What does success mean to you?
There are two things for me:
1. This is written in my home, and speaks to my heart:
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch Or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!” Ralph Waldo Emerson
2. Success, to me, is living a life that honors God through my character.
As a Christian, I believe one of the best ways I can shine God’s light is by loving my neighbor, maintaining a strong work ethic, and helping those in need with humility, compassion, and laughter (when appropriate 😉). Whether at work, at home, or in my community, I strive to reflect God’s love through the way I treat others. For me, success is measured by faithfulness, resilience, and the positive impact I have on the people around me. If I can use my gifts, experiences, and opportunities to serve others, that is a reflection of God’s love, and I consider that a successful life.
What’s the funniest thing you’ve overheard in public?
The first thing I think of comes from my kids, actually. My daughter is 7 now, but not long ago she was in the same position my son is now, at 4 yrs old. At ages 4-6 kids just don’t yet understand what is appropriate to point out in public and what isn’t. My son is also the loudest talker and most things he says are full blast announcements. Many of the things are funny because they come with no filter from a 4-year old, which somehow makes it better… But I’m usually left apologizing to someone anywhere we go, because he says things about people when they are within earshot. I’ve heard the kids say:
- “That lady is missing her front teeth just like me!”
- “That person looks like a clown.”
- “Why doesn’t that guy have a shirt on?”
- “Her mommy shouldn’t have let her dye her hair green.”
- “I think that person has a cavity.”
Yeah – these are just the appropriate examples. We are working on it. 😊
You and Martin go way back. What is one of your favorite memories together?
We do! 11 years is a long time. There are many that are better stories told aloud vs writing out, so this is challenging coming up with the right one for this.
Also, I’ll preface this by saying, Martin spends much of his time teasing me – so I feel it enables me to make fun of him with this one.
In 2016, the full BFC team did a volunteer day with United Way at a convent in GR where we worked to care for their property, and in their garden. There were two points during the day when we went inside and their sweet little white dog would bypass everyone else and only go sit by Martin. He was bragging throughout the day about how the dog loved him more than anyone else and he had the special touch. At the end of the day, I was speaking with the nuns and brought up just how much the dog loved him, and one of them responded that it was in fact a therapy dog and was trained to sit by anyone it could sense was struggling. I remember laughing so hard when she told us. I should have been more concerned for his well-being perhaps, but I couldn’t stop laughing because he was laying it on thick the whole day about how he was the best because the dog loved him, and he tried making everyone else jealous. Oh, it was HILARIOUS.
Sorry, Martin, I had to share. It’s been 10 years – I think enough time has passed. 😉
If the office had superlatives, which one would you win?
Most Likely to Say What Others Are Thinking
What’s the most impactful piece of advice you have been given?
Remember your name and what it means to be part of this family.
More specifically, I often heard, “Don’t forget you are a Beilfuss”, which was my maiden name. My grandfather and father repeated this throughout my childhood and
even into adulthood. Whether I was navigating friendships, working through frustrations, attending parties, going to church, meeting new people, playing in basketball games, or interviewing for jobs, their message remained the same.
I grew up in a family that loved and respected each other deeply. We had high expectations of ourselves and each other, valued hard work, always gave 100%, and showed up for one another. Over time, I came to understand, “Don’t forget you are a Beilfuss” had 2 meanings.
First, it was a reminder that my actions reflect not only on me, but also on the people I loved and respected most.
Second, it was a reminder that I would always be part of a family that will support me, welcome me back, and stand by me no matter what.
That simple phrase has had a significant impact in how I carry myself, treat others, and approach challenges throughout my life.
“Don’t forget you are a Beilfuss”.
What would you peg as your favorite activity?
I make a meal or two with my kids each weekend. It takes so much longer and is SO much messier, BUT I love the time together. I’ve always let them join me in the kitchen and we have a lot of fun together.
They will form meatballs, bread chicken, flip meat on the stove, measure seasonings, cut veggies (they have their own cutting boards and knives), independently make omelets, scrambled eggs, quesadillas, etc. We have a lot of fun and I’m such a proud mama to watch them grow in the kitchen.
What’s the funniest misunderstanding you’ve had?
I can’t believe I’m sharing this – this is so embarrassing.
It wasn’t until I was a senior in high school that I realized the song, “I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus” was actually about dad. I remember running into my parent’s room at full speed, and just blurted this huge spoiler out.
They stood there in shock for a moment, I was sure it was because their minds were blown. Then they started laughing so hard, realizing my entire childhood I had taken the song literally and they had no idea.
I’ve been made fun of about this every Christmas since I was 18, for good reason.
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