Are you racking your brain? Trying to figure out what is 111 days away? It’s CHRISTMAS!!!!!!! Are you excited? Groaning? I am a little bit of both, to be honest.
Christmas in one of my favorite times of year, but it’s also stressful. Especially, when it is the gift buying season and you are on a budget. Like any other parent, I want to shower my kids with everything that they want on Christmas – but I also know that I can’t afford it – and even if I could – that’s not a good idea. I used to pride myself on the mounds of gifts I could get under the tree. Now, that my kids are older – it is really hard to get from them what they want. I noticed that for like the past two years.
Now, don’t get me wrong, my kids get presents. They have grandparents, family, friends, and they are far from deprived. But have you noticed as your kids get older, they seem to want less? Or really, have a hard time telling you what they want?
I am so grateful for my 20 and 16 year old. They are the most satisfied, non-greedy, giving souls to walk this planet. They really get the true meaning of Christmas. My nine year old, well, he can make you a list today. (I think my older two could also when they were his age, LOL!) So, at least for the older two, I am trying to get some creative ideas for them for Christmas. Some homemade items, that they will love, and maybe some ‘experiences’.
During the Hurricane, I got busy. I made an amazing birthday gift for a friend of mine, and I started on one gift for my oldest. I mean, I have to start now -if I am going to make stuff, right? So I am feeling pretty good about that – but I am at a loss as to what to do for a 16 year old girl. And does anyone have any good ideas for an experience? I would like to do that for all three.
So, I need your help. Give me ideas. What do you do for your kids during the holidays? How do your kids feel about homemade gifts? Have you done the whole “experience” thing before? Help a sister out! Send me some ideas, I’ll do some reserach, and maybe – we can figure this out together and have the coolest, cost-effective Christmas!
The blog that is written below – I wrote back in 2013. I stumbled upon it yesterday, and it made me smile and have some serious awe and gratitude. So, i thought I’d share it with you guys. Enjoy!
Ok, maybe my most important post on either of my blogs. This is one of those ground shaking moments in my life. And it all started with a monkey – Well, gorilla acutally – name Baraka. Long story short – my family and I went to the Smithsonian zoo on Saturday. Beautiful day in the District. It was 65 degrees – blue sky – not too crowded. Just absolutely perfect. We were all having fun – and I saw “The Great Ape House”. My kids and I went in, and it was the coolest thing ever! Seeing the gorillas hopping around – putting on a show, almost. I was sitting on the steps watching my kiddos look through the glass. And you ever have that feeling someone is staring at you? Well, I had it. And I looked. And it was definitely a 350 pound gorilla – who I later found out is named Baraka.
Well, Baraka and I got in a staredown competition. And finally, when the crowd thinned out – I walked up to the glass. And Baraka, who had been sitting alone the whole time – watching the other gorillas and staring at me – got up. He got and walked directly over to me. And then, through the glass – with about an inch of glass separating us – we stood eye to eye. Nose to nose. Lip to lip. I have never been that close to any wild animal ever. And his eyes. They were full of expression and feeling. It was like looking into a human’s eyes. And my heart fell in love with him at that moment. I have had dogs and cats growing up – and loved them. But never ever have I ever seen such expression. I have thought about that precious gorilla ever since.
Now I know I sound a touch wackadoo – so be it. It’s true. But then my brain began a long thought process and research adventure. Now understand – I am a huge nerd. Geology and Paleontology are my passions. I love science. Science makes sense. Science explains so many things. From how to make coffee to cancer treatment – it’s science. So I started researching why gorillas are so humanlike. In the eyes. And here is what I learned.
We are similar. Genetically similar. God made us that way. Which is amazing to me. And one thing that I learned about us, in this research is something called Laminin. Now, what this stuff is a protein. Pretty cool – it’s the stuff that holds our cells together. Kinda of like the “gorilla glue” of our body. Get it? That’s some punny stuff. Yes, I meant punny.
Then my sister – told me about this guy Louie Gigilio – so I started to randomly listen to his podcasts. And guess what he talked about it one. LAMININ! How is that possible you say? Because God wanted this girl to really realize how tuned in he is to me. To each of us. If we will just listen. And here is a cool quick fact about Laminin. It’s shaped like a cross. Look it up. I am so not kidding. Then, Mr. Gigilio quoted Colossians 1:15-17. If you don’t know what it says, here ya go:
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
Now that is wicked cool. It’s not something that we don’t know per se. But when you think about how God made all things, cell by cell – bit by bit. He created amazing animals. Our human bodies. Our planet. He knew that a blue sky and green trees would look beautiful together. Our bodies are the most intricate machines ever. And I believe we take all that for granted. So today, think about it. Be thankful for it. And realize how amazing our entire lives are. How blessed we are.
Oooooh… controversial, right? Yas! I’m feeling a little sassy today!
Seriously though. My ‘real’ job – is literally a Customer Experience Manager. My job, is to make sure that your experience, at my shop, is amazing. We have that crap down, too. I mean, I am super good at my job. I am great at it even. Our scores show it. Customer Service is my pride and joy.
Now, you might be saying, “KRISTIE! The customer is always right!” Well, now you are wrong, too. Lol! Let me give you an example. I am at WAWA this morning. I am standing in the checkout line, and there are two people in front of me. Both people are on the phone. The young lady that was the clerk, was awkwardly trying to catch the first person’s eye. I know she was trying to ask them if they wanted a bag or not. She was also trying to be polite, and not interrupt their conversation. So, customer #1, talking his head off on his phone, never acknowledges the clerk. He is staring down at the credit card machine.
Once his total shows up, card inserted, tap tap tap, he grabs his stuff and walks out. Not even one nod of acknowledgment to the clerk. Customer 2 repeats the same process – almost exactly – and walks out the door. It’s my turn in line.
In that moment, I became painfully aware of my bluetooth earbud sitting in my ear. I quickly pause my audiobook, and pull the earbud out. “Good Mornin’!” I say.
The young lady says back to me, “Well, good morning! Thank you for getting off the phone, but you didn’t have to, no one else does. ” I replied in a panic almost! “I wasn’t on the phone, I was just listening to an audiobook!” She obviously didn’t care if I was on the phone or not – but for some reason I felt ashamed for the way the two customers in front of me behaved. She was such a sweet and lovely young girl working this morning. And those two people, missed an opportunity to engage with another human and to make her feel valued. They missed out.
That got me thinking. We live in a society of instant gratification. Self entitlement. The “I’M GONNA CALL MY LAWYER!” – Mindset. Remember in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, how Veruca Salt was a spoiled little brat. We, as customers, often do the same. I am including myself in this mix, so don’t get it twisted. We have amazon – get it quick. Cell phones with games or social media so we never have to be ‘bored’. Liposuction, Credit cards, Uber Eats, On Demand, Fast Food, Sudden service, WiFi, video games, grocery delivery, and the general lack of having to ‘wait’ for anything . And it seems, the more convenient things have become – that we have become much more impatient and much more entitled. You would think we would be more grateful, but it doesn’t seem so.
You want to know one of the reasons that my team and I are so successful in the customer service genre? In an industry that it is almost impossible to make people happy? I will give you one big tip. I DO NOT CHANGE MY CUSTOMER SERVICE MINDSET FOR ANYONE! So, my CSR’s are instructed to wait. And by wait, I mean this. We are in control of this situation, we are the professionals, so we are going to show you how it’s done. If a customer comes in- on the phone, and instructs me to go ahead and go over the forms while they are on the phone – I don’t. I reply, “These forms are way too important, and I want you to be able to focus on your call – as soon as you are finished with the call, you let me know – and we will get you taken care of. Take your time. ” And guess what, I mean it. I’m not being a smart alleck. These forms are important, and your phone call is also. There are humans on both sides of you. I will give you the time and space you need to complete your call. And then we will get you taken care of! I want to make sure that you are set up with a great level of expectation, and that we are clear!
In the 10+ years, I have never had one customer buck up when I refuse to do business while they are on the phone. I have seen a few look shocked, but that’s it. I want my customers to feel like they are connected to us and that we care. Because we actually do.
Now – let me explain to you a few things that happen at our shop. If you have never worked in the body shop industry – auto repair industry – you might not know. Consider this a public service announcement:
Machines make vehicles, humans repair them. We strive to be perfect, and get it as spot on as we can. Please, have some grace. We are human and it takes time.
Paint match. Listen, bumpers are different colors than sheet metal. That’s just the way it is. Paint adheres differently. Look at your car before your drop it off. If it doesn’t match then, it won’t match after. If it does now, it will then.
You, as the customer – deserve updates throughout the repair process. You should receive them from your insurance adjuster and the shop. An adjuster’s information is only as good as what the shop gives them – so if you have questions, call the shop.
Body shops want to repair your vehicle. If an insurance company says something IS NOT related, we have zero control of that. We get paid to repair, remember that. Screaming and cursing at us will literally get you no where. We can’t do anything without their approval. I can also guarantee you, that if you curse and yell in my shop – I won’t be able to advocate for you for anything, because I am going to have to usher you elsewhere as to not offend my other guests.
Body shops, especially shops like mine that do insurance work, are so regulated it is crazy. We are audited by everyone. So, we aren’t a crooked industry trying to make a quick buck off you. Just like all lawyers aren’t jerks. All accountants are not dull. Don’t make assumptions.
If you tell someone in a shop that you are going to contact your attorney because an insurance company is saying that something isn’t related. Please do. We want you to. So does the insurance company. We are well versed in this, and we aren’t kidding.
If you have any questions about the body shop industry – shoot me a comment or email me in the about me section. I’ll answer asap.
So, here is my challenge to you. Let’s try to be good customers. When we check out, tell your boyfriend to hold on the phone for a second, and talk to our clerk. Let’s show up a few minutes early to our appointments. If we go to pick up some shoes, and they don’t have our size, ask the salesperson if they can help find them – rather than huffing away or sulking. If you have to wait for a table at a restaurant, play a game of ABC with your kids and chat with your spouse. And at your next meal with your family – have everyone put their phone on airplane mode. Let’s be good customers to everyone we interact with.
I’m a realist. Sometimes, you are gonna get someone who sucks. An employee or business that is just subpar. Don’t get mad – don’t freak out – don’t yell. Just move on up the chain. Also, If you want some more Customer Service tips – Let me know. But, I can’t divulge all my secrets.
I gotta stay number 1.
Xoxo
The Best CSS squad on the Planet! (L to R) Eric, Rebecca, and Tariq!)
Well, this is gonna be short. I didn’t plan this blog, she just kinda flew out my fingertips. I have had a good day. No major issues. Hiccups. All good. Then, out of nowhere, “WHAM!” I got slammed by a flood of emotions that I didn’t see coming. Long story short – in a previous blog I wrote about the best friend break-up. (You can click the underlined part to read that if you haven’t). Well, some of their social media popped up in my world – and it was like I was stabbed all over again. I guess, I should just feel blessed that I don’t know how you do that. How you just drop someone for literally no reason/no explanation.
Anyway. That sucked. Tears were burning my eyes. I shut my office door. I cried for a second, cause my feelings were re-hurt. And then I did it. I made a phone call. I called and I cried. And guess what !? I wasn’t made fun of, I was listened to, and I ended up laughing at the end. So I say all that, to say this. I am so grateful. In a moment of yucky – I realized that I have so much to be grateful over. And guys, when you are upset, let it out to someone you trust. I started off feeling crazy for being emotional. I ended up receiving understanding and a deeper connection with them? Why? Because I got vulnerable and showed emotion instead of choking it down. So, try it. Let it out.
I mean, honestly. Boulders and clubs might . But sticks and stones? Nah.
Tonight while surfing the web, I got a great idea for a blog. One that has affected me my whole life. And something that I haven’t conquered – but is a work in progress. You know the old saying, “Sticks and stones can break by bones but words will never hurt me?” Well, that’s a big fat lie. First, I am gonna self admit – I have done a whole lot more damage with my words than ever with my fists. I have had my fair share of run ins with sticks and stones… from falling down hills, playing sports, you name it. But, I can honestly say – that not one single stick or stone has broken a bone. Ever. Maybe made a bruise, but nothing that I can even really remember. I am just sure in the course of my life so far – it has had to happen.
Words on the other hand, can break your heart. Words are something that can only be forgiven – no guarantee forgotten. You know, looking back on old photos and videos – I can remember a lot of conversations – funny little things that I had previously forgotten. But I remember those words. Now, in the age of social media – it seems so much more prevalent. People will trash talk their spouses. Make fun of other people. Critique someone’s clothes, makeup, or even a birth mark. People can say anything they want to someone, because they don’t have to look them in the eye. My term for them, are internet gangsters. Here is a rule of thumb — if I wouldn’t say it if they are sitting in front of me – I will never type it. And that goes in all areas — I’ve been hurt enough by words – I am sure we all have — so I don’t ever want to do that to anyone else.
This week- THIS FREAKING WEEK – I was upset, and I said something I didn’t mean. I wasn’t even mad at the person I was talking to, I was just all up in my own feels. When they told me that they were hurt – It broke my heart. My mouth did it again. I couldn’t do anything but apologize. And this person, is super gracious, said that they understood, and accepted my apology. Now, I need to work a hundred times harder – to show that person that I meant it.
I have even made the mistake my kids. When you say, “You are grounded until you are 100!” — well, we know that’s not gonna happen. I mean, I don’t normally say 100 . I do though, make more dramatic statements of punishment, than what would actually fit the crime. So then, when I calm down, I have to explain that I was angry, that was dramatic, and here is the actual punishment. I have had to do this more than once. You get what I am sayin’, I’m sure.
Let me tell you something, the word “whatever”, “nothing”, ‘I’m fine”…. I used to say it all the time. I know its a joke that when a woman says, “Nothing is wrong..” – that means something is. Honestly, isn’t it sometimes so much easier to say those responses? Like, it’s easier to say that you don’t care – than to explain all the reasons that you do. And why? Because if you don’t want to be vulnerable and show how you really feel. And I know I feel that way sometimes. That being said, if something is wrong. Say it. Don’t scream it. Maybe you know you are being moody – preface it with that. Because let me tell you -everyone has been moody. Everyone. Wouldn’t you rather someone tell you what’s wrong ? I know I do. Then you aren’t guessing. Worrying. Do everyone and yourself a favor.
Here’s my challenge to you. Watch your words. Tell your truth.
*Disclaimer – this was written almost a month ago. I just wasn’t sure if I wanted to post it or not. But, today – I thought someone could benefit from it.*
I hope this helps someone today.
Too much to get into all the details – but today – I felt unappreciated. It’s one of those things where it was weighing on my mind and heart. Where you feel your heart, like are actually aware of the organ in your chest. Swallowing seemed difficult. And I felt like the weight of the world on my shoulders and wanted to cry.
And then, it hit me. I am doing what I can. And I don’t need the outside approval of others to confirm that for myself. So many people are focused on being perfect, rich, smartest, best, number one, etc – and I felt like, here I am – trying to make my tribe (and all those related to it) feel loved and valued. While trying to productive, perfect, make money, have the best numbers, look pretty, and be noticed and successful. And I don’t feel like anyone cares or appreciates it. And yes – I just admitted – I care about all the things that I said others focus on. I am not judging. I am just saying, I also try to add value and love to those I interact with first.
It hit me. Stop focusing on feeling bad. Focus on the fact that you are alive and happy. Realize that not everyone is always going to behave the way you want them to. And just because they don’t – doesn’t mean that they don’t care. It just means – that they might be going through their own stuff. They might not feel like they need to acknowledge it. And honestly, why do I expect acknowledgement? Shouldn’t I be doing it – because I mean it, I love them, and I want the best for them – with no level of expectation back?
Absolutely. Sometimes, things can get so overwhelming for me – I feel like I can’t breathe. I have worn my emotions on my sleeve for years – but one day, I started choking them down. And just because I choke them down – doesn’t mean that they aren’t there. They just aren’t seen as visibly to everyone. So, to everyone who tells me how strong I am – thank you. But the only real strength I have, is being able to hide my feelings from most people.
Here is real talk. I am not that strong. I am actually pretty weak. I have basic needs. I need to be loved. Valued. And appreciated. I get lonely. I get sad. I get scared. I get overwhelmed. And all of that can happen in under thirty seconds! Where I feel weaker – is the fact that I struggle with admitting that I am human. There is a total of about 3 people on this planet who know that part of me. I am grateful for them – because without them – I’d probably lose my mind. I don’t admit it often. But today, I thought – let it rip. Someone needs to know it’s okay to be human, too. But while we are being human – let’s extend some grace to our loved ones and let them be human, also.
Because let’s be honest – our feelings aren’t facts.
I bet ya are like… Woah. Kristie is back! I know.. I know… I haven’t posted in 9 months. Think about that. That’s the time it takes to have a baby!!!!!!!! I could tell you all the reasons I haven’t posted, but to be honest, I don’t even know what they are myself. So, I can give you a little update. It’s 2018, my first post of 2018! But 2018 has been good to me… I mean, look at the title of the post.
So, If you all know that chick, introduce me. Because I am definitely not talking about myself. But let’s be honest. Life Goals. At any given point, I might be one of those things, but not all three. But I am a whole lot more intelligent that I was in 2017. Forty has been good to me. It has been super tough, but super great. I am finally coming into my own self. My own confidence. My own voice.
This year, I have learned a few things, and that’s why I am writing this blog. I wanted to share. 1. If there is something that you don’t like about yourself. Change it. It might not be easy, but it will be worth it. If you don’t like your hair, cut it – or grow it out. If you don’t like that you smoke – quit. If you don’t like your pants size – do something to change it. If you don’t like your attitude – check it. 2. Take control of your self, but when you do that, take others into consideration. I have seen so many girlfriends lose themselves in a relationship – or lose a great relationship because of themselves. There is nothing healthy about someone who is always demanding, negative, or threatening in any relationship. The “you better or I will….” or the “if you love me…” . It’s too much. And people can only take so much. 3. If you stay calm, everyone gets calmer. I swear. It’s true. Breathe and stay calm. Good lessons, especially for work situations. 4. Take time for yourself. Do yoga. Meditate. Take baths. Listen to Audiobooks. All good stuff. 5. Do something is self help each week. I don’t know what that is for you – but find it and do it. 6. Wear yoga pants whenever possible… but be careful wearing them outside the house. 7. Be okay with telling your significant other/parent/child that you want to see them. Spend time with them. Don’t be afraid to show you care and can be vulnerable. If they don’t make you a priority – you might need to reevaluate the need. 8. A thoughtful text can change your mood. Completely. 9. When people love you – they encourage you to step outside your comfort zone. Don’t get mad at them for it – they see something you don’t. 10. Eat Guacamole. It’s a health food. And delicious. 11. Get to know what your family and/or significant other’s love language is. And do it. If your child’s is gift giving – stop by 7-11 on the way home and get them their favorite candy. If your s/o is physical touch – kiss them on the lips for more than a peck, or make some time for “sexy time.” 12. Don’t keep your compliments in. Just don’t. If you love a stranger’s skirt – let em know. You think your s/o is the most gorgeous person on the planet – let them know. 13. This is for Ladies Only. DO NOT – I REPEAT – DO NOT… EVER ALLOW YOURSELF TO NOT HAVE GIRLS NITE. Ladies, we need time to bond. I don’t care if it is GNO – brunch – phone conversations – make your friendships a priority just as much as your romantic relationships. This goes for married, single, dating – I don’t care. Cherish your friends and make time for them. And guys, encourage your ladies to do it. 14. Be a good parent. Make your kids come first. They will notice it. For real. And please, discipline them. Don’t let them be out of control crazies. 15. Be a smart social media user. Don’t be negative. Don’t be mean. Don’t be skanky. 16. On the genre of social media. If someone is rude, negative, makes you feel bad about yourself – block them. You don’t owe them an explanation, but if they ask. Tell the truth. Simple. 17. If you don’t know how to do something, get on YouTube. I guarantee there is a video for that… My fave is Kandee Johnson makeup videos, but… I also learned how to thaw an AC unit. 18. Last but not least… Be kind and pray. Make sure you love on people. And let yourself be loved.
And that folks, is a wrap for today. Lots of Life lessons. Even more Gratitude. Love you guys. Never sink. Xoxox
This morning, I woke up – and felt a little off. Off like in annoyed. Ya know what I mean. That annoyed where you just wanna get under your warm blankets and sleep for another 15 minutes (which might escalate to two hours). So, let’s just say I was a touch cranky.
Then, I swallow. And I shook my head. My throat was killing me. On one side only. So, I saunter myself into the kitchen, probably feeling sorry for myself, and start to fix some tea. While the water is boiling, I scroll facebook. There was my reality check.
I have friends who are sooooo sick – not a scratchy throat. I have friends who have family members who are battling cancer. I have friends who have lost husbands, fathers, wives, and children – all within the past few weeks. And here I am, having a pity party for my scratchy throat.
Then, my snapchat streaks and “good morning” texts start going off. Had a friend with a flat tire. Another friend who has a child that is puking. Another friend who is in the process of looking for her nephew. And here I am, having a pity party for my scratchy throat.
I fix my tea. I walk upstairs. In my home. I open my closet, and pick out my clothes. I take a hot shower. I put on my makeup. I kiss my three healthy kids goodbye. I go to my garage, to my jeep. A jeep that has gas in it. I drive to my job. My job that is amazing. I hug all my co-workers, because I genuinely love these people. Yet, there I was having a pity party over a scratchy throat.
Now I am not here to say that we aren’t gonna have bad days – but let’s just put our bad days into perspective. Here is what it boils down to. I am loved, so much. And I made to feel loved every day. My kids are wickedly amazing and healthy. I have a great home. My job is super cool, super fun, and I love everyone I work with. I have a roof over my head, a car to drive, and live in an amazing area.
I will Thank God this morning for my scratchy throat and facebook. Because both gave me a reality check on how absolutely blessed I am. How God is completely in control. And how I am humbled by the psycho amount of blessings he has bestowed on me – when I don’t deserve it.
As a relatively new Floridian, I have only been through one hurricane. And that was Hurricane Matthew. And for those that are in Central Florida during Matthew, it didn’t seem much more different than a regular summer thunderstorm, it just lasted longer. So, when the news started talking about Hurricane Irma, I wasn’t scared – I wasn’t nervous – I was just like… “I’m sure it’s not gonna be that bad…”
Well, first of all, I will openly admit when I am wrong. I WAS WRONG! I WAS SO WRONG! COMPLETELY WRONG! Now, people are gonna ask why I stayed. Here’s why. This is my home. This is where I live and work. I was never in an evacuation zone, had I been in one – I would have went. But when I started getting nervous – and feeling like I might should leave, I couldn’t. I mean, I could have – but that was scarier. There was a gas shortage. Traffic for days. And the thought of getting stuck in a town, during a hurricane, not knowing where to go to – or getting stuck on the side of road stranded and unable to get gas – was much scarier than just staying put.
And, I want to educate anyone who hasn’t been through something like this – because I didn’t know it until I lived it – but guys, a hurricane is expensive. So all these people you see going through this – don’t just think about the damage to their homes, there I a lot of money that goes to prepping. And prep properly. If you board up your windows, figure about $20.00 per window. You need 20 sandbags? Add another $50 to $100. Now, plan on a week without electricity, water, and having food to eat. Prepping for a hurricane can cost up to $1000 or more. Depending on the level of prep – and the size of the family. We aren’t even talking about the clean up, deductibles, time of work because your job is out of power – etc. This can really, really hurt people’s lives, and knock them so far down on their feet they can’t get back up. I was blessed in this aspect. But I see it all around me everyday since. And it’s so sad.
This hurricane was the absolute scariest thing I have ever been through. When you have three kids all looking to you for assuredness that everything is gonna be okay, that’s a lot of pressure. Especially when you are scared yourself, and have to act like you aren’t. It was at it’s worst in my area from midnight to about 4:30 am. That is a long time of wind screaming. Trees bending sideways. I was sure, that when I went upstairs, there wouldn’t be one. Water coming in from the floorboards. And pitch darkness. It was worse than any horror movie I have ever been in. And all the while, I had friends texting me – checking to make sure that I was okay. And I was doing the same back.
And then, the sun came up. And destruction was everywhere. Shingles littered the ground like French fries in a McDonald’s parking lot. It resembled a war zone. People out walking just stunned. Neighbors I haven’t seen outside before are out and talking. People are hugging, and asking if you need anything. When the sun came up – the outpouring of love of my neighbors, my friends, and gratitude came with it.
We were without power for 3 days. And that was awful. But not near as awful as the people who still don’t have power. I never realized how much I depend on electricity. And here is an FYI also, no electricity – no cell phone towers – signal was blah. Just trying to call someone was a nightmare. Our houses are built to be energy efficient! Which keeps the house warm in the cold months and cool in the warm months – IF YOU HAVE POWER. If you don’t… your house becomes Satan’s playground. Your home smells weird, from lack of air circulation. Your dirty clothes pile up. You can’t vacuum. Inside starts looking like a war zone, too. And then the day that you get glorious power back. It’s a huge relief. HUGE.
So here is what I have learned. I hate hurricanes. I never want to ever go camping. I love electricity. But most importantly – I am so grateful that God had his hand on me and my family and friends – because he is the one who protected us. I am so thankful for my amazing work family and friends – who all texted me throughout the night, just checking on me. I am so thankful for my friends who did the same. For everyone who offered me a place to stay when we were powerless. But I also learned I am a true Floridian. I love this place. I love the people. I love my neighbors. I am madly in love with the people I have met here. I have also learned, if they ever call for a hurricane that size again, this girl is out. But, I will come back – because Orlando is home.
BRAZEN 