42

This is 42. ❤

It's off to a pretty good start.  This = cozy TV time + dessert from Kristin after she treated me to a bday dinner at Hideaway!

Kyndal Faith ran for 7th Grade Class Chaplain (they will lead some Bible studies, prayers, and class chapels).  We helped her practice and refine her speech at family dinner, and Rach made this awesome sign for her.  Two other girls were also in the running, but Kyndal won, so that's worth celebrating!!  

Also inspiring me lately is the story of Alysa Liu, our first US female figure skater to win Olympic gold since 2002.  She walked away from the sport due to serious burnout then came back when she felt more connected and in control and joyful about it... it was all over my FB feed for a while, and it made me happy every time I saw it.  Having recently walked away from the doctoral program and pressing pause on some of my big goals, it's deeply encouraging to see someone do that and make a comeback on her own terms!

The last completed collage in my through-the-years life timeline - it's been quite the transformative era, and I'm still learning and growing! =)

Verse that feels encouraging:

Fam dinner and pizookies at BJs on my actual birthday! ❤

Table pic!  Rach and I shared the new butterfinger pizookie - yum!

Friend trio pic at 40 and 42

Marble Slab after dinner with LB and the Wilson fam!

Andolini's with the Tulsa crew on 2-16-26 (Tall Kyle was also there but left before this group pic).  Parker's face here makes me happy!

❤

K-Renee and Hope Renee in matching shoes! ❤

Utica Starbucks chat before dinner and dessert (Sarah stopped by on her way from Kansas to Tahlequah)

JW and Annie F. are in a very serious relationship - this news and Megan's engagement are giving me a dose of fresh perspective and hope lately - that God writes redemptive stories - holding onto that hope in my own walk with Him is a challenge, but it's the goal this year!!

This is also important, and also challenging for me. lol

Reminders:

I've been making a real effort, including loads of small talk and repetitive introductory conversations with around 15 different potential matches.  It's more tiring than fun, honestly.  I want to move past this stage.  Male passivity is a real problem, and thus far, no one since K.P. has actually asked me on a date (until this morning (3-15-26), when I got a surprising last-minute breakfast invite from S.M. - didn't make it for that, but hopefully we can meet in person soon).  I'm doing my best not to personalize or catastrophize or feel too rejected here, to hold firm to my values and my inner value as a person, and to believe that God has good things in store!  I revamped the profile and signed up for a year-long eHarmony membership on March 1st.  Granted, my list of fun outdoor activities is shorter than most, but I do sincerely love pool parties, walk/jogs, cookouts, cheering for people I care about in races or sports, and hiking if I am promised fun photos. ;-)

I've taken a month+ off from blogging, but I'm catching up today!  Working virtually means less mandated desk time, and I just don't find myself writing as often.  But I have realized lately that I need to intentionally create time for that... it truly does help me to process my thoughts and feelings when things start to feel hazy or jumbled internally, and I still believe that writing my strong-over-small book will be cathartic and powerful for me!  Okay, good talk.  More posts on the way...

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