Serve by Design

When our grown children “talk shop” about their jobs and careers, I often hear reoccurring themes of office politics and “one-upmanship” in the workplace. Experts will say that such bravado is a mixture of competitiveness and personal insecurities. But, the goal is usually to make another’s accomplishments seem small if not inconsequential! I recently heard a retired family member lament about this subject, “That’s why I’m glad to be retired!”  Follow Sophie, the Leader! That's Better!😊 The metaphor. “Stay in your lane,” has been around a while and may have had its origin in driving and sports (swimming and track) applications where a lane is involved to prevent accidents or interference. In professional settings, the phrase is usually used as a cautionary warning for coworkers to mind their own business and avoid overstepping into another’s responsibilities. The ultimate putdown is to harshly question a coworker, “Why don’t you stay in your lane?” Strongly telling someone to “b...

Did you hear about the dog who went to the movies? This surprised a fellow movie goer who sat near the owner and watched the dog react. At times, the canine wagged his tail when happy, drooped his head when sad, and even put his paws over his eyes when he was afraid. The man sitting beside them couldn’t resist. He whispered, “Wow! I’m amazed at how much your dog enjoys this movie!” The owner replied, “I am too, because he hated the book!” Funnies   Whenever we visit our daughter’s home in New Mexico, we bring along our Roku for movie nights on the king bed! Our grands, and sometimes the dogs, join us for the family friendly features. It is always amusing to see their very intelligent Golden Doodle, Sophie, watching the shows along with us! She especially enjoyed a recent Hallmark that was about a veterinarian and his dog!😊 Sophie at Movie Night! I see some amazing acts by canines on social media feeds and on television reality shows. These remind me that dogs are much smarter th...

Whenever we visit our daughter and her family in New Mexico, Monique and I have the additional delight of enjoying their two beautiful dogs as well. We first met their 5-year-old Mini Golden-Doodle, Sophie Grace, in 2018. She is an intelligent and intuitive mother hen. Sophie is well trained, obedient, and watches our reactions to anticipate our moods and desires. The one-year-old, Mocha Latte, a black and white, Shiatzu, is “learning the ropes.” He is the newest member of “Team Defrees” and is quite charming, playful, and energetic, but immature at times as he tags along behind Sophie. They make a most loving and entertaining duo! Sophie and Mocha under foot!💕 Since we don’t have a pet at home anymore because of the passing of our dear Cock-a-Poodle, Freddie, some years ago, it is definitely an adjustment for Monique and me to have to navigate around the house when these feisty canines are competing with us for the same space in the kitchen, family room and bedroom areas. It’s easy f...

During our recent visit with our family in Albuquerque, we got an opportunity to get further acquainted with two new family members. Our precious grand daughter, Klaire, had her 2nd birthday during our visit. We were extremely excited to "love on her" and her two older brothers. But the newest of family members was Sophie Grace, a nine-month old hyper bred "Mini Golden Doodle!" She is a combination of a Golden Retriever and miniature French Poodle. She reminded Monique and me of our Freddie who graced our family with ten years of good and not-so-good memories. Old Fred was a "Cock-a-Poodle" (Cocker Spaniel and French Poodle). He was a little "high-strung" too! On the first full day of our visit, Melissa, our daughter, put us in charge of the pup! She and the kids went off to their day at school and left the "old folks" to dog-sit the Sophie. She followed me everywhere and shadowed me unrelentingly! It was fortuitous for both of u...