Girls Saturday Trip

A Saturday in Lawton: Hobby Lobby, Ollie’s & Football Cleats

Today was a GOOD day.

You know those days when you don’t have anything terribly exciting planned, but somehow the day ends up being exactly what you needed? Today was one of those days.

My coworker and friend Sheila and I decided it was time for a little road trip to Lawton, Oklahoma. Our last trip over there together was back in February, so apparently we were overdue for some girl time outside of the workplace!

Our main mission?

Hobby Lobby.

Now, I went into this adventure with a plan. I had a budget of $50, and I was determined to stick to it.

I know. I know.

Me.

Hobby Lobby.

A scrapbook aisle.

And a $50 budget.

You may be wondering if I was feeling okay. 😂

But I did it!

I was actually very proud of myself because I stayed within my budget and got the things I wanted without completely losing my mind in the scrapbook section. That, my friends, is called self-control. I’m pretty sure there should be a trophy for that.

I was also looking for a picture for our bedroom to go with another picture I had already purchased. I wanted something that would coordinate with it, so naturally, that meant I had to inspect approximately 147 pictures before making a decision.

Okay, maybe not 147.

But it felt like it.

Then we headed over to Ollie’s.

This was Sheila’s first Ollie’s experience.

I’m not sure she was completely impressed.

I, however, knew exactly why I was there.

Ghost Energy drinks.

They had a four-pack for $2.99, and that was enough reason for me to make the trip. 😂

Of course, I couldn’t just buy the energy drinks and leave.

That would be completely unreasonable.

I wandered around and found a few other random things because apparently Ollie’s has a magical ability to convince you that things you didn’t know existed five minutes ago are now things you absolutely need.

One thing I did actually need was jelly.

Somehow, we had managed to run completely out of anything resembling jelly or preserves for our toast.

How does a household run out of jelly?

I don’t know.

But apparently ours did.

So I picked up a jar of strawberry preserves.

And a few other things.

And before I knew it, I had spent right at $50 at Ollie’s, too.

Apparently $50 was the theme of the day.

Then came the next mission:

Football cleats.

I was looking for a pair of black football cleats in a child’s size 13 for Lane.

Easy enough, right?

Wrong.

We called three different stores in Lawton.

None of them had football cleats.

Not one.

Hibbet Sports finally told us that we would have to try Altus, Duncan, or Chickasha because those stores carry them.

Mr. C had already called Hibbet Sports in Duncan, and they had a pair.

The price?

$65.

So tomorrow, I’ll be making another little road trip to pick them up.

Because apparently finding a pair of black football cleats in 2026 is harder than finding a parking spot at Hobby Lobby on a Saturday.

😂

After all that shopping, Sheila and I decided we had worked up an appetite.

We went to the new Red Apple Asian Buffet in Lawton, and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.

The food was good and fresh, the restaurant was very clean, and the bathroom was actually spotless.

And if you’ve been around long enough, you know that a clean restaurant bathroom deserves its own five-star review. 😂

The buffet and a drink were under $20, so I was happy with that.

I already know I’ll be going back with my friend Cherrie because I think she will really enjoy it.

But honestly, the best part of today wasn’t Hobby Lobby.

It wasn’t Ollie’s.

It wasn’t the Ghost Energy drinks.

And it definitely wasn’t the $65 football cleats.

It was the time Sheila and I spent together.

We laughed.

We shared stories.

We talked.

We wandered around stores.

We enjoyed being away from work for a little while and just being ourselves.

Sheila is one of those people who is just easy to be around. She’s down-to-earth, genuine, and a very good Christian woman. I really enjoy spending time with her.

Sometimes you don’t need a big vacation or an elaborate girls’ trip.

Sometimes you just need a friend, a tank of gas, a little shopping money, and a Saturday in Lawton.

Add in some strawberry preserves and a four-pack of Ghost Energy drinks, and you’ve pretty much got yourself a successful day. 😂

Today was simple.

Today was fun.

And today was exactly what we both needed.

I’m already looking forward to our next adventure.

Although next time, maybe we’ll start with the football cleats.

Because apparently that’s the hardest item on the shopping list! 😂

Riches to Ruinville~Book Review

Riches to Ruinville

Katherine Hastings

March 20, 2025

If you’re looking for a fun, entertaining read that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Riches to Ruinville might be just the book for you. I found myself laughing out loud more than once while reading this story by Katherine Hastings. It’s witty, fast-paced, and surprisingly heartfelt beneath all the humor.

The novel centers around CeCe and Diane, two women who once ruled New York’s elite social scene. For years, they lived lives filled with wealth, luxury, and status—and they were also fierce enemies. Everything between them was a competition: who hosted the better parties, who wore the most expensive clothes, and who could outshine the other in high society. Their husbands were business partners, equally wealthy and equally shady, and then one day everything collapses. The men vanish with millions of dollars, leaving their wives with absolutely nothing.

What follows is a complete reversal of fortune. The FBI sweeps in, seizing homes, assets, and even personal belongings. There’s nothing left to fight over—no money, no mansions, barely even clothes. Diane’s only lifeline is a rundown house left to her by a deceased aunt in the Louisiana bayou, along with a modest $5,000 inheritance. The house is far from glamorous: outdated, worn down, and worlds away from Manhattan luxury.

Despite their rocky past, CeCe convinces Diane to let her—and her companion Julian—come along. What begins as a reluctant arrangement slowly turns into an unexpected friendship. Together, they learn how to survive without riches, status, or servants. Watching these former socialites figure out everyday life without money is both funny and oddly satisfying.

Beyond the humor, Riches to Ruinville is really about reinvention and second chances. CeCe and Diane are forced to strip away their old identities and discover who they are without wealth defining them. Their journey from rivalry to friendship feels natural and earned, and the bayou setting adds charm and contrast to their former lives.

Overall, this book was an enjoyable, lighthearted read with meaningful moments mixed in. It’s not overly deep, but it doesn’t try to be. It’s a story about loss, resilience, and finding purpose in unexpected places—and sometimes starting over is exactly what you need.