How do I adjust to going back to the office after working from home?

Q: “My company is requiring us to return to the office a few days a week. After years of remote work, I’m struggling with the transition. Any tips on how to make it easier?”  -Karen D., Madison

A: Great question, Karen! You’re not alone... many here in Madison and beyond are finding RTO a bit jarring after getting used to home offices, yoga pants, and mid-day laundry breaks.

Here are a few tips to ease the shift...

Ease into the routine – Start adjusting your sleep schedule and morning routine a few days ahead of your RTO date.

Reclaim your commute – Use that time for a podcast, audiobook, or some quiet reflection. Traffic on Hughes or County Line can be rough... so give yourself grace.

Personalize your workspace – Bring a touch of home with you: a framed photo, your favorite mug, or even a small plant.

Plan your week – Use in-office days for collaboration and at-home days for deep focus.

Give yourself time – Transitions are tough. Give yourself a few weeks to adjust... and talk to your manager if something isn't working.

We’re all figuring this out together. Got your own tips? Let us know... we’d love to feature them in a future issue!

What's Cooking at Costco

If you're feeding a crew, planning for spring gatherings, or just love scoring a delicious deal, Costco in Clifts Farms (just off of 72) has some standout food options worth checking out.

🔥 Hot picks right now:

• Rotisserie Chicken – Still a fan favorite for under $5. Perfect for quick dinners or meal prep.

• Kirkland’s Tempura Street Tacos Kit – Everything you need, including slaw, limes, and crema. Just heat and eat!

• Frozen Bulgogi Beef – A flavorful Korean BBQ-style dish that’s quick to cook and big on taste.

• Fresh Berries – Spring means big, juicy strawberries and blueberries, great for smoothies, snacks, or desserts. My daughter loves the grapes, does that count as a berry :)

• Delicious Poke – Spicy Ahi Tuna, Wasabi Ahi Tuna, Salmon... get it before it's gone..

Bonus tip: Sunday mornings tend to be a little quieter if you're hoping to avoid the crowd... and don’t skip the food court. That $1.50 hot dog combo is practically legendary, $10 pizzas and warm THICK chocolate chip cookies. One more thing, order your pizza first before shopping so when you are done, all you have to do is pick it up.

Got a favorite Costco food find? Share it with us—we might feature your pick in a future issue!

Our Very Own Minor League Baseball Team

Madison is proudly home to the Rocket City Trash Pandas, a Minor League Baseball team known just as much for its quirky name as for its passionate fanbase. The name combines a nod to North Alabama’s aerospace legacy (“Rocket City”) with a playful nickname for raccoons (“Trash Pandas”)—mischievous creatures known for their curiosity and cleverness. Since their debut in 2020, the team has brought big-league excitement to our small-town heart.

They play at Toyota Field, a modern ballpark right here in Madison that’s become a local favorite for families, baseball lovers, and folks just looking for a fun evening out. The stadium offers everything from fireworks nights to themed events and giveaways.

This year’s season opener was Friday, April 4, 2025, against the Chattanooga Lookouts, drawing a crowd of over 6,600 fans. The fun continues this weekend:
🎇 Saturday, April 5 – Game at 6:35 p.m. + fireworks + license plate frame giveaway
🖊️ Sunday, April 6 – Game at 2:35 p.m. + player autographs + fleece blanket giveaway

For tickets and the full season schedule, check out the Trash Pandas website.

Are You Prepared?

When severe weather strikes, early warnings can save lives. That’s why every household in Madison should have a Midland Weather Radio. This device provides instant alerts from the National Weather Service, even when power or cell service is down. With features like automatic severe weather updates and a battery backup, you’ll stay informed about tornadoes, thunderstorms, and flash floods. Here in Alabama, where unpredictable weather is common, having a Midland Weather Radio on hand offers peace of mind and essential protection for your family. Don’t wait until the next storm to get prepared! We've been hearing that they continue to sell out at local stores. Order yours today.

You can go here for instructions on how to set it up.

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- Robert