Serve Up a Plate of Hearts of Palm Pasta

My first venture into a Weight Watcher’s meeting, now WW, was in 1992. After seeing a picture from a family wedding, I knew I had to do something. At the time, meetings could be arranged at a job site, with more than 12 participants. We were game, and it worked! I lost approximately 28 pounds and made lifetime; then I got pregnant; six weeks after the delivery, I had 7.5 to lose, and so became my personal struggle to maintain my weight.

Sold separately at Trader Joe's or in a two-pack on Amazon

Thankfully, the plan was always there, and each time I achieved lifetime, stopped attending meetings and regained a few pounds. Until six years ago this Sunday. After seeing a co-worker using her cell phone to work the plan, I returned to the local center, needing to lose 14 pounds to get back to goal and three months later I did; and kept going. Yes, I attended a weekly meeting religiously until the pandemic hit and meetings were canceled. I also took advantage of a wellness benefit at work to get a free gym subscription.

Eventually, I lost 27 pounds, and felt comfortable at 13 pounds below goal. Six years later, I still attend meetings, all be it, not weekly anymore due attendance limits established due to Covid-19, and use the app to scan and track everything I eat and drink. I make recipes to support my weight loss (and health) and walk, work out and research new foods that can help me stay motivated.

One recent find was the Trader Joe’s Hearts of Palm Pasta. At just $2.99 per 9-ounce box, the thin white strands are zero points on the plan. For the layman, it’s 20 calories per serving (three per box). It’s gluten-free, Kosher and vegan.  According to the Fearless Flyer “Trader Joe’s Hearts of Palm Pasta! Tender, mild-tasting, hearts of palm come from the center of palm trees. Nothing is added to this mild- flavored Pasta, which means it’s ideal for heating and tossing with a variety of different sauces.”

The result is a tasty, satisfying plate of pasta that you can enjoy guilt-free.  

For those who do not have a Trader Joe’s nearby, you can purchase a two-pack on https://amzn.to/3BuCxOU; I have also tried the Natural Heaven Hearts of Palm, after seeing a box at my local TJ-Maxx. Amazon shoppers can find them here https://amzn.to/35aJAjt as well.

 

Cyber Security Is Needed More Than Ever

We must do better. Technology has been a boon to our society, but it has enabled predators, criminals, and thieves to commit offenses from the comfort of their Homes.

I was a victim of a technological theft yesterday- and so were my kids. I'm day two into the clean-up, with a College student stranded two hours away, without access to his debit card. I spent over five hours yesterday, including over two in the branch. Ultimately, I had to close or freeze nine accounts and transfer the funds to newly established accounts.

Each of my sons and I share a checking and savings account. They have been responsible to manage the accounts on their own. I am on them to ensure they are not stranded without money. Except today.

It started out innocently; and seemed to be legitimate. I got a text from "my bank" saying someone had tried to charge almost eight hundred dollars and did I want to authorize this transaction. I texted my son to see if he had tried to buy his tires yet. With a resounding NO, I pushed the button to say no and immediately got a call from "my bank."

Somehow, they knew more information than a hacker should know, and I continued on the call, to freeze my Mastercard debit card. How did they know my bank, and cell phone number is still a mystery?

Eventually, they put me on hold, and I got suspicious. No, I never gave my social security number and checked the line from which they were calling. We disconnected and I called back. The woman was different and tried to help, then transferred me to a third person. I hung up, called my branch, and found out it was fraud, necessitating in the closure of all accounts in my banking profile and the eventual res-establishment of all on-line payments. That will take hours as well.

Thankfully, no money was stolen and now there is no access to the accounts. But, for two days, I have had to focus on this, rather than my job search and here's the kicker. Although I am a co-owner on my youngest son's accounts, I can't close his accounts without his approval. To protect the security of the account that I am trying to protect by closing. I get it, but now he must find run from classes to the bursar to fax back the form. A real nuisance since he is in class all day.

The message here is not one of anger, it's frustration that a small yet sophisticated group of criminals has used a level of intelligence owned by few to figure out how to clone phone numbers, credit cards (yes that has happened to all of us), install skimmers on gas pumps, and create complex schemes on innocent victims. Imagine if they used this knowledge to cure cancer? Or get a job in CyberSecurity to develop SafeGuards Training which deter hacking?

So as an old TV show once said, "hey, let's be careful out there!"

Here's a book we can all use! https://www.amazon.com/Cybersecurity-for-Dummies/dp/B081ZHVF3G?crid=1LRYP12FE7BLF&keywords=cyber+security&qid=1645112534&sprefix=cyber+se%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-5&linkCode=ll1&tag=nymomto3boys-20&linkId=f08638928a9f7be63ef5cfd383b676f6&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

 

 

It's My 28th Anniversary As A Working Mother

It was 28 years ago today that I became a mother for the first time; a working mother.

Still early in my career, the confidence that I had as a single young professional was gone. My maternity leave was peppered with demands from the job; and I willingly responded, thinking that it was the only way to ensure job security. I was already prepared, having added a home office the day I became pregnant.

That strategy didn’t work. A few months after returning to the “so-called” family-centered nonprofit and six weeks after receiving a raise in recognition of the work I did during my leave, we parted ways. It was not of my choice, but it was a relief. I could stay home with my infant son, and return to work on my terms, which I did a few days after he turned 18 months. At that point he was eligible for the best day care in town, and I was itching to go back to work.

Initially, this job was posted as full-time, but when funding shrunk, I proposed a flexible part-time role and bravely told my boss, “I will give you 120%, but if my child gets sick, I’m out of here and the rules don’t change once I start.” Where did that strength come from? I honestly don’t know, but for 10 years and two additional pregnancies, I was able to combine motherhood with work.

There were always choices, and sadly, I often chose work over family. I was unable to exorcise the demons inside, caused by the previous boss. Even when I became pregnant with my second child, a mere three months after starting the job; and when a disgruntled co-worker alerted management before I did, I expected to be shown the door. But my boss said, “I am not your former boss, and we are happy for you!”  One day short of a year on the job, I welcomed son number two.

With his arrival I took a six-week maternity leave and then returned to work; two babies at two different childcare centers. Despite what they said, I was still afraid of losing my job. Then, the adventure began. Number two suffered chronic ear infections, resulting in multiple surgeries, visits to specialists and then educational evaluations. I was allowed to switch days off, work from home, and address my family’s needs. As well as mine: a broken foot, two knee operations, Lyme disease and several unplanned visits to the emergency room followed. Yet, my job was always safe.

When things settled down, number three arrived on the scene, and I worked throughout my leave. Even bringing him into the office at times. Three children; attending two different schools, and a babysitter. During those 10 years, I added responsibility and became a supervisor; I hired other working mothers and shared my harrowing stories.

Later I became the Executive Director of a nonprofit; I hired and supervised people of all ages and life stages. I supported staff through sick spouses, dying parents and juggling parenthood with work. There were times where I had to say, “you will never get these days back, the work can wait.” I wanted to spare my staff the anxiety of choosing family over work.

Yes, times have changed since that February evening 28 years ago when I added “working mom” to my resume. With virtual offices, and hybrid roles, mothers and fathers can confidently raise their families without looking over their shoulders.

I have many wishes for my son today. The typical health, happiness, and prosperity; I also wish that, if and when they decide to become parents, my sons and their partners do not have to make the same choices I did; as I have told my staff- you will never get those days back and sometimes, work can wait!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! I can freely say that here, because there are all kinds of love. Love of a spouse, parent, child, close friend, pet or life. A person who wants to share happiness and not negative energy. And you can express love in many ways!

In the workplace, it may mean bringing in bagels, donuts or a healthy lunch for your staff. At home, it may mean buying candy, flowers or a card for a special person, or calling a friend to say "I love you."

But, saying Happy Valentine's Day to a total stranger may be the most impactful. Maybe it's an older woman, who recently lost her soulmate, or an older man, struggling to remember what day it is. It could be a parent whose child died tragically, a young child, bullied at school, the only one who didn't receive a Valentine.

Perhaps it is a recently displaced worker, who has to choose between Hallmark Cards or a dozen eggs and gallon of milk for the kids. Or a LGBTQ adolescent who has not told their parent(s) about their internal struggles.

Corinthians 13:4 reminds us that "love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

So, as you begin your Monday morning, be kind and patient, because there is someone out there who wants to forget today is Valentine's Day. Remind them that they are loved!

Super Bowl Monday

 

 

It’s a three-day weekend. The beginning of the Super Bowl LVI Celebration! Well, not really, but it might as well be.

According to a 2020 survey by the Workforce Institute at Kronos Incorporated, an estimated 17.5 million Americans annual miss work the day after the Super Bowl. Two-thirds of those employees will use approved time off, allowing shift coverage or rescheduling of work.

But the remainder, almost 5-million employees plan to call in sick even though they're really not ill; and that doesn’t consider the lack of production of those who attempt to work. As a result, school districts across the nation, including more than 20 Cincinnati area schools have announced closures for the Monday following the Super Bowl. Cincinnati Bengals plan to party! With the popularity of the National Football League (NFL), other districts have followed suit.

Should we accept the inevitable an establish Super Bowl Monday a national holiday? There is a growing sentiment among employers (more than 40%) that favor implementing this. Another, two-thirds (63%) believe the Super Bowl should be moved to the Sunday night before Presidents Day, or one week later, which is already a national holiday.

Traditionalists feel this trend muddies workplace expectations. We should be expected to develop a healthy balance between work and personal life, use leave time for doctor’s appointments, teacher’s conferences, and religious observations. In truth, managers are often challenged with staffing on the day before long weekends, snow days, and other unplanned absences or slowdowns in production due to personal calls, extended breaks, and non-work internet usage.

Yes, that struggle is real. Each year, we are flooded with articles detailing the work-force effects of Cyber Monday; in 2021 estimated that scouring the internet for online deals would cost employers $449.8 million in lost productivity!

So, where do we go? As a manager, I had to concede that an occasional unplanned family issue was unavoidable and if I did not respond favorably to the request for time off, it would result in employee discord. Usage of employee-owned computers for personal use was well-defined in the Employee Handbook, but rarely enforced as the advent of cell phones made it a moot point.

Did I look the other way? Well, not really. Like other progressive managers, I reinforced my expectations, and proactively rewarded staff for their dedication to the organization. I offered early dismissal on the Friday before Memorial Day and Labor Day, and the Wednesday before Thanksgiving ensured staff would not call out. Allowing “comp” time to allow staff to attend school activities, sporting events and concerts gave me credibility when I requested an extra effort.Most expressed satisfaction with their jobs and provided time-off requests to ensure that our agency could continue to provide quality services to the community.

Nathan Chen Makes Everyone Forget Past Olympic Failures

“When everything seems to be going against you remember that an airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” Henry Ford

 

Ice skater Nathan Chen  won his first Olympic Gold medal in Beijing last evening. He skated a flawless performance, featuring five quadruple jumps, to dominate his competition. Nicknamed the “Quad-King,” Chen’s long and short programs also received the highest component scores (which measures of artistry such as skating skills, performance, and musicality) from the international judges. In so doing, he rebounded from a disappointing 2018 performance to become the seventh American to win the Gold, the first in 30 years.

A six-time World Champion, the 22-year-old Yale student has lost just once, last year at Skate America, since a poor short program at the 2018 Olympics ruined his medal chances, finishing fifth. Back in 2018, Chen fell on the first jump of his short program, then stumbled on the second and third, to finish fifth overall. Last night, he left nothing to chance. Landing jump after jump to crush the competition.

So, why is that important? Nathan Chen a first-generation American, one of five children born to Zhidong Chen and Hetty Wang. They immigrated from Tianjin, China, to the United States in 1988 on Zhidong’s student visa. His father had obtained his medical degree in China and earned a doctorate from the University of Utah; his mother could not speak English when they arrived. She now works as a medical interpreter for Mandarin Chinese.

“They tend not to talk too much about their struggles, but it must have been so difficult, coming to a new country, not speaking the language, not having much money, not having any friends,” Nathan has been quoted as saying. “My parents always enforced the idea of never giving up on all my siblings and me, and I think that’s something that will stick with me my whole life.”

Following his Olympic success, Chen plans to return to his studies at Yale, with plans to follow in his father’s footsteps and study medicine.