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.

Thriving This Thursday

 

                                       Thursday Thoughts 

It is a calm 6:40 a.m. on Thursday, February 12th, and I am headed to work with a fresh mindset, a hot cup of determination, and high hopes for a good day with my members.

The last week in my retention department has stretched me a little. I’ve been struggling to hit my saves goal, and if you know me, you know I take that seriously. My daily goal is usually 12 saves, and lately I’ve been coming up short. But today, I’m changing my approach. I’m slowing down. I’m focusing. I’m going to truly talk with my members instead of rushing through calls. Sometimes it’s not about pushing harder — it’s about connecting better.

Yesterday we had our year-end review, merit increase meeting, and monthly meeting all rolled into one. I walked away feeling secure and valued, which means so much in today’s workplace. I did receive a 3% merit increase. I’m not sure exactly what that will look like paycheck-wise (we’ll find out in mid-March), but I’m grateful. It may not be huge, but it’s progress — and progress counts.

After work today, it’s go-time.

First stop: Walmart. I need to pick up a medication Dr. Angie prescribed for my face, plus a birthday card and gift bag for Brooks’ birthday party this weekend.

While I’m there, I’m also grabbing supplies for our department potluck at work on Friday. I’m picking up a plastic tablecloth, paper plates, and utensils — because somebody has to bring the paper goods! I’m also grabbing some sugar cookies to share. I’m not sure what everyone else is bringing yet, but I do know we won’t go hungry because I’m also placing an order for a pizza to be delivered to us. Listen, you can never go wrong with cookies and pizza. That’s just solid team-building right there.

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Tonight, I’m also placing a pizza order to pick up on my way home. I’ll meet Luther over at Brody and Savannah’s so we can have supper together. I don’t get to see Lane, Landon, and Sophie much during the week because of my work schedule, so that time means everything to me. We’ll probably stay until around 7 p.m., then head home so I can do my nighttime routine and wind down for a good night’s rest.

It’s a full day. A grateful day. A forward-moving day.

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. Be sure to say hello or leave a comment — I truly love hearing from you and catching up with your week too. 💛

Not a normal Tuesday

A Different Kind of Day

Some days just feel different from the moment you walk in the door.

This morning when I got to work, Sherry let us know we would be moving cubicles a day early. That meant no easing into it — it was time to pack up immediately. I logged into my computer, handled what I needed to, and then started going through everything in my space.

And let me just say… it looked like I had moved in permanently.

I had things tucked into every corner — papers, random notes, office supplies, and of course, my Legos. So. Many. Legos.

I carefully packed up all the sets I’ve put together so I can safely get them home and onto shelves. I was honestly surprised at how many I had sitting on my desk and shelf. If you know me at all, you already know this isn’t the end of the Lego collection. I’ll absolutely be looking for another set soon to build between calls. There’s just something so calming about snapping those tiny pieces together while my headset rests for a minute. It’s my little pocket of peace during a busy call center day.

I took off work at 1:00 PM. Originally Luther had a doctor’s appointment, but it was canceled, so my afternoon opened up a bit before my own 4:20 PM appointment with Dr. Angie — my three-month follow-up for lab work. I also planned to address something that’s been bothering me: my face turning red unexpectedly.

Before heading back home, I drove out to Grandpa Kendall’s to pick up money for Aaron, then made my way back to Duncan, Oklahoma. I stopped at Walmart to pick up medicine for Mr. C., supplies to make my travel folder for my upcoming New York trip (which I’m getting more excited about by the day!), and — very importantly — a big tote for all my Legos.

It’s time to get them in one place. Not only will it keep everything organized, but it will also keep the grandchildren from getting into them. And let me tell you, stepping on a Lego is not an experience I ever want to relive. Those things are brutal on bare feet!

By the time I left Walmart, it was around 3:00 PM. Since I was already out, I went ahead and drove over to the doctor’s office and let them know I was early. They actually checked me in ahead of schedule, which felt like a small blessing in a full day.

Dr. Angie saw me fairly quickly. The lab results showed I need to work on my vitamin deficiency and my “bad” fats. So here we are again — refocusing on my diet and making some changes. She also wants me walking at least 8,000 steps a day.

Eight. Thousand. Steps.

Yikes.

It’s doable, but I’m going to have to be intentional about it. That means being more aware of how much I’m moving and finding little ways to build steps into my routine. Maybe pacing during phone calls at home, parking farther away, or even adding a short evening walk. It’s not impossible — it’s just going to take consistency.

On the way home, I stopped at Taco Tico and picked up dinner. I had a taco salad, and Mr. C. got a couple of soft tacos. After a day of running around, it felt nice not to cook.

We ended the evening visiting and watching the news. My heart has been heavy hearing about Nancy Guthrie being missing for ten days now. Savannah Guthrie has made several pleas for the return of her mother. I can’t imagine what that family is going through. It’s one of those stories that just sticks with you and makes you hold your loved ones a little tighter.

All in all, it was a full, different kind of day — part productive, part reflective, and a reminder that life is always moving. Sometimes we’re packing up cubicles. Sometimes we’re organizing Legos. Sometimes we’re making doctor plans and step goals.

And sometimes, we’re just grateful to end the day at home.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog. 💛

February Desserts!

Sweet Treats for February (Because We Deserve Them All Month Long)

February may be known for Valentine’s Day, but sweet treats don’t need a special occasion. Sometimes baking is less about dessert and more about comfort—the warmth of the oven, the smell of chocolate, and the joy of sharing something homemade.

Winter baking feels different. It’s slower, softer, and done more for pleasure than presentation. These are the kinds of treats you make on a quiet afternoon, just because.

Here are a few sweet February favorites that are easy, comforting, and always welcome.

Classic Fudgy Brownies

These are rich, simple, and perfect with a cup of coffee or milk.

Ingredients:

• 1 box brownie mix (or your favorite homemade recipe)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (replace oil for extra richness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Prepare brownies according to package directions, adding butter and vanilla. Bake until just set for fudgy brownies.

Soft Sugar Cookies

Perfect for sharing—or keeping to yourself.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2½ cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Directions:

Cream butter and sugar, add egg and vanilla, then mix in dry ingredients. Roll into balls, flatten slightly, and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.

Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

These are quick, sweet, and don’t require turning on the oven.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter
• ½ cup melted butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs

Directions:

Mix all ingredients, press into a lined pan, and chill for at least an hour before slicing.

Sweet treats in February aren’t about indulgence—they’re about joy. About making something with your hands, enjoying the moment, and allowing yourself a little extra sweetness during the coldest stretch of the year.