Favorite Quotes to Inspire You
“I cried when I had no shoes, but I stopped crying when I saw a man without legs. Life is full of blessings, sometimes we don’t value it.” — Shakespeare
As we enter into 2025, I have been reflecting on 2024. It was a year of significant change and challenges, but I am thankful for each of them. I am also thankful that I had time to reevaluate my priorities; family priorities, health priorities, and career priorities. I am a different person kicking off 2025 than I was in 2024, a better, healthier, happier person. As Shakespeare said, it is important to recognize the blessings we have and not waste time pining for what we don’t. Here’s to a great 2025!
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” — Steve Jobs
Passion has always been a driving force in my career, and I believe that when you love what you do—whether it’s leading a team or baking a pie—you’ll naturally do it well.
Short Stories & Reflections
GIRL POWER! SISTERHOOD!
I am so in love with everything that this video represents. They are bold – they dared to go on stage prior to the winner being announced – no one does that! They made themselves visible – front and center – to be seen when they lose! But most of all, they stood there together to celebrate the winner. They knew that only one would be the winner and they were there to celebrate her when she did. Ladies – lift each other up, be bold, and celebrate each other’s wins! I LOVE THIS! When we support each other, we all win!
___________________________________________________________________________
Let’s Celebrate National Engineer’s Week
This week is National Engineer’s Week, February 16-22, 2025! Who knew? Well us engineers of course! Engineer’s Week was founded in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers. The week aims to increase the understanding of, and increase the interest in, careers in engineering and technology. As much as us engineers like to celebrate ourselves, the week is not totally about us! It is also about the parents, teachers, and administrators who foster the interest in engineering and empower students to take the leap and learn. To this day I hold a very special place in my heart for the high school chemistry teacher who fed my interest in chemical engineering, Mr. Joe Sulya. Mr. Sulya passed away last year after many years of teaching and mentoring students at Bucksport High School. Thank you, Joe. Thank you to all teachers, parents, and administrators, and thank you to all of the engineers who have made a positive contribution to our quality of life.

The Life of Jimmy Carter
Around 2005/2006 I had the opportunity to sit with President Carter and Rosalynn at a benefit dinner in downtown Atlanta. Two things from that nights conversation really stuck with me – their love for this state and their love for each other. I cannot speak intelligently, nor can I pass judgement, on his politics, I was very young when he was elected and served. But one element of one’s life should not define their legacy. My interactions with the President showed me what a great humanitarian he really was. I was surprised that he lasted over a year without Rosalynn, I really thought he would pass within days or weeks without her, that’s the kind of love that they shared. May they rest in peace now that they are reunited

. Thank you for your service Mr President. And Go Jackets

When everything else stays the same, dare to be different!
Yesterday I took a ME day! I hiked to the top of Great Pond Mountain in Orland, Maine. This is my favorite time of year in Maine; the tourists have gone home, the days are crisp and bright, and the leaves are changing, absolutely beautiful. The picture below tells the story, bright reds that stood out against their green background. Made me think of the statement above. So many times, we just go with the flow, do what we’ve always done, take the familiar or comfortable path when we have the ability to DRIVE CHANGE AND DARE TO BE DIFFERENT! The easier path might not be the most rewarding!

_____________________________________________________________________________
I saw this post on Facebook recently, I am not sure who posted it, or I would give them proper credit! It spoke to me! How many times do we knowingly keep doing the same thing over and over and expect a different result. Putting that into the form of a picture makes it seem so silly, yet we expend so much energy doing just that! As the caption says, it is so important to step back, reflect, and maybe choose a different path forward. Not knowing what lies ahead can be scary but doing the same thing over and over is even scarier, and futile! Be bold, make a change, try a different path! I have and I have never been happier!

_____________________________________________________________________________
I have always been a fan of Rosie the Riveter and the symbolism she represents. I have even dressed up as Rosie a time or two! When I saw this meme, it jumped out at me! Preach, Rosie, Preach.

_______________________________________________________
