, quite frankly, never happened. (Yep, I'm that nerdy).

My parents raised us saying "a job well done is a job is a job worth doing." Being the first child people-pleasing person that I am, I took this to heart.

It's probably not surprising that my childish over-eager desire to do well in school translated to college (more school). And again, in graduate school (even more school). And then into my job (which is still at a school).

If I'm being honest, work-life balance is something I've struggled with.

{and this is hard to admit, since I like to do everything perfectly}

It's not that my work has an awful corporate culture... I have an awesome boss that encourages me to take care of myself - whether it's an outdoor meeting on a patio, a potluck staff meeting, extra time off to squeeze in doctor's appointments, or the opportunity to work remotely.

However, I still feel the need to check my email incessantly, go into work early, and stay late even when we're not on a tight deadline.

Anyways, it's safe to say that this thing called "work-life" balance has been a challenge for a while. And it still is.

I read a guest post written by one of my former employers and found it refreshing to know that I'm not alone... and that there is hope for change!

Balance has never been an excuse to not work hard. There are seasons when you need to work twelve-hour days. Show up in those times. But don’t feel trapped by staying late just to stay. Not everyone has a boss who tells them when to go home, and it takes confidence to be the one to leave when others are still working. It’s scary, but when you are doing your part, it will actually give other people permission to do the same.

Read it, and be brave enough to leave while others are still working....

After all, the issues we work on demand and deserve the best of us: our most creative, bold, innovative and whole selves. Working for a cause is a marathon, not a sprint. So let’s act accordingly.

All quotes are from the following blog post: http://thechalkboardmag.com/sweet-charity-thoughts-finding-work-life-balance-pressure#sl=3