Breaking Out!

March 26, 2020 ~ We are still trying to do what we can to be safe and keep safe distances from others. We are working as electric is an "essential job" at this point but I try to avoid stores if we can. You guys, this is hard. Mentally it just doesn't feel right and not being able to see my family and friends is really hard.

Brandon and I go to work every day and so we are around our employees which helps. To have conversations and just to physically see people is huge for me.  Our employees are rock stars and I know we don't give them enough credit but seriously they are doing what they can to keep the electrical needs of our customers moving forward.

It's tough. Changes are coming daily and we are all trying to navigate this serious situation. There are moments I want to cry and moments that I want to roll up my sleeves and figure out how to help. I just don't have all the answers and that drives me crazy. 

Y'all, I needed to see my Momma. Talking to her on the phone, when she answers it, isn't enough for me. We live 3 houses away from her and about 1 1/2 miles from my sister. Luckily, my sister, Ashley sends videos of the boys and gives you a sense of being able to see them. It's still hard because we are together each week and it's been nearly 2 1/2 weeks since I have seen Greg, Ashley, Jaxon, and Asher and it sucks. I couldn't take it anymore so I called Momma. 

{Phone Conversation} 

Me: Momma, what are you doing?

Momma: Nothing really. Why? What are you doing?

Me: Headed home. Wanna break quarantine?

Momma: Where you going?

Me: For a ride in the country on the Razor (RZR)

Momma: Hell yes I do! 

I told her I was just getting home and had picked up Chipotle for dinner and as soon as we got done eating I would text her. (Don't mind the cilantro in between my teeth in the photo! Ha!) Brandon and I were sitting on the back deck eating and here she comes on her golf cart! That's how Mom and Pops usually come over is by their golf cart! 

Momma sat in the back of the Razor and we didn't touch but damn it was good to put my eyes on her! I do take this stuff seriously but we were on the Razor the whole time and I didn't touch her in an effort to keep up with the social distance. It was a beautiful afternoon and the sunshine mixed with country roads and fresh air did the body good and for a little while, we didn't really think about COVID-19. Our little drive took us on a 25-mile trip! 

While it was starting to get cool on the ride home I can't help but love this view as we come home! 

A Little Humor Today!

March 19, 2020 ~ You guys, I know COVID-19 is serious. I have already told you that the unknown scares me the most. I do have faith that we will be OK but we will go through harder times before we get to better times. I am doing my part in "Social Distancing" myself but frankly, it's hard. It doesn't feel right. Sure we still have our cell phones, e-mails, text messages, FaceTime and social media but being told to stay away from others is extremely hard for someone like me,  who loves to be around people. I am trying to stay positive and support small businesses as much as I can.

In a time where businesses are slowly shutting down or drastically changing their hours it's crazy and just seems unreal. It makes my heart sad to see tough decisions that friends and business owners are having to make knowing they are trying everything they can to keep their employees employed. Just know we are in this together and just keep doing the best you can as this isn't your fault.
We will get through this!

I try to find happiness in these days. It makes me smile when so many friends are now working from home and trying to be good at homeschooling their child(ren) or now working with their husbands. You guys, I am laughing at many of your posts and realize how much there is to not only raising a child but also trying to teach them and an adjustment of working with a spouse when that's not a normal thing for you. While we don't have kids I feel for everyone as they adjust to a "new temporary normal".  Those of you that truly homeschool your child(ren) I praise you. I'm sure it's not easy but the time you get to spend with your child(ren) will be something I hope they always remember.

For example, the following have been shared many times by many of you and I totally laugh because I can see you writing this! 

I mean seriously! Hilarious! 

Oh my gosh y'all! 

Bahahaha! 

No judging here! 

This was pretty good too! 

I am certainly not making fun of anyone in a stressful time but rather smile because we are trying to find a little humor in life despite the craziness. I think we all have to take a deep breath and remember that the most important thing is to find a way to spend this time with your child(ren) and find happiness with them. Extra cuddles, being able to spend time with them that you might not if you were in a "normal" daily routine. Perhaps you might find that this new routine brings a little more happiness and slows down the time as they grow up so quickly.

I have several friends who are teachers. I admire what they do each and every day to help, encourage and inspire the students in their classrooms. I know that they are all super passionate about teaching and each of their students becomes a part of their own heart. I know teachers are underpaid and under-appreciated. They are with your child(ren) a large portion of a day for nearly 9 months out of the year. They are working long hours trying to find creative ways to help your child(ren) during this time and this is just as hard on them. They love your child(ren).  

My hope during this unknown time in our lives is that we each have a little more understanding, give a little more respect to those around us and genuinely appreciate every single human being. We are a team and we need to help where we can.  

You guys, just remember to be kind. I can't help but think that certain things happen for a reason. I would never wish something like this on anyone but maybe this is a gentle reminder that we all need to slow down and stop taking so many things for granted. I have said for years "I'm going to slow down" and I am pretty sure I'm just as busy as I have always been. I really think we all need to take this time and put things in perspective. Will we get quarantined at home? Probably. Is it going to be hard? For many, yes. Is this going to take a financial toll on all of us? Absolutely! Will we be better people for being forced to pump the breaks and enjoy the things we often take for granted? Yes! There are a lot of things we can't control but there are a lot of things we can control. Find happiness in each day and realize there are people who have no family. 

You guys, being "stuck" at home isn't so bad. (Remember those people stuck on a Cruise Ship?) Get outside, play games, put your phones down a little more, find time to have real conversations with your family, sit at the table for a meal together, make memories and take lots of pictures. I have no idea what will happen in the next few days, weeks or months but embrace it with a positive attitude. Maybe when all of this is over we might actually find that we don't have to be so busy all the time. As I get older it's more about the things money can't buy that is more important. 

I will still never fully understand the whole "Toilet Paper Hoarding" but here's a little something from me to you.... You are loved sugars! 

What's Normal?

March 16, 2020 ~ I find myself asking this question a lot... What's normal? Who defines normal? Is my normal the same as your normal? It's a question that varies from person to person and I don't know that there is a good answer for "What's Normal".  Perhaps normal is how we saw things growing up. Such as families sitting down at the table for a meal together and how that seems so few and far between now. Is it because both parents are working outside of the home and kids are so involved in various sports that you just don't have time to set down together let alone cook? Every family has a different answer and there isn't a wrong answer. We all have a different kind of normal and it's ok!

Unless you are living under a rock then everyone is talking about COVID-19 or as most of us know it, the Corona Virus. It's something that is everywhere we turn, its name is looking back at us. Social media, e-mails, store windows, television, radios and even friends and family texting or calling about it. It's literally everywhere. 

I'm going to be completely honest with you,  I am scared. I'm not scared of getting this virus or scared of dying but rather scared because of the unknown. I have said that I have had the opportunity to do a lot of awesome things in life and try to live my life to the fullest so that when my time comes to go meet the big man upstairs I am ok. (Now don't mistake me, I've got a lot of living left to do and don't want to go anywhere anytime soon) 

For me, it's not knowing what the future holds. Tomorrow, next week, next month or even the next 6 months. While I do think the news hasn't helped the situation my hope is that people will take this seriously. It may not "affect you", as so many keep saying, but in fact, it does. What if your lack of listening to the simple things costs someone you love their life? We have to keep the common sense, well, common! Washing our hands should be a several times a day routine. Like going to the bathroom and before leaving making sure to wash your hands. When you feel the need to cough, cover your mouth and the same goes with sneezing. Most importantly, if you are sick, running a fever or simply don't feel good then stay home! Work is important, yes, but it's not more important than your life or the life of your co-workers. 

For me and my family, I am trying to make sure that I have the basics, food in our freezer and canned items in the pantry. You guys, this is nothing different than our normal everyday life. I was low on meats in the freezer so I did go to the store to purchase that just so if we were stuck at home we would have options. I eat at home almost every single day for lunch and very seldom do we eat out at night. Weekends with friends are a treat but we are ok eating at home too. 

Anyone that really knows me would already know I am somewhat of a hoarder on laundry soap, laundry softener, shampoo/conditioner, soap, toilet paper, paper towels, toothpaste, deodorant, tampons, lotion and over the counter medicines. This is something I have always had a good supply of each on hand for nearly 15 years because I personally didn't want to go to the stores each month. I know, I hear you and saying "I can't afford to do that".  I totally get it and it wasn't something I ran out and spent hundreds of dollars "stocking up" but rather each time I would go I would buy an extra item and slowly built up my stash. I always look for sales, coupons and special buys... I hate paying full price for anything if I can find a sale. 

Today, Columbia Public Schools announced that our schools will be closed from March 18 - April 13, 2020. I understand why they are doing this but my heart goes out to the kiddos who really depends on school to be their safe place in this crazy world, their guaranteed meal when maybe there isn't a lot at home to eat and their friends who help them forget about things going on that make them sad or hurt. I want to help those kiddos and I don't know exactly how. Spring Break would have been 1 week out of school but now they will be away from this safe place for nearly a month. 

Senior citizens and those with compromised immune systems are another huge concern for me. Knowing they may or may not have the resources to allow them to get to the doctor, store or pharmacy safely. They may not have the money to afford the basic necessities in life and that breaks my heart. This literally could be life or death for them. 

You guys, I don't have answers. I am trying to figure out how to navigate all of this and where I can help. Right now, there are lots of people stepping up but in the coming days, weeks and months they will need help. I am trying to come up with a game plan while trying to help my own family. My mom has cancer and doesn't need to be around any of this. My sister and brother-in-law both work (they are small business owners as well as my sister working in the health care field) and have 2 kids. Jaxon will be out of school on March 18th and I would imagine it won't be long for Asher's daycare to close. They will do what they can to balance work and taking care of the boys over the next month. (She said that it's silly to send Asher to daycare if Jaxon is home so in an effort to keep them somewhat confined she will keep him home) They want to keep them away from both of their parents, the kid's grandparents, because they are all not in the best health. I know many of you are already figuring out the same thing while worrying about how long it will be until your workplace is closed. Now, imagine a single parent with little or no help. Gosh, my heart goes out to them too. 

For now, I know you can donate to several places within your local community. So many people are jumping up to help figure this out for those that need help and I couldn't be more proud of them. I have seen more human kindness in the couple days and that makes my heart happy.  My hope when this is all behind us is that you will see a different kind of world. A world filled with kindness, love and genuine respect for one another with everyone willing to help one another... the way it was when I was growing up.  

You guys, we are going to be ok. We are going to get through this and be stronger because of what we are about to go through. We have to remain positive in this situation. I think the only thing we can do at this point is to live day by day and give it the best we can. Reassure your kids it's going to be ok and help those in need where you can. Maybe it's sharing extra items you have, offering to take them to a doctor's appointment, picking up groceries or simply a phone call to check on them. Just remember to take care of yourself because if you don't you can't help others.  

A very special thank you to our military for protecting our country and our freedoms. I know it's not easy for you to be away from your loved ones and in areas where danger is around the corner. You are loved and appreciated!

A very special thank you to our doctors, nurses, firefighters, police, and staff that are doing everything they can to take care of those that need help. You are putting yourself at risk every single day to make sure your patients are taken care of. You are loved and appreciated!

A very special thank you to the store employees who are working hard to keep the shelves stocked, the truck drivers that are working hard to get supplies from across the country to various locations. You are also putting yourselves at risk every single day (driving state to state) and dealing with everyone daily. You are loved and appreciated!

A very special thank you to the janitors and cleaning crews that are working really hard to sanitize schools, buildings, malls, facilities and any other public space that we use. Your work doesn't go un-noticed. You are loved and appreciated!

Teachers and educators... while you have no idea what will happen from this point forward but willing to work longer hours to make sure your students stay up to speed while they are away from your classroom... you are a saint! I already feel you aren't paid enough but knowing you don't do this profession for the money you truly are an amazing human being. Thank you for loving the kids that come through your schools and your classrooms unconditionally and wanting to see them be the best version of themselves possible with you as their cheerleader. (Home school parents you have huge kudos too) You are loved and appreciated!

Small business owners, I am also one of those, you guys are an amazing bunch of dedicated people who push through the hardest times to live the American Dream. We work hard to create jobs for others and do everything we can to keep our customers happy. We know this isn't easy and yet we show up every single day ready to tackle the day ahead. Y'all are some incredible people and we are in this together. We have banded together to support one another in good times and bad. You are loved and appreciated!


You guys, if I missed anyone it wasn't on purpose. Please don't take offense. I am trying to wrap my mind around everything and so many thoughts run through my head. I just have to get these thoughts out of my mind so I can process and think with a little more clarity each day.

Hey Y'all It's Me Michele... I'm Back!

March 15, 2020 ~ Well, y'all it's been nearly 2 years since I have posted anything on my blog. 2 YEARS, you guys! How did time pass so quickly? How did I never come back to blogging? You guys, these are questions I ask myself constantly. While life certainly hasn't slowed down I find myself coming back to something I love which is writing and storytelling. My blog was a place I could do this and keep my thoughts in a journal so to speak.

The last 2 years have been full of adventure and changes. I'll try to highlight the top items that are on my mind as I hope that I will be more consistent in my writing. I will do my best to give enough information to bring you up to speed in future posts so they make the most sense. 

Brandon and I will be married 23 years in September! We started dating when we were 16 years old and somehow we just blinked and 28 years have flown by! (23 married plus 5 years of dating) We are having fun and while I still want to wring his neck I wouldn't change "us" for anything in the world! 

My last blog post was March 27, 2018 and was the Baby Adams Gender Reveal of my sister and brother-in-law. It was a boy and I still laugh at Ashley's reaction because she wanted a little girl so bad but my bother-in-law, Greg and my nephew, Jaxon's reaction was pretty good too! Obviously, our little family grew by one more little boy who arrived on September 19, 2018 and they named him Asher Gregory Adams. He's funny, loves his big brother and although he looks a lot like my sister except he has blonde hair! A perfect mix for our family! 

Asher is a mess! At 18-months old he certainly keeps us on our toes!
He reminds me of "Spanky" from The Little Rascals and a mix of Chris Farley!

Asher and Jaxon playing a game together earlier this year! 

My Momma still has cancer. She is doing great and her last doctor's appointment showed that her blood count was down to 11,000 from a high of 17,000! This is completely normal and her cancer doctor told her it will fluctuate from time to time but this was the first time it's gone down! I have a lot of people ask me how she's doing and for the most part, she is good. She just gets tired easier and not sure if that's from age, cancer or perhaps both. 

I have tried to take her with me on some travels to spend some quality time with her! I always love our time together and also love it when we get Brandon to go with us. We have made some good memories that I can't help but smile when I see pictures pop up on my social media! 

I started Midway Mercantile Co in February 2019! After taking several glass classes with Cindy Lou's Glass Studio I fell in love with this craft and decided to take a leap of faith and start my own business! It's been full of many emotions because while it's exciting it's also scary! I know I can do anything I set my mind to and I am not afraid of work, but the idea of doing something I have never done before like this terrified me! It's been an interesting journey and one I truly enjoy! I sell my items on Etsy as well as 4 retail locations in Missouri! I will talk more about this in a blog post just about Midway Mercantile Co so stay tuned! 

Pops turned 69 in February and Momma will turn 68 in April. They were both diagnosed with cancer when they retired and was an eye-opener for all of us. The biggest lesson is that you have to enjoy every single day with those you love so we have made a point to do things with them! Just recently we stopped by (they only live a few houses from us) and went for a RZR ride with them. Nothing fancy but quality time together for sure! (Of course, we try to make sure we get my sister, brother-in-law, and nephews together as often as we can!) Family is so important to me especially as we get older. I don't want to look back on life and wish we had done more. We are doing more now and taking pictures along the way! 

Our little diva cousin and her hubby had a baby too! Nixon Royal Secrist was born on December 26, 2018 and it's so much fun having the "babies" together! Since they are about 3 months apart it is always fun watching their little personalities come out! (There are 3 grand-daughters on the Crews side of our family. Myself then 5 years later came my sister, Ashley and 5 years later came our cousin, Stephanie. While we are cousins I feel like we are more like sisters and remain tightly connected which I love.) We all live here in Midway except Stephanie, Justin, and Nixon as they live in Kansas but come home fairly often. 

I think the biggest change over the past 2 years has been me. I am not the same person I was previously. Don't get me wrong, I am still fun, enjoy making others laugh and my OCD shows through the same but as I get older I am becoming more sensitive. Things bother me that I would have normally let roll off my shoulders. I am extremely sentimental. I have always kept things that have been from someone special to me but I find myself looking at photos reflecting on memories or looking at an item and figuring out how I can re-purpose into something I will use in our home. I bite my tongue a lot! I am not one that likes conflict but if I need to stand up for myself or someone very close to me then I will gladly say something. As I get older I find myself asking if it's worth it. Is it worth the energy to argue? Is it worth me getting worked up over something that I should just let go or walk away from it for my own peace? 

The majority of my life I have tried to make others happy and anyone in my very close circle would know I would do anything for them. I have found that over the years more people will take advantage of that and I have decided to protect my heart. I have been disappointed, taken advantage of, hurt and used. I have never put my own family first and yet they were always there when I needed them. It wasn't fair to them and I have made a point that will never happen again. 

Brandon is my first priority followed by my family and then my tight circle of close friends. I want to make a positive difference in this world and think you can accomplish so much when your priorities are in line. Every year I look at the things I am involved in and make sure those things align with my passions and if they don't then I simply step back and allow someone else to step in. I think the same holds true for people you are around (business life and personal life) that they make you feel important and loved. Remember actions speak louder than words! 

Life is all about learning and y'all... I'm still learning! I am not perfect and have many faults of my own but I am working on being the best version of me I can be.