Showing posts with label #LifeWithKarenCBlog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #LifeWithKarenCBlog. Show all posts

Friday, June 26, 2026

Finally Friday


Finally Friday: Toy Rooms, Decluttering, and Getting Ready for Birthday Fun

Happy Friday, friends!

It is finally Friday, June 26th, 2026, and I have to say… I am very excited for this upcoming weekend. There is just something about knowing you have a couple of days ahead to work on projects around the house, spend time together, and make some progress that feels really good.

This weekend, Mr. C  and I are going to tackle the toy room. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “That sounds fun!” 😂 Okay, maybe not everyone’s idea of fun, but honestly, I am looking forward to it. We have been working so hard on revamping our house, getting rid of clutter, and making our home feel more peaceful and refreshed. This is just another step in that direction.

Our plan is to go through all the toys and really be honest about what needs to stay and what needs to go. Broken toys, old toys, toys nobody plays with anymore… it is time for them to find a new home. Sometimes things just sit around because we think “someone might use that someday,” but let’s be honest… sometimes someday never comes. 😉

I also have a big tote full of Legos that I need to decide what to do with. I’m thinking about putting them on Marketplace because I just don’t see myself using them anytime soon. But before I do that, I want to check with Jessica and see if Brooks would like some of them. He really enjoys building with Legos, and I would much rather see them being loved and played with than sitting in a tote in my toy room.

I also have a big stack of those cute Christmas gift boxes you usually find at Hobby Lobby. Those are definitely staying because I know I will use them. I just need to find a better storage solution for them so they aren’t taking up space in the toy room. That seems to be the theme around here lately — figuring out where everything belongs! 😂

There are also some bigger toys in there that haven’t been played with in a long time, and I think it is time for those to go too. My goal is to get that room cleaned out, organized, and ready for a fresh start.

I have already ordered a new mattress for the twin-size bed in there along with new bedding. Once everything arrives, I plan to find a couple of curtains to match and really finish the room off. I am excited to see it all come together.

I have to say, it feels really good seeing our house slowly transform. We are clearing out the clutter, making changes, and creating a home that feels calmer and more enjoyable. Sometimes it’s amazing what a little organizing and letting go can do.

We are also getting ready for something much more fun — Sophie’s first birthday party on July 12th! 🎉

Mr. C and I have already picked up a couple of presents for her, and Savannah asked if we would help with some food for the party. We are going to make a meat and cheese tray, along with a dozen ham and cheese sliders and a dozen turkey and cheese sliders.

Of course, I couldn’t resist adding a little homemade sweetness too. I am going to make chocolate-covered Rice Krispie treats and chocolate-covered pretzel rods. I decided to make it a little easier on myself and use the pre-made Rice Krispie treats instead of making them from scratch. Sometimes simple is the way to go!

I already bought my candy melts, so I just need to grab the Rice Krispie treats, more candy melts, and the pretzel rods this week. I am actually looking forward to getting back in the kitchen and making something creative.

Now, Mr C. already says I’m going to make a mess… and he’s probably right. 😂 But honestly, sometimes making a mess while creating something fun is part of the joy. There is something relaxing about being in the kitchen, trying something different, and making something that people can enjoy.

So this weekend will be a mix of decluttering, organizing, and dreaming about birthday celebrations. A little work, a little creativity, and a whole lot of making our home feel like us.

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and spending a little time with me. I truly appreciate each and every one of you who reads along with my everyday adventures.

Drop a comment below and let me know where you are reading from. I would love to see how far this little blog reaches!

I hope you have a wonderful day, and I’ll talk to you later. ❤️



Sunday, June 14, 2026

Enjoying our Sunday

 

Sunday, June 14, 2026

Morning

Sunday is usually our easy day, especially if I don’t have any errands to run, and today was no exception. Mr. C and I stayed home and enjoyed a relaxing morning together. We got a few chores done around the house, and he put a roast with potatoes, celery, and onions in the slow cooker for supper. While it cooked, I spent some time working in Moira’s journal, which was a nice way to unwind.

Afternoon Plans

Our plan for the afternoon was to head to Elizabeth and Charles’s house around 3:30 because they were moving to Rush Springs. We were looking forward to seeing Alisha and Jonathan since they were coming down to help with the move. As often happens, though, plans changed a little.

When we arrived, everyone was already in full moving mode. Jonathan, Alisha, Lane, and Landon were in one vehicle, Elizabeth was driving another, Charles had his truck loaded down, and their friends Michael and Tracy were already ahead of them. With so many people helping and everything packed up, it made sense for them to keep moving forward. I think Mr. C may have had his feelings hurt just a little, but realistically there was no way they could have made the trip to Rush Springs and back before our dinner plans.

So, we pivoted.

Picnic and Family Visit

We headed to Braums and picked up supper, and then Mr. C surprised me by taking me to the Rush Springs Park for a picnic. If you know me, you know I’m always asking him to take me on a picnic, so this absolutely made my heart happy. It was such a thoughtful surprise and ended up being one of my favorite parts of the day.

After our picnic, we drove over to Elizabeth and Charles’s new house. They were still unloading, and their biggest priority was getting their large fish aquarium set up and getting the fish safely back into their home. We got to visit with Alisha and Jonathan for a little while before making our excuses and heading home.

Decluttering Progress

Earlier in the day, I had told Mr. C that I wanted to go through my clothes and pull out at least 20 items to donate to Goodwill. Once I got started, I found even more things I no longer needed. By the time I finished, I had filled a large black trash bag with donations that I’ll be dropping off after work tomorrow. It may not have made a huge dent in the overall clutter, but it definitely made me feel better. I also had a large sack or trash. My goal is to continue decluttering throughout the rest of the month.

Evening

Later in the evening, I talked with my son Aaron and checked in with Blake to see how their trip was going. Blake and Jessica, along with the kids, Grandma Berdine, and several cousins, spent five days at Padre Island. It’s a little over an 11-hour drive, but when you’re traveling with a 3-year-old, a 5-year-old, and a teenager, you know it takes a bit longer with all the snack, restroom, and stretch breaks along the way. From the photos they shared, it looks like they had an absolutely wonderful time. Seeing the kids make memories with their cousins and Grandma Berdine made me smile.

Reflections

All in all, it turned out to be a simple but very full Sunday—good food, a surprise picnic, family visits, and a little progress on my decluttering journey. It was also a good reminder that not every day unfolds the way we expect it to, and sometimes the best moments come from being willing to adjust our plans and embrace what the day brings. Even though our original visit didn’t happen quite the way we imagined, we still got to spend time with family, celebrate a new chapter for Elizabeth and Charles, and enjoy some unexpected time together. Days like this leave me feeling grateful for the people in my life, the flexibility to make the most of changing circumstances, and the simple blessings that often end up meaning the most.


Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Living Life

Wednesday, May 27th, 2026


Happy Midweek!



I cannot believe we are already wrapping up another Wednesday. Sometimes it feels like this year is moving at lightning speed, and other times I feel like I am just trying to keep up with my own thoughts and projects. Lately, I have really been procrastinating on getting my blog updated. I honestly do not know why I do this every single time. Maybe I get overwhelmed trying to figure out where to start, or maybe my creativity simply shifts into other things like journaling, letter writing, or planning little adventures. I tend to get stuck in my own head sometimes, and before I know it, the blog gets pushed to the back burner again.


Even so, today I am focusing on doing my best at work and helping my members however I can. We have new girls coming out of training, and apparently I must be doing something right because management keeps having coworkers sit in and listen to my calls. I still do not know if that is a blessing or a curse! It definitely adds a little stress to the day because I do not exactly see myself as a teacher, but I will absolutely do my best to help encourage and support them.


After work, I need to make a quick Walmart run for the essentials: milk, snacks, and of course a few Monster drinks to survive the rest of this week and probably part of next week too. I already know how this trip will go. I will walk in needing five things and somehow walk out with twenty. Walmart has a way of convincing you that you suddenly need items you never even considered before entering the store!


I also need to pick up a few snacks for Mr. C since this weekend I will be heading to Tulsa with Cherrie for our birthday weekend getaway. I am honestly so excited about this trip. We are trying to keep things budget-friendly, which works out perfectly because Tulsa is celebrating the Route 66 Centennial this weekend. There are going to be so many free and low-cost events happening all over the city.


One thing I am especially excited about is visiting the fire department museum. They are offering free admission along with hot dogs, hamburgers, and root beer floats. If you have followed my blog for any amount of time, then you already know firefighters absolutely have my heart and always will. There is just something about first responders — firefighters, police officers, military personnel — that I deeply admire and respect. But firefighters in particular? I cannot even fully explain it. They have always held a special place in my heart.


On the way home tonight, I am planning to grab supper from Braum’s. I am getting their grilled chicken strawberry salad, and I am being smart about it by dividing it into two meals. Half for supper tonight and the leftovers for lunch tomorrow. I even remembered to ask for an extra dressing this time, which honestly feels like a personal victory. I will probably throw in a few crackers along with some pepper jack and cheddar cheese, and lunch tomorrow will be easy, filling, and pretty healthy too.


Health-wise, my sciatica nerve does seem to be calming down a little bit, thankfully. Nights are still the hardest part, and I am really hoping I can sleep in our bedroom all night without having to move around trying to get comfortable. Fingers crossed for a decent night of sleep because that makes such a huge difference in everything else.


For now, though, I am simply taking this week one day at a time, trying to focus on the good moments, looking forward to Tulsa, and reminding myself that not everything has to be perfect to still be meaningful.


#MidweekRamblings #TulsaBound #Route66Centennial #BirthdayWeekend #FirefighterHeart #WalmartRuns #BraumsDinner #SciaticaStruggles #EverydayLife #OklahomaLiving #JournalingLife #SimpleMoments


Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Back to Work After NYC Vacation

 Title: Back to Reality (But Not So Bad After All)


Wednesday was my first day back to work after what felt like a truly fantastic vacation—and honestly, it wasn’t nearly as rough as I’d braced myself for.


I got in early (which always helps me ease back into things), and right away I noticed something new—while I was gone, they’d updated the system and added a whole new program. Of course, first day back wouldn’t be complete without a little learning curve, but thankfully Shelby came to the rescue and walked me through how to access everything I’d need. Crisis averted.


It was also Sherry’s first day back from vacation, so we had that shared “back to reality” moment. Unfortunately, her return came with some really heavy news—her father-in-law passed away unexpectedly. That definitely cast a shadow over things, and my heart goes out to her. Life has a way of mixing joy and sorrow all at once.


On a lighter note, it really did feel good to be back and see everyone again. I got to share a few highlights from my trip, which made the transition a little easier. I did, however, completely forget to bring the keychains I bought for everyone in my department… not once, but twice now. 😅 Third time’s the charm—I’m bringing them Thursday, no excuses.


Work itself wasn’t too bad. Not overly busy, which I appreciated. I didn’t hit my goal of 10 saves for the day, but I’m not stressing about it. I could tell I wasn’t the only one a little out of sync. We’ll all find our rhythm again.


If there’s one thing I know about myself, it’s this: I do better with structure. As much as the idea of not working sometimes sounds appealing, the reality is—I value the stability. Having income, health insurance, life insurance… those things matter, especially the older I get. It’s a trade-off, but one I’m grateful for.


All in all, the day went by pretty quickly, which is always a win in my book. And I’m reminded that having a job that allows me the time (and pay!) to take vacations in the first place is something to appreciate.

Back to the routine—but bringing a little bit of that vacation mindset with me. 🌴




Monday, April 20, 2026

New York City Was Great!

Bittersweet doesn’t even begin to cover our last day in New York City.



We took our time getting up that morning, knowing we had to be out of the hotel by 11 a.m. After dropping our luggage downstairs, we squeezed in a little more exploring—because how do you not soak up every last second in the city? We walked about six blocks to the subway and went on a mission to replace the souvenirs I’d accidentally left behind at a restaurant earlier in the trip (still hurts a little 😅). Thankfully, I found the perfect replacements—postcards, keychains, and even a t-shirt—so all was right again.




We wandered a bit more before heading back to Johny’s  for breakfast one last time (because when you find a good spot, you stick with it). Then it was time to make our way toward the airport. We hopped on the subway and caught the Q70 free bus to LaGuardia, arriving nice and early—Jessica was not taking any chances with TSA lines, and honestly, fair enough.


After getting through security, we found our gate and settled in. Blake and Jessica grabbed lunch, while I went for a protein bowl—simple, but it hit the spot. Later, Blake and I found some loungers, and I finally gave my feet a break. I spent most of that time reading on my Kindle and just resting… which was very much needed after walking over 53,000 steps and climbing 34 flights of stairs during this trip. I’m still impressed with myself for that one!


Our flight ended up being delayed about 45 minutes due to a storm, and then we sat on the tarmac for another hour waiting our turn. At one point, the pilot said there were 12 planes ahead of us—and just as many behind us. It was a whole situation.





By the time we made it back to Dallas-Fort Worth and got home, it was around 4 a.m. I was beyond exhausted… but also incredibly grateful.


This trip was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The kind you carry with you long after it’s over. And honestly? I don’t think I’ve seen the last of New York City. There’s just too much left to see and do. 

Saturday, April 4, 2026

Easter Blessings

 


Saturday, April 4th, 2026 — Easter Weekend Joy 🌸


There is just something about Easter weekend that feels extra special, and this Saturday was one of those days that reminded me how sweet life can be—even when it’s a little cold, muddy, and windy.



Luther and I started our morning early, heading to Marlow to the Eddie Palmer ballpark to watch the grandboys play t-ball. Now, let me set the scene for you… the night before, we had over five inches of rain. Yes—five. So you can imagine what we were walking into. Mud everywhere, wet bleachers, a cold wind that cut right through you… but none of that was going to stop us from showing up.



Lane was playing on field 6, and Brooks on field 7, so we were bouncing back and forth trying to catch all the action. I sat for a bit with John and Sherry—Jessica’s parents—and we visited while watching the boys. But I’m going to be honest… after about two innings, I waved the white flag. That cold was no joke! I told them, “I’m heading to the car,” and that heater never felt so good. Sometimes you just have to listen to your body and warm up where you can.


Once the games wrapped up, Luther and I headed home because the day was far from over. We had a full afternoon ahead with our Easter celebration—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.


But before I get into all that goodness, I just want to pause for a moment and say how grateful I am. Watching Luther and Elizabeth co-grandparent the way they do truly warms my heart. They’ve found a way to put differences aside and show up for those grandbabies in such a healthy, loving way. And that? That is a blessing. It may not always be perfect on every level, but when it comes to the grandkids, they are doing it right—and that matters.




Now… let’s talk about the food, because oh my goodness, there was plenty! This was one of those gatherings where nobody leaves hungry and everybody goes back for seconds (or thirds). We had hamburger sliders, several kinds of hot links, classic wieners, potato salad, not one but two kinds of deviled eggs, fresh salad, all the burger fixings, mac and cheese, and corn. And of course, the sweets—because what is a celebration without dessert?








We celebrated Alicia’s birthday with her cake, and there were cupcakes with pink icing that were just as cute as they were tasty. Rickie made a cookie cake (which is always a favorite around here), and between all of that, there was more than enough to go around—and then some. Leftovers for days, which I’m definitely not complaining about!




At the end of it all, I sat back and just took it in. The laughter, the kids running around, the conversations, the full plates, and full hearts. These are the moments that matter. The ones you don’t rush. The ones you hold onto.


If I had to sum up the day in just a few words, I’d say it was blessed, meaningful, and full of love.


And truly… that’s everything.



Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Food Compilation for March

Fish and fry’s 

Loaded baked potato fry Rib Crib.

Club sandwich 

Chicken fried steak

Stew

Iced coffee so yummy

Subway sandwich 

Cheesy pasta

Roast and veggies with mashed potatoes 

Mexican platter

Club sandwich 

Strawberry Shake

Meatloaf, green beans and mashed pot 

Max birthday cookie

Crockpot chicken and stuffing with vegetables 

I have been forgetting to take pictures of our food we eat. Am going to try to remember to snap more photos of our meals. It’s a nice reminder of what we enjoyed for the month. Especially if we ate anything not on our normal rotation. We normally eat the same foods always. Mr. C. and I have totally different taste in food. He’s not one to try new foods very often.

 

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Buying New Refrigerator at Lowes

A Midweek Errand Turned Sweet Memory



Happy Wednesday, friends!


Today turned out to be one of those unexpectedly full and meaningful days—the kind where you set out to simply check something off your list, and it ends up being a little more special than you planned.


Work was good today, and somewhere in between helping members and staying on track, I found myself browsing refrigerator sales at Lowe’s. Wouldn’t you know it—they were running a really good sale… but of course, it was ending today. Isn’t that always the way? So, I made a quick decision, let Mr. C know my plan, and decided that after work, I was heading to Lawton to get that refrigerator bought and taken care of.


Now, Mr. C did have one request—and honestly, I don’t blame him. He asked if I could find someone to ride with me since he doesn’t love the idea of me being in Lawton in the evening by myself. It has gotten a bit uneasy over there at night, especially with the nearby army base and everything going on. So, I called my cousin Brenda, and she was happy to go along.


Well… here’s where things get a little funny.


I picked Brenda up, and as we were backing out of her driveway, she casually mentioned that Jeff was fine with her going on her birthday. Y’all—I completely forgot it was her birthday! I stopped the car right then and there and told her, “Get out! You are not going with me—it’s your birthday!” We both had a good laugh, but she insisted on coming anyway. All she asked was that we make it back by 6:30 so she could still enjoy her birthday dinner that Jeff was making.


So off we went!


Our trip to Lowe’s was quick and smooth. I went in, told the associate exactly which refrigerator I wanted, and got everything handled. I decided to split the payment—half cash, half on a card—and also added the five-year warranty for a little peace of mind. Delivery is set for Friday, and I can already feel what a relief that will be.


This purchase has been a long time coming. The refrigerator we’ve had has lasted an incredible 32 years, and while it has served us well, we could definitely tell this past year that it was struggling. It feels good to finally take care of it, even if 2026 has already brought its fair share of big expenses for us.


But I keep reminding myself—these are investments in our home, and once this is done, we should be in a much better place for a while.


After Lowe’s, I asked Brenda if we had just enough time to swing by Meridian so I could grab an iced coffee—my little treat. Normally, she always says no, but today she surprised me! She had recently tried a salted caramel iced coffee at work and loved it, so we both decided to get one.


And let me tell you—it hit the spot. It had been a while since I had treated myself to one like that, and it made for the perfect little midweek pick-me-up.


We made it back to her house at 6:39—which, if you ask me, still counts as on time thanks to a little girl math. Jeff was there cooking her birthday dinner, and I was just happy we made it back quickly enough for her to enjoy the rest of her evening.


All in all, it was a simple trip—but one filled with laughter, good conversation, a sweet treat, and a little unexpected birthday memory with my cousin.


Sometimes those ordinary days turn into the ones you remember the most.


I hope your week is treating you well and that you’re finding little moments of joy in the middle of your everyday errands. 💛

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Getting Mr.C’s Birthday Plans in Order

 


 Birthday Prep, Busy Thursday & Honey BBQ Wings in the Crockpot


Well hello friends!


I cannot believe today is March 12, 2026 already. This week has absolutely flown by, and I’m pretty sure a big reason for that is all the planning I’ve been doing for Luther’s birthday celebration that we’re hosting at our house this Saturday. Between that and just trying to stay focused and do my best at work each day, the time has just slipped right on by.


This morning we got one big thing checked off the list — our grocery pickup order. That always feels like such a win! I made sure to include the drinks and a few food items we’ll need for the birthday celebration.


For drinks, we’re keeping it simple and crowd-friendly:

- A couple gallons of Milo’s sweet tea

- Root beer  

- Diet Coke  

- Sprite  

- And some caffeine-free strawberry pop


I also grabbed a bag of boneless chicken wings that I’ll make in the crockpot for everyone.


For the main party food, we’re planning to pick up:

- Five large pizzas

- A couple family cheese sticks

- Two orders of boneless wings


One of those wings will be hot for Brody, and the other will probably be garlic parmesan. Then I’ll have my honey barbecue wings cooking in the crockpot, so there should be plenty of food for everyone.


After work today I’m going to run in and grab birthday paper plates and party supplies, and that should pretty much take care of everything we need for Saturday.


While I’m at work today, Mr. C plans to help by doing some cleaning around the house — dusting, vacuuming, and straightening things up. I always appreciate that teamwork when we’re getting ready for company.


Tonight after I get home, my to-do list continues. I’ll need to:

- Fold the laundry that’s waiting in the dryer  

- Clean off my dining room table, which currently has a rather impressive pile of bills sitting on it  

- Finish paying a couple of those bills  

- And run by the store to pick up the photos I had processed so I can get them into my Flora junk journal


So yes… it’s definitely going to be a full Thursday, but it’s all good things and part of getting ready for a fun family celebration.


---


### Easy Crockpot Honey BBQ Boneless Wings


Since I mentioned the wings, I thought I’d share the simple way I make them.


Ingredients

- 1 bag frozen boneless chicken wings  

- 1 cup honey barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand)  

- ¼ cup honey  

- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce  

- ½ teaspoon garlic powder  


Instructions


1. Place the frozen boneless wings into your crockpot.  

2. In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.  

3. Pour the sauce mixture over the wings and stir gently to coat them.  

4. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, stirring once or twice if possible.  

5. Serve warm and enjoy!


They come out sweet, tangy, and fall-apart tender, and they’re always a hit at gatherings.


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Well friends, that’s the update for today. I hope your Thursday is going well, and that you’re finding a little joy in the everyday moments.


Be safe, be well, and I’ll see you next time.


Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. 

Thursday, March 5, 2026

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.