Thursday Ramblings

Thursday Ramblings — Birthday Plans & Tulsa Dreams

Today is Thursday, May 7th, and I turn 59 years old on May 9th! I am honestly so excited about my birthday this year. Sometimes birthdays feel simple, and sometimes they feel extra special, and this one definitely feels special to me.

Mr. C and I are still trying to decide exactly what we’re going to do for my birthday dinner. Right now, I think we may either go eat at Interurban or bring it home and have a cozy dinner there. We’ve also talked about just doing a simple little ice cream date at Dairy Queen in Chickasha. Honestly, either one sounds perfect to me.

Part of the reason we’re keeping it simple is because Mr. C is already treating me and Cherrie to a Tulsa birthday weekend on May 30th, and I am SO excited about that trip. We’ll leave early Saturday morning and come back Sunday evening, and I already have a huge list of things I want to do.

At the very top of my list is the Tulsa Farmers Market. I absolutely love walking around markets, looking at handmade items, fresh flowers, baked goods, and just soaking in the atmosphere. I also really want to visit the Outsiders House Museum. I’ve heard such great things about it, and for only $10, it sounds like a fun little stop.

Another place I hope we get to visit is the Tulsa Botanic Garden. I know the flowers and walking paths will be beautiful this time of year. And of course, I know we’ll spend some time at the Hard Rock Casino Saturday evening. They have several restaurants inside, and honestly, I’m already thinking about all the good food.

I’d also love to spend some time exploring the Tulsa Arts District and taking pictures of some of the murals around downtown. Tulsa has so many colorful and artistic spots, and I definitely want to capture a few photos while we’re there.

A few other Tulsa ideas that are on my “maybe” list are:

• Gathering Place Park

• Route 66 attractions

• Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on Route 66

• Mother Road Market

• Cherry Street shopping and coffee spots

• Watching the sunset over the river parks

I already know there’s no way we’ll fit everything into one weekend, but honestly, planning the trip is half the fun for me.

Today after work, I’ve got several errands I need to run. I need to pick up my medicine, and I’d really like to get my nails done if I can work it in. Lane also has baseball practice tonight at 5:00. I may not make it right at the beginning, but that’s okay. It’s only tee-ball practice, and sometimes you just have to do what you can do.

I’ve also been working hard on my budget lately. I’m getting very close to paying off my Jeep, which feels amazing. I also only have one payment plus $40 left on another bill I’ve been paying since 2023. That is going to be such a relief once it’s completely off my monthly budget.

Of course, once one trip is planned, I’m already thinking about the next one. I’m hoping to go to Watford City later this year once I find tickets on sale. I’ll probably only stay about four days because I don’t want to overstay my welcome, but I’m really looking forward to it.

And beyond that, I’m already dreaming about a bigger trip for next year and hopefully even a trip to North Dakota to spend time with Trevor’s family.  Traveling takes money, planning, and time off work, but I truly enjoy the planning process almost as much as the actual trip itself.

Anyway, I hope y’all have a wonderful Thursday and are making fun plans for your own weekend. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today.

Midweek Check in

                                    Midweek Rambling — May 6, 2026 ☀️

It’s 6:40 a.m., and just like most mornings, I’m on my way to work with a little quiet time to myself—and honestly, I’ve come to really treasure this part of my day. There’s something about the drive that helps me slow down mentally before everything speeds up. It’s my time to run through my to-do list, think about what I’m grateful for, and even come up with ideas for my Mora journal (which, let’s be honest, I am a little behind on right now).

Speaking of things to look forward to… my birthday is coming up on May 9th! 🎉 I think Luther and I are going to keep things simple and stay close to home, which sounds just perfect to me. I’ve been thinking maybe ordering some Inner Urban for dinner or even just doing a sweet little ice cream date at Dairy Queen in Chickasha. Nothing fancy—just time together, which is really all I want anyway.

Now, the bigger celebration is coming later this month, and I am SO excited. Mr. C planned a trip for me and my BFF Sherry to Tulsa the weekend of May 30th, and I cannot wait. I already have a little list going: the farmers market, the botanical garden, possibly the Gilcrease Museum, and definitely exploring downtown. I’ve also been seeing videos about the “Center of the Universe,” and I kind of want to test it out for myself—because how fun is that?

Financially, I’m trying to be mindful heading into the trip. Luther is helping out, and I’ll be getting a small bonus from work on the 15th. It may not be huge, but every little bit helps—and if I don’t have to dip into my checking account too much, that’s a win in my book.

On the creative side of things, I got a little “happy mail” envelope yesterday from a journaling group I’m in. It was a $3 junk journal supply swap, and while I wouldn’t say I was disappointed, I did realize I already had a lot of what was sent. That’s kind of the gamble with those, though—you never really know what you’re going to get. Still, I’ll definitely use the items, and it’s always fun to get something in the mail.

Today, I’m sending out a Swap Bot envelope of my own, packed with happy mail. I may have gone a little overboard (okay, definitely over an ounce 😅), but I just really want whoever receives it to feel a little extra joy when they open it.

As for the weekend—birthday celebrations and a whole lot of relaxing at home with Luther. And honestly, that sounds just right.

Making Memories with Family

There’s just something about a good old Saturday cookout that fills your cup in all the right ways.

We had originally planned to host at our place, but with the weather being unpredictable and a tornado watch looming, we decided to move everything over to Elizabeth and Charles’ house. Honestly, it turned out to be the perfect choice—they’ve got a basement if needed, and thankfully, we didn’t have to use it.

And let me tell you… the food situation was serious.

Luther and I brought the hot links, wieners, smoked sausage, hamburger patties, buns (both kinds!), plus a big potato salad, deviled eggs, chips and dip, fresh sliced tomatoes, and a banana pudding that did not last long. We also picked up a pecan pie because Luther knows Charles loves it—and it was absolutely worth it.

Brody came through with ribeye steaks, and Elizabeth had even more food ready to go—baked beans, corn on the cob, mac and cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and grilled vegetables. Add in plenty of drinks, and there was more than enough for everyone.

But as good as the food was, the best part was the time together. Visiting, laughing, and watching the boys play made the whole day feel special. Those are the moments that stick with you.

Right in the middle of it all, around 3:00, Jessica texted to let me know Hattie was in the Little Miss Marlo Outlaw pageant that evening. It started at 6:00, and as much as I wanted to be there, I knew there just wasn’t enough time to make it back. I hated missing it—but I already know she looked like an absolute princess. I’ll share more about that in another post, because she deserves her own spotlight. Win or not, she definitely won Nana’s heart.

By the time we got home, we were worn out in the best way—full, happy, and ready to wind down and tidy up for the evening.

Days like this remind me how much I truly enjoy these cookouts with Luther’s family. Good food, good people, and good memories… you really can’t ask for more than that in a weekend.

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.

Thursday Feelings

 Thursday vibes ✨

Woke up this morning like, alright… let’s lock in and finish this week strong. Yesterday? Yeah, not my best. The saves just weren’t there, and I could feel it—it was 100% my mindset. But today, we’re correcting that. I know what I’m capable of, and it’s time to get back to doing it well. No more overthinking, just executing.

Also, can we talk about post-trip chaos for a second? 😅 Normally my suitcase will sit there judging me for a solid week (or two), but NOT today. After work, I’m unpacking everything—suitcase, backpack, all of it. Why drag it out when I could just… be done? Growth. We love to see it.

I grabbed some little keychains for my coworkers on the trip, so I’m bringing those in today too—checking things off the list early feels elite, not gonna lie.

Dinner plan? Keeping it easy. I’m swinging by Wendy’s because Luther is fully in his “I don’t feel like cooking” era lately. I don’t know if it’s lack of inspiration or just burnout, but honestly… I get it. We all hit that wall sometimes.

BUT for when we do get back in the groove, here’s a super easy Instant Pot chicken recipe that’s been saving my life:

🍗 Instant Pot Garlic Butter Chicken

- 2–3 chicken breasts  

- 1 cup chicken broth  

- 3 cloves garlic (minced)  

- 2 tbsp butter  

- 1 tsp paprika  

- 1 tsp Italian seasoning  

- Salt & pepper to taste  

Throw everything into the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, natural release for 5. Shred it up or serve whole. It’s juicy, flavorful, and pairs with literally anything—rice, veggies, pasta… whatever you’ve got.

Simple. No stress. Exactly the vibe we’re going for.

Alright, let’s go make today spectacular 

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.