My rubric when asking for additional user permissions

A WordPress contributor told me recently that he was feeling anxious about asking for a new level of user permissions for problem-solving reasons, and in the process of advising him, I realized I have a fairly reliable rubric for making those requests. Maybe it’s even useful outside of WordPress? Here it is, regardless! Hey (person),Continue reading “My rubric when asking for additional user permissions”

Doing business in WordPress: missed opportunities

If you’re new to WordPress-based business, welcome! There’s never been a better time to help people achieve their goals with WordPress. The ecosystem is vast, and we’re a welcoming community. I’ve worked with WordPress contributors and business owners, full time, since 2011. Anytime I meet someone who’s decided to build a business that depends onContinue reading “Doing business in WordPress: missed opportunities”

What happens when you won’t admit (or don’t realize) you’re a leader

Hello, my name is Andrea, and I’m a recovering leader-in-denial. I’ve spent much of my life stepping (usually reluctantly) into leadership roles, while also eagerly looking for someone else who could lead better than me — so I could stop being in charge! And that rarely happened, much to my surprise and chagrin, but onlyContinue reading “What happens when you won’t admit (or don’t realize) you’re a leader”

Leadership Lessons from Lincoln

I’m reading the book Leadership in Turbulent Times, by Doris Kearns Goodwin, and really enjoying it. Here are some of my notes on the chapter about lessons that can be taken from the leadership of Abraham Lincoln, specifically around his work on the Emancipation Proclamation. Anticipate contending viewpoints. Lincoln has my full respect for creatingContinue reading “Leadership Lessons from Lincoln”

Tasting Charles Frey Alsace Riesling Granite 2018

I bought this wine through WTSO.com, which I’ve been using off and on to pick up “nicer” wines, cheap. I love Alsatian Riesling, and got this at a very decent price of about $15. I opened it as part of an online wine tasting I did with some coworkers last Friday, and I’ve been sippingContinue reading “Tasting Charles Frey Alsace Riesling Granite 2018”

Dinner wins: Mexican Pizza

‪Last night’s dinner was Mexican pizza, which is definitely neither Mexican nor pizza, but was very delicious and actually reheated quite well for lunch today! Spread one burrito-size flour tortilla with refried beans (as much as 2 cups) and sprinkle with a little shredded cheese (maybe a cup). Lay the loaded tortilla in a warmedContinue reading “Dinner wins: Mexican Pizza”

Three white wines from Firstleaf

Like many people, I’m starting to buy more wine online, which is a new one for me. (There are LOTS of new things happening lately, aren’t there? I’m not a fan.) In yet another unusual pattern, I clicked on an Instagram ad for Firstleaf wines, checked out the pricing and the wines, and made anContinue reading “Three white wines from Firstleaf”

CMX Global online conference

It was a pleasure to present my conflict de-escalation workshop at today’s CMX Global online conference. If you signed up for the conference but missed my session, I think all sessions will be available to anyone who registered. If you didn’t register but are interested in the topic, I have published the script, bibliography andContinue reading “CMX Global online conference”

Musings from speculative fiction: Queen of the Tearling

As a lifelong fan of speculative fiction (science fiction and fantasy), I read the genre for both leisure and intellectual stimulus. When a book or series captures my attention, it’s usually because at least a few of the following things are true: the plot is well-constructed, the characters are interesting/engaging, the writing is competent, andContinue reading “Musings from speculative fiction: Queen of the Tearling”

A walk along Johnson Creek

I took a walk around midday, today — between rain showers — and stopped to watch the rushing waters of our swollen local creek. I like living close to water, even when it’s a (usually) small body. There’s something both evocative and calming for me, watching the points of movement and stillness — I findContinue reading “A walk along Johnson Creek”

Meal plan for Jan 25-31

One of the ways I ensure our family eats healthfully while managing my mid-week stress, is to plan out our meals every week. I try to incorporate leftovers from other meals, as you can see below. I also consider what kind of evening activities we might have scheduled, and if I know an evening willContinue reading “Meal plan for Jan 25-31”