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If you’re part of the sandwich generation, you know the drill: juggling aging parents who need your help and grandkids who think you’re their personal superhero. It’s like being a fixer, but without the cool leather jacket or the luxury of walking away from chaos with a smirk. Enter Ray Shoesmith from Mr. Inbetween —not just a hitman, but a devoted father and brother who somehow manages to keep his sanity in a world that demands everything from him. Ray is the ultimate sandwi

Let’s get real for a second. If you’re juggling aging parents, your own kids, and maybe even a new grandbaby (because why not add that to the chaos?), you’re probably running on caffeine, sheer willpower, and a prayer. Welcome to the sandwich generation club—where you’re the bread, and everyone else is the filling. It’s exhausting, overwhelming, and sometimes downright infuriating. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it alone. There are caregiver support communitie

Ray Shoesmith isn't your typical "hero." He doesn't do inspirational quotes and he definitely doesn't wear a cape. In the FX/Hulu series Mr Inbetween , Ray is a professional fixer—a guy who breaks legs and "takes out the trash" for a living. But the most human thing about Ray is that he’s a Gen X man caught in the brutal squeeze of the Sandwich Generation . To be clear: I’m not romanticizing violence. I’m using Ray’s emotional skill set—compartmentalizing, boundaries, doing h

Meal planning when you’re caring for a parent with dementia is not “what’s for dinner?” It’s: Will they eat? Will they swallow? Will they insist it’s 1997 and they already ate at the diner?  And somehow, you’re also supposed to keep everyone alive, nourished, and mildly pleasant. The good news: a lot of “mealtime problems” aren’t you failing. They’re dementia doing what dementia does—messing with appetite, attention, recognition, chewing/swallowing, and even how food looks on

Let’s face it. Being a Gen-X woman in the sandwich generation is like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. You’re caring for aging parents, raising grown kids and grandkids while somehow trying to keep your own sanity intact. Enter adrienneinbeta — a blog that’s like your brutally honest best friend who’s been there, done that and isn’t afraid to spill the tea with a side of sarcasm. Life is messy and I'm too tired to try to hide it. If you’re tir

Dementia doesn’t just take memory. It takes routines, confidence, safety, and your sense of normal. It also steals your time like it’s getting paid by the hour. Let’s say the quiet part out loud: the hardest part isn’t only the work. It’s the grief that keeps happening while the person is still here. That’s emotional whiplash on repeat. If you feel angry, numb, guilty, or all three before breakfast—you’re normal. That’s not you being “bad at caregiving.” That’s you being huma

Look, I never thought I’d be the person writing a book review about dementia. In my head, I’m still twenty three, wearing a flannel shirt and wondering if I should go see Singles  again. But reality has a way of hitting you like a cold splash of water. One day you’re worrying about your 401(k), and the next, you’re realizing your parent is slipping away while they’re still standing right in front of you. If you’re stuck in the "Sandwich Generation" like I am—squeezed between

Gen X didn’t get a manual. We got a house key, a deadline, and a lifetime subscription to “figure it out.” Then adulthood showed up like: congrats, you’re now the caregiver, the parent, the employee, and the emotional support human. Also, your back hurts. I’m a Gen X mom and grandma who spent years caring for my mom after her dementia diagnosis. I loved her. I was exhausted. I laughed so I wouldn’t cry. Sometimes I cried anyway. If you’re in this season—past or present—this i

Stop suffering in a "Tropical Rainforest Bedroom." While the Arctic Chill-Suit is a joke, these 5 real tips for staying cool at night are life-changers! Here is how I finally started sleeping through the night in the Arizona heat. The Arizona Thermostat Dance: From Frosty Mornings to "Perimenopause Purgatory" If you live in Arizona, you know the drill right now. At 6:00 AM, I’m wearing a puffer vest and fuzzy Uggs just to make coffee. By 2:00 PM, I’m cranking the AC because t

As a GenX mom or grandma, you’re likely often juggling work responsibilities and family duties — sometimes it feels like an Olympic sport! So, how can you balance both without losing your mind? Set Clear Boundaries Establish "office hours" with your family. Let them know when it's work time and when they can interrupt you. Create a sign for your door if it helps. Something like "Mom's Office: Enter at Your Own Risk.” Humor goes a long way, and it’ll keep them out of your hair

Now that your office is set up, let’s talk about clutter. It’s amazing how quickly a clean desk can turn into a war zone of sticky notes, rogue pens, and coffee mugs. Clutter isn't just an eyesore; it's a productivity killer. When your physical space is chaotic, your mind often follows suit. This is a battle we can win! The secret? Developing a simple, non-negotiable daily decluttering ritual. The 10-Minute Power Clean You don't need a massive weekend-long organizational bing

Have you heard of the Pomodoro Technique? It’s like a time hack for productivity. It's a time-management method that is supposed to help you boost focus, reduce burnout, and fight procrastination. The key is breaking tasks into manageable "chunks ." I've been doing this for a few weeks now and it really works. I work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. I repeat this four times then I get to take a longer break. It’s a great way to stay focused. By chunking I feel lik

Look, we’re Gen X. We’re the "Sandwich Generation"—stuck between managing our parents’ aging needs and trying to get our own kids launched (or at least out of the house). We don’t have time for fluff or high-maintenance lifestyles. We want things that work, things that last, and a home that doesn't feel like another item on the to-do list. Living in the desert is stunning—those sunsets are the real deal—but let’s be honest: the heat and the dust are relentless. If you want to

Looking for ways to teach your kids about the Gospel? These are my favorite biblical resources for children, including R.C. Sproul and Max Lucado. Perfect for family devotions and building a solid foundation.

#CommissionsEarned Are you a Gen X mom or grandma juggling the challenges of your grandkid's wash day? It can be overwhelming to manage tangled hair without tears, while also ensuring that the products used are safe and friendly for delicate hair. Luckily, we’ve got tips and products that make this process not only easier but enjoyable for both you and your grandkids! Why Natural Hair Care Matters Gentle Ingredients : Natural hair care products are free from harsh chemicals,

The Work-From-Home Maven: Your Quick Guide to Success Working from home offers flexibility, but it comes with its own unique set of challenges, especially for GenX moms and grandmas balancing work with family life. The secret to success is setting up a functional workspace, managing your time effectively, and maintaining clear boundaries. Setting Up Your Space & Time Ergonomics Matter:  Invest in a good chair with lumbar support and consider a standing desk or riser to help y

Ah, wash day—the moment that can feel like a battlefield between tangled knots and barking demands from your little ones. If you’re a GenX mom or grandma, chances are you’ve experienced the hair care chaos firsthand, and you’re nodding your head in agreement as you read this. But fear not! Today we’re going to uncover some easy, affordable tips and product picks that’ll turn your grandkid’s wash day from a grueling chore into a breezy, fun experience. So grab your favorite mu

Hey there, fabulous GenX moms and grandmas! It’s time to embrace the tech era with open arms and a sense of humor. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule filled with kids, grandkids, and those little moments just for you, having the right gadgets and hacks can make your life a lot easier (and a lot more fun). Let's dive into the must-have tools that will simplify your daily routine and maybe even bring a smile to your face—because let’s be real, we all could use a little ext

Balancing the needs of aging parents and growing children can feel overwhelming. The sandwich generation often faces constant demands from both sides, leaving little time for personal care. Without intentional self care, stress and exhaustion can build quickly. This post offers practical strategies to help those caught in the middle find balance and maintain their well-being. A peaceful living room setup ideal for relaxation and self care Understanding the Challenges People i

In today's fast-paced world, finding a balance between work and personal life can feel like an uphill battle, especially for women. With...