Future (1 of 2)

One year later, with several sailing trips behind us, but this particular one, with all its craziness, feels like yesterday. What I wrote sounds ridiculous, but that is the way it happened. The residents I reference are still bringing joy to my world – day after day, week after week. It is definitely a two-way street.

RPP is celebrating 40 years of fabulousness, and I am happy to be a part of it. Like every company, there are challenges and the occasional setback, but our organization always rises to the occasion, thriving in the best of ways.

It is nice to hear myself say, I like my place of employment because I am heard, valued, and respected (for those employees who might think otherwise, and I don’t think anyone does, but if you are someone with doubt, know this, you have to give to get, and if you are not giving, you are not getting, and maybe, just maybe that is your cue to move on – something to think about… Yes?).

From the moment I walk through the RPP door to the time I leave, I am always treated by the Executive Leadership Team and my fellow employees (whom we call Associates) with kindness and smiles, and this is every day, and it really does make me feel good. I do not take that for granted, no one should.

We are a melting pot of personalities with a common goal, and that is to take care of our residents. Here we are, another two-way street. I like to think we keep our residents young and active, and they are teaching us grace and resilience. (I am sure there are days when we are not teaching each other anything, but hey, it happens.)

For better or for worse, I know everyone under the RPP umbrella is excited by our 40 years. That is an awesome milestone, and I really am pleased to be a part of it. So, thank you, RPP. I hope I make you proud because that is what you do for me.

Here is to your next 40. Congrats! – paerki

September 29, 2023: One More RPP Adventure – We ended our summer season of trips with a late afternoon sail in Annapolis, Maryland. Because this happened on September 29, 2023, we should have called it our fall sail. No matter how you look at it, it was memorable, for sure.

This particular adventure was a rain or shine experience, and you had to purchase tickets weeks in advance. In other words, no refunds. 

It was a cloudy day, and there was the possibility for intermittent showers. The boat’s captain was optimistic, assuring us the chance of rain was small. However, thirty minutes in and it started to rain. Twenty minutes later we were soaked. A few of us were smart enough to wear rain jackets with hoods. The crew were kind enough to pass out thin plastic mock rain ponchos (we looked like we were wearing garbage bags with hoods). It was beyond laughable.

Rain from above, water from the sea… Yes, it was coming from every direction – nonstop. I was waiting for an uprising from the residents. I looked around, wondering who would lead the charge. Who would be the first to declare mutiny? I had my suspicions.

That was a long two hours. Of course, no sooner after docking, the rain stopped. (Are you surprised? I am not. Isn’t that the way it always is?) 

Shortly after, we were on the bus making our way to dinner. As we walked into the restaurant, I felt as if we were doing a walk of shame. It was packed and everyone there was eating, drinking, talking and laughing, and DRY, and looking at us! We looked exhausted, beaten down by life and, of course, WET! We were shivering, too. What a sad, pathetic group we were.

With drink and sustenance, we soon perked up – talking, laughing and even poking fun at our misfortune, and at ourselves. What are you going to do?! You can’t be miserable forever. In case you didn’t know, laughing at yourself is the best way to deal with negative circumstances. It’s true! Laughing at yourself improves your confidence, self-awareness and more importantly, your mental health.

Continue Reading: Future 2