Tuesday Vibes

                    

                       Dinosaurs, Fresh Starts, and Cowboy Cornbread

There’s something about having a few fun plans on the calendar that just lifts the spirit. Last night Michelle sent me a message asking if I would like to go with them to the Oklahoma City Zoo this Saturday. They have a brand-new dinosaur exhibit and some rides that sound amazing, and I have to say—I’m pretty excited about it!

It has probably been three or four years since I last visited the zoo, so getting to see the new exhibits will definitely be a treat. Even better, I’ll get to spend time with Wesley, Angel, Clifford, and Max, which is always special to me. Time with people you care about really matters.

I told Michelle that I’d probably drive myself because they’re planning on staying until about 4 p.m., and after being sick last week I know I probably won’t have the stamina to stay that long. I’m feeling much better, but I’m still easing my way back into normal life. Having the flexibility to leave when I need to just feels like the smartest plan.

Speaking of recovering, today is Tuesday and I made it through my first full day back at work yesterday. I’ll be honest—I was probably only feeling about 75% of my normal self. Still, I managed to get seven saves, which made me feel pretty good about the day.

If you know anything about working in a call center, you know that adherence is a big deal. While I was sick last week, I kept worrying that I might not have a job to come back to. I’m not someone who calls in unless I truly have to. I take my job seriously and try my best to show up and do my part.

When I got to work yesterday, my manager Sherry reassured me that everything was fine. I might get a verbal warning for the time I missed, but honestly, I can live with that. Even a written note in the file would be okay. Sometimes you just get sick, and there’s no way to plan ahead for that. The important thing is that I’m back and ready to work toward my monthly goals again.

Today I’m hoping that if there’s a little quiet time between calls, I can work on a journal page. I recently received some new materials in the mail from New Jersey because we’re planning to visit there in April when we travel to New York City. I probably won’t get to explore a lot of New Jersey, but I definitely want to say I’ve been there so I can mark it off my bucket list.

One of my long-time goals has been to visit all 50 states. At this stage of my life I’m not sure I’ll get to all of them, but every state I can check off is a win in my book. I feel very fortunate that I’ve been able to explore different parts of the United States over the years. We really do live in a beautiful country.

Later this evening I also need to sit down and make a few credit card payments. Life admin never seems to go away, does it? My plan is to do that after dinner and my usual evening routine so I can focus and get everything taken care of.

Speaking of dinner, tonight I’m thinking about making one of our favorites—Cowboy Cornbread Stew. It’s hearty, simple, and perfect for leftovers. It also makes a great lunch to take to work the next day.

Cowboy Cornbread Stew Recipe

Ingredients

For the stew:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 packet taco seasoning or chili seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the cornbread topping:

• 1 box cornbread mix (such as Jiffy)
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
3. Stir in the kidney beans, canned corn, diced tomatoes with chilies, frozen corn, and taco seasoning. Let everything simmer together for about 5–7 minutes.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
5. In a bowl, mix the cornbread mix, egg, and milk according to the package directions.
6. Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.

It’s warm, filling, and one of those meals that just tastes like comfort.

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today. I always appreciate you taking a moment out of your day to read along with me.

Before you go, I’d love it if you’d say a quick hello down in the comments. Tell me what state you’re from—I really enjoy seeing where everyone is checking in from.         

Planner Girl Makes Plans

 

                            Getting My Life Organized – One Master List at a Time

There is something incredibly satisfying about sitting down and getting all of your thoughts in one place. Recently, I decided it was time to do another master list for my life — the kind where everything goes in one spot. Not just chores or errands, but plans, ideas, books, supplies, and even little adventures I want to make sure actually happen.

I had made a list like this not too long ago, but I realized how helpful it was to see everything together. It gives me a chance to step back, reevaluate what I’ve accomplished, and remind myself of the things I still want to do or need to pick up. Sometimes life gets so busy that those little intentions slip through the cracks, and this list helps keep them front and center.

One thing I’ve really been focusing on for 2026 is embracing life more fully. I want this year to be about making memories and reconnecting with people who mean a lot to me. Over the years, it’s easy to let time slip away and suddenly realize you haven’t seen certain friends or family members nearly as much as you’d like.

This year I’m determined to bridge that gap.

There’s something so special about reconnecting with someone you grew up with. Sitting across from a cousin or an old friend and suddenly remembering things you haven’t thought about in years — the silly moments, the trouble you got into as kids, the laughter that still feels just as real decades later. Those are the moments that make life feel rich and full.

So naturally, a few of those memory-making plans made it onto my master list.

First up, I’m planning dinner with my cousin Blenda. It’s been too long since we’ve just sat down together and caught up. I can already imagine the stories and laughter that will come out of that evening.

Another fun outing with Brenda will be a shopping trip. I want her to come along with me to help pick out a couple of outfits for my upcoming New York City trip. Sometimes it’s just more fun to shop with someone who knows you well and can give an honest opinion.

We also have an important celebration to reschedule. Poor Mr. C’s birthday plans had to be postponed not once but twice because he wasn’t feeling well. So now we’re planning a grill-out celebration for March 15th. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we can finally celebrate properly.

Another item on my “things to do” list is dinner at Texas Roadhouse with my coworker Desiree. We’ve been talking about doing that for a couple of weeks now, and sometimes you just have to stop talking about it and actually make the plan happen.

And of course, at least one Sunday Funday this month with my friend Sherry. Everyone needs a day like that — a day to relax, laugh, and just enjoy being together.

Now my “things to buy” list isn’t very exciting, but it’s definitely practical. A few small things that make everyday life run a little smoother. I need cough drops for both home and work, some Vitamin D, kitchen sponges, and a pack of AA batteries. Nothing glamorous, but definitely necessary.

Then there’s the fun side of my list — my junk journal supplies for March.

I absolutely love putting together seasonal pages, and for March I’m planning something bright and festive. I need scrapbook paper in greens and yellows, along with stickers featuring leprechauns, shamrocks, pots of gold, and rainbows. It will be the perfect theme to celebrate the month and add a little creativity to my journaling.

Of course, I also made sure to include my upcoming reading plans. Two books are currently on my list.

The first is The Grid Is Gone by Joey Wills, which sounds like a fascinating read. The second book is One Lost Rainy Day, the first book in The Ravenhood Legacy series. I’ve heard that one is a little on the spicy side, and I have to admit I’m curious to see what all the buzz is about.

Looking further ahead, there are several exciting things already on my calendar.

In May, I’ll be heading to Oklahoma City with my friend Nancy to see Mac Saturn at Beer City Music Hall on May 23rd. I’m really looking forward to that concert and a fun night out.

Then there’s my New York City trip coming up in April 2026, which I’m incredibly excited about. New York is one of those places that always feels magical — so much energy, so much to see, and so many memories waiting to happen.

And shortly after that, I’ll be heading to North Dakota in May of 2026. That will be another adventure entirely, and I’m looking forward to every bit of it.

One thing I’ve decided is that I’m going to continue making these master lists at least once a month. It helps me see where I’m making progress and what things I still want to work toward. More than anything, it reminds me to actually live the life I keep dreaming about.

Because life isn’t just about getting through the days — it’s about filling them with experiences, laughter, creativity, and connection with the people who matter most.

And sometimes, all it takes to start making that happen is a simple list.

Simple Tuesday here in Oklahoma

    

                      A Simple Tuesday, Bills to Pay and Small Blessings Along the Way

Tuesday mornings don’t always come with big excitement, but sometimes they bring something just as good — the quiet feeling that it’s going to be a decent day.

This morning started like many others, with me heading to work and taking care of a quick stop by the bank. I dropped our bill money into the account through the drop box so that later today I can sit down and start paying a few things off. There’s always something waiting on the list — the electric bill, a couple of our Affirm payments, and a few other odds and ends that seem to arrive like clockwork every single month.

Isn’t it funny how bills work that way? Just when you feel like you’re finally getting caught up, they circle right back around again.

I’ll admit, I will feel a lot better once those Affirm payments are taken care of. One of them is from my flight to North Dakota back in October, and I’ve been slowly working on getting that paid down. The other is the larger payment we took on when we had to replace the water tank and pressure tank for the well from Lowe’s. That one runs about $100 a month. Even though it’s another bill, I remind myself often how grateful I am that we had that option when everything happened. Living without hot water — or even water coming out of the well at all — simply wasn’t something we could do.

Sometimes those unexpected expenses really remind you how important the little everyday comforts are.

As for work today, I’m hoping for a productive day. My goal is to make at least twelve saves. Yesterday several people hit twenty saves, which is impressive, but I try not to get too wrapped up in comparing myself to others. It can be easy to wonder if you’re doing enough or pushing hard enough when you see someone else’s numbers.

But the truth is, the best thing I can do is stay in my own lane and do my job the way I’ve been trained — honestly and to the best of my ability. At the end of the day, that’s what matters most to me.

If things are a little quieter at work today than they were yesterday, I plan to spend some time working in my budget planner. We get paid this Thursday, and with my trip coming up in April, I want to make sure I’m putting aside what I need while also making sure every bill gets taken care of.

Budgeting may not be glamorous, but it sure does bring peace of mind.

After work, I have a small mission that I’m actually looking forward to — picking up dinner for Luther. He mentioned he’s finally craving a cheeseburger. Considering he’s been sick since Thursday and hasn’t really eaten much of anything solid, I’d say that’s a pretty good sign that he’s starting to feel a little better.

Over the past few days he’s mostly had things like cream of chicken soup, applesauce, and mashed potatoes, so a cheeseburger, fries, and a drink from Sonic sounds like a pretty big step back toward normal. I imagine he must be pretty hungry by now.

Sometimes it’s the simple things — like bringing someone a cheeseburger after a rough few days — that feel like the biggest act of care.

So that’s what today looks like for me. Work, bills, budgeting, and hopefully ending the evening with a small sign that Luther is feeling better.

Nothing extraordinary. Just a regular Tuesday, moving forward one small step at a time.

And honestly, some days that’s more than enough.

Door Country Peninsula Book Review

 Book Review: Door Peninsula Passions: Three-Book Set by Jennifer Probst

Sometimes you just need a series that feels like a warm hug. The kind of books that make you smile, laugh out loud, and maybe even believe in second chances a little more than you did before you started reading. That’s exactly what I found in Door Peninsula Passions: Three-Book Set by Jennifer Probst.

Set in the charming waterfront community of Door County, this collection delivers everything you want in a feel-good romantic escape: small-town charm, strong heroines at life crossroads, swoony (and sometimes stubborn) heroes, and friendships that feel just as important as the love stories.

Each of the three books centers around women who are rebuilding, rediscovering, or simply trying to figure out their next chapter. Whether they’re dealing with heartbreak, career burnout, or unexpected change, they find themselves in Door County — a place filled with scenic views, cozy local businesses, and a community that wraps around you whether you’re ready for it or not.

And then… of course… there’s romance.

What I loved most about this collection is how Jennifer Probst balances humor with heart. There are genuine laugh-out-loud moments — witty banter, awkward encounters, and those classic “oh no she didn’t” scenes — but there’s also emotional depth. These aren’t surface-level love stories. The characters have fears, baggage, and real vulnerabilities. Watching them slowly open up, trust again, and lean into love feels authentic and satisfying.

The heroes? Protective but not overbearing. Confident but still human. And the chemistry? Definitely there — full of spark and tension without ever feeling overdone.

Another standout element is the sense of friendship throughout the series. The women support each other, challenge each other, and show up for each other. It adds a richness to the stories that goes beyond just romance. It feels like community — and honestly, that’s part of what makes small-town romance so special.

This three-book set is perfect if you:

• Love small-town settings
• Enjoy strong female leads finding their confidence
• Want passion without losing sweetness
• Need something uplifting and easy to sink into

It’s the kind of collection you can curl up with on a quiet evening and completely escape into. By the end, you almost wish you could pack a bag and head to Door County yourself.

If you’re looking for feel-good, laugh-out-loud romance with heart, this set absolutely delivers.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

Sunday is Here!

 A Quiet Sunday at Home — Little Wins, Books, and Caring for Mr. C

Hello everybody,

It’s Sunday evening, and I’m finally settling into the bedroom for the night. Today has been one of those slow, quiet days at our house — the kind where you move at a gentle pace and just take things as they come.

Unfortunately, Mr. C has been sick since Thursday, and I’ll tell you, it has been tough seeing him feel so bad. He’s been really dehydrated, and I’ve suggested more than once that we go to the emergency room just to make sure everything is okay. But if you know Mr. C, you know he’s pretty stubborn about things like that, and right now he’s not budging on the idea. So instead, I’m doing what I can here at home — making sure he drinks fluids, offering Pepto-Bismol, and just trying to keep him comfortable.

This morning I ran out early to Dollar General right when they opened at eight o’clock. I picked up some applesauce and a few bottles of Powerade with electrolytes, hoping that would help him get a little hydration back into his system. Sometimes when someone is sick like that, the little things are all you can do, and you just keep trying.

Mr. C. has been up and down throughout the day, resting a lot. While he was resting, I decided to tackle something that has been sitting on my to-do list for quite a while — the laundry room. I spent a little over an hour in there, and it honestly felt so good to get that space back in order. I hung up clothes that had been waiting patiently on hangers, put folded items into the dresser where they belonged, and just straightened everything up.

There’s something so satisfying about checking a task like that off the list. It might not sound like a big project, but those small spaces can really pile up when life gets busy.

I had also planned to move on to the bathroom and do a full declutter and cleaning session in there. I even had everything ready to go. But Mr. C gently protested and said maybe we should wait until he’s feeling better before doing that deep clean. Honestly, he’s probably right. So the supplies are ready, and my plan is to tackle that after work tomorrow evening and give the bathroom a really good scrub and sanitize everything.

For most of the day, though, I spent my time doing something I really enjoy — reading. I curled up with my Kindle app and continued reading Door Peninsula Passions, which is a three-book set. I’m currently on the third book, and I’m hoping to finish it tonight before I fall asleep. If I do, I’ll be able to write up a little book review sometime this week, which I’m looking forward to sharing.

Around three o’clock this afternoon, Mr. C said he was finally feeling a little hungry. That felt like a good sign. I made a simple can of cream of chicken soup, and we split it between the two of us. He had crackers with his, and I added a handful of oyster crackers to mine. It wasn’t anything fancy, but sometimes simple food is exactly what you need. Thankfully, it sat well with him and stayed down, which was a relief.

I didn’t get quite as much journaling done as I had originally planned, but I did manage to complete two entries. I’m still working on catching up from last month, and honestly, I’m really loving how this journal is turning out. I’ve been watching quite a few YouTubers who show different ways to make journal pages interactive, and I’m excited to try some of those ideas in my journal for Mora. Adding little elements like that really makes the pages feel more special and personal.

Later in the afternoon, I did what I like to call a quick “house reset.” Nothing major, just tidying things up a bit. I wiped down the kitchen cabinets, washed the few dishes we had in the sink, cleaned the bathroom counters, and emptied the trash. It’s amazing how those small things make the house feel fresh again.

One thing I always like to do on Sundays is plan out my outfits for the week. Today I grouped together about six different outfits so I won’t have to think about it in the mornings before work. I always include one extra option, just in case I wake up and change my mind about what I want to wear.

Now it’s about 7:30 in the evening, and I’ve made my way into the bedroom for the night. My plan is to spend a little time reading and hopefully finish that last book tonight. Tomorrow morning I’ll start looking for the next book I want to dive into on my Kindle.

Overall, it has been a quiet weekend — peaceful in many ways — though I do wish Mr. C had been feeling better so we could have enjoyed it a little more. My biggest hope now is that he starts improving soon and that I manage to avoid catching whatever he has. With two big vacations coming up this year, I really need to hang on to my PTO hours.

At my job we earn about sixteen hours of PTO each month, which is wonderful, but I tend to save most of mine for those big trips rather than taking random days off. So fingers crossed that I stay healthy and keep those hours right where I need them.

So that was our Sunday — quiet, simple, and full of little moments. I spent some time journaling, tackled the laundry room, read a good book, and tried my best to take care of Mr. C while he rests and recovers.

Thank you so much for stopping by and spending a little part of your day with me. If you’re reading this, be sure to say hello in the comments so I know you stopped by. I always love hearing from you.

Until next time — cheers, and I hope you have a wonderful day.

Cheers, Karen

Mr. C’s. Birthday unfortunately ill.

                                            

                                                  A Quiet Saturday with a Little Music

Saturday finally arrived—the day I had originally planned to celebrate Mr. C’s birthday. Unfortunately, things didn’t quite go as planned. Mr. C had been feeling pretty sick since Thursday night, so we made the decision to postpone the celebration I had been looking forward to. Of course, his health comes first, so we decided to just take the day slow and easy.

Most of the morning and early afternoon were very low-key around the house. I spent some time puttering around, doing a few little things here and there, while Mr. C mostly rested and tried his best not to feel miserable. I also worked a bit in my Mora journal, which was a nice, peaceful way to spend some time. Sometimes those quiet moments are exactly what we need.

Later in the afternoon, I mentioned to Mr. C that I might like to get out of the house for a little while—maybe run over to Cotton Blossom or somewhere nearby just to break up the day. I knew he wasn’t feeling up to going anywhere, and he told me I should just go ahead and get out for a bit if I wanted to.

I first tried calling my cousin Brenda, but she didn’t answer. So I reached out to my friend Nancy instead. As luck would have it, she told me that a friend of hers was playing live music over in Elgin that evening. Since Elgin isn’t too far from us, we decided it sounded like the perfect little outing. David Halliburton has been performing in small venues for many years. Nancy and him seem to be really close friends, which is totally cool.

Nancy came by the house around 8 o’clock, and we headed over to hear him play. While we were there, I also got to meet his wife, which was really nice. We ended up having a really enjoyable time. I was surprised that I knew quite a few of the songs he was singing, which made it even more fun to sit back and listen.

It was simply nice to get out on a Saturday night and spend some time with a lifelong friend. Even though the birthday celebration didn’t happen like we had planned, the evening still turned into a pleasant little adventure.

And that was pretty much how I spent my Saturday.

Did y’all have any fun plans this weekend? I’d love to hear about it. Drop a quick hello down in the comments and let me know what you were up to.

I hope you have a wonderful Sunday, and thank you so much for stopping by my blog.

#WeekendReflections #SaturdayStories #SimpleMoments #LiveMusicNights #LifeAsItHappens

Food Compilation for February

Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes 

Chili spaghetti with cheese toast

Taco from Torchey’s Tacos in Norman Oklahoma 

Chips and dip

This iced coffee was so delicious 

Lasagna, cheese sticks, garlic toast

Salad to go with Lasagna

Pizza for Lane and Landon

Salad toppings for the win

Mr. C. Made Chicken pasta with a little bit of spice to it. 

Pin wheels Shelby made for potluck 

We all like the pickles, ham and cream cheese combo that Sherry makes for

Chris brought donuts 

pork roast, mashed potatoes and green beans.

Brooks birthday food. 

Got to love boys and their army trucks

Lasagna and mashed potatoes 

Breakfast for the champions donuts and Java Monster drink. 

Strawberry ice cream from Asian store.

Salad for work lunch