This past week has been awesome!

On Monday, we had a beautiful night for trick-or-treat.  Even though my girls have outgrown the tradition, we love passing out candy to kids and seeing all the cool costumes.  This year there was a young man dressed in a Detroit Tigers baseball uniform!  (This is a rarity in Central Ohio.  We gave him extra candy.)  Halloween has become another time of gathering for my big crazy family and I love it! 

Tuesdays have become my official ‘embrace working from anywhere’ day of the week.  I like to venture out of the house and explore new locations, in search of a great vibe.  This week led me to Starbucks in downtown Dublin, Ohio.  It’s one of my favorite spots – shout out to the best barista crew ever!  They kill it with quality and service every day.  I have gotten to know the store manager and he leads a great shop. 

While I’m working at Starbucks this week, two gentlemen sit near me and start having a conversation about having to let go of an employee in their small landscape business.  I promise I am not in the habit of listening in to peoples’ conversations; however, this one immediately caught my attention.  These two were clearly stressed about their situation (as most small business owners are when it comes to matters of people).  So I turned around, introduced myself, apologized for overstepping, and offered my help and support.  They offered to buy me a coffee when I told them I was an HR professional who could assist them.  We talked through the situation, and I offered different solutions.  I even gave them my card in case they needed further support.  They were so grateful, and my cup was filled (literally!)  I love when I am presented with opportunities to help others and make workplaces better. 

Wednesday brought shock and awe.   I was presented with a Catalyst Award from HR Unite!  I had no idea I had even been nominated – such an honor!  My dear friend Tina-Marie Wohlfield (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-marie-wohlfield-sphr-shrm-scp/) founded the HR Unite! community to encourage and support education, connection, and empowerment in the HR industry.  It is a wonderful space for HR pros to come together to learn and share.  If you are not yet a member, I encourage you to connect with Tina-Marie and get involved.  I cannot thank Tina-Marie and the entire HR Unite! community enough for the honor and surprise this week. 

Thursday was just fun.  After a very productive work week, I met up with a wonderful friend for happy hour.  We figured out we have known each other for almost 20 years, and we have shared so many life events over that time.  We actually met as co-workers in our first HR jobs; she has been a sounding board and trusted advisor to me over the course of my career.  I am truly blessed to have her in my life. 

Following happy hour, Avery and I made a trip to Target and got our first holiday beverages of the season from Starbucks.  We always look forward to this time of year and I am grateful to have the time with my daughter.  She is approaching the middle of her sophomore year and the fact that she will be heading off to college soon is becoming very real.  I am committed to soaking up as much time with her as possible. 

Now it’s Friday which means I start the day teaching at Ohio State, and I have lunch scheduled with co-workers.  I am looking forward to wrapping up the workweek strong – having a scroll bar in my inbox gives me anxiety!  And of course, my focus is on the Buckeye game tomorrow – looking forward to a big victory! 

I hope you have had an amazing week as well.