Well, it finally happened… Isabelle moved into the dorms at Michigan State University and I am no longer her Freshman roommate.🙃 I miss hearing her go over her Arabic vocabulary words and listening into her online classes about nature and conservation – NOT! 😛 Actually, the topics on the surface seem super boring but were quite interesting as I had the advantage of taking classes with no homework – ha.🤣

Everyone asked me how I thought I would handle it when she moved out. My answer was always the same, I think I will be fine – she is ready. 👍🏻Isabelle and I enjoyed a few more months together due to the pandemic and MSU postponing students on campus. 😷 She was disappointed but I found it quite fun to have more time with her. We had developed kind of a back-and-forth annoyance with one another. She would drive me crazy when she decided to cook in the kitchen and not notice the mess, she made … and I would bug her when I became too clingy wanting to hang with her.🤗We watched movies together and she had the need to pop her shoulder, crack her knuckles and every other joint in her body which makes me cringe.🦵🏻I would try to hug and kiss her, and she would repel like I had the plague.😘 I finally realized that her love language is wrestling when she would take me to the ground unexpectedly. 🤼‍♂️ I owe thanks to Robin who raised her like a boy as I try to stand up again from a body slam. 🥴 Anyways, I would not change anything – we have our unique understanding of one another and that makes us tight. 👩‍❤️‍👩

The night before her scheduled move in, I became overwhelmed with sadness which surprised me a little.☹️ I began thinking about Robin and how he was supposed to be here with me, and we were going to start our next chapter together.📖I felt bad that he would miss this major milestone seeing his little girl go off to college. And I think if I am being honest, I was mad that I was probably going to have to schlep heavy boxes up to her 4^th floor dorm room by myself.

The next morning was move in day and we woke up to crappy weather (figures) of wet slushy snow that adds to experience for sure.❄️☃️❄️ Isabelle drove separately and I followed in my car with all her stuff – listening to sappy music and going through memory lane. 🎼🎻The move-in was well organized and COVID-19 safe. I pulled up and there were bins available to load and take up to the room. I looked around, seeing all the parents together moving in their kids – no I am not going to cry! 😢🥺We quickly unloaded and started organizing and decorating her room. She had a friend there to help which was so sweet. 💚As I was in her room, I thought I was going to suffocate between wearing the mask and the temperature (it was like 75 degrees in the room). 💥😷

Isabelle focused on the priorities like putting up her fairy lights and hanging posters while I made her bed (something my mom always told me to do first). I then turned to her bathroom in horror. 😱At first, I tried to ignore the filth and figured she would handle it – then I realized it was my responsibility to get that bathroom to a clean baseline and then she was on her own after that. 🚽🪠🧻🧴It was so gross – I CANNOT EVEN ….shocking experience especially around the toilet – need I say more?👀

After about an hour, Isabelle’s friends came over to see her room (masks on). She was showing them around and I just observed – she is ready. She has the skills, attitude to make it on her own in the dorms. And I realized this is not sad IT IS JUST TIME for me to leave. 💕 I walked out the room proud that Robin and I raised her well and knew things were going to be fine. No emotions or regret … IT WAS ALL GOOD. 👍🏻✌🏻 I had imagined this milestone was going to be sadder than what actually happens in reality… I was relieved, at peace and ready to get home. That was it …no tears… drop the mike it’s a wrap!😊😘❤️🎈

I am sitting here trying to figure out what I can write and beat my personally imposed deadline of a monthly blog. It is New Year’s Eve, and I am at a lose for words. I was so excited for 2020 because it marked some significant milestones including Isabelle’s high school graduation and beginning college.👩🏻‍🎓 I remember when she was a baby and trying to envision who she would be in the future.🧐 It felt so Space Odyssey – Out There and today we are about to say goodbye to this year, and I do not think there is anyone on the planet who is sad to see 2020 go.👎🏻 The year started out with a lot of promise and quickly turned into a really big sh-t storm. 💩💩💩 Who would have thought this will be the year that will probably go down in history? I remember learning about Polio, Scarlet Fever, and the Bubonic Plague – it was unimaginable that this could happen today and voila… here we are. 🙌🏻 I have a newfound respect for old people who can remember significant history points with such detail. If I am so lucky to live to be 100+, I will have no recall because this year was a complete blur. 😷 There are months that blew by and I could not tell you with any specificity what happened.🤔 As a matter of fact, I had to check my phone several times today to remember what the day was… in case you care… it is Thursday.👻

Anyways, I want to keep this upbeat and believe it is important to point out that many good things happened this year and I definitely need to acknowledge my gratitude for the gifts of 2020.

1. Time with Isabelle – not that she would agree this is a positive aspect. One of the areas of deep regret was that when she was growing up – I worked too much and could have been more present. I was angry at myself for the time I lost. Now I feel we have rectified this regret to the point that she is ready to run out of the house – DONE– had enough of mommy. 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️It was fun while it lasted as she will be moving on campus next month and one already setting the stage that she will see me at the end of the semester. Not interested in visits from me – she disguises it as not wanting to put me at risk with the virus – but mommy KNOWS.😘 It is ok …she did a lot better than I would have in her situation. Be free baby bird … fly>>>🐥🐣🦅

• Freshman Experience – I was able to kind of relive my college days and attend classes sort of. What I really mean is that I eavesdrop pretending to clean the kitchen (no I was) and also learn new things. 🙋🏻‍♀️ Isabelle’s course work revolves around social justice, history, and topics truly relevant for today’s time. I learned and gained an open perspective based on these courses. I even was able to tell the professor in front of the class how much I enjoyed the semester. In reality I did not realize the camera was on and the everyone saw me dance by and I had to immediately go into damage control… I think I played it off… wait not sure?🤦🏻‍♀️

• Cooking – I never in the past understood the interest and appeal of hanging out in the kitchen, cutting vegetables, and then cleaning up a big mess. 🥣🥄🍴🥢🍳Since the pandemic, I get it now. I enjoy the creative process of developing yummy meals. I am so brilliant that I almost prefer what I make over restaurants. Wow … that is a big statement. One disclaimer – I leave Indian food to the pros. Other than that,… I have really expanded my culinary experiences and I like it. Watch out coming to a Food Channel near you… Streamline Kitchen with Risa… I am a wiz at using as few of pans and making the least amount of mess as possible. I think I am on to something…👩🏻‍🍳

• The Girls – With the onset of the pandemic, everyone and their brother adopted dogs and gained a piece of magic that I have known for years. I love Ella and Laura and they have been the best little companions through a year of uncertainty. The daily walks, evening snuggles and general annoyance of their whining for cookies made things seem like everything was going to work out. As I write this blog, they are sacked out on the couch and snoring… ooh I feel the need for a short break to squeeze two pugs – the best. Ok, I am back – that was totally fulfilling.🐶🐶❤️

• Nature – Mother nature absolutely thrived as the world slowed down. Nothing is better than taking a run and hearing the birds chirp, leaves on the trees rustle, quietness and clean air. 🌸🌳☀️It felt like we went back to basics as I passed people taking walks with their families and just being aligned with the outdoors. I never saw so many animals and birds together – it was like they got the memo it was safe to come back out and enjoy. I hope this does not change once the world gets back to its crazy busy self again.🌼🌍

• Slippers – I just love staying at home and wearing whatever combination I choose that day. The other day, I was daydreaming about fuzzy slippers and debating if I should expand my collection.🧸 Only in 2020 could that have happened. Equipped with my new wardrobe of velour, sherpa, multiple slippers and anything stretchy – I am in heaven, it is so nice. Last week, I had to actually go to a real meeting in person and it felt weird to slip into trousers and a jacket. I think I am going to have to charge a premium on my hourly rate when I have to get dressed – I am just saying… high heel pumps I do not miss you at all.👠❌

• Strength/Resilience – Although our lives were hampered quite a bit, I am marching out of this year feeling stronger and having the confidence that Isabelle and I can weather pretty much anything thrown at us. 💪🏻 It takes a lot of discipline to just stay home and hold a high bar to keep the community safe. We had to sacrifice including cancelling an amazing trip to CA, forgoing family dinners/holidays etc.… because it was the right and safe thing to do. I am not going to lie; I am a bit sick of all of this but proud that we made lemonade out of lemons.🍋 We turned a room in the house into a gym, creatively started a business in a virtual environment and created memorable and positive moments at home. 👩‍👦❤️

• Health/Safety – I am very thankful that my family, friends, and community were able to stay relatively safe. In a year where we lost a substantial number of lives (too many) and watching people struggling just to stay afloat, this blessing is not lost on me. I am disappointed that politics got in the way and we are a nation so divided when all we needed to do was come together for each other. With that being said, I also witnessed great acts of kindness and a new state of innovation and creativity. In the end, I wish all those who were not as fortunate as me a path forward with much love, peace, health, hope and a stimulus check.✌🏻🌈💵💰

I guess 2020 did not work out as we all had envisioned but I always think it is important to recognize the silver lining and look for the positive. It was a year of self-reflection and a call for us to slow down and get back to our true center. I believe many of us listened and are all the better for it. Wishing everyone an incredibly happy and healthy New Year. May 2021 be full of freedom, tolerance, health, community, and economic balance. Peace and 💕

It has been 266 days since I started my official shut in at home. During the year, I have more time to get to know myself better and move into major observation mode. The last time I went through this phase was back in college at Michigan State.👩🏻‍🎓 I know I drove my best friend Marla crazy when I would provide commentary on the stupidest stuff.🗣 I guess you could call me a trend setter since this was pre-Seinfeld. If you ask me, I think it is an endearing quality and a good way to lighten up the mood as tension floats through the country these days. So here we go with some fun… 🥳

• Face Mask – There was something I always suspected but the face mask has brought it to the forefront which is my ears are attached weirdly to my head.🦻🏻 I just cannot keep the elastic around my ears on properly even though I have tried multiple styles and options. One ear seems to fold – it is just strange and keeps me from wearing a mask too long without slippage. It is like you are going along doing your business than the elastic slides off and my face mask is hanging off one ear. It almost feels like I flashed someone – where is my trench coat?🙀

• Tom Selleck – Robin and I had this agreement that if the opportunity presented itself, we had a list of stars that we could have a one-night stand and get a free pass in the marriage.👻No backlash just a fantastic rendezvous that would never be mentioned again. 🤭 One of my favorite leading men on the list was Tom Selleck. He was just so manly, handsome, strong, and sensitive at the same time – he was the perfect person to be on the F-CK List. To my dismay, I was watching television and a commercial for reverse mortgages came on (it was long too) and Tom was the spokesperson and really trying to push this horrible idea. What a sexual turnoff, my crush is perfectly situated in senior citizen community now – why Tom? Why did you have to do that commercial? I guess the truth is I am free and clear to be with anyone now – no list needed (a little widow humor – ha ha) 🤗

• A New Sport – Since I have been home, I am intrigued with letting no food go to waste at whatever cost. Now this is a responsible move for the environment and the budget, however, I think I am taking it to the next level. The other day, I made a salad that I would have totally sent back had I ordered it at a restaurant. The lettuce was suspiciously browning, the onion had seen better days ( a little mushy), a cucumber with a slight amputation was well positioned amongst the other vegetables.🥬🥒 I was proud of this salad; ate it and enjoyed every minute knowing I saved my produce. The other day, I used raspberry jam and noticed that the expiration date was November 2019 (it seemed fine). 🍓What is going on with me? I think I have turned into one of those dumpster divers that find discarded food that has been thrown away. Yikes – but it is kind of fun. I am now exploring composting too.

• Hipster – I like Kombucha tea and have fallen into that poser category. At first, I had a bad one and did not understand what the Generation Y community were raving about… But then I was listening to the podcast How I Built That (love) and heard an interesting story about the founder of Health-Ade. She actually was trying to invent a hair growth shampoo 💇🏻‍♀️– it’s a long story. I saw the bottles on the shelf and have been hooked ever since. I love Health-Ade Kombucha tea (Pomegranate or Pink Lady). It is so bubbly, light and uplifting and makes me happy. Who would have thought?💜💜

• I will do it myself! – Through the pandemic, I have experimented with online grocery shopping and for the first time, this is where artificial intelligence needs to take this job over cause the humans are not cutting it.👎🏻Every time I order through the website and spend extra time to ensure that I am clear and specific of my needs, there is always a significant error. Usually it involves forgetting some of the key items that I needed to go shopping for in the first place. I was making the dogs their food and the store forgot to put in the meat – yet they did not forget to charge me. It does not matter what store I go to, always the same outcome. After delivery, I have to conduct a thorough inventory of the food and it is a sure thing that there is something not in the bag. Also, I think the store employees are encouraged to pick out the worst looking fruit and vegetables that are available in the stand. I received a cauliflower that had brown on the tips of it or a saggy looking lettuce.🥦I was like “really” this is the best one you could find for an additional $6.95? Little do they know that I have a new hobby (please see above). I have finally decided I will just throw on my mask and risk it at the store. Online grocery shopping has blown it with me.☹️

• Velour obsession – It is no secret that I love soft fabric and have proclaimed that I no longer am wearing uncomfortable material. Yet I think I am going a little too extreme with my new old friend velour. I was first introduced to this stretchy fabric (or my first memories) in seventh grade. My mom bought me the coolest pants from Ala Mode (the trendiest store in Oak Park, MI for teen girls) or at least what I thought. They were blue and soft and may have had a satin stripe down the side. I rocked them for bar/bat mitzvahs and school dances.🕺🏻I felt alive in them until they were cast aside because they were out of style. Actually, I do not know what happened to them. Anyways not important, well for the past two years, I have been dabbling in velour when available online. I even wore my blue velour outfit to Thanksgiving and my daughter Isabelle made a snarky comment that I looked very Juicy Couture. That was an insult I guess… still love them but need to slow my roll since I now have about 5+ pairs of pants and assorted tops. I think I went a little overboard.😬😬👖👖

So that is what has been happening in November for me. I am glad that I was able to share the eclectic list of things on my mind. I know it is a deep and thought provoking or NOT! ❌ I guess self-isolation maybe getting to me or I can find humor in the situation and not take things too seriously. 😂😂 I prefer the second explanation. There are still many months ahead of us as we get beyond the pandemic and need to lighten up and ride it a little longer. 🏂Everyone is getting crabby and we need to make it through home stretch. I hope I brought a smile and a little laughter to your day. 😜Wishing everyone a happy December – stay safe and healthy!❤️

As you may have picked up in the theme of my postings, I have been doing a lot of cleaning, reorganizing, and purging.🧹So, it would not surprise you to hear that a few nights ago, I went into my closet and realized that it was filled to the brim with clothes, shoes, and accessories.👚👖👠🎩👡👜👓 I always prided myself on my style and that most of my pieces stood the test of time, however reality set in at about 10:30 p.m. last night, my clothing looked tired and outdated.🥱 I decided it was time to tackle the closet as it made no sense that it was completely full and most of the stuff had been not worn in years. I mean… I wear the same thing every day. And that would be leggings and a sweatshirt (the official outfit of the COVID season 2020 – wait who am I kidding – it is just my official outfit PERIOD) – SOOO comfy…💜

As I pulled items off the hanger into a pile, every piece of clothes had a story.📘 Some represented my time in corporate America. I said bye-bye to conservative cardigans made of that weird fabric that felt kind of nylonl-ly and I think could have been water resistant.💦 Anything from Talbots, J. Crew and J. Jill had to go – they were not part of my future consulting career.🚫 I remember all those days where I was in the office for 12 hours, tired out of my mind and completely uncomfortable. Next went the suits – boxy blazers and wool pants that always made me feel like a man.🕵🏻‍♂️ They reminded me of the times where I had to give presentations to the leaders, expecting challenging questions and reasons why not to move forward on creative solutions to differentiate our business and win in the market. Goodbye to dusters (long sweaters) that I thought hid my butt but mostly called attention to it.🍔 I cruised through my shoes – pumps that dug into my toes, pointy heels that I always fell from and twisted my ankle. High heels that made me walk like Frankenstein… that was sexy….👠 As a side commentary, why are work clothes awful?… no more for me, only stretchy and soft. Let us pray for virtual work forever – woo hoo 🥳

After tackling the low hanging fruit so to speak, next came the more emotional decisions. It started with the dress I wore to Isabelle’s bat mitzvah such a wonderful memory full of pride, family and fun and then the black dress I wore to bury my husband… a memory that is just a blur. 😢 Then there were the jeans I bought after beating cancer that I wanted to get back into and I was close, but I realized they are super dated, and I would not wear them anyways.🤦🏻‍♀️ I vetted out endless black and grey sweaters that looked the same, as well as any material that I deemed not soft enough to my new standards. The pile continued to get larger and the tears kept streaming.😭 I was not only cleaning out my closet, but I was clearing out my life.⛅️ It was the realization that my early years were gone, and it was represented through the clothes I wore. This wardrobe exercise was a talking to me, and I was finally listening.🦻🏻 Boy … a joint would have been fabulous at that moment (I mean so I heard… not that I would know)✌🏻🚬

Yet I also recognized, hanging onto material things that are tied to the past is tiring and was starting to hold me back. I want to remember all the good times and just have less. The other thought is that maybe just maybe this is me closing a door on a chapter of my life.🚪 The truth is that Robin and I are a memory and being a corporate employee is also probably in the rear-view mirror… Although I am extremely excited as I am moving forward, it was a heart wrenching realization as I sobbed sitting in the closet. I was actually clearing out my emotional cobwebs that I had attached to my wardrobe.🕸Although this turned into a much more of a weepy process than I would have guessed – it was cathartic. Hanging on to stuff does not make the memories stay or go away – it is just clutter.🙈 So, I stuffed 4 garbage bags that will be donated to Salvation Army tomorrow. Now, I have open space eager to be selectively filled with a few new items that will represent the future …I am HOPEFUL and look forward to a little more color this time.💛🧡❤️💙💚 Peace out and do not forget to VOTE – it matters.👍🏻

Yom Kippur also known as the Day of Atonement is considered the holiest day of the year in Judaism. The gist of this holiday is that we review the previous year and ask for forgiveness for our personal sins. On Yom Kippur, our fate is sealed for the upcoming year. I have always taken this time very seriously for obvious reasons including – the stakes are really HIGH- ha-ha. 🙏🏻But in all seriousness, I appreciated digging in deep and taking stock of the year and rectifying any wrongs along the way. 🤔 However, this year my priorities and focus were vastly different. I do not know if I am falling away from religion a little or it is just the 2020 Effect! ⚗️ So, here is my true confession, I spent Yom Kippur cleaning my cupboards and getting organized.💁🏻‍♀️Maybe one reason could be that I was sick of buying diced tomatoes and then coming home to realize that I have 20 cans stashed in different places.🍅 I guess introspection this year of sins committed involved acknowledgement of my poor Kanban skills🥫🥫🥫🥫 (Lean manufacturing concept of keeping track of inventory – in case you were curious – I know you were!)

This new fascination with tidying up was inspired at first by Marie Kondo, a star organizer who helps you find joy with your possessions. 🤗Her methodology got old fast with me as I held a can of mushrooms wondering if they made me sparkle.🧚🏿‍♀️Therefore, I transitioned to my next Netflix addiction called “Getting Organized – The Home Edit.” This team of bubbly celebrity organizers have a wide breadth of offerings like helping Rachel Zoe organize her overflowing closet (she had a lot of stuff – it made me hyperventilate👡👜🕶👗) or getting kitchen pantries in order with matching bins and calligraphy labels. I long for this duo to come over and help me. I had visions of running to the Container Store and buy their overpriced line of cannisters and Lucite shoe boxes. But then … reality hit me; 1. We are in the middle of a global pandemic and 2. There was no way I could afford their services. Reese Witherspoon and Risa Borr do not roll in the same socioeconomic circles. Yet being resourceful as I am … I quickly moved to OPTION B, which included ordering knockoff containers from Amazon, using my own penmanship on labels, and incorporating their concepts to recreate highly functional kitchen cabinets.🙅🏻

I have always struggled with organization, trying all types of approaches such as alphabetizing food, can size and color coding, which never survived more than 2 days hence deemed not sustainable. The Home Edit team helped me think about my needs and broaden categories like, tomato products, beans, rice, and it is working out brilliantly. 🍱🍅🥕It has been 72 hours and still being maintained. My 8 cans of garbanzo beans are lined up neatly and I only purchased items that I needed such as sliced beets. I would say that is a huge win.👯‍♂️👯‍♂️👯‍♂️

Ok …back to the deeper question, why am I avoiding my religion and moving towards a new form of prayer meaning food organization and naming conventions? To be honest, there has been a gradual migration that began after Robin died. I just could not find the answers from Judaism of why such a fabulous young guy would exit this life so early. ☹️I mean there is free will and we all know Robin did not have the best diet (he and I own that) and he was sarcastic as hell (in a cute way), … 🥰but all and all – he was a GREAT PERSON and deserves to still be here. It has been hard for me at times to really understand why the good die young. Billy Joel nailed it.

To fulfill my hunger for answers, I moved towards spirituality which has provided me the greatest clarity and direction. ➡️⬆️ I see that there is a bigger world and a connection with the divine, our deceased loved ones and nature. 🗝It is very comforting to know that we are in this together and maybe Robin in a sense is just in another room and supporting Isabelle and I from a different realm.😇This is what has given me hope and gratitude to move forward. I am inspired to continue to grow, explore and do better. Therefore, I try to be kind and helpful to others every day and hope that g-d in turn will forgive me for not fasting on Yom Kippur and choosing to organize my kitchen. 😬🙄As an aside, it was super rewarding and felt divine like… if that matters.🥳

And then there is 2020 which has not really motivated religious pursuits or much of anything else. What a crappy year- no matter how you look at it. There is so much hate, fear and gotchas around every corner. Social media and politics have not helped by spewing narrow views and hate causing great divides amongst us all … Ugh. As I watch the world around me fall apart with the pandemic, a segregated nation, environmental decline, natural disasters and death, I believe this whole organizing obsession I have taken to is really a way for me to hide in my little bubble until this negativity passes. 👀 I pray for positive change and a true leader who can unite us soon (strategic plug for everyone to vote). 🗳So, I guess the best thing I can do now is to organize and make sure my pasta, tea and spices are in order because that is what I can control today.🤞🏻Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year. May all of you be inscribed in the Book of Life and may the 2020 Effect be behind us soon bringing peace, hope and many organized closets.✌🏾❤️🌈🧹

Well another day in this crazy year called 2020. As many of you may know, MSU postponed freshman moving into the dorms and all the classes are online. This is not a decision that I disagree with as campuses around the country are experiencing surges in the virus. Nothing sounds like a bigger bummer than being in isolation in a small dorm room with no air-condition.🤒 Obviously, it was a major disappointment for Isabelle and her fellow schoolmates. This was the one announcement I had dreaded being that she has been such a good sport about missing the last quarter of her senior year, prom, summer frolicking with friends etc… but feared this would take her over the edge. 🤬Luckily, she has managed it fairly well. and I would say 85% of the time she was fine and 15% truly upset and becoming numb to bad news.☔️ This is hard as a parent to watch and still have the answers or encouraging words to make things better. I have stopped already and just keep saying – we have been through worse – it will work out. I want to move the sun, moon, and stars for her; 🌞🌚⭐️I want her to have an amazing germy freshman year as we all enjoyed when we were her age. 🍷💃🏻💋🎸And of course, this story will unfold over the next few months

However, I also want to switch topics to another person affected – that would be ME and all the unrecognized parents of young adults who just continue to take it on the chin for our kids.🙅🏻‍♀️I love my daughter with all my heart, and she has been my greatest joy and I thank g-d every day for having her in my life. She reminds me of Robin, and I am so proud of her yada yada yada … but I WAS READY FOR HER TO GO TO COLLEGE.🖐🏻I had big dreams and visions of what the next chapter of my life would look like which mainly involved – interior decoration and cleanliness in my home.🤸🏼‍♂️🎬Here was my list on how I was going to approach her departure and celebrate my new empty nest status.🎉

My List

1. Make sure she was moved in well and her dorm room was cute, well stocked with all the things she would need such as cleaning supplies, storage, hand vacuum, nice bedding etc. 🧾
2. Develop a communication strategy where I was not bugging her too much, but also knew she was ok and prepared to be successful in school and socially. 😁
3. Begin an intense cleaning in the home – focusing on her bedroom and bathroom. Box up childhood memorabilia (we talked about it and she was ok) and turn it into a big girl room finally.🧹🧽
4. Fumigation of upstairs carpet or maybe even changing it since she had a few mishaps with nail polish and other unidentified stains. And recently I let Ella and Laura (the pugs) upstairs for about 10 minute which was not a wise decision that forever has wrecked my carpet.💩☠️
5. Purge all high school knick-knacks that I was unsure were important or not – such as notebooks, bent poster board invites to a junior dance, decorations for St. Patrick’s Day, key chains, folders etc.👀
6. Rejoice in only having to run the dishwasher once a night and cleaning the kitchen less than 5 times a day. Not being surprised and angered with sticky finger residue left on cabinet handles and the refrigerator. Significant reduction in the purchase of Windex to help with monthly expenses and the environment.🖐🏻🖐🏻🖐🏻
7. No more picking up empty water bottles and discarded towels left on the floor that were used for an intense workout – even after constantly pleading with her to stop doing that. 🍼
8. Date and be a total slut – bringing home strange men every night without judgement (well maybe from the pugs). Ha – just joking – wanted to see if you were really reading this or not – let me know. Well maybe just kidding a little – I mean Covid has been a long isolation.👠

I have cherished my time with Isabelle as I have written previously but there is a process where your teens are ready to leave and they just do not make you feel great about yourself anymore.😕 It starts with the eye rolls and then the flinching when you try to touch them. 🙄😬 No longer are the days where you can snuggle and play with their hair without receiving an utterly repulsed reaction from them.🤮It is a sad state when I find myself hugging a kissing my elephant stuffed animal for my bed. 🐘To be honest, the pugs do not like the kissing and hugging too much either. 🐶🐶Ok back to Isabelle and teenagers, they start talking back and not respecting you anymore and quite honestly it is bad for our self-esteem. 👅Isabelle tells me to stop being so needy of reinforcement of my parenting skills. The other day she said that she admires my career and work ethic. Initially, I thought that was nice then I was like… are you kidding me? I have been awesome at keeping the wheels on this bus. I have served as mother, father, confident, provider, emotional support, cancer survivor and most of all keeping faith and hope alive when we were kicked in the ass by life. 🦹🏻‍♀️ So, you know what… go fly my little bird 🦅…. it is time!!! AND YET IT IS NOT…

Ok… I was venting a little – sorry about that…. but us parents of seniors in 2020 have taken a beating too. 🤕 All in all, it is going to work out just fine. I mean on the bright side, I now can relive my freshman year at MSU with my new roomie – Isabelle Borr.👩‍👦We can hang out, study/work together, play Trivial Pursuit and get drunk on Bacardi listening to the Go-Go’s. 🥃🎧🥁 Those were the days – I wonder what they will be like reinvented in 2020. Yes, I am a 54-year-old freshman again and I will let you know how it goes.. Go State!!!💚🤍💚🤍

It is hard to believe that Robin has been gone for two years now. 😇 In some cases, it feels like yesterday and other times it seems like a lifetime ago. When I look back, the pictures are outdated, and I am forced to revisit some less than flattering hair and clothing choices – ha-ha. 👢👛The one thing I know for sure is that I am different person than I was even two years ago. Sometimes, I guess it takes a great loss to push you out of that comfort zone and evolve. Trust me if I could, I would bring Robin back in half a second. I am disappointed in myself that I took him for granted at times not realizing the hole in my heart it would leave when he was gone.💔However, in other ways, I had to put my big girl pants on and make some long-term choices. I did not want to wither away and die, I was compelled to show my daughter that life goes on. While Robin is not with us now, we should be grateful for the time we did have him even if it was too short.⌛️ He was special in that kind of sarcastic, smart, humble, funny, and charming way. Yet, the area he stood the strongest was possessing a moral compass that always pointed True North.🧭 He was a good guy and pushed Isabelle and me to be the best we could be.🥇

Time does heal and I must say I have a different outlook on life today and it is for the better. However, I never really knew what it was in formal terminology until I heard a podcast discussing Post Traumatic Growth. I was aware of Post Traumatic Syndrome but was pleasantly surprised to learn about a framework around what I was experiencing. It sounds silly but there were times that maybe I was just going mad a bit – glad to hear that I am growing and not needing to be taken to a psychiatric ward.🚑 Ok back to the concept because I know you are in deep suspense. Here is the list of positive outcomes otherwise known as PTG.

1. Embracing new opportunities – both at the personal and the professional fronts. 🙋🏻‍♀️

2. Improved personal relationships and increased pleasure derived from being around people we love.👻

3. A heightened sense of gratitude toward life altogether.🥳

4. Greater spiritual connection.🧚🏻‍♂️

5. Increased emotional strength and resilience.💪🏻

Wow…. the professor went on to say most people do not experience all five … but guess what? …. I do!!!!! This is almost as good as my new FICO score (yes – I did it too- I have Excellent credit). Wait, I digress but needed to add that in and could not find an appropriate time. As I review my last two years, it is like I am a textbook case. For example, embracing new opportunities – I decided early on to enjoy new experiences including different kinds of exercising, floating in that water pod, studying spirituality, taking vacations, and just recently starting my own consulting firm. And did I mention…. I can do burpees now (immensely proud of that achievement).🩱💦

Regarding improving personal relationships – I have been selective on who I want in my life and in some cases NOT. It has been liberating and I find that I am much more present now and do enjoy those in my life. Many friendships have gone to a deeper level and honestly feel fortunate on how well I have been supported. The “widow-thing” has NOT been a big problem – thank g-d… I do not rock being a third wheel very well and luckily everyone has been super considerate. 🍷

Point three and four – a heightened sense of gratitude toward life altogether and a greater spiritual connection have been my most profound changes. I mean it seems counter intuitive but there is something so liberating and makes you really appreciate everything. I used to live in fear all the time and did not value what I had. I suppose that is a by-product of our society and community. In the quest to be the richest, smartest, best-looking etc… it is nice to be off that train ride to hell. 🚀Today I enjoy quiet walks in nature, my friends, family, the pugs and having a lifestyle that is comfortable. I do not need more (well maybe a little more!).💰 I think everyone gets my drift… 🛳 I feel deeply connected to Robin and the universe which I know sounds strange to most folks. Isabelle and I are cloaked in spiritual protection and light – it is undeniably there and feels like a warm hug which I cherish.🥰

And finally, increased emotional strength and resilience. When you lose someone, you do not have a choice especially if you have children. However, I would say it is like a muscle and when you exercise it – you can shoulder whatever comes your way. 🏋🏻‍♂️ I think this has especially been evident with both Isabelle and me during the pandemic. It really has not rattled us at all. Yes, it is getting a little long without not much end in sight, but I have been extremely impressed with the way Isabelle has handled it with a matter of factness and grace. We have decided to turn this into an opportunity to bond at a deeper level (with the exceptions of our fights over cleaning the kitchen).🍳Also, to get healthier by turning a portion of our house into a gym and in her terms “get shredded.“⚔️ In complete honesty, she made that happen and I am taking up little less space but remain a work in progress. 📈

Well, it has certainly been a ride with many ups and downs, yet I feel more confident to maneuver this journey. I am hopeful for the future and believe there has been a purpose for all that has happened. I want us to step up to our potential and be better and do better. And at the same time, I need to honor my main man, who always had the faith in us before we had it in ourselves. Robin, I miss and am inspired by you each and every day… RIP and all of this is because of you.❤️ – cue sappy music… 🎼🎻

It seemed promising when the cases of Covid began declining and we were able to start going out again. I must admit that I did not have a burning desire to come out of the house, but thought a little interaction may not be bad for me. 💁🏻‍♀️ For more information about my weird introversion, please read previous posts.🤪 The thing is now that I get out a bit… I am so confused about the new social norms when it comes to interacting with others.😬 It baffles me the different interpretations of what is appropriate in public and how people assess the risk of spreading this virus. So when I am unable to make sense of my current environment, I look to what I can understand and that is behavior and patterns. Therefore, I started to categorize the people I have come across since emerging into civilization again.📊

Now before I share my list – please know this is just me poking fun at all of us. It is supposed to be entertaining … to break up stress and anxiety. So laugh, enjoy and maybe engage with me on where you fall on this mask spectrum or prove that you actually read the first two paragraphs . 😷❤️

MASK CATEGORIES

1. Stylish Maskers – people who have turned this into a fashion moment. It is cute – why not? I see camo, designer, color coordination and positive mantras to mention a few. I do feel bad for the lipstick, gloss and balm industries as our mouth was so….2019!💋👜
2. Half Ass Maskers – usually service workers (sorry but true) – people who wear the mask too loose or let their nose hang out. When Isabelle and I relunctantly stopped on the Ohio Turnpike while traveling to PA. I was appalled to see food servers who were wearing their mask improperly. Nothing screams catching a virus than a #9 Covid Special with a side of fries 🍟 icky… we could not get out of there fast enough. 🌬
3. Doomsday Maskers – friends who are completely covered from head to toe including sun glasses, hat, full sleeves, huge masks or scarves. They hesitantly come out for outdoor gatherings and sit in the corner looking miserable. They are trying really hard to be social but are terrified and regret they left their house.🥽🧤🧢☂️
4. Try Hard Maskers – these are folks who try to stay in compliance and keep covered but then realize that they are wearing their mask upside down. There is constant fidgeting occurring with the ear straps, nose guards etc.. (that would be me) We want to protect others but there are always technical difficulties and a lot adjusting going on. 👀
5. Political Non Maskers – these people believe it is their constitutional right to gather and not wear masks or they have causes that are of far greater importance than public health and safety. Nothing screams ignorance more than a large crowd without masks or social distancing – I am just saying. I respect the mission – please wear a mask!😉
6. Health Non Maskers – these people who won’t wear masks because they have a health issue. You hear them explaining to others why they are not wearing a mask – I mean why go out because the glears and defensive retorts must be more exhausting then not breathing?🤪
7. Conspiracy Theory Non Maskers – these are people who do not believe that Covid is real. They are also frequently found in turnpike rest stops and even recently attending out of compliance country music concerts (I had to…)🤠
8. Socially Deprived Non Maskers – they just can’t take it anymore and need to exchange saliva and bodily fluids – generally the young and invincible. Those were the days!!! These kids congregate in bars, basement parties and are quickly spreading the virus again. I think there was an incident at a bar near my alma matter. 👯👯‍♀️👫👬

I guess I fall in the middle of the pack when it comes to wearing a mask. I want to be responsible, a good citizen and have the ability to breath.😶I generally wear my mask when there will be people close to me and definitely in public indoor spaces (stores, etc.). I do not wear one when I am outside walking or exercising because I know I can stay far from others keeping myself and others safe. 🚸

Stores – I only go to the grocery store when I absolutely must. Although I did have slight deviation when stopping to pee at a few turnpike bathrooms – whoops. Back to the store story, I wear my mask and try to stay 6 feet away from everyone. I race through the aisles like a ninja picking up what I need quickly with one grab.🗡I do admit that there are always a couple people not wearing a mask and I may get a little judgy. 🧐 I then move on. 🛒

When it is time to check out – it gets so awkward. I have found that wearing a mask has diminished my ability to think, hear and see. 🦻🏻👁👤 The clerk always asks me the same question – paper or plastic ? And I react as if this is the first time. I reply huh or what and need the clerk to repeat it to me several times. During Pre-Covid times, I liked to make small talk and now I have decided with this mask – it is too aggravating to even attempt to engage. I just do my transaction without any additional what did you says?

Exercise Classes – I find it really hard to believe that working out in a small overcrowded studio with alot of sweat flying is going to be safe and fun anymore. 💦💦💦 I suspect I may have caught the virus at a particular chain studio that involved rolling on dirty floors trying to do a burpie thrust jump lunge (ok – that was for drama – not a real move but sounded funny – kind of like the Triple Lindy – Back To School movie reference🤗). So I am not excited to go inside a gym, but I will give the outdoors a try. It is just challenging, as you are trying to bust out the dance moves, burn mega calories, and see /hear the instructor from the front of the parking lot. I am open… OR I can just continue with a front row spot to my big screen TV with Zoom sessions. We have a great set-up in the family room and I have grown fond to jumping up and down in the comfort of my own home while my dogs patiently wait for cookies on the couch. 🐶🐶

Outdoor get togethers – I pick and choose which social events seem to be safe and potentially fun. Lets be honest, no one is really inviting me anyways.🥳 However, the few I have come out for just feel out of place. I don’t know where to stand, sit, should I wear a mask or not? Yet, I always end up near a Doomsday Masker. I don’t know why – it just happens. I want to hang with the Outdoor Only Non Maskers but they are not drawn to me. 🤨Anyways I try to make the best of it, yet having a conversation is impossible. I cannot hear or understand a word they say under the N95 respirator mask. I end up nodding my head up and down like I am listening but in my mind, I am secretly plotting my escape plan. 🏎

So the bottom line for me is … it is not worth it. I am going to stay at home and receive visitors in the backyard where we can socialize without masks. 🏡 I have my own personal gym and easy availability to delivered groceries. I think I should just hunker down until this passes (I hope it will before 2020 is over). I am having a hard time adjusting to this new social reality and it does not inspire me to try to make it work. It just seems easier to cocoon, bake cookies and watch Million Dollar Listing (my new TV porn).👸🏻

I guess, I will see you in 2021, unless you want to come over? I am taking reservations for outdoor seating – capacity no more than two – ha ha. 📆Stay safe and Happy 4th of July. 💥

Since Mother’s Day and Isabelle’s high school graduation, I have been thinking about my moms, my daughter and that missing link in the middle which is ME. When Robin died, I began to explore the meaning of life and wondering if I was living up to my potential and fulfilling my purpose. It has been a real interesting point in time as I watch Isabelle begin her journey to pursue her passion and wonder where life will lead her. It brings me such pride to see her thrive and realize that she is the best version of Robin and me. She is smart, funny, empathetic, independent, creative and shows emerging leadership skills. I think back when I was her age – and honestly – she would smoke the younger me – no question about it.🔥 This is a great feeling that she is prepared to be successful to maneuver her future. With that being said, as she is moving forward, I have been focusing on discovering the next stage in my life. I must say it is …exciting, scary, stimulating, paralyzing and peaceful. I flow through these feelings like a tidal wave with insufficient surfing skills. 🏄🏻‍♀️🌊

I think about the past a lot when both my mothers were growing up and wonder if they ever had non traditional dreams and if they fulfilled their purpose. Both Beatrice and Lillian were brilliant women who had careers as a French teacher and a Bookkeeper. However their main roles were wives and mothers because that was what the times dictated – and I think they enjoyed it. I mean would they tell me if they did not like being our parents – I guess not? That would be an awkward conversation. 😜 I have no doubt if they grew up now – these women could have conquered the world cause they were bad -asses and wicked smart 😎💪🏻. Now don’t get me wrong, I have done well with my career and hopefully also with as a wife and mother, but I long for more. The problem is that I just don’t quite know what that MORE is…. ugh.🤦🏻‍♀️ As many of you know, I have started to consult and that is fun, gratifying and hopefully has the legs to round out my career. However, I am watching people that are really stepping up during this pandemic either being a front line worker, spending time to solve how to make needed ventilators or vaccines and I am sitting her in my house baking unending chocolate chip cookies. 🍪 I mean really Risa? 😜 Then, I get frusterated that I have limited motivation during a time where I should be kicking my full potential into high gear. Thus, the internal struggle between righteous ambitious Risa 😇 and sluggish sleepy Risa continues.🥱 And the later Risa is winning right now which doesn’t make me too proud.🙄 I am busy everyday if it is exercising, cleaning the house, cooking, taking care of the dogs, meditating, working and managing our internal supply closet (still happy to report we have toilet paper). I try to do my part by donating to feeding the front line workers and other charities but that is all I am doing – which is lame, mainstream and what I would say as not leading edge action. 👎🏻

Well with all that weighing on my shoulders, where do I land? I know there is something that will spark my inner calling but until then I guess I continue on with my small and non- meaningful goals such as: 1. Completing Beach Body Workout 21 Day Fix in less than 36 days – which is where I am tracking 🤦🏻‍♀️ 2. Gardening and actually growing something this year – started late and everything was very picked over at Home Depot. ☘️ 3. Not getting Covid after going to Home Depot where it felt like the pandemic was looming as people strolled with ill fitting masks and sweat pouring down their face. 🤧 4. Completing a book or even a chapter without falling asleep would be nice. 📘 5. Positioning my business logo so it fits my LinkIn profile page properly without getting cutoff – harder than you think.👠6. Cleaning out the garage and donating furniture that was bought in the early 2000 which is oversized, weighs a ton and takes up the entire square footage of my home.🪑 7. Maybe finding a social life again so I don’t end up being one of those widows that walk their pets in strollers (whoops too late). 😮 Well that’s all for now – stay safe and healthy and I will let you know when I figure out when my higher level purpose reveals more of itself … I know it’s in me somewhere – time to bake cookies.🍪🍪🍪

Well, it is day 47? 51? 56… I think? 🤔… who knows how long we have been in our home and not certain it really matters. 🤗 I am sure many of us may be clawing at the door to get out and back to normal but, I think we are all realizing that normal will be different than what is was before. However with all this time, I have been doing a lot of thinking and I really LIKE the slower pace. 🏃🏻‍♀️ As a matter of fact, I can’t remember why we were so busy in the first place. I mean what was so important that we were running around like chicken with our heads cut off?🐥🐣 (sorry for this reference chicks owners – cousin Laurie and Kelley) With the exception of those who are sick, or have lost family/friends to this horrible virus, could this be a point in time for us to reimagine our future and get back to our true priorities? Life potentially can be better – where we are more present, spend time with family, cook meals together, relax and sleep soundly. 😴 What’s so bad about that? 😁

With the shortages in food, paper products and basically everything else, we have all been challenged to become much more efficient in how we use our resources and identifying what we need. 🧾 I am embarrassed to admit that before this pandemic, I did not really pay attention to my consumption of plastic or how much garbage I was producing or just that I have too much stuff in general (don’t judge me just sharing in an open manner).🤫 Now, I realize that I have a responsibility to simply use LESS and protect Mother Earth. With that end in mind, I have moved to glass bottles, bowls, using dish towels and washable mop sponges instead of paper for example. I just now need to give up my overuse of Amazon. 🥺 Hello my name is Risa and I am an Amazon addict – ha-ha 📦 They really need to move to reusable cartons to help my efforts – wonder if that is in the works with them? Anyways back to my point, when I go out and take walks, I notice the purity of nature and it seems happier. ☘️🌳 The birds are singing louder, the air is clean and a general sense of harmony outside that is much more profound than before. 🦋 It’s like the animals are taking back their territory cause those annoying humans are not hogging the space anymore.

It is obviously tragic times for some small businesses trying to survive but, I am definitely seeing the creative spirit emerging daily. 👻 Companies are figuring out how to get work done virtually or pivoting their business model to the need. It is so interesting for instance, how restaurants are selling produce/groceries or Hershey (my former employer) is now producing face masks. 😷 My fitness studio is offering virtual workouts and they are still kicking my ass. 😛 I like seeing how everyone is stepping up to help each other – if it is for the frontline workers or the food banks. This is a good thing and I am certainly attempting to do my part. On a personal note, I am trying to up my game by reading, listening to diverse points of views and approaching my work in a new and fresh way. I have this great sign in my office that says .. Wake Up…Create… Repeat. Even though my daughter calls it “suburbia privileged art,” I have found this to be my mantra. I realize that what gives me energy is producing something new… if it is through HR consultation, baking or writing a blog, this is what keeps me motivated and hopefully contributing in a meaningful way to the world. 🌎 The covid outbreak is a wake-up call and it is up to us how we choose to respond. I am using this as a lesson and learning from it.

Ok this has been WAY to serious and time to move on . As everyone is rising to the cause, I have found a passion with a deeper mission … perfecting the chocolate chip cookie. 🍪🍪 Embarrassing to admit but practice definitely makes perfect if you know what I mean (wink wink). 😬 I may have or have not made like 8 or so batches of cookies – but who is really counting during these stressful times. 😳🤥 I have finally achieved the right balance of chewy and crunchy for our liking in the Borr household (Robin would be so proud). To counter the increase in sweet intake, I have been able to improve my core strength through burpees and planks – still moderately bad but definitely noticed progress on this end (no seriously I am a lot more fit). 👍🏻 I am also getting my cleaning rhthym together. I have been able to reduce the time it takes to mop my floors by 25% and achieving the cleanliness standards I desire – woo hoo. 🧹 As all these activities are going on, I have come to an intense revelation too … I have only worn clothes containing stretch since the quarantine and I LIKE IT (athleisure forever- change.org)! And the biggest accomplishment… we started with 38 rolls of toilet paper (pre- massive hording episodes in March) and still have 32 unused rolls left. 🧻 I guess in fairness, there are only 2 tushies in our house – well actually 4 (but 2 don’t need toilet paper). 🙈 Ok that is all for now… stay safe, sane, go outside and take a deep breath – it’s fabulous out there. 🌞