Thomas Lee Unplugged: Insights & Inspiration

When I moved back to Charlotte last year, I made a decision that felt both sentimental and necessary: I chose to keep the post office box that my dad had for as long as I can remember. Sure, I have a mailbox at the trailer park, but that post office box felt like a special link to my dad, who passed away from Covid in 2021. Every Saturday after breakfast at Big Boy, my dad would hand me the key, and I’d dash up the stairs, excitement bubbling inside me as I anticipated the treasure of letters and packages waiting for us. Those cherished memories made me want to hold onto the box, especially since it’s been in the Winters family for so long. The laughter and warmth of those weekends linger in my heart, reminding me of the bond we shared. Recently, I found myself grappling with the idea of giving it up. On the surface, it made sense; I already had a mailbox, and letting go of the box would save me some money. But today, when I walked into the post office, armed with the mail forward form...

Happy Friday, everyone! As we wrap up another work week, I’m excited to dive into some delicious steak for our 4th Friday Steak Night at the Charlotte Moose. There’s nothing quite like ending the week with good food, good friends, and good drinks at the Moose. It’s the perfect way to relax and recharge for the weekend ahead! If you haven’t yet joined the Moose, I encourage you to come check us out! I’ll be more than happy to sign you in as a guest, buy you a drink, and show you what the Moose Fraternity is all about. Not only will you get to enjoy the great atmosphere and camaraderie, but I’ll also share information about our charitable efforts, including Mooseheart and Moosehaven. Mooseheart is a community for children in need, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment, while Moosehaven offers a beautiful retirement community for our members. The Charlotte Moose has so much to offer, from fun events like Steak Night to various activities throughout the year. And with a memb...

Happy Wednesday, everyone! We’ve made it to the halfway point of the work week, and that’s definitely something to celebrate! This evening, I’m super excited to gather with my friends at the Charlotte Moose for DJ Trivia. It’s always a fantastic evening filled with competitive fun, laughter, and a little friendly rivalry. If you’re looking for a great way to unwind after a long week, this is the place to be! I know I tend to go on and on about the Moose—it might sound like a broken record—but I can’t help it! I’ve finally found a place where I can truly be myself, and that’s a pretty amazing feeling. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing is up for debate, but what matters is that the Charlotte Moose feels like home to me. The welcoming atmosphere, the camaraderie, and the sense of community make it a special spot that I genuinely love. I’d love to invite you to come out and experience the magic of the Charlotte Moose for yourself! Let me sign you in, get you a drink, and show you ...

Lately, I've been feeling a bit down, and I wanted to take a moment to open up about it. You know that old saying, “Count your blessings”? I really try to live by that, but some days, it feels like an uphill battle. I look around and see all the good things in life, but then I can’t help but focus on what I don’t have. One of the hardest parts for me is the connection with my family. With both my mom and dad gone, it leaves a big hole in my heart. I’ve got two sisters, but our relationship isn’t strong, and it can be tough when I see others who have that close family bond. It often makes me feel more alone, and that’s when the sadness creeps in. I’m incredibly grateful for the wonderful people I’ve met at the Charlotte Moose. They’ve become like family to me, and their support means the world. But still, it’s just not the same as having my own family around. There’s a void that’s hard to fill, and I often find myself longing for those deeper connections. Another thing that weighs h...

Spring is officially here, but it feels like winter just can’t let go. As the calendar flips to March, we all start dreaming of warm breezes, blooming flowers, and sunny days. Yet, as we step outside, we’re often greeted with a chill in the air that reminds us winter is still hanging on. It’s frustrating, to say the least, especially when we’re so ready for that refreshing spring weather to take over. One of the reasons winter seems to be dragging its feet this year is the lingering cold air masses that refuse to budge. This time of year, the transition between winter and spring can be unpredictable, leading to those annoying cold snaps that keep us reaching for our heavy jackets. It’s as if winter is putting up a fight, trying to hold back the warmth that spring promises. Each sunny day feels like a tease, leaving us longing for more consistent temperatures that allow us to enjoy the outdoors without bundling up. As we wait for spring to fully arrive, it’s important to remember that t...

Monday has snuck its way back into our lives, and it’s time to kick off another work week. While the thought of diving back into the daily grind might not be the most exciting, there’s something refreshing about starting anew. This week, we’re gearing up for the end-of-year inventory, which, let’s be honest, is a mixed bag of fun and stress. It’s a necessary task that keeps us organized, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming as we scramble to get everything in order. On a positive note, there are still plenty of things to look forward to outside of work! After a long day, there’s always the opportunity to unwind down at the Charlotte Moose. It’s a great spot to relax, catch up with friends, and shake off the work week stress. Plus, Wednesday night brings our favorite event: DJ Trivia! It’s always a blast to test our knowledge, enjoy some friendly competition, and share a few laughs. These little moments give us a chance to connect with one another and make the work week a lot more en...

If you're looking for a way to connect with your community while making a positive impact, joining the Moose Fraternity could be the perfect opportunity for you. The Loyal Order of Moose, as it’s officially known, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1888 in Mooseheart, Illinois. This organization is dedicated to providing support, fellowship, and charitable outreach to its members and the communities they serve. At its core, the Moose Fraternity operates under a mission that emphasizes charity and community service, primarily through its two flagship initiatives: Mooseheart and Moosehaven. Mooseheart is a residential childcare facility that provides a safe and nurturing environment for children who have lost one or both parents or come from difficult backgrounds. The facility not only offers a home but also focuses on education and personal development, ensuring that these children have a bright future ahead of them. On the other hand, Moosehaven is a retirement commu...

Good morning! It’s finally Friday, and let me tell you, the excitement is palpable! After a long week of work, I can almost hear the weekend calling my name like a siren song. It’s time to kick back, relax, and dive into some fun plans that I’ve got lined up for this evening. First on the agenda is a trip over to the Eagles, where my buddy Chuck is hosting his final fish fry. Now, if you’ve never been to one of Chuck’s fish fries, you’re missing out on a culinary experience that’s nothing short of legendary. Chuck has this magical ability to make fish so crispy and flavorful that you might just forget all about your New Year’s resolution to eat healthier. I mean, who can resist the allure of golden-brown fried fish? I can already picture myself devouring plate after plate, with a side of that secret tartar sauce that Chuck swears has been passed down through generations. I might need to bring a napkin—or a whole roll of paper towels, just to be safe! After I’ve gorged myself on Chuck’s...

This isn’t your usual blog post, but I felt it was important to share a warning for those who link their Facebook and Instagram accounts. With both platforms being owned by Meta and sharing the same system, there are risks involved that many users might not be aware of. If you have both accounts connected and something unusual happens—like a post on Instagram being flagged—there’s a real chance that your account could be disabled. Imagine waking up one day to find that your Instagram account has been suspended, only to realize that your Facebook account is also affected. This can happen because the two platforms are intertwined, and a violation on one can lead to consequences on the other. Trying to appeal their decision or reach a live support representative can be a frustrating experience, as many users have found out the hard way. I've heard of similar situations happening to others, and it serves as a reminder to be cautious about linking your accounts. While the convenience of...

As the calendar turns to March, we can finally say goodbye to the frigid winter days and welcome the arrival of spring. For many of us in Michigan, this season represents a time of renewal, blooming flowers, and longer daylight hours. However, as we eagerly anticipate the warm sunshine and vibrant colors, we can't help but remember that Michigan weather has a mind of its own. The beauty of spring is undeniable, with trees beginning to bud and gardens preparing to burst into life. Parks and trails beckon us to enjoy the great outdoors, and the sound of chirping birds fills the air. Yet, in true Michigan fashion, we often find ourselves experiencing a mix of sunshine, rain, and even the occasional surprise snow flurry. This unpredictability can be frustrating, but it also adds to the charm of living in the Great Lakes State. So, as we embrace the arrival of spring, let’s keep our spirits high and our jackets handy. We can enjoy the sunny days while being prepared for the chilly surpr...

Tomorrow, March 20, 2025, marks the first day of spring, a season that embodies renewal, hope, and transformation. As the world around us begins to awaken from the dormancy of winter, we are reminded of the beauty and potential that comes with change. Spring is not just a change in weather; it’s a powerful metaphor for our own lives, encouraging us to embrace fresh starts, set new goals, and adopt new perspectives. The arrival of spring invites us to reflect on our personal growth. Just as nature sheds its old leaves and blooms anew, we too can let go of past burdens and limitations that may have held us back. This season is an opportunity to reassess our aspirations, to dream bigger, and to cultivate a vision for our future. It’s a time to plant the seeds of our ambitions, nurturing them with care and intention. Whether it’s pursuing a new career path, starting a creative project, or focusing on personal well-being, spring encourages us to take that leap of faith and embrace the unkno...

As I settle into bed, I find myself reflecting on my love for writing random insights. Each night, as I pull the covers up and turn off the lights, I feel a sense of calm wash over me. Writing has become my personal sanctuary, a place where I can freely express my thoughts without the pressure of an audience. I don’t expect everyone to read my musings or react to them, and honestly, that’s perfectly okay. For me, the act of writing is therapeutic. It allows me to process my day, explore my feelings, and articulate ideas that swirl around in my mind. Whether it’s a fleeting thought about life, a quirky observation, or a deep reflection, putting pen to paper—or fingers to keyboard—helps me sort through the chaos. Each post is a small piece of my journey, shared in the hopes that it might resonate with someone, but also just for my own peace of mind. As I drift off to sleep, I’m grateful for this outlet. It’s not about the likes or comments; it’s about the release and the clarity that com...

Spring is on the way, bringing with it a sense of renewal and hope. Just as nature awakens from its winter slumber, we too can embrace this season as a time for growth and transformation in our lives. It's a reminder that change is possible and that we can shed the old to make way for new opportunities. As flowers bloom and trees regain their vibrant leaves, let’s take inspiration to nurture our own dreams and aspirations. Spring encourages us to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate the beauty around us, reminding us that brighter days are ahead.

It’s quite fascinating how social media influences our lives, bringing both positive and negative effects. On one hand, these platforms allow us to connect with friends, share our experiences, and stay updated on the lives of those we care about. On the other hand, they can also create a sense of dependency that can lead to emotional turmoil when access is lost. Recently, I’ve been grappling with the stress of losing access to my favorite social app, where I had built a network of connections that felt like an extension of my social life. It’s hard to describe the feeling, but it’s almost like losing a part of myself. When we have access to our favorite social apps, life feels vibrant and full of possibilities. We share moments that matter, receive instant feedback, and feel like we belong to a larger community. The joy of scrolling through updates, liking posts, and messaging friends can make everyday life seem wonderful. However, when that access is suddenly taken away, the emotional...

Every day, I wake up to the same routine. I head to work, put in my hours, and come home, grateful for the stability but yearning for something more. I’ve come to realize that while I am thankful for all that I have, my heart aches for a fresh start, a chance to embrace new beginnings and rewrite my story. I long for a romantic relationship with that special someone, a partner who understands me and shares my dreams. I imagine the warmth of their embrace, the comfort in their words, and the joy of building a life together. It’s not just about having someone by my side; it’s about finding a soulmate who truly sees me and loves me for who I am. The thought of experiencing love in its purest form fills me with hope and excitement. My work life, too, feels like it’s stuck in a loop. I am grateful for my job, but I crave more. I dream of a new role where I can grow, learn, and make a meaningful impact. I want to wake up each morning with a sense of purpose, knowing that my work matters and ...