Friday Is Here!

It is finally Friday—and I don’t think I’ve ever been more relieved to see the end of a workweek. Even though it was technically a short week, the last few days have been tough. I think my mom said it best—I’m still in that “vacation mindset,” and jumping back into real life has been a little bit of a shock to the system. But today, I’m showing up, doing my best, and really trying to make a difference where I can.

As if the week itself wasn’t enough, Oklahoma got hit with tornadoes last night. Enid took a direct hit from what’s being reported as an F4, causing damage to the Air Force Base and surrounding areas. It’s heartbreaking to think about the families who’ve lost homes and belongings. I’m just incredibly thankful that, from what I’ve heard, no lives were lost. That alone feels like a blessing worth holding onto today.

This morning started early—I was already out the door and sitting at the intersection to head south on Highway 81 by 6:40 a.m., which means I’m actually making pretty good time. Not gonna lie, I’m strongly considering a quick stop at Sonic for a drink to help me power through the day. Sometimes it’s the little things.

We have  plans for a cookout this weekend, something I’d really been looking forward to, but the weather has other ideas. Storms and rain are in the forecast. We have went back and forth about postponing the cook out. Then we said nope we are going to do it anyways. 

I’ve been thinking… this might be the weekend I actually cook something good. I don’t cook often, but rainy weekends feel like the perfect excuse to try. I’ve been eyeing my Instant Pot (which, let’s be honest, has been sitting there unused), and I’m thinking a cozy potato soup might be the way to go. Luther probably won’t touch it—he’s not exactly adventurous when it comes to food—but that just means leftovers for me on Monday.

And since I’m already in the mood to try something new, I’m also considering a hearty, comforting casserole with hamburger meat—something familiar enough that it might actually pass the “Luther test.”

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### 🥔 Instant Pot Potato Soup (Small Batch)

Ingredients:

- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced  

- 3 cups chicken broth  

- 1 cup milk  

- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, but worth it)  

- ½ small onion, diced  

- 2 cloves garlic, minced  

- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled  

- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese  

- Salt & pepper to taste  

Instructions:

1. Add potatoes, onion, garlic, and chicken broth to the Instant Pot.  

2. Seal and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.  

3. Quick release, then mash slightly (leave some chunks for texture).  

4. Stir in milk, cream, cheese, and half the bacon.  

5. Let it sit on “warm” for a few minutes to thicken.  

6. Serve topped with remaining bacon and extra cheese.

Perfect for a rainy weekend and even better as leftovers.

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### 🍲 Easy Hamburger Casserole

Ingredients:

- 1 lb ground beef  

- 1 box pasta (elbow or rotini works great)  

- 1 jar marinara sauce  

- 1 cup sour cream  

- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar  

- ½ onion, diced  

- Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste  

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.  

2. Brown ground beef with onion, season well, and drain excess grease.  

3. Mix beef with marinara sauce.  

4. In a baking dish, layer pasta, beef mixture, and sour cream.  

5. Top with cheese.  

6. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Simple, comforting, and familiar enough to win over even picky eaters.

I’m leaning into the slower pace, the rainy vibes, and maybe even a little time in the kitchen for this weekend.

Back to Work After NYC Vacation

 Title: Back to Reality (But Not So Bad After All)

Wednesday was my first day back to work after what felt like a truly fantastic vacation—and honestly, it wasn’t nearly as rough as I’d braced myself for.

I got in early (which always helps me ease back into things), and right away I noticed something new—while I was gone, they’d updated the system and added a whole new program. Of course, first day back wouldn’t be complete without a little learning curve, but thankfully Shelby came to the rescue and walked me through how to access everything I’d need. Crisis averted.

It was also Sherry’s first day back from vacation, so we had that shared “back to reality” moment. Unfortunately, her return came with some really heavy news—her father-in-law passed away unexpectedly. That definitely cast a shadow over things, and my heart goes out to her. Life has a way of mixing joy and sorrow all at once.

On a lighter note, it really did feel good to be back and see everyone again. I got to share a few highlights from my trip, which made the transition a little easier. I did, however, completely forget to bring the keychains I bought for everyone in my department… not once, but twice now. 😅 Third time’s the charm—I’m bringing them Thursday, no excuses.

Work itself wasn’t too bad. Not overly busy, which I appreciated. I didn’t hit my goal of 10 saves for the day, but I’m not stressing about it. I could tell I wasn’t the only one a little out of sync. We’ll all find our rhythm again.

If there’s one thing I know about myself, it’s this: I do better with structure. As much as the idea of not working sometimes sounds appealing, the reality is—I value the stability. Having income, health insurance, life insurance… those things matter, especially the older I get. It’s a trade-off, but one I’m grateful for.

All in all, the day went by pretty quickly, which is always a win in my book. And I’m reminded that having a job that allows me the time (and pay!) to take vacations in the first place is something to appreciate.

Back to the routine—but bringing a little bit of that vacation mindset with me. 🌴

New York City Was Great!

Bittersweet doesn’t even begin to cover our last day in New York City.

We took our time getting up that morning, knowing we had to be out of the hotel by 11 a.m. After dropping our luggage downstairs, we squeezed in a little more exploring—because how do you not soak up every last second in the city? We walked about six blocks to the subway and went on a mission to replace the souvenirs I’d accidentally left behind at a restaurant earlier in the trip (still hurts a little 😅). Thankfully, I found the perfect replacements—postcards, keychains, and even a t-shirt—so all was right again.

We wandered a bit more before heading back to Johny’s  for breakfast one last time (because when you find a good spot, you stick with it). Then it was time to make our way toward the airport. We hopped on the subway and caught the Q70 free bus to LaGuardia, arriving nice and early—Jessica was not taking any chances with TSA lines, and honestly, fair enough.

After getting through security, we found our gate and settled in. Blake and Jessica grabbed lunch, while I went for a protein bowl—simple, but it hit the spot. Later, Blake and I found some loungers, and I finally gave my feet a break. I spent most of that time reading on my Kindle and just resting… which was very much needed after walking over 53,000 steps and climbing 34 flights of stairs during this trip. I’m still impressed with myself for that one!

Our flight ended up being delayed about 45 minutes due to a storm, and then we sat on the tarmac for another hour waiting our turn. At one point, the pilot said there were 12 planes ahead of us—and just as many behind us. It was a whole situation.

By the time we made it back to Dallas-Fort Worth and got home, it was around 4 a.m. I was beyond exhausted… but also incredibly grateful.

This trip was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The kind you carry with you long after it’s over. And honestly? I don’t think I’ve seen the last of New York City. There’s just too much left to see and do. 

Headed To NYC City!

From 2:45 a.m. to the Big Apple — Travel Day Adventures 🍎✈️

New York City, here we come!

Let me just start by saying… today started early. Like, 2:45 a.m. early. I wanted to beat that 3:00 a.m. alarm, so I was up, dressed, and ready before it even had a chance to go off. That alone deserves a medal if you ask me.

We were near DFW Airport, parked off-site, and caught the shuttle around 3:45 a.m., getting to the airport just before 4. Yes, that early. Surprisingly, it all went smoothly, and before long, we were sitting down for breakfast at Sunny’s Buy-in Smokehouse in Terminal E. I ordered a full platter—scrambled eggs, bacon, diced potatoes, plus a biscuit with gravy—and I have to say, it was pretty darn good (and reasonably priced too, which is always a win).

Our flight took off at 7:00 a.m., and not long after, the turbulence started making itself known. By 7:36, the seatbelt sign was still on, and let me tell you… it stayed that way quite a bit. I tried to distract myself with Wicked (great choice), then switched over to Below Deck Mediterranean—Captain Sandy always keeps things interesting.

Somewhere along the way:

- 8:30 a.m.: Ginger ale, Sun Chips, and a much-needed coffee with sugar ☕  

- 9:00 a.m.: Passing near Charlotte  

- 10:18 a.m.: The bumpiest ride I’ve ever experienced  

Now, I wasn’t scared—but I was praying we’d land safely. The plane was rocking and rolling like nothing I’ve felt before. Still, I kept thinking: “As long as we make it to New York City, I’ll take it!”

And we did. 🙌

Once we landed, we made our way to baggage claim and then hopped on the free Q70 bus to Roosevelt Station. From there, we figured out the subway (which felt like a big adventure all on its own!) and made it within a few blocks of our hotel—the Holiday Inn Manhattan Chelsea.

Of course, we were too early to check in, so… off we went exploring!

First stop: lunch at 7th Street Burger in Chelsea. I grabbed a cheeseburger and water for about $10—not bad at all. Then we had to try Crumbl Cookies (because priorities), and I got a sugar cookie with pink icing. So good.

And because you absolutely cannot have a cookie without coffee… we headed to Blank Street Coffee, where I ordered a cherry glazed iced coffee. Let me just say—spectacular.

We wandered a bit more, soaking in the city vibes, before heading back to the hotel. We were able to check in just before 3:00 p.m., which felt like perfect timing. I freshened up, put on a little makeup, and rested my feet for a bit. Blake snuck in a nap, I did too, and Jessica and Logan explored some thrift shops across the street (which looked really fun, but my feet were voting “no ma’am” at that point).

Coming from rural Oklahoma, figuring out buses and subways and walking everywhere feels like a whole new world—and honestly, what a treat it has been.

If I had to rate today?  

Absolutely phenomenal! 

One Acre at a Time

📚 Book Thoughts: One Acre at a Time

Hey friends! Let’s chat about my latest read, One Acre at a Time by Colton Lively..

So… this one was a bit of a mixed bag for me.

Going into it, I was expecting something that would really pull me in emotionally, maybe with a strong connection to the characters or a storyline that felt grounded and meaningful. And while it did deliver on intensity, it just didn’t quite hit the mark for me personally.

There’s definitely a lot going on in this book—plenty of conflict, tension, and moments that keep the story moving. But for me, it leaned a little too heavily into the fighting and drama side of things. I found myself wishing for more depth in the relationships or quieter moments to balance everything out. Instead, it sometimes felt like one intense moment rolled right into the next without giving me a chance to really connect.

That said, I can absolutely see why someone else might really enjoy this one. If you’re the kind of reader who loves action-packed stories, high stakes, and a steady dose of drama, this book could totally be your vibe. It’s fast-paced and definitely not boring—that’s for sure.

Overall, it just wasn’t a favorite for me, but I wouldn’t say it’s a bad book—just not the right fit for what I was hoping for at the time. And honestly, isn’t that how reading goes sometimes?

If you’ve read it, I’d love to hear your thoughts—did it work for you more than it did for me? 💭 

Easter Blessings

 

Saturday, April 4th, 2026 — Easter Weekend Joy 🌸

There is just something about Easter weekend that feels extra special, and this Saturday was one of those days that reminded me how sweet life can be—even when it’s a little cold, muddy, and windy.

Luther and I started our morning early, heading to Marlow to the Eddie Palmer ballpark to watch the grandboys play t-ball. Now, let me set the scene for you… the night before, we had over five inches of rain. Yes—five. So you can imagine what we were walking into. Mud everywhere, wet bleachers, a cold wind that cut right through you… but none of that was going to stop us from showing up.

Lane was playing on field 6, and Brooks on field 7, so we were bouncing back and forth trying to catch all the action. I sat for a bit with John and Sherry—Jessica’s parents—and we visited while watching the boys. But I’m going to be honest… after about two innings, I waved the white flag. That cold was no joke! I told them, “I’m heading to the car,” and that heater never felt so good. Sometimes you just have to listen to your body and warm up where you can.

Once the games wrapped up, Luther and I headed home because the day was far from over. We had a full afternoon ahead with our Easter celebration—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

But before I get into all that goodness, I just want to pause for a moment and say how grateful I am. Watching Luther and Elizabeth co-grandparent the way they do truly warms my heart. They’ve found a way to put differences aside and show up for those grandbabies in such a healthy, loving way. And that? That is a blessing. It may not always be perfect on every level, but when it comes to the grandkids, they are doing it right—and that matters.

Now… let’s talk about the food, because oh my goodness, there was plenty! This was one of those gatherings where nobody leaves hungry and everybody goes back for seconds (or thirds). We had hamburger sliders, several kinds of hot links, classic wieners, potato salad, not one but two kinds of deviled eggs, fresh salad, all the burger fixings, mac and cheese, and corn. And of course, the sweets—because what is a celebration without dessert?

We celebrated Alicia’s birthday with her cake, and there were cupcakes with pink icing that were just as cute as they were tasty. Rickie made a cookie cake (which is always a favorite around here), and between all of that, there was more than enough to go around—and then some. Leftovers for days, which I’m definitely not complaining about!

At the end of it all, I sat back and just took it in. The laughter, the kids running around, the conversations, the full plates, and full hearts. These are the moments that matter. The ones you don’t rush. The ones you hold onto.

If I had to sum up the day in just a few words, I’d say it was blessed, meaningful, and full of love.

And truly… that’s everything.

You’re So Bad Book Review

You’re So Bad — A Fake Dating Rom-Com That Completely Hooked Me 💕

I just finished You’re So Bad by Angela Casella, and let me tell you—this one was such a fun, feel-good escape that I didn’t want to put it down.

At the heart of the story is Shauna, who agrees to be a bridesmaid in what might be the most awkward wedding setup ever: her ex is marrying her former best friend. Instead of letting anyone see how much that betrayal affected her self-worth, she puts on a brave face… and that’s where things start to get interesting.

Enter Leonard—her grandma’s very unexpected solution. He’s rough around the edges, totally not what he seems, and somehow gets introduced as a pediatric surgeon (thanks, Grandma 😅). Their fake relationship quickly spirals into a series of hilarious, chaotic, and surprisingly heartfelt moments. The chemistry between Shauna and Leonard is so entertaining to watch unfold, especially as the “fake” part starts to blur.

What I really loved about this book is that it’s more than just a rom-com. Yes, it has all the fun tropes—fake dating, bad boy vibes, revenge energy—but it also weaves in deeper themes like healing after betrayal, rediscovering your worth, and finding unexpected family in the people around you. The addition of a runaway teen trying to escape a tough foster care situation adds another emotional layer that gives the story more heart and purpose.

And can we talk about the side characters? Between the supportive friends, quirky grandma, and even a few lovable pets, the whole world feels warm and full of life. It’s the kind of story that makes you laugh, swoon a little, and root hard for everyone to find their happy ending.

Overall, this was such an engaging read—funny, emotional, and just the right amount of messy. If you love fake dating romances with a little bite, a lot of heart, and characters you won’t forget, this one is definitely worth picking up. I already know I’ll be reading more from this author.