Weekend Plans

Friday, A Little Bit of Everything—and a Lot to Think About

We finally made it to Friday! 🙌 And I am so glad!

I had already decided that this weekend, I am not going to do much of anything. No running errands. No shopping. No spending money I don’t have. 😂 I am perfectly content to stay home with Mr. C and hopefully knock out a few things that have been sitting on our to-do list.

One of those things is getting back to cleaning the sunroom.

That room gets SO hot, so with the weather finally starting to cool down a little, I think this weekend might be the perfect time to get back there and start working on it. I really need to go through my big, tall cabinet that is packed with craft supplies. I also have a pile of things that need to go to Goodwill, and thankfully, those are already separated and just need to be loaded into the vehicle.

My goal isn’t to completely finish everything this weekend. I know that cabinet may take me two sittings, and that’s okay. I just want to start it, make some progress, and hopefully get one more thing checked off our list.

Small steps still count.

Speaking of small steps, I also need to wrap Savannah’s birthday present that Brody has here at the house. I bought some pretty light green wrapping paper because green is her favorite color. And then I got to thinking…

Why buy more wrapping paper when I already have some?

I’m going to use that same green paper for Whitney’s birthday gift when I take it to her on the 19th for our company picnic. Whatever is left over, I’m going to save for Christmas. Add a red bow to it, and suddenly that green wrapping paper is Christmas wrapping paper! 🎄

It’s just another little reminder to use what you have instead of automatically buying something new.

Those little choices really do add up.

Maybe you’re saving two or three dollars here and a few dollars there. It doesn’t seem like much at the time, but that’s still money you’re not spending. And those little savings can build up faster than you think.

I’ve talked off and on for years about my cash envelope system. I know it’s not the way everybody does things, but it works for me. I don’t necessarily have a perfect rhythm to how much I put away, but I do know one thing:

I want to be more intentional about saving.

Every two weeks, I want to make sure that something goes into savings. No excuses. No “I’ll do it next time.” Something needs to go in there.

After everything we’ve been working on financially, I really want to start building that cushion back up. Even if it starts small, it’s still a start.

And sometimes, I think that’s the whole point.

Small steps. Big savings. One decision at a time.

This morning I also stopped by the bank and deposited some cash so I could get money over to Aaron for his commissary. And while we’re talking about real life, I have something else on my mind this morning.

Last night I went out to see Grandpa Kendall, my stepdad. I stayed about 30 minutes, and honestly, my heart broke.

I know he’s been on hospice. I know he’s not doing well. I know that we are at a point where there isn’t going to be a miracle recovery.

But last night he told me something I didn’t know.

Two weeks ago, he went outside and fell off the porch. He hit his head on one of the steps and lay there for hours and hours—through the day and into the night—before two men finally found him.

They even called MedFlight. He told me they didn’t think he was going to make it. So we are blessed with another day with him. 

And somehow, I didn’t know any of this had happened.

Nobody called to tell me.

I know there aren’t a lot of ties there anymore, other than the fact that he loves my boys. But I couldn’t help feeling like someone could have called and let me know what he was going through.

I asked him, “Kendall, do I need to start coming out here more often to see you?”

And his answer stopped me in my tracks.

He said, “Well, it depends on how many times you want to see me alive before I die.”

Okay.

Okay, Kendall.

I hear you.

Sometimes people don’t need a big speech. Sometimes they just need you to show up.

So I am going to do better about that.

I’m going back out Saturday. I’ll probably take him something to eat and spend some time with him. He told me his nurses come three times a week and stay with him for several hours, which makes me feel a little better knowing he’s not completely alone.

But I still need to go see him.

And I think I need to reach out to my boys, too. Kendall didn’t want me to tell them what was going on, especially Aaron, but I have a feeling that Aaron, Trevor, and Blake all need to know. They may not be able to physically be here—Blake is in Texas, Trevor is in North Dakota, and Aaron is three hours away—but I think they deserve the chance to know what is happening with someone who has loved them.

Life is funny.

I started this post thinking I was going to talk about staying home this weekend, cleaning my craft cabinet, wrapping presents, saving money, and trying not to spend money I don’t have.

And somehow, here I am talking about how quickly life can change and how important it is to make time for the people we love.

Maybe that’s what being intentional really means.

Not just being intentional with our money.

Not just being intentional with our homes.

But being intentional with our time.

Because money can be saved.

Craft supplies can be organized.

Wrapping paper can wait.

But time with the people we love is something we don’t get back.

So this weekend, I’ll probably still clean that cabinet. I’ll still wrap those presents. I’ll still try to save a few dollars.

But I’ll also make sure I take some time to go see Kendall.

And maybe that’s the most important thing on my weekend to-do list.

Please send prayers our way for Kendall. I know he’s not going to get better, but I’m praying for easier, more comfortable, more pain-free days than not. ❤️

And as always, thank you for stopping by my blog and spending a little bit of your time with me.

Karen

Living Life One Day At A Time

 

Intentional Steps Forward on a Warm Oklahoma Day

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

It is going to be another warm day here in Oklahoma, but honestly, that’s just part of summer. Whether we’re ready for it or not, the heat is headed our way!

My agenda for today is pretty simple. After work, I need to drop off some donations that I forgot to take yesterday. Other than that, I don’t have any major plans, which is perfectly fine with me. Sometimes the best evenings are the quiet ones.

When I get home, I want to continue working on my decluttering journey. My goal is to tackle just one dresser drawer. Last night, I made some great progress by donating about twenty pieces of clothing and two pairs of shoes. I may not be moving at lightning speed, but I am making steady headway, and that’s what matters. Little by little, the clutter is disappearing.

I’ve also decided it’s time to get serious about my eating habits again. This morning, I stepped on the scale and realized I’ve gained back ten pounds. It didn’t happen overnight, and it won’t come off overnight either, but it’s definitely a wake-up call.

My biggest challenge lately has been my sweet tooth. It seems stronger than ever, and saying no to sugary treats hasn’t been easy. I know I don’t need the extra calories, the sugar, or my favorite Mocha Java Monster drinks, even though I absolutely love them. I recently bought a case of sugar-free Monsters, but let’s be honest—they just aren’t quite the same!

Today, I’m trying to make better choices. For breakfast, I had a protein shake. For lunch, I packed half a roll of spicy crab sushi along with celery and peanut butter. I’m also taking a sugar-free Pepsi and a large glass of ice water. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about making better choices one meal at a time.

Work continues to be a challenge. I’m still not meeting my retention goals, but I have been very intentional about eliminating distractions from my desk. Instead of letting outside things pull my attention away, I’m focusing fully on each call as it comes in.

The reality is that many of the members I speak with are making difficult financial decisions. With grocery prices, gas prices, and everyday expenses continuing to rise, people are cutting back wherever they can. The services we offer are valuable, but for many families they’re not considered essential. Honestly, I understand completely because Mr. C and I have felt the squeeze ourselves.

We’re doing fine, but we’re still paying off several unexpected household expenses from earlier this year. We have about five payments left on our hot water tank and our water well repairs. Those extra bills definitely make a difference in the monthly budget. It’s a good reminder that many families are simply doing their best to make ends meet.

On a happier note, I’d like to spend a little time today looking for a couple of easy swaps on Swap-bot. I meant to do it over the weekend but never got around to it. I always enjoy sending happy mail, and there’s something special about finding a fun envelope waiting in the mailbox. It’s a small joy, but sometimes the smallest joys brighten a day the most.

As I move through today, I’m reminding myself that progress doesn’t have to be dramatic. Whether it’s cleaning out one drawer, making a healthier food choice, focusing on one call at a time, or sending a little happy mail, every small step counts.

And today, that is enough. 

Thursday To Do List

 

To-Do List Thursday

Thursday, June 11th

This week has absolutely flown by! Before I knew it, Thursday had arrived, and honestly, I’m feeling pretty good about where I stand with my errands and responsibilities.

Today, I don’t have any errands to run after work, which feels like a little victory. I may stop and pick up dinner on the way home, but otherwise, I think I’ve managed to get everything taken care of for the week. Well… almost everything. I still need to get my nails filled. I’m not sure yet whether I’ll do that Friday evening after work or Saturday morning before we head to Norman, Oklahoma, for the Cheap Trick concert Saturday night. Either way, it needs to happen soon!

This morning started a little differently than usual. Mr. C wasn’t feeling very well when he woke up. As many of you know, his health isn’t always the best, and it always worries me when he’s feeling more down than normal. He looked at me this morning and asked, “Can I ask you a big favor? Will you pack your lunch today?” Of course, that wasn’t a problem at all. We already knew what I was taking, so all I had to do was gather everything together.

If you happen to think about it today, I’d appreciate any good thoughts, prayers, or positive vibes you could send his way. I’m hoping he’ll start feeling better soon.

Since I’ve been trying to be more intentional with my time lately, I’ve created a new to-do list for the next few days.

First, I want to order a new capri outfit for summer. However, I’ve made a deal with myself: I can’t place the order until I’ve gone through my closet and donated at least 20 items. I already have a couple of outfits picked out, so choosing isn’t the hard part. Letting go of clothes I no longer need is the challenge! Hopefully, that little reward system will motivate me to tackle the closet sooner rather than later.

Second, I need to finish Moira’s journal. I’m hoping to carve out enough time this weekend to complete it and get it mailed. I’ve already received hers, and it was absolutely fantastic. When I compare mine to hers, I sometimes feel like mine is lacking. But she has always seemed to enjoy my journals, so I’m trying not to be too hard on myself.

Third, I’d like to hop on Swap-bot and find a few quick-turnaround swaps. I’m thinking maybe a letter-writing swap, a postcard swap, and a happy mail swap. For those unfamiliar with happy mail, it’s basically a collection of fun little goodies like memo sheets, stickers, scrapbook paper, to-do lists, and other crafty bits and pieces that can be used in junk journals and creative projects. They’re always fun to put together and even more fun to receive.

Fourth, when I get home this evening, I plan to spend a little time in my craft room. Last night I bought another storage tote, and my goal is to gather all of my stickers into one place. Right now, they’re scattered through various drawers and containers. Having them all together will save me a lot of time searching when I need them.

Fifth, I need to sit down and make a meal plan. It’s been a while since I’ve cooked a full meal at home, and I think it’s time. Right now, I’m leaning toward a chicken pasta dish that’s similar to one from Olive Garden. I’ve made it before, and we both really enjoyed it. The best part is that it works well in the slow cooker. I’m even considering putting a little Southwestern spin on it by adding a few extra ingredients and some spice. We both enjoy flavorful food, so that sounds pretty tempting.

Overall, I’m just trying to stay productive and intentional with my time. I’ve realized that I spend more hours than I’d like scrolling social media or reading on my Kindle. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with relaxing, I’ve also learned something recently after dealing with my sciatica flare-up: when I feel good, I need to take advantage of those days. When I don’t feel good, I don’t feel like doing much of anything. So while I’m feeling well, I want to make progress on the things that matter to me.

Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the internet today. I hope you have a wonderful Thursday!

Before you go, leave me a comment and tell me where you’re reading from. I’d love to see how far this little personal blog reaches.

Cheers,

Karen

Hello June

 

June 1st, 2026 — A New Chapter Begins

Today is June 1st, 2026, and somehow we are already standing at the halfway point of the year. It honestly feels impossible that six months of 2026 have already come and gone. Some days seemed to fly by in a blur, while others felt long and heavy, but here we are beginning a brand-new month and stepping into the second half of the year.

First of all, I want to wish everyone a blessed, peaceful, and fulfilling day ahead. I hope this second half of 2026 brings happiness, better health, success, laughter, comfort, answered prayers, and many wonderful moments with the people you love most.

Do you happen to have anything special planned for June? Big vacation? Summer projects? Family gatherings? Fresh goals? I honestly do not have any huge plans myself, and maybe that is okay. Sometimes the quieter seasons end up being the ones that matter the most.

Personally, I am really going to focus on spending more intentional time with Mr. C, my family, my friends, and especially my grandbabies. Life moves so quickly, and I have realized lately that I do not want to always be rushing from one thing to another without fully soaking in the moments right in front of me. I want to make memories instead of just making to-do lists. I want more front porch conversations, more laughter, more little road trips, more hugs, and more moments where I put the phone down and truly enjoy the people around me.

One thing about June 1st that always gets me thinking is how I tend to look at my life in seasons or chapters, almost like a book being written one page at a time. Today feels like opening the very first page of Chapter Six in the book of 2026.

Five chapters have already been written.

Some pages have made us smile.
Some pages have made us stronger.
Some pages have tested us.
Some pages may have even changed us forever.

There were probably moments we wish we could relive again and moments we are grateful to leave behind. But that is the thing about life — every chapter teaches us something, even the difficult ones.

And now today gives us a blank page.

A fresh start.
Another chance.
Another opportunity to notice the beauty instead of rushing right past it.

As I move into this next chapter, I really want to work on carrying more gratitude, more wonder, more kindness, more joy, and honestly… more positivity. I have noticed as I have gotten older that sometimes I have become a little more grumpy and negative than I used to be. Maybe life and stress and responsibilities can slowly sneak that into our hearts if we are not careful. But I do not want to stay there.

So this month, I am going to intentionally work on shifting my mindset. I want to become softer instead of harder. More optimistic instead of expecting the worst. More thankful for the little things instead of focusing on what is missing. I want to laugh more, complain less, and truly appreciate the people and moments that make life meaningful.

Summer is here.
The days are longer.
The sunsets are prettier.
And maybe this chapter still has some beautiful surprises waiting for all of us.

Thank you so much for stopping by and spending a little part of your day here with me. I truly appreciate every single one of you who takes the time to read my ramblings, reflections, stories, and little pieces of everyday life.

Now I would love to hear from you:
What are your goals, hopes, or thoughts for June 2026?

Let’s step into this new chapter together and see where the pages take us.

Have a marvelous day, friends.

Happy New Year 2026

Hello 2026: Goals, Gratitude, and a Whole Lot of Excitement

Happy New Year, friends! ✨

Hello, 2026—you already feel like you’re going to be a good one.

I’m stepping into this new year with excitement buzzing in my bones and a heart full of anticipation. There’s just something about a fresh calendar that makes everything feel possible again. This year isn’t about pressure or perfection for me—it’s about intention, experiences, and progress in whatever form that takes.

One of the biggest highlights on the horizon is a dream I’ve carried with me since I was about 16 years old: a trip to New York City. I can hardly believe I finally get to say that out loud. I’m looking forward to all the touristy things—walking the streets, soaking in the energy, and seeing places I’ve only ever admired from afar. It feels surreal and incredibly exciting to check this off my life list.

Another trip close to my heart will be heading north to visit Trevor and his family. This Nana needs some quality snuggle time with Kyndall and Liam. There is nothing better than being surrounded by little voices, laughter, and the sweet chaos that only grandchildren bring.

2026 also marks a special milestone for Mr. C. and me—our 5th wedding anniversary. Even though we’ve been together for over 20 years, it still feels worth celebrating. Life has had its seasons, but we’re still here, still choosing each other, and that’s something I never take for granted.

As for my goals this year, I’m keeping things realistic and meaningful. Decluttering the house is high on my list. The older I get, the stronger the urge becomes to simplify and let go of what no longer serves us. I don’t need to do it all at once—I just need to start somewhere.

I’m also committing to working in a personal journal. I love my blog, but I want something just for me—a space to decorate with washi tape and stickers, to write without editing, and to create for the joy of it.

Health is another focus this year. I’ll be honest—I love carbs, sugar, pasta, bread, and chocolate. Cutting back won’t be easy, but I know small changes add up, and I want to take better care of myself.

I’ve also been missing having a home computer. My desk is organized, staged, and ready—it just needs the computer to bring it to life. I truly believe if it’s there, I’ll use it.

And then there’s my passport. Still not finished. Still on the list. This is the year it gets done—no more excuses.

I don’t make resolutions because they never seem to stick for me. Goals feel gentler. If I stumble, I’ll keep going. If something no longer fits, I’ll adjust. That’s grace, and I’m allowing myself plenty of it this year.

Here’s to new beginnings, meaningful goals, and a year filled with experiences worth remembering.

Cheers to 2026—let’s do this. 🥂