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.

Headed To NYC City!

From 2:45 a.m. to the Big Apple — Travel Day Adventures 🍎✈️

New York City, here we come!

Let me just start by saying… today started early. Like, 2:45 a.m. early. I wanted to beat that 3:00 a.m. alarm, so I was up, dressed, and ready before it even had a chance to go off. That alone deserves a medal if you ask me.

We were near DFW Airport, parked off-site, and caught the shuttle around 3:45 a.m., getting to the airport just before 4. Yes, that early. Surprisingly, it all went smoothly, and before long, we were sitting down for breakfast at Sunny’s Buy-in Smokehouse in Terminal E. I ordered a full platter—scrambled eggs, bacon, diced potatoes, plus a biscuit with gravy—and I have to say, it was pretty darn good (and reasonably priced too, which is always a win).

Our flight took off at 7:00 a.m., and not long after, the turbulence started making itself known. By 7:36, the seatbelt sign was still on, and let me tell you… it stayed that way quite a bit. I tried to distract myself with Wicked (great choice), then switched over to Below Deck Mediterranean—Captain Sandy always keeps things interesting.

Somewhere along the way:

- 8:30 a.m.: Ginger ale, Sun Chips, and a much-needed coffee with sugar ☕  

- 9:00 a.m.: Passing near Charlotte  

- 10:18 a.m.: The bumpiest ride I’ve ever experienced  

Now, I wasn’t scared—but I was praying we’d land safely. The plane was rocking and rolling like nothing I’ve felt before. Still, I kept thinking: “As long as we make it to New York City, I’ll take it!”

And we did. 🙌

Once we landed, we made our way to baggage claim and then hopped on the free Q70 bus to Roosevelt Station. From there, we figured out the subway (which felt like a big adventure all on its own!) and made it within a few blocks of our hotel—the Holiday Inn Manhattan Chelsea.

Of course, we were too early to check in, so… off we went exploring!

First stop: lunch at 7th Street Burger in Chelsea. I grabbed a cheeseburger and water for about $10—not bad at all. Then we had to try Crumbl Cookies (because priorities), and I got a sugar cookie with pink icing. So good.

And because you absolutely cannot have a cookie without coffee… we headed to Blank Street Coffee, where I ordered a cherry glazed iced coffee. Let me just say—spectacular.

We wandered a bit more, soaking in the city vibes, before heading back to the hotel. We were able to check in just before 3:00 p.m., which felt like perfect timing. I freshened up, put on a little makeup, and rested my feet for a bit. Blake snuck in a nap, I did too, and Jessica and Logan explored some thrift shops across the street (which looked really fun, but my feet were voting “no ma’am” at that point).

Coming from rural Oklahoma, figuring out buses and subways and walking everywhere feels like a whole new world—and honestly, what a treat it has been.

If I had to rate today?  

Absolutely phenomenal! 

Weekend at Home

                                    Slow Saturday, Full Heart

Hello and happy, easy Saturday, my friend.  

This weekend, I made a very intentional choice—to stay home with Mr. C. Not because I had to, but because I wanted to. With my trip coming up soon, it just felt important to slow down and soak up some time together. And honestly? It was exactly what I needed.

We started the morning nice and easy, curled up watching a couple of movies. No rushing, no big plans—just being. Somewhere in between, we got a little productive too, knocking out some housework and making the space feel good again.

Breakfast was simple but perfect. I went the cozy route with pancakes, and Mr. C opted for hot links—very on brand for both of us. After that, we started pulling together ingredients for an early lunch because I had been craving a good, homemade meatloaf for a couple of days now. And let me tell you… we have a secret weapon in this house—a can of meatloaf fixing (not even sure the brand), but it works every single time. We had everything assembled by around 10-ish, already looking forward to meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans. A true comfort meal.

The rest of the day was a mix of TV and me sneaking away to the guest bedroom to start organizing for my trip. I’m really trying to do better this time—not overpack like I’ve done my whole life. I’ve realized it actually gives me anxiety having too much stuff I don’t even use. So today, I focused on getting my liquids together—shampoo, conditioner, makeup—all in one place so I’m not scrambling at the last minute. Progress, not perfection.

I do still think I need to pick up a pajama set. The one I had in mind is definitely more winter than spring, and with April weather coming, I already know I’d be too warm. So that’s one small thing left to figure out.

I was also invited by my friend Nancy to go see a musician perform in Medicine Park tonight, which honestly sounded like a really nice outing. But I made the choice to stay in. Driving at night just isn’t something I’m comfortable with these days, and I’ve learned to listen to that instead of pushing through. There will be other nights, other chances.

And so here I am—ending the day feeling content, grounded, and grateful. It wasn’t anything big or fancy, just a simple day at home. But sometimes those are the ones that fill your heart the most.

Thank you so much for stopping by and spending a little piece of your day with me. My life may be simple, but it is full of blessings—and I’m so grateful you’re here to share in it.

Until next time 🤍

Starting Retirement Planning at 58

                                                                   

                            Starting Where I Am: My Retirement Journey at 58

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the future. I’m 58 years old, and here’s the truth: I don’t have much saved for retirement. My 401(k) is sitting at less than $10,000, and while I do contribute a little each month, it’s not exactly the picture-perfect retirement fund you read about in financial magazines.

For a while, that thought really weighed me down. I’d catch myself thinking, “What’s the point? It’s too late.” But then I reminded myself—it’s never too late to do something. And honestly, something is always better than nothing.

So here’s where I’m at: I plan to work until at least 65, maybe longer if I feel good and enjoy it. In the meantime, I’m looking for little ways to set myself up better. For example, I’m trying to save just a little more each paycheck, even if it’s $50 or $100. I know it doesn’t sound like much, but it adds up.

I’m also being more mindful about spending. Those little extras—like streaming services I barely use, or takeout when I have food at home—add up faster than I realized. Cutting back gives me more room to save, and honestly, it feels kind of good to be intentional with money.

Another thing I’m exploring is earning a little extra on the side. Whether that’s selling things I don’t use anymore, picking up a small side hustle, or even freelancing, it feels good to think about money coming in that can go straight toward my future self.

And of course, I’m thinking about Social Security and how to get the most out of it. Waiting until full retirement age could make a difference in the monthly check, so I’m learning all I can.

Most importantly, I’m taking care of my health. Because what good is retirement if I don’t feel good enough to enjoy it? Walking more, eating better, and keeping up with doctor visits is part of my “retirement planning” too.

I don’t have it all figured out, and that’s okay. I’m starting where I am, and maybe that’s exactly what someone else needs to hear. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.