I Finally Took a Vacation: Why Rest Is Essential for Your Mind, Body, and Spirit

After many years of staying home and taking staycations or little 3 days trips in Ohio, I finally took a real vacation!  I knew that I had to take my trip before June or after August due to my husband having several scout trips planned for the summer. 

I had taken a bus trip in the early 2000s so I searched for the company that I used that time and did not find it.  Instead I found Anderson Coach & Travel  so I decided to look at the trips they offered.  I decided upon the 8 day Island Hopping Tour in Georgia with stops in Kentucky and the Carolinas.

“The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” Psalm 121:7-8

I packed the best that I could for the trip using accuweather.com and the forecasts for our destinations.  I live in Ohio and we have a joke that if you don't like the weather, just wait a minute.  I wasn't sure if Georgia would be like this or not. 

The tour was sold out so it was a packed bus and my pickup point was the last stop.  We pick our seats in advance.  I like to sit near the front and I was paired with a really nice lady named Janice.  We had plenty of time to get to know each other with the hours of travel ahead of us. We hit it off and hung out together for the duration of the trip from early morning breakfasts to stopping in shops to find souvenirs.  At dinner one night, someone asked if we were mother and daughter.  It just so happens that Janice reminds me of my late mother with her friendly and fun personality.  

Our bus driver Craig and our tour director Barb were absolutely fantastic.  I don't like driving and I do a lot of planning for my paid job so being able to buy a trip where someone does the driving and takes care of the details is perfect for me. Craig deserves a gold star for navigating Atlanta and Charlotte traffic which were both brutal.  Oh, Craig & Barb also surprised us with stops at not just one but two Buc-ees! 

We had a good mix of people on our trip.  A majority were retirees enjoying their life after work. There were several people who had health challenges requiring use of canes or other mobility devices. Janice and I were usually among the first to board the bus. Having the aisle seat, I helped people either holding a bag or cane as they used the handrails the climb the steps to board the bus. Our bus driver did his best to drop off or park to minimize extra walking for those with walking challenges.

The weather was great for the majority of the trip with sun and warm temperatures. Two days were chilly, windy, and cloudy and coincided with stops on St. Simon Island and Jekyll Island.  We had indoor activities, for the most part, on St. Simon.  On Jekyll Island, it started to mist when it was time for our boat ride to see the dolphins. The weather was better at home that day but I got to see dolphins where I was! Our evening in Jekyll Island was supposed to culminate with dinner and shopping at a beach village similar to Easton Towne Center in Columbus.  By that time, it was pouring rain and even the hardcore shoppers didn't want to shop. Everyone was cold, tired, and ready to go back to the hotel.  I opted to buy food from the little market at the hotel while others gathered at the hotel bar over drinks and a menu for a local pizza place.  

Eight days went by quickly and I was back home.  My husband picked me up and filled me in on the routine he and Patty established while I was away.  After her illness, our cat is now on Royal Canin Urinary S/O calming food, both wet and dry.  Jon had to go back to his scout event. After a long day on the bus, I was ready for bed where Patty joined me for the night.

I had no idea how much I needed this vacation until I was on it.  I was super stressed out at work before my trip and I finally relaxed.  I decided to make a few changes to my home routine to give myself more time before work or other activities in the morning but getting up 10 minutes earlier.  My first day back at work, I stayed relaxed and calm even during an outage near the end of my shift. For the most part, my workers stepped up and were accountable. 

Anderson is starting to release trips for 2027 and my plan is to find one and take it!  If it works out, Janice and I have talked about traveling together.  I am so blessed to have seen God's beauty He created in the United States and to have pictures to remember it by.

Resources:

SEO Optimization using ChatGPT.

Links to Going on Faith and other Santini Serenity Blog posts within the post.

How Stress Affects Your Cat’s Health: Patty’s Story and What We Learned

For the past few weeks, our sweet cat Patty hasn’t been herself—and it’s been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster.

It started with what seemed like a simple urinary infection. We took her to the vet, got antibiotics, and felt relieved when her symptoms cleared up pretty quickly. During that first visit, though, the vet noticed excess glucose in her urine and mentioned the possibility of diabetes. Naturally, that worried us, so we went back the following week for bloodwork… only to find out everything looked completely normal. A huge sigh of relief.

Then came the curveball.

About a week later, Patty’s symptoms returned, and we were back at the vet again—this time for a longer stay and more extensive testing. That’s when we got the real answer: urinary crystals. Tiny, sharp crystals that make going to the bathroom incredibly painful—like passing shards of glass. Hearing that explained the blood in her urine and her obvious discomfort, but it didn’t make it any easier to process.

Now she’s on another round of antibiotics, a special calming diet, and temporary medication to help her relax while her body heals.

And here’s the part that really made us stop and think…

The vet mentioned stress.

Stress? Patty? Our laid-back, easygoing girl? It didn’t seem to add up at first. But the more I sat with it, the more it made sense.

We tend to think of stress as something personal—something that lives quietly inside us as we juggle responsibilities, health issues, and the general weight of life. But what I’ve come to realize is that stress doesn’t always stay contained. It spills over. It shifts the energy in our homes in subtle ways we don’t always notice.

And our pets? They notice.

Cats, especially, are incredibly intuitive. They pick up on changes in tone, routine, and even the unspoken tension we carry. Looking back, I had been dealing with my own health challenges related to environmental issues at work, and while I may not have said much out loud, the stress was there. And somehow, Patty felt it too.

A stressed human can unintentionally create a stressed home.

Maybe it shows up in small ways—less playtime, a disrupted routine, a little less patience at the end of a long day. To us, those moments might seem insignificant. But to a cat, they can feel like instability. And when cats feel unsettled, they communicate the only way they know how—through behavior and, sometimes, through physical symptoms.

What looked like a medical issue alone may have had an emotional layer we didn’t expect.

The good news? This connection works both ways.

Just as our stress can affect them, our calm can comfort them. Slowing down. Sitting quietly together. Keeping routines predictable. Offering affection without expecting anything in return. Even taking better care of ourselves can create a sense of safety for them.

One of my favorite moments each day is still the simplest one—sitting down and feeling Patty curl up in my lap. It’s grounding, for both of us.

This whole experience has been eye-opening—not just emotionally, but financially, too. And while I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, it’s been a powerful reminder for Jon and me.

Taking care of ourselves isn’t selfish. It’s part of taking care of everything—and everyone—we love.

Patty doesn’t need us to be perfect. She just needs us to be present, aware, and gentle.

And maybe… we need that for ourselves, too.

Resources:

Scripture Image:  YouVersion Bible App

Copilot M365 & ChatGPT - SEO optimization

When the Office Makes You Sick: Recognizing the Signs of Sick Building Syndrome

I debated whether or not to write about this. It feels vulnerable to admit you’re not feeling well in a place you’re supposed to simply “power through.” But if sharing my experience helps even one person pause and say, “Wait… maybe it’s not just me,” then it’s worth it.

Since we returned to a hybrid schedule at the Columbus office, I’ve noticed a pattern. Every shift I work there, I don’t feel well afterward. Headaches. Fatigue. Just an overall sense of feeling off.

There was extensive remodeling done, including drywall work, and the dust has felt never-ending. The best cleaning lady we ever had took another job, and while I wipe down my own desk and even bought a small air purifier for my space, I can only control so much. If dust isn’t being removed throughout the building — through proper dusting, vacuuming, and ventilation — it lingers. It circulates. It settles… and then rises again.

In full transparency, my home environment isn’t perfect either. But I do my best. And I notice I feel different there.

Then there’s the water issue. One day I filled my water bottle at the filling station and the water tasted like dirt. Not slightly off — noticeably earthy. The water in the building is often brown. You can see it when washing your hands and even in the toilet bowls before anything else is added. I now use a filtered water bottle, but I know I’m not drinking nearly enough while I’m at the office. At home, we have a whole-house purification system and filtered refrigerator water, so I’m used to clean, clear drinking water. It’s hard to ignore the difference.

For a while, I questioned myself. Was it stress? Allergies? Just getting older? But I started learning more about something called Sick Building Syndrome.

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) describes a pattern where people experience headaches, fatigue, irritated eyes or throat, difficulty concentrating, or general malaise that improves once they leave a particular building. There isn’t one single diagnosable illness attached to it. It’s more about environmental stressors — especially indoor air quality — that affect people over time.

And here’s what struck me: dusty environments and water issues are often quieter contributors.

Dust isn’t just “dirt.” After remodeling, drywall particles and fine particulate matter can linger in the air if not thoroughly cleaned and properly ventilated. Dust can carry allergens, mold spores, and chemical residues from building materials. When it’s continually recirculated through HVAC systems, people breathe it in all day long.

Water issues can add another layer. Discolored or contaminated water may point to plumbing problems, sediment, or corrosion. Moisture problems in buildings can also create conditions where mold or bacteria grow — even if you can’t immediately see it. Sometimes the first sign isn’t visible damage. It’s people not feeling well.

What makes this so frustrating is that the symptoms are easy to dismiss. They’re vague. Non-specific. You start to question yourself.

But when the pattern is consistent — when you feel noticeably better once you leave — that matters.

This isn’t about blame. It’s not about being dramatic. It’s about recognizing that the spaces we spend hours in every day impact our bodies. Air quality, dust control, water quality, ventilation — these aren’t cosmetic building issues. They affect energy levels, clarity, hydration, and overall well-being.

If you’ve been feeling “off” in a specific environment, I gently encourage you to pay attention to patterns. Notice when symptoms improve. Advocate kindly but clearly. Protect your health in the ways you can — whether that’s using filtration, staying hydrated, or raising concerns.

At the end of the day, buildings are meant to shelter and support us — not quietly wear us down.

If sharing this helps someone feel less alone or prompts a needed conversation, then writing it was worth it.

Resources:

ChatGPT - SEO optimization and details about SBS

YouVersion - Scripture Image

The Wisdom of Accountability: Guiding Others Toward Responsibility

In our most recent Plain City Writing Group meeting, we were given a writing prompt to write a relationship scene.  I hope you enjoy this scene with Wanda, the WAF project manager.

Wanda has worked very hard over the last three years as the project manager for the Web Application Firewall (WAF) initiative.  Unfortunately, her coworkers don't share the same work ethic and aren't very supportive.

The WAF team sees it as Wanda's responsibility to manage end user tickets from "cradle to grave" which often includes opening tickets although her coworkers have the ability to open tickets as well.  The WAF admin is particularly finicky and wants her to "spoon feed" reports to him, convey his work notes to the customer instead of using "additional comments" to interact directly with the end user, and perform all follow-up to confirm any actions taken to remediate the WAF block fixed the customer issue. There are also times when he'll request emergency meetings or bring up concerns that require Wanda to write business justification reports to present before the WAF committee for review and ruling.

At the urging of her department director, Wanda worked with the team who manages the ticketing system to build a specific request form that end users, or WAF team members, can use to submit WAF issues.  The ticketing team coded in directions for the WAF admin as a reminder to "use additional comments if you need further information from the end user."  This request form recently went into production.  Wanda updated documentation previously written for the WAF team on how to open a WAF ticket to reflect how to use this new request form.  Wanda wrote a document that was reviewed by the communications team and began working on how to get it distributed to the consortia members.  It was decided to shorten the communication so that it can be included in the next edition of the consortia newsletter.  

Wanda's director asked her to work with the WAF Admin to have the error messages that customers receive if their activity is blocked updated to include the link to the new request form.  Since access to WAF is locked down, Wanda cannot make these updates herself.  The WAF admin has ghosted her. Wow, even him throwing a hissy fit that changing the blocking message requires a vote by the WAF committee would have been better than ghosting. 

Honestly, Wanda expected resistance and pushback from the WAF Admin and WAF team at some point. in this journey.  While the WAF request form is meant to provide a better user experience for the customer, it also makes opening WAF issues easier for WAF team members as well.  All members of the WAF team should be held accountable, not just Wanda. She is also pushing the envelope with the coded instructions reminding the WAF Admin how to communicate directly with the end user.  After three years of transcribing the WAF Admin's work notes for the customer, scheduling emergency meetings, writing business justifications when he threw a hissy fit and being belittled in front of the WAF team, she's had enough. Supporting WAF should not be entirely on her shoulders!

Wanda has the wisdom to know she cannot change people but will stand her ground by holding her coworkers accountable.  She will not continue to spoon feed team members who have access to the same resources as her.  The customers (end users) have access to this new request form; hopefully, the consortia newsletter blurb serves to educate them about this improved user experience. 

Will the WAF Admin change the blocking message as requested?  Will he throw a fit and require that it a vote by the WAF team?  We will see what the week ahead has in store.

Resources:

Writing Prompt Courtesy of Anja, leader of the Plain City Writing Group

Scripture Image from YouVersion Bible App

SEO Optimization by ChatGPT

When Life Is Hard: Choosing Gratitude Through Faith and Challenges

There are seasons in life when gratitude doesn’t come easily.

When we feel worn down physically, stretched emotionally, or uncertain spiritually, the idea of being thankful can feel distant—almost out of reach. In those moments, we’re not thinking about blessings… we’re simply trying to get through the day.

And that’s okay.

Over the past several weeks, I found myself in one of those seasons. Work stress was high. Sleep was inconsistent. My body felt run down—and eventually, that caught up with me in the form of illness.

Even as I began to feel better, it seemed like one challenge led right into another. A warning light in my vehicle. An unexpected repair. A series of small but draining moments that made everything feel just a little heavier.

It would have been easy to focus only on what was going wrong.

But somewhere in the middle of it all, a quiet truth began to rise to the surface:

Gratitude isn’t something we wait to feel.
It’s something we choose to practice.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
— Psalm 46:1 (NIV)

Difficult seasons have a way of narrowing our view.

When we’re overwhelmed or hurting, our focus naturally shifts toward what’s missing, what’s broken, or what feels uncertain. Even small setbacks can feel overwhelming when we’re already running on empty.

Gratitude doesn’t come naturally in those moments—and it’s not supposed to.

We’re human. We feel deeply. We carry stress, fear, frustration, and fatigue.

But being human also means we have a choice in how we respond.

Not a denial of what’s happening.
Not pretending everything is fine.
But a quiet shift in perspective.

Looking back, I can now see things I couldn’t fully appreciate in the moment:

• My illness, while frustrating, was short-lived
• I remained safe through my car issues and repair
• A kind stranger stepped in to help when I needed it
• My husband was there to support me without hesitation
• Friends offered encouragement and help along the way

None of these were dramatic, life-changing moments.

But they were real. And they mattered.

Gratitude in hard seasons isn’t about pretending everything is okay.

It’s about staying open—even when it would be easier to close yourself off.

It’s about recognizing that even in the middle of challenges, there are still moments of grace, provision, and care.

It’s about choosing not to let your heart harden.

Gratitude becomes something deeper than a feeling in these moments.

It becomes:

• A practice when emotions feel unreliable
• A discipline when life feels uncertain
• An act of faith when answers aren’t clear

It’s the decision to look for light—even when darkness feels easier to see.

To notice the small blessings—even when the big ones haven’t arrived.

To remain open to hope—even when life feels heavy.

If you find yourself in a season like this right now, I want to remind you:

You don’t have to feel grateful to begin practicing gratitude.

Start small.

Notice one thing.
Then another.

Hold onto those moments—not to ignore your struggles, but to anchor yourself in truth.

Because even in difficult seasons…

There is still something to be thankful for.

Resources:

Quoted Scripture Psalm 46:1

SEO optimization by Copilot

Quicker to Praise, Quicker to Thank: Cultivating Gratitude and Encouragement Every Day

It’s so easy to notice what’s wrong.  One of my work teams absolutely makes me crazy with their constant criticism, nit-picking, lack of accountability....I could go on but I'll stop.

But lately, I’ve been thinking about a simple challenge after seeing a recent quote.

"Let us be quicker to praise than to find fault. Let us be quicker to thank others than to complain.  -- Desmond Tutu"

That one shift can change the atmosphere in a room, the tone of a conversation, and even the condition of our hearts.

Sometimes fault-finding doesn’t look harsh. It can sound like:

• “Why didn’t they…?”

• “They never…”

• “This always happens…”

• “I’m so tired of…”

And while those words may feel harmless in the moment, they can slowly drain our joy. Aside from draining joy, it can also feel like life is being sucked out of you.  They can also discourage the people around us—especially the ones who are trying.  

Praise doesn’t mean ignoring problems or pretending everything is perfect. It simply means we choose to notice what’s good first.

A little praise can go a long way:

• “Thank you for helping.”

• “I appreciate you.”

• “You did a great job.”

• “That meant a lot to me.”

Encouragement is powerful. It builds connection. It brings warmth where criticism might bring distance.

Complaining makes us feel heavier. Gratitude makes us feel lighter.

When we thank others, we remind ourselves that we’re not alone—and that there is still goodness around us, even on hard days.

And gratitude is also a form of humility. It says, “I see what you did,” and “I don’t take you for granted.”

In full disclosure, especially with the one work team, this will be easier said than done but I'm going to make an effort not just for the betterment of the team and our work but for myself. 

Resources:

Quote from grateful.org

SEO optimization by ChatGPT

Scripture Image - YouVersion Bible App

Recovery Is Not One Size Fits All: Honoring Individual Paths to Healing

I am blessed to have achieved 11 years sobriety.  The road wasn't always easy; I lost both my parents in early sobriety but my friends in AA supported me.

What is sobriety?  I asked ChatGPT for a definition and it gave me a really thorough, good one:

Sobriety is the state of being free from the influence of alcohol or drugs, marked by clear thinking, self-control, and sound judgment.

More broadly, sobriety can also mean:

• A lifestyle choice of abstaining from alcohol or other substances, often as part of recovery or personal growth

• Mental and emotional clarity, where one is present, aware, and able to respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively

• Steadiness and balance, reflecting moderation, discipline, and intentional living

In recovery contexts, sobriety often refers not only to avoiding substances, but also to pursuing healing, accountability, and a healthier way of life—one day at a time.

Before I went to AA 11 years ago, I was "dry" for a period of time which means I simply did not drink alcohol.  When I got into AA & began working the 12 steps, that is when I learned the difference between being "dry" and being "sober."

Prior to the 2020 pandemic, I went to AA meetings three times a week.  I also got together regularly with people I met in the AA fellowship.  The pandemic turned the world upside down.  For me, the "upside down" was a good thing; not that everyone agrees.  Being forced to slow down with activities being canceled made me realize how exhausted I was always being on the go.  Before the pandemic, I was extremely involved with our local Catholic church.  If someone told me to jump, I was asking "how high?"  I exhausted and burned out.

In 2021 when activities resumed, I did not want to the same things I'd done before the pandemic or nearly as much. After my son graduated from high school, I joined Steadfast and started Crossfit. I quickly found another supportive community.  My "new normal" became Crossfit classes 3-4 times a week and AA once a week during the time I previously had gone to mass.

There was grumbling from a variety of sources about my choices but I found I was much happier with my new routine.  Although I was only going to one meeting a week, I continued to do AA service work.

In the fall of 2023, I was asked to give a lead (speech) at what was my AA home group at that time.  Unlike business presentations where you have a slide deck and presentation that you've rehearsed, your only preparation for a lead is to ask God to guide your words. I asked God's guidance when I walked up to the podium. Apparently, it was "God's Will" for me to speak that day about how grateful I am for the Steadfast family and how much I enjoy Crossfit.  The grumbling after that lead became louder - my priorities were wrong and I should be going to AA meetings instead of Crossfit.  I tried giving up one Crossfit class a week to pick up an extra meeting but, honestly, I was miserable. 

If I had not gotten sober through AA, I would have never made it to Steadfast to try Crossfit.  I cannot and will not forget what AA has done in my life.  After a lot of prayer, I sought out a different Sunday morning meeting. I'm blessed to have found a group of women who support and accept me for who I am - a sober woman who enjoys Crossfit and powerlifting.

I want folks to understand that recovery is not "One Size Fits All" because we are all different.  

• I'm an empty-nester who works a full-time job, does Crossfit 3-4 times a week (after a year of powerlifting), recently found kayaking & hiking, and holds a service position with a women's AA group.
• Someone else might have lost a job as a result of their addiction and finds daily AA meetings valuable as they focus on their recovery.
• Another person might seek out a recovery program that is not AA. I am not familiar with these but I link to options under Resources.
• Yet another person might opt to work closely with a therapist.

If you are in recovery from alcohol and/or drug addiction, know that I support you regardless of how live out your sobriety. My hope is that you are surrounded by a supportive community and staying sober "one day at a time."

Resources:

ChatGPT - Sobriety Definition in italics plus SEO optimization.

Non 12-Step Support Groups (not AA)

Scripture Image - YouVersion Bible App