Friday Potluck Pivots, Weekend Plans & Big New York Dreams

It’s Friday! Yay!

I was on my way to work at 6:41 a.m., already thinking about our department potluck. I ended up pivoting a little from my original plan. I found out we already had plenty of paper products, so no need to pick those up. Instead, I’m stopping by Casey’s to grab a large hamburger pizza. I’m also bringing my pink fluff salad and some Frito Scoops with bean dip. I feel like that’s a solid contribution. Nobody should leave hungry today!

When I get to work, I’ll tuck my pink fluff into the break room refrigerator so it stays chilled until 10:30. That’s when several of my coworkers take their lunch. I know they get off at 3:30, but 10:30 still feels so early to me. My lunch usually falls between 11:00 and 11:30 since I work until 4:00. I guess everyone’s schedule just hits differently.

This morning was surprisingly productive. We washed and folded a load of laundry, and I knocked out a few small chores around the house. Normally I use that quiet morning time to catch up on emails or play a game on my tablet, but today I was up and moving. Honestly, it felt good to start the day that way.

Looking ahead to the weekend, I plan to spend some time in the playroom. I’m going to gather all the Legos and put them into one big tote so everything is contained. That alone will make me feel better. After that, just a general cleaning and reset in there.

I also need to put my suitcase on the bed along with my backpack so I can start packing soon. I keep talking about this New York trip, but I truly cannot explain how excited I am. It has been on my bucket list since I was 16 years old. For it to finally become a reality feels surreal.

Jessica is handling most of the planning since it’s really her trip and I’m tagging along, but I think we’ll want to do many of the same things. We’re planning to sit down and make at least a tentative outline soon.

I already know one thing that’s non-negotiable for me: riding the free ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. That is a must. I also want to get up early one morning and walk the Manhattan Bridge. Even if I don’t do everything on my list, I’ll at least be able to say I was there and experienced it.

The timing of this trip worked out in such a blessing. April is a three-payday month for me, and the second payday actually falls during my trip. I didn’t plan it that way, but it sure was a happy surprise. It gives me peace of mind knowing that if I find myself running short, funds will be hitting my account right when I need them.

Before that, though, we have Brooks’s birthday on Sunday at Curiosity Avenue here in Lawton. It is such a fun place. They have little themed rooms set up like a bank, a fire station, a doctor’s office, and even a spa. It’s the kind of place where imagination just takes off. I’m really looking forward to being around family and friends and celebrating together.

After work today, I don’t think I have any errands to run. I’ll play that by ear and see if Mr. C sends me any texts with last-minute requests. But honestly, I’m trying to buckle down on spending with New York coming up. Staying out of the stores feels like a wise choice.

So those are my Friday morning thoughts as I head into the day. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. I truly appreciate you being here. If you get a chance, send me a quick hello and let me know you stopped in. 

I hope your weekend is filled with love, laughter, and lots of fun.

Finally Friday!

It’s Finally Friday!

It is finally Friday! 🙌 And let me just say—I am so grateful that this workweek is nearly at the end.

Today already feels like a win because I’m leaving work at 3:00 p.m. so I can head over to Lawton to pick up my new glasses from Dr. Head’s Family Vision Eye Clinic. I went with a totally different style than I usually choose, which is a little out of my comfort zone… but I’m excited to see how they look on my face. The drive should take about 35–40 minutes, so I’m planning to get there as soon as I can, grab my glasses, and keep things moving.

After that, I want to stop by JCPenney to see if they have any good clearance finds. I’m always on the lookout for items I can tuck away for Christmas or birthday gifts throughout the year. I also still need to find a gift for Elizabeth’s birthday, which we’ll be celebrating Sunday at the bowling alley in Chickasha, so I’m hoping I’ll stumble across something perfect while I’m there.

Once I get home this evening, supper will be simple—Luther and I are having salads. We’re slowly trying to eat better, and honestly, that’s something we’ll probably be working on for the rest of our lives. I truly admire people who can stick to a rigid health and fitness routine, but that’s just not who I am—and that’s okay.

I don’t have many plans for the weekend, and I’m perfectly fine with that. Saturday is supposed to be really cold, so I’m planning on staying home with my husband and maybe catching up on a few TV series we’re behind on… or possibly watching a new-to-us movie or two. And no, I’m not even going to try to talk him into a Hallmark movie—even though y’all know that’s my favorite, no matter the season. 😉

Sunday will be a little more active. I plan to get together with Cherrie, and I need to swing by Walmart in Duncan to pick up Luther’s medications. I’d also like to look for a couple of birthday gifts for Lane and Landon since their party will be at Chuck E. Cheese soon.

Overall, though, I think it’s going to be an easy, restful weekend—starting this evening when I walk back into the house.

I’m also really excited that I’m off work on Monday with no plans made at all. While this would have been a great time to make a quick trip to see Trevor and Melissa, I’m trying to stay focused on saving money with my New York City trip coming up. I really want to avoid putting too much on my credit cards, so staying put feels like the right choice right now.

Anyway, that’s about all that’s on my mind this morning as I head into work. It’s 7:00 a.m., and my goal for today is to stay focused, serve each of my members well, and hit my daily saves goal. I’ve thought about moving to a different department, but I really like the saves bonus we get when members are retained for two months—it makes a difference.

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today. I hope you have a wonderful Friday! If you feel like it, I’d love for you to leave a quick comment—even just a simple “hi.” If you have a question for me or any suggestions for my blog, I’m always open to hearing them. I truly enjoy the interaction. 💛

Have a blessed day!

A Saturday well spent

                          Movies, Bridal Shower, & Shopping 

Some Saturdays feel extra full, and August 30th was  definitely one of those days. Mr. C. and I started our morning slow, which is always a treat on the weekend. We woke up around 6:30 AM and curled up with a couple of movies. First was Culprit, which turned out to a really good movie. Then we watched The Hungting Ground, it was filled with drama and some disturbing scenes.  By the time the credits rolled, it was already time for me to get ready for the day ahead.

The main event for the morning was Kaitlyn’s bridal shower in Elgin at her fiancé mom‘s home. It started at noon so I grabbed the card I had prepared with $25 for her honeymoon fund and headed out. I’ll be bringing a separate gift for Ethan and Kaitlyn‘s wedding itself. 

When I arrived, I was struck by how beautiful everything was decorated. Right at the entryway was a table set up with a cute, welcome, sign, and fun games, guessing the candy in a jar, leaving a date, night ideal, And offering advice for the soon to be newlyweds. My ideal was a creative one-and immersive art experience at mix-tape at Factory Obscura in Oklahoma City. Above the table, balloons spelled out bride, which added such a cheerful touch.

This is where Kaitlyn will be opening her gifts. The stunning balloon, arch, with boots filled with silk flowers in shades of peach, yellow, red and greens. It was clear the theme was “ Flowers of many colors,” and it gave the whole space, a lovely and joyful atmosphere.

And then there was the food-Wow! The buffet was overflowing with delicious options: Two different vegetable tries with dips, fresh fruit (Grapes, blueberries, strawberries, and apple slices) with fruit dip, Pasta salad, chicken, salad, sandwiches, ham, and cheese, sliders, crackers, and cheese and chips. 

The desserts were just as tempting; Decorated gourmet cookies, homemade wedding cookies, chocolate-Dipped strawberries, and cupcakes. Sweet tea and lemonade, rounded it all out perfectly.

After the shower wrapped up, I headed home where Whitney met me at 2 PM for our afternoon shopping adventures. Our first Stop was basket market in Oklahoma City. Whitney has a love for Christmas decor, while I was on the hunt for fall items for my porch. She enjoyed browsing the holiday treasures, while I snagged several gift boxes, a Christmas ornament, and a set of assorted pumpkins for my porch decor this year.

From there, we made our way to a couple of thrift stores. I’ve always loved thrifting-It feels like a little treasure hunt. At one store, I found a pretty full arrangement that will work perfectly with the porch set up I’ve been imagining.

Dinner was at Bubba‘s 33, Which has a little bit of everything; Pizzas, pasta, burgers, and more. I went with a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, which was absolutely delicious. While Whitney ordered the Monte Cristo sandwich-And let me just say it looked and tasted amazing. We both loved it so much that we ended up buying matching Bubba 33 T-shirts before we left!

The loaded cheese fries were very tasty!

Our next stop is Burlington, where I picked up some new shower items. I couldn’t resist the pineapple scented line, and I also grab some cherry, scented items along with two  deodorant’s. 

From there, we treated ourselves to smoothie king, I tried the lemonade- strawberry twist, smoothie, which was so refreshing-perfect for this season since I’ve been really enjoying Strawberry-Lemonade flavors lately.

By the time we pulled back into the driveway, it was 8 PM- a long but fun filled Saturday. Looking back, it amazes me how much we packed into the day. From celebrating Kate at her beautiful shower to shopping, thrifting,eating, and laughing with Whitney, it was the kind of Saturday that left me tired but happy. Sometimes, the best days are the ones where you just keep moving from one joy to the next.

As I think back on it now, I’m grateful-For family milestones, for friends to shop and laugh with, and for simple pleasures like a good sandwich or a perfect fall decoration. Life is busy, but days like this remind me that joy often comes in little pieces scattered throughout the day. All we have to do is notice them.
   

Slow and Sweet Sundays at Home

 

Sometimes Sundays are meant for adventure but today was all about home comforts. Instead of heading out for our usual “Sunday Funday” I leaned into a slower pace, and was just what I needed.

The kitchen became my cozy corner this morning. I prepared cheese ravioli to tuck away for a few easy work lunches this week, and the oven carried the rich chococolatey aroma of s’more brownies that will make the perfect treat later. There’s something so satisfying about stocking up on homemade goodness before a busy week begins. 

I also turned my attention to the house. The guest bedroom is now fresh and ready for Kyndall and Liam’s next visit (and yes, their parents too!). A quick reset in the bathroom brought everything back into order~counters wiped, bath products neatly put away, and the floors shining again.

The best part of the day, though, was simply being with Mr. C.  We spent the afternoon catching up on Netflix, chatting about our upcoming plans, and just enjoying the quiet rhythm of being home.

Two Netflix shows we watched was American Murder: The Family Nextdoor and also Ad Vitam. Both were decent to watch. 

 As the weekend winds down, I feel refreshed and ready to stop into a new work week. Sometimes, the sweetest Sundays, are the ones spent right where you are.