A day in my mid-life

I took off work today for a doctors appointment over at Lawton. Mr. C. Woke me up at 6AM. We are putting a roast in slow cooker for our dinner tonight. My husband seen the recipe on Tic Tok and wanted to give it a try. It’s a bit different than our usual roast method.  I will be adding the recipe in a later post. 

We spent 2 hours in the doctors office. I will say that my anxiety was rapidly rising. No way should anyone have to wait that long to be seen. Hopefully the next visit the wait will not be that long. This was the first time to be seen by her, so will see how we like her going forward.  She did seem to go over everything carefully, so that eased my anxiety.  Dr. Grimm seemed friendly enough so that helps. 

Mr. C. And I ate at our favorite Mexican restaurant Espranza’s. He ordered his usual dinner. It has a little of everything. I can’t believe I didn’t take a photo of our lunch!  When Jon delivered our food we dug right into the middle of the plate. 

Pictures or it didn’t happen! As we get older I am trying harder to document our days. Life is too short not to be recording our daily lives. So I am being intentional with memory keeping.  Am still working on a big personal journal and home to get to finished by October.  Of course having this blog in place helps to preserve my personal life as well.  If anyone would have told me I’d still be blogging after all these years I would have said no way. Some years I wrote more than others but at least I wrote a few things. 

Our Neighbors were having a garage sale. So I walked over when we got home.  Seen several cool things , but I honestly don’t need anything at all.  But found this brand new stationery kit from Hallmark for only $2.00.  In fact I will be writing a letter this evening, hopefully at least a couple of letters. Lately I have enjoyed going to garage sales.  Maybe it’s the thrill of the chase. Might be something Dawn and I could do every now and then. She is always finding good stuff.

We watched an episode of  the new season of Wednesday.  The past season was fun to watch. So hope this season will be even better. 

We just finished watching The Hunting Wives…oh my! Would hope they are going to make a second season. So much happened in that series that it was easy to get confused. Lots of twist and turns. I absolutely enjoyed watching this show. 

So for rest of the day we will probably chill and relax. Being in our mid-life season is pretty basic.  My husband isn’t in the best health so many of our activities revolve around how he feels for the day.  I wouldn’t change our lives ever. 

New journal for Swap-bot

 

I’m currently working on a composition notebook journal for a trade over at Swap-Bot.  It’s a two month project.  I’m really excited about trying new to me ideals. Have watched quite a bit of YouTube videos on techniques and can’t wait to try them out in this new journal.  I really want to decorate the cover really nice with fabric or colored duct tape.  

Unfortunately I can’t draw to save my life, but I will use a million stickers and miles of washi tape.  The pages must be decorated with something.  Lately I have been using packaging from items I have bought.  That definitely adds a layer to my pages.  I also ordered some junk journal supplies off Etsy. Ordered a pink bundle and a yellow bundle. That I’ll help make my pages pop. I know I plan on ordering a green bundle and a purple bundle as well.  

This journal will include pictures, art journaling (simple as I lack drawing skills), list of all kinds, quotes and so much more.  I do write quite a bit. I enjoy the random junk journal swaps as you never know what you will receive from your partner. I have received some over the top where they spent a lot of time on it. Then others was rushed and not great. It’s definitely a gamble on what you will receive. That’s part of the fun as well. 

Retirement thoughts

 

Do you sometimes wonder how you to to this exact point in your life? I always wondered if  I would be here when I was 50ish years old.  Am amazed with my life, it’s much better than I could have ever dreamed.  No it’s not perfect and it’s a lot messy, but wouldn’t trade it for anything else. 

As I look toward retirement I know I am not prepared. I have just started my 401k and Roth plans. So not very much money in them.  Looking back on my past life is I was just trying to survive. Neither one of my parents really spoke about saving money for the future. They did the best they could with what knowledge they had.  I just wish I had someone who could have taught me the importance of saving money. Now I am struggling with when I can retire on just social security. I don’t want to work forever, but realistically I may have to work till I am 65 years old. I haven’t exactly put budget to paper to see what I may be looking at going forward. 

What my mom did teach me was how to be thrifty so I do have that knowledge.  I love thrift stores and watching how people repurpose stuff.  Comparing prices from a few different grocery stores is next on my list to start doing. I do pay for Amazon Prime annually and do feel like it saves me money on shipping. Although I know if I order a certain amount that I will still receive free shipping. We do watch Amazon prime frequently. I already watch for sales on birthday gifts and Christmas gifts. I keep a tote of gifts I pick up thru the year.  For instance I bought a grill utensil set 1/2 off.  When Victoria Secret and Bath and Body have sales I will buy and put up. My love language is gifting others, so I need to save money when I can. 

We live out in the country on 2 acres on a dead end road. Our bills are very reasonable compared to so many others. So we are very fortunate in that area. We don’t have a water bill as we have a water well. The maintenance on it could be expensive but overall it’s been good to us.  We also have a septic system and that has also been a low maintenance system to us.  So as we get older at least our household expenses are lower than others.  

So here I am thinking about my overall life and what budget cuts I can do to make my money stretch. I think I will up the percentage to my Roth plan.  Like seeing the numbers add up each pay period. I won’t miss that money since it will be such a low percent every 2 weeks.  

I am blessed with my life no regrets just wish I had been more wiser with money.  If you have any tips on saving money as I move toward retirement, please drop them below. 

Sick beyond sick

 This morning I got up feeling sick. Before I left for work I was throwing up. My stomach was cramping badly.  I knew I couldn’t miss work as I didn’t want to get a write up. That’s just part of working in a call center, no unscheduled days off.  This year I have already called in twice sick.  

Looking back I started taking a higher dosage of medicine and I think that is the issue along with my eating habits.  I am going to see about going back to original dosage and go back to really watching my diet more closely. 

My manager sent me home about 8:30 AM.  I came straight home and went to bathroom and went to bed. I only got up to go to bathroom.  I was so miserable.  I do not want to keep being this sick. It’s miserable for sure. I slept off and on all day. What I will say from experience is as I am getting older when I get sick it just hits harder than when I was younger.  

Monday ramblings about routines

 Are you ready for the week? I can say honestly that I haven’t been doing my Sunday night reset.  When I was being intentional about getting ready for the week, it seemed to make me more organized.  Not sure what happened but I just completely stopped getting prepared.  Maybe I stopped because I was exhausted after being on the road and enjoying Sunday Funday’s. This morning it hit me hard that the routine that I enjoyed doing hadn’t been happening in months.  Then I thought maybe I am a failure, but that isn’t true at all.  I don’t want to beat myself up, instead I am going to create a list of what is important to me and try to get back into good habits that help my mental health and wellbeing. Just because I fell off the wagon doesn’t mean I can’t dust myself off and try again. 

What did I do that made my life easier on Sunday evenings you may be wondering…here’s a few things that helped me tremendously.

Pulling out 6 work outfits (one is extra so I have choices).  Paired with undergarments and jewelry.  That way I can make the decision quickly.  I do try not to wear same outfits every week. 

Using my medication organizer.  That way I am not having to use extra time to open all my bottles twice a day. If I have the pills ready to go, I will take them everyday as prescribed. Otherwise I may not take my medication every day. 

Meal planning for my work lunches.  If any prep work is needed will get that done as well.  With it being summertime I am leaning towards sandwiches, pinwheels, pasta salads and adult lunchables.  Meal prepping seems to make sense to me as it saves time and money. Waiting till the morning to figure out what I’m going to eat for lunch can be stressful. Who needs stress at 6 am? 

On weekends Mr. C. Makes sure my gas tank is full. He also will check fluids and make sure my air in tires is where they need to be.  Am so thankful that he keeps his eyes on our vehicles. Plus I don’t have to be out in either extreme heat or cold depending on Oklahoma weather.  

I also like to go thru the house and straighten up places that need a little assistance.  I need to make myself a cleaning chart, maybe focusing on one room a day or however I choose to clean. 

Do you have a routine that you are currently doing? I am open to any suggestions on what might work better for me. 

Hello August,

 

Can you believe that this is already August? I am not sure what August has in store for me, but am ready to see how this month turns out.  I do know that I have a niece getting married this month. Am very excited to see her grow with the love she has for Dylan. .  

Haven’t discussed Sunday Funday’s with Cherrie so not sure what we will be doing.  I would like for us to do a picnic near water as one of our days.  I also want to go shopping and buy a complete line of bath products at either Bealls, Tjmaxx, or Burlington’s.  I have my coconut bath items  also vanilla scented items.  I want to get maybe a floral scent or watermelon scent.  I have been watching Tic Tok and see so many various products and that made me think that I need more bath products! 

At work this month I need at least 12 saves a day to meet my monthly goal. Oh crap sometimes that’s nearly impossible for me to achieve.  I really like my job and co-workers so I had better buckle down and get my numbers. My job is very stressful but worth it when payday rolls around.  

I also need to make my optometrist appointment to get my eyes checked. I already know I need a new improved prescription. Can tell my eyes are getting worse.  So I guess I will call soon and make that appointment toward end of month.  

Am proud of myself I have made a tentative plans on my next several blog posts most will be about summer fun.  I really am going to embrace being out of my comfort zone this summer.  As I am getting older I really need to make each and every day count.  

Started a new composition notebook journal swap over at Swap-Bot.  It’s going to be a two month journal. I have already started the journal, as I don’t want to get behind. I ordered a junk journal kit from Etsy in the color of yellow. Oh my goodness it has 50 cute and random supplies that I plan on using in my journal.  Go check out DandACards, they will hook you up with some fun journal supplies. I am going to be placing another order soon. Am leaning toward a green pack as well as a purple pack.  I also will go thru my stickers and pull corresponding stickers that match the color kit I purchased. What’s on your agenda for August?  

Food Compilation of July food

Mr. C. Made us a hotdog and fries for a fast and easy dinner. It was so good. I will always say if I don’t cook it it is always great.

Loaded baked potato for work lunch. 

Dinner was baked chicken, dressing, and green beans. 

For our dinner I made fried rice and coconut shrimp. Was very surprised that Mr. C. actually enjoyed this meal.

We celebrated Fourth of July at Blake and Jessica’s on July 5th. Everything was so very good. The BBQ was really good. Everyone wiped out the food in rapid succession. 

 

The meat was the main star of the meal.  Love the fact that Jessica enjoys hosting events. 

 

Summertime salads are always the best.  

At the Old Plantation at Medicine Park, I got the loaded baked potato and beef tips. Oh my it was very good. I will be going back to try other dishes! 

Mr. C. Made us hot links with chili. 

Cheesy Bread was good. Any food that has cheese is better! This was the best part of our lunch from Victoria’s Pasta shop in Norman Oklahoma. 

The Primavera pasta had a great presentation but fell flat with taste. I was very disappointed with my food. I had seen the reviews online but wanted to make my own opinion. This is one time I should have passed on this restaurant. 

Mr. C. Google an enchilada recipe and made it for us. I was really impressed with this dish he served us. Had all the right flavors. He normally cooks his “normal” foods.  He really went outside his comfort zone today.

Spaghetti for the win. 

Breakfast was sausage, fried eggs, hash browns is perfect on a Sunday mid morning. 

We made a banana pudding with golden Oreos. Took it over to The Seaton’s for the swimmin BBQ party. 

Here’s my plate from the swim party.  Charles always does a great job on the grill.  

When I put this monthly post about foods we have ate for the month and think dang I didn’t take as many pictures as I thought.  But am glad of the pictures I did manage to take. 

Summer Trivia Questions

 

Summertime has always been a favorite season for so many people. For me, I love the longer days. Send the green grass and the beautiful flowers blooming just brings happiness to my soul. During the summertime I do like to spend more time outdoors enjoying nature. 

I found these questions on summer and thought it would be fun to see if you know the answers. Try your hand at this trivial test.  

What is the hottest temperature ever recorded on earth?      134.1 Degrees

Where was the hottest temperature ever recorded on earth?     Death Valley

And what summer month can you celebrate national picnic day in the USA?     August

What two weather conditions do summer thunderstorms need to develop?       Moisture & rapidly warming air. 

What annual meteor shower peaks in mid August?        The Perseids

What does SPF stand for?          Sun protection factor

What state in the US has hottest average summer temps?        Florida

What are summers three zodiac signs?      Gemini cancer and Leo

Which state in the US has the coolest summers?      Alaska

True or false: Labor Day always falls in summer?     True

How much ice cream does the average American eat every year?       4 gallons. 

Most popular ice pop flavor in US?         Cherry 

Why do dogs pant when it’s hot?        It keeps them cool

What makes a mosquito bite itch?      It’s saliva

What year was Woodstock held?        1969

How many did you guess correctly?  I must admit I didn’t do as well as I thought I would on this summer quiz.  My husband did very well on this quiz. 

I hope the summer has brought you joy and lots of memories. Remember to go outside and enjoy this beautiful time of the year.  Keep dehydrated and stay cool, especially during the hot days.  Keep your summer, fun and enjoyable.  

Talk to you later!  Karen

Swim Party and BBQ food

Wow I did a thing I actually got in the pool and enjoyed myself. The water was perfect and we all enjoyed splashing and swimming.  Am glad I had wore my swim suit so I could enjoy the pool.  At first I was like I’m going to pass, but thought to myself Why not?  Life is too short not to participate in fun activities. 

Mr. C. And I relaxing at The Seaton’s.  They are always great host and am blessed they invite us over.

Jonathan is so good with all the children.  Lane and aLandon have him wrapped around their little fingers. Uncle Jonathan really enjoys the time he spends with the boys.

Auntie Alisha holding baby Sophie.  We all got our turn holding the baby. 

Elizabeth (grandma) getting her time with Sophie.  I made myself the photographer for the evening.  For one I want the memories especially as I get older. Made sure to send Elizabeth pictures as well.

K’Leigh holding baby Sophie.  She was ready to meet the newest member of the family. 

Savannah and baby Sophie

The food was delish.   I probably ate way more than I needed. 

Hot links and baked beans. On the stove there was macaroni and cheese and corn on the Cobb. I should have gotten more pictures of the other foods that was cooked. 

 

Watermelon recipes

Summer is here and I am going to enjoy our local watermelons.  Rush Springs Oklahoma  is well known for the Black Diamond watermelons.  Our school host a Black Diamond basketball tournament every year. So they are a big deal to our community. 

Have you ever wondered how to pick a good ripe watermelon? There is a few different ways to pick out watermelons.  There easiest way is thumping it, if it is thud sounding thump it’s probably ripe. If there is a high pitch it’s going to be green. Now for me I look at the curly Q and if it’s green it’s going to be green, if it’s brown it’s going to be ripe.  Now if you look at the belly and it’s yellow it’s more than likely going to be ripe.  So many other factors to take in but you really don’t know how the watermelon is going to be till you cut it open. How do you check your watermelons? 

I really want to buy more watermelons and try different recipes. We have several local fruit stands that I plan on utilizing this summer.  Miller’s fruit stand seems to be a popular place, seems to be busy when I drive by in the evenings.  So will stop there to buy my first watermelon of the season. 

Watermelon Aqua Fresca

Part watermelon juice, part limeade, and 100% refreshing. It’s slightly sweet, making it a perfect daytime drink.  Of course you can stir in a shot of tequila or vodka for a boozy drink. Agua frescos hail from Mexico and are made from water blended with sugar and lime. Watermelon Agua Fresca would pair up well with a Mexican themed menu.  

Watermelon Aqua Fresca recipe

Ingredients 

6 cups seedless watermelon chunks plus small wedges for garnish

6 Tbsp sugar

1/3 cups seedless watermelon fresh lime juice

1/3 cup water

Fresh mint sprigs

Directions 

Combine watermelon , sugar, lime juice, and 1/3 cup water in a blender. Purée until smooth, about 30 seconds. 

Serve immediately, garnished with mint sprigs and watermelon wedges, or chill up to 3 days in advance.

Watermelon Salad

4 cups seedless watermelon cubes (about 1/2 -inch)

2 cups baby arugula leaves (packed)

1 cup thinly sliced cucumber 

1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion 

1/4 cup chopped fresh mint 

1/4 cup lime juice (1-2 limes)

Freshly ground black pepper to taste 

Directions 

Toss all of the ingredients in a medium bowl, chill before serving  (Or if you want to serve immediately, be sure the watermelon, cucumber and lime juice is cold upon preparing). Garnish, if desired with a little freshly grounded, black pepper.

I hope to be able to try different watermelon recipes this summer. I have started writing down a few more recipes I would like to share with you. 

 

Housewarming gifts for Dawn

My friend/coworker is starting over with her life. After being in a long term relationship she is suddenly alone. She has rented a house and literally has very few possessions.  As I was listening to her I knew exactly a few things she needed at her new house.  I picked up a cute USA shower curtain, shower curtain rings, can opener, utensils, and cute kitchen towels, with a small trash can.

Thought it looked cute when I put it together. Hope Dawn likes the items I got her. 

Hubbie cleaned up the Red Devil vacuum cleaner that is nearly new. She was grateful for it. 

I really enjoy gifting others when I am able.  It truly brings me joy. 

Dawn will be hosting a housewarming event in August.  I do plan on giving her a toaster, bottle of wine, and a few pot holders.  

The bottle of wine is to toast new beginnings in her home.

 

Sunday Funday at Norman Oklahoma

Cherrie has been wanting to try Victoria’s Pasta Shop.  The decor was okay, basic and plain. Personally the decor doesn’t have to be off the charts if food is great.  The hostess and servers were friendly.

The garlic cheese bread was served first. It was delicious! 

The presentation was good.  I ordered the Primavera. It’s spaghetti with carrots,broccoli and mushrooms tossed with lemon-garlic butter. The dish looked better than it tasted.  I would say I have had better microwave meals.  I was disappointed to say the least. I had looked at reviews and knew that many people felt the same way. I am the type of person who will still try new experiences because mine could be different. Unfortunately my opinion is the same as many others not worth going back to try if food has improved.  

This is a cute bike rack downtown Norman. Love the uniqueness of the bike racks on Main Street.  

Cherrie and I also went to Ollie’s, Ross and Burlingtons.  I wasn’t thrilled buying a couple of outfits for Wesley, Angel and Clifford for back to school. Overall the day was good! 

Now I need to plan our next Sunday Funday!! I think we are going to not go anywhere this coming Sunday. I know that will make my husband happy.