Rachel's Reflections

The following was part of our company (Karpen Steel) e-news letter that I thought I would share with everyone. I also used it for our company luncheon with a few ad-libs, edits and so forth. (FYI, last year my theme was traditions). 

2010 has been a year for reflecting and figuring out new ways to look at my daily life both at work and at home. A lot of these changes were based on outside influences, things I had no direct way of controlling. How I chose to deal with these changes has been through various means, some of which I have learned in my Yoga classes.

For instance, our instructors teach us to focus on the here and now and not worrying about what comes next. So, when we are doing a specific exercise, the idea is to work hard to master that exercise to the best of our own personal ability, not to compare ourselves to the person next to us, but to try our best and persevere. Perseverance is not about working ourselves so hard that we collapse unable to do the next exercise. It is working hard and stretching ourselves to continually improve. I have also learned perseverance through another exercise class, which is an intense workout. I have seen some people unable to finish the workout because they started out too hard too soon, without building up their stamina, instead of setting realistic goals for each session.

How does this apply to work? I have learned not to worry about the future (plan and persevere, yes), to work my hardest every single day, and to make sure that the company produces the best quality product every single day. I have also learned that when things get the best of me, to retreat to my office and take big deep "yoga breaths" or go outside and get some fresh air and regroup. I will be the first to admit that I don't always do this soon enough, but life and self-improvement is a journey.

Part of living in the moment is also pausing to reflect on my surroundings and to appreciate the people in my life, especially my husband. One day we stopped a class for a few moments to appreciate the sunset, which was beautiful, and which will never be the same again. Likewise, I am learning to take some time off, to travel, to take long walks building up to short hikes, to taste really good wine made in North Carolina and so forth.

Let this year's holidays create memories you will long cherish, and may 2011 allow you to improve your present abilities, to learn new skills and to relish the joys of everyday life.

President

Greetings of the Season

Rachel’s dog, Panda, wishes you all happy holidays on behalf of all of us at Team Karpen Steel.

Nature Center Holiday Celebration

We have long been members of the Nature Center, and decided to do their winter holiday lights Friday. First we went out for Indian Food (yum) and then over to the Nature Center. Boy were we disappointed in the happenings. Yes, there were lots of lights, but not many activities. What was fun was a nice brisk walk at night around the grounds. The nicest part was the cabin were they had decorations, and a Santa Claus. I think that they had something going on about once an hour, but there were no carolers and so forth. But, here are some pictures of some of the lights, and a camel that just wouldn't pose. They did have 2 camels in for the occasion.

Traditions

Many years ago, our family started a tradition of seeing movies on Thanksgiving and the next day. It always seemed like between work and school and household chores there wasn't much time just to spend time together. So the movie theater beckoned to us with all the movies that are released this time of year. So this year, in following that tradition, we are seeing 2 movies today, and 2 tomorrow. Supper tonight will be light fare at home and supper tomorrow night will probably be at a restaurant. I think I'll put some bread in the bread machine to make it more festive. And Saturday I might even bake a pumpkin pie. Whatever is your family tradition, enjoy!