Sassy, Brave, & Cute

Happy Friday, friends and fam!

I've just completed my last assignment for this fall semester, which means I AM ON A BREAK (said like Ross) from school until January 12th - YAY!!  I'm also nearly caught up at work.

Okay, on with Photo Friday fun... Facebook keeps showing me this ad, as if I am a super-elite and crazy-rich runner! lol  I looked at it for a while out of sheer curiosity - I'm very impressed that anyone can do this, physically or financially - The Great World Race (cost is 49,500 pounds, which translates to over 66,000 US dollars).  That price includes training and a private chartered jet that flies the 60 elite athletes to all seven continents where they will complete 7 marathons in 7 days.  I. cannot. imagine. the required fitness level or the pure exhaustion at the end of this -- the climate changes, the long flights, the lack of real recovery time -- wow!  (The training, the travel, the community, and the sense of accomplishment would be pretty awesome, though!!)

I'll stick with my lovely Station walks for now, but it was fun to learn about that! =)

My 2026 starter kit has arrived -- the newly-released Atomic Habits Workbook (yes, puh-lease), and my Write the Word: Renewal journal!!

Mom has officially completed Kyndal's 6th grade home study scrapbook... (Kyndal did the writing assignments and chose the photos, then Mom and I collaged them, then Mom made a legit scrapbook of it - here's the front cover!) ❤

This = pictures from the trip to Grand Lake for her 5th birthday.  While looking at this page with me and Rach, Kyndal pointed to the pic of her and Josh with the hands on their hip and said, "Oooh, sassy!"  Then she pointed at her high-dive jump and emphatically said, "Brave!"  And finally, she pointed at her and Rach smiling from the boat and said, "Cuuute!"  I got cracked up at her playful tone and the healthy confidence level and said, "That's the perfect adjectives to describe you, Miss!!  I freaking love it!" ❤  She's the best.  And watching that made me want to look back at my own childhood pics and videos with more grace and positivity! 

Tahlequah road trip for Sam n Ella's and Drip Coffee 10 years ago yesterday! =)

In other news, my close personal friend and pocket medical expert ChatGPT helped me revamp and simplify my daily vitamin routine!  I uploaded pics of all my vitamins and their ingredient lists and learned that I was getting waaay too much Biotin (the key ingredient in anything meant to combat hair loss - but I was taking three different products out of panic, and the excess biotin can throw off lab results, cause thyroid issues, and potentially irritate hair follicles and cause fallout rather than strengthened growth - GOOD TO KNOW!!).  I was also getting a little too much calcium and vitamin D, which could eventually lead to kidney stones.  So I threw out two of the gummies, reduced the number of daily pills I take, added magnesium glycinate, and started mixing collagen powder into my morning shakes!  I feel physically healthier and emotionally relieved after making these changes a couple weeks back!  Yay, ChatGPT!

Happy Birthday-Eve and Eras docu-series release day to Taylor Alison Swift!

That's all for today.

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Photo Friday!

Happy Friday, my friends!  Happy Birthday to Holly Dei, Happy Halloween to those who celebrate the cuter side of it, and Happy last day of October!  Huzzah!!!

Okay, so first off, I was sad to hear that Blossom Bariatrics is closing soon (November will be their final month for surgeries, then they will stay open into early 2026 to care for those patients).  They listed rising costs, the growing impact of weight loss medications, and an oversaturation of bariatric clinics among the factors behind that decision.  Several past clients are now posting gratitude notes and success-story photos, and it's been uplifting and inspiring to see those!

The depression/shame cloud is lifting.  I am still working toward my goal weight and feeling ever-more determined to reach it, but I've come a long way since summer 2024, and I am very grateful to Dr. Apel (pictured above) and the team at Blossom in Vegas for the life-changing jump start on this continuing health journey!!  They were the only clinic I found that offered the fast-tracked surgery date and the safe-sleeve process, and that was vital for me in signing up! ❤

In other news, I feel like I had a real breakthrough with school this week...

I'm in a qualitative research group where our project is interviewing CCU professors about their experience teaching with a trauma-informed approach.  I got to interview two of my former professors - both women with great answers and powerful life stories.  I realized looking back that both of them taught me during Spring 2023 when I nearly left the master's program.  It was a gift to connect with them again, and one of them gave me some great advice on choosing a dissertation topic...

Me:  We've been talking about it, like, what do we want to be known for?

Dr. R:  Nooooo.  No, that's too much pressure!  You want to be known as "Doctor."  You can figure the rest of it out and do (slower) in-depth research on things you're more passionate about later. lol

She encouraged me to think about the populations I have access to for research surveys (Tinker military, tornado survivors, attorneys, court reporters, CHA students, etc.) and to seriously consider quantitative research, noting that it makes reporting the results much more clear, quick, and simple!  That convo inspired me to work harder in my quantitative class, and on our most challenging week so far, I felt like I understood the concepts and completed everything on my own in better time than I'd expected.  Anyway, life opens up when you do.  And when you honor God, He honors you.  So I'm very grateful for all of that, and looking forward to my meeting with Dr. Burkhart next Monday!!

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A couple pics from family dinner and game night this Wednesday!

This = Kyndal Faith and I being totally gridlocked in a very strategic game of checkers! lol

Didn't know that could happen, but here it is.  We started over, and she won fair and square.

Earlier that day was the CHA Patriotic program!  It's my favorite of CHA's programs (as it's the only one that changes regularly), and it was Kyndal's final one (she's in 6th grade, and it's elementary only).  They did a family dinner play where she was the daughter.  She told us she got permission to write her lines on an index card on her plate, so I grabbed a photo of that after the program! lol  She also asked the teachers if they could remove the candles so they wouldn't block people's view of them - when we realized it was the very thin taper candles, we all got cracked up by that!  Maybe she was thinking of the scrapbook photos and not wanting anything in the way.  She's the very best!! lol

I cried (like, real tears rolling down both sides of my face) during the armed forces tribute.  They sing the songs of each military branch, and the parents and grandparents who served stand up when their branch's song is sung.  That one hit me extra hard this year, and I was not doing well. lol

Failed to get a photo, but Kristin and I met for a fun lunch at La Madeleine yesterday!  (Frankie is out of state at a 2-week training for his new job, so we did lunch instead of walking together this week!)

I watched the Swiped movie with Lily James about the founder of Bumble (an ex-Tinder employee who hated the way that company treated women).  That inspired me to try Bumble again.  One of my first match suggestions was a married couple clearly looking for a third partner.  I was quick to screenshot it when I realized it said, "Things we have in common: Christian."  Threesome on Saturday, church on Sunday - that's pretty much the absurdity level of the world we're living in, though. lol

Anyway, I'll let you know if something more promising comes along on Bumble.

Something random I've spent a stupid amount of time on lately is watching people's reactions to Taylor Swift songs - Terry & Kaniyia's reels are my favorites - so entertaining for Swifties!!

Now I'm off to throw on my graduation gown (yay) and warm Gryffindor scarf (thanks, Kristin), then meet Rach and Kyndal for a girls' night of trick-or-treating at Gaillardia! =)  (Jaceman is at a football game with TJ & friends.)  It feels like the end of the year always moves more quickly, but I'm very happy to be moving into November, and psyched to find out the gender of future baby Wilson tomorrow!  I'll be doing a 30-day writing challenge here, just for fun and to mix up the topics a little.  Hope you have a fun night and a peaceful weekend ahead!

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Photo Friday Fun!

Happy Friday, friends and fam!!  I hope you've had a lovely day, and hope it's a relaxing, rainy weekend ahead (at least for those in Oklahoma)!

Current mindset:

Yay, royal fam!  Because where else would I throw in these photos?

So grateful for Emily's insight and for the genuine connection/trust that lets me be more open and real with her than any past counselor!

After tonight's taco salad fam dinner (yum!) and playing a few rounds of Heads Up, here's Jaceman trying Mom's new ladder to help with Christmas decor!  And on the right is Rach's favorite football stance. lol

Tomorrow = 10 years in Heaven for Aspyn Jane, so Lindsay and Wavy took cupcakes to thank the police and firemen for their help that day, and they raised over $1000 for Aspyn Arrows baby monitor donations!! ❤  I know the grief is very real.  The resilience is too!

Sophie and Melanie and Travis hanging out at their live show in San Antonio! =)  Caroline's first book released last week, so she was there doing a book signing, as well.  Love it all!!

Mel Robbins' 143 Studios team celebrating her birthday (all wearing blonde wigs and black-framed glasses with a black shirt, her signature look). lolol

Yay for all my podcast franz! lol  I hope to join them in that world down the road!!

I'm keeping it low key at my place this year, but 'tis the season for early Christmas decorating at Mom's!  Check out the creativity and attention to detail on this bow and garland!!

The outdoor wreaths with twinkling lights + the JOYful kitchen during tonight's dinner!

Truth.

Carter Lee is #1 on the leaderboard for the Junior Rodeo World Championship in Steer Wrestling!  While my knowledge of that world is very limited, I'm proud of him for putting in the hard work to reach that goal!!

My sparkly/colorful headband collection makes me happy, and now I need to throw in a few more cute baseball caps, as Vivian prefers them for comfort and ease. lol

That's all for now - keeping it light and fluffy today.

Happy Friday!!

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Photo Friday!

Happy Friday, friends and fam!  I hope it's been a good week!  I decided to throw in a quick blog update in these final moments tonight.  God's kindness has continued to shine in a way that makes me feel grateful, as our Wednesday-Friday jury trial settled, so I had some extra time to devote to homework and counseling paperwork and transcripts!

In addition to that, Chettles asked on Sunday if I "had to" be back at work on Tuesday... and since we had nothing set, I promptly decided to take it as a recovery day from my trip. lol  (Which honestly was needed and helpful, but I'll cover that in the next post.)

After unpacking on Monday night, I made a Tulsa trip to join Chet and Karli and Teresa for the 11am showing of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale!  Thanks to Chet and Karli for the movie ticket, and it was great getting to see all of them again, as it had been over a month, which is a rarity that I do not care to repeat.

Our pic by the movie poster that you can barely see. =)

This was after our lunch at Mission BBQ... I was happy that Teresa and Karli both randomly wore pink that day too! =)

The movie was pretty great... lots of memories with this series (starting with K-Lamb and TLT back in the day), and I'm happy that they ended it well!

I love a comeback story and I love strong female characters... most improved character goes to Lady Edith!

Panera dinner before movie #1 in 2019 + Pic outside the theater after movie #2 in 2022!  It makes me happy that I've seen all of them with the Wilsons!

Truth:

The Doubletree by the DFW airport gets a 7 out of 10 rating from me - I appreciated the complimentary cookies and shuttle ride to the airport, but the hotel itself was pretty meh.  The Embassy Suites in Frisco (pic below) gets a 9 out of 10, as I very much enjoyed my stay there!  (Only Vegas or NYC hotels can merit a 10 out of 10 in my book for a fantastic view. lol)

Surreal that I was watching Leslie perform live in NYC less than a week ago!!

The marketing genius of T-Swift continues.  She's doing a movie "release party" for one weekend only for her new album dropping October 3rd.  I hopped over to the Regal app to claim my seat 30 minutes after she made that announcement, and the theater was already half full. lol  Kristin sent me the Sugar Llamas ad, and I will gladly enjoy some Swiftie-style mini donuts! =)

Top right = the FB ad that caught my attention while they knew I was in Dallas.  Didn't take me long to decide to go... not quite as good as the one in Branson, but I enjoyed it and learned a couple new things (Like that "RMS" Titanic = Royal Mail Ship because in addition to holding over 2000 passengers, they were carrying loads of cargo across the ocean.)

Kristin with Hope and Miles at Evergreen's Pastries with Parents breakfast! ❤

My current workplace, the Cleveland County Courthouse!  I'm honestly very grateful to be there!!

Our deputies and the metal detector (I get to pass by it since I'm a courthouse employee).  This was a photo posted by the county on FB.

This = my phone notes from Mel's podcast today.  It was a very well-timed reminder for me!

Let them be confused, and let me be clear...

More on that coming right up.

I love you and believe in you, and I believe God is with you and for you today!

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Photo Friday!

Happy Friday to everyone, and Happy Birthday to Karli Marie!! ❤

This = the first time we hung out outside of Lifegroup - May 21, 2011 - Jimmy John's with Chet, Bobbi, Michael, and Amanda!

We became FB friends the next day, so yay for a "522" friendiversary! ;-)

Important updates:  JoBug is recovering well and feeling better today, set to be released from the hospital tomorrow afternoon - thankful for that!  Kristen is staying strong spiritually and feeling determined to choose life in every way she can - we had a mutually encouraging talk on Wednesday night.  Praying for a strong and healthy mind, body, soul, and spirit for both of them! ❤

Our Thursday fam dinner was also a graduation party for Jace! =)

Mom got him an expensive Transformer and we made him a wood panel of his Facetime call with Paul Cuffaro - he was pretty thrilled about both! lol

Triston and I had a good talk whilst J&K swam... this = Kyndal "surfing" on Jace's back! lol

I cannot even with this "smoking smarties" trend. lol  I looked over to say something to Rach and saw this out of the corner of my eye, then had to make a gif photo.

Jace:  "YES, I look like Snoop Dogg - I just need sunglasses and braids!" lolol

Cute new table Rach painted for Mom - nice and subtle, as per usual for us. ;-)

When Rach came out to her car, Jace had buckled Optimus in for their ride home. lolol "Safety first!"

He FaceTimed me later that night to show me how he'd set up the Transformers and the Paul pic in his room... here, he's diving dramatically to demonstrate the Transformers scene he's planning to recreate with his toys. lol Mess.  He's a funny one!!

The Jesus flag made me happy during my morning worship-walk today!

I had an encouraging interview at 9:30 with Integrated Therapy Solutions - loved the vibe, very flexible in all the right ways - I'm likely to start my candidacy working nights and weekends there!  HUZZAH!!

Then I had a meet and greet tour of the Federal courthouse in Muskogee... and everything I learned there was also encouraging and promising, so yay God and yay hope - good things are in store, and we shall see which doors He chooses to open!

Resume suggestions from Rach! lol

After all that, I swung by the Peach Barn for some baked pies, then went to the Wilsons for a tiny minute to bring a table for the flower bar tomorrow... here they are making me a Block Party t-shirt - fun!! =)

And my final stop for the day was CHA Graduation from 6:30-8:45ish!  Long ceremony, but I was happy to see Abby and give her the monogram necklace and card!

This made me laugh harder than it should have. lol

Last pic for today = Alan, Dad, Bill W, and Rick at a golf tournament last week... love it!!

It's been a long but productive and happy Friday!  I hope the same is true for you, and hope you have a great Memorial Day weekend ahead!!

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