Fixes, Family, and Final Projects: A Systems Builder’s Monday

There’s a particular kind of Monday in Jefferson City when the air feels just a little lighter—not because the work is done, but because it’s moving. Today’s one of those days.

The audits are nearly complete. The final project for my EdD class is turned in. And Jace, after a long weekend of recovery, is finally cracking a smile again. These aren’t headline moments, but they’re the kind of quiet wins that keep systems—and spirits—running.

In the world of accessibility audits and web troubleshooting, progress often hides in the margins. A layout fix that finally holds. A permissions issue that stops locking out external users. A mega menu that doesn’t just look good—it works for everyone. These are the victories that don’t get applause, but they build trust, reliability, and inclusion.

And then there’s the olive tree. A small experiment in cold-hardy gardening, tucked into the backyard soil like a dare. It’s a reminder that systems aren’t just technical—they’re ecological, emotional, communal. Whether I’m rebuilding a homepage or rethinking competency-based education, I’m always asking: Who does this serve? Who gets left out? What does progress look like when it’s rooted in care?

So here’s to the Mondays that aren’t flashy but are full of meaning. To the blend of audits and empathy, code and community, recovery and resilience. And to everyone out there quietly making things better—one fix, one post, one olive tree at a time.