In Between

Hey friends!  I'm sitting here in my super-cozy home office eating Nerds Gummy Clusters (random, but they sounded good when I was checking out at the store) and blogging.  I got all my work boxes stored and hung up the final bedlam game pic this morning.  Love how this space is shaping up!

Okay, so I've seen this a couple times on Facebook lately - they keep showing me NYC Christmas pics and videos, including this Louis Vuitton building!  I thought it was probably AI at first, but other commenters asked and people assured them it was real.  I then assumed it was an art installation they added this year... and when I was showing it to Rachael, Triston pulled up a pic of this on his phone that he took during the tour on our January trip! lol   He had the window seat, and I for sure missed this part - very cool building, though!!

This space from Christmas to New Years is always a little odd - in between two big holidays, preparing for the end of one year and beginning of another, and in between two jobs in my case this year.  I feel this deeply, so I appreciated Elyse's post:  "I just wanted you to know you aren't alone if this week typically brings up feelings you can't quite explain... I'm so grateful to be here, and I'm also confused as to what tomorrow means for me pretty much every single day of the year. ❤" 

I spent most of Friday and Saturday helping Mom (and Dad) take down Christmas decor.  We had a catastrophe of sorts while I was trying to pry off the J (still sitting right there, held firmly by nano tape)... a line of loose bricks fell down, hitting their countertop below and shattering to the floor... unexpected and very jarring!  Thankfully, Mom had just stepped out of the room.

It also shattered their stovetop, which then cut Mom's hand... sadness!

We will rebuild. lol  (And her hand is fine - I was definitely more concerned with it than she was.)

Mom and I were very productive and made loads of progress through Friday and Saturday.  Dad was at work off and on, but he brought us dinner both days and helped with garland takedown, putting up high/heavy boxes, and pulling nails out of the woodwork!

This is very much on my heart as we step toward another new year... hard is not always worth the effort.

I still have ambitions and dreams, but watching some of them die a slow and painful death makes it decidedly harder to keep pursuing the others.  On a lighter note, I'm also a classic Enneagram 9, so I'm psyched about working from home and strongly relate with Melanie's post here! lol

Rach wanted a cute pic of K drinking from her bearista mug, but we got this extra-blinky gif that brings me lots of joy instead! lol  Her whole personality and sense of humor are so fun to me, and she's one of my favorite people on the planet!

Jesus is Lord. ❤

Mom and Dad's Christmas house as a Thomas Kinkade painting (courtesy of ChatGPT). ❤ I love it - the 2025 decor was awesome, and their backyard view is naturally picturesque... the only change from the real pic I'm noticing is lighting the candles to make it feel extra warm.

Thomas Kinkade-style Wilson tree - so bright and lovely this year! ❤

And a Norman Rockwell-style painting of Tate showing me their gingerbread village - I love this one, too! ❤

Mmkay, I'm very much enjoying this side of AI, but trying to rein it in. lol

Hmm, still working on this one. lol

A fun fact I learned in our fam Christmas Trivia game is that Santa Claus was typically dressed in green before Coca-Cola popularized the images of Santa dressed in red and white!  Well played, Coke marketing team!!  Could not care less about the soft drink, but I love their polar bear ads and color scheme and have bought lots of merch at Coca-Cola World... and believe it or not, the longer version of this random '90s commercial jingle below was one of my Top 10 most played songs on iTunes for several years. lol  It just brings me real joy!  (I'd invite you to sing along, but I'd be kinda stunned if anyone else knew the words. lol)

One more quick post ahead.  Happy Sunday!

❤ ❤ ❤

Random Christmas Cheer

After mocking it for a tiny minute, I hypocritically jumped on the AI Christmas portrait trend. lol. Umm, yes, please to this flat stomach and glittery dress!  ChatGPT randomly making my hoop earring a hook is funny to me - AI does so many odd little things like that.

For the record, ChatGPT taught me that you have to be extra-specific in a way that feels a bit comical in the prompt:
"Create an ultra-realistic professional portrait using the uploaded image as the exact identity reference. Maintain exact facial structure, proportions, and likeness of the person in the photo. Confident female realtor, early-40s, modern hairstyle. Wearing a tailored silver sequin gown. Holding an oversized pink and white lollipop prop. Luxury Christmas editorial photoshoot, candy-themed holiday set with soft snow, decorated Christmas trees, warm glowing lights. Bright, natural smile, relaxed confident pose. Studio lighting, sharp focus, shallow depth of field, high-end fashion photography, 85mm lens look, cinematic color grading, magazine cover quality realism. Do not change facial features. No face swapping, no age change, no exaggerated jawline, no extra fingers, no warped hands, no cartoon style, no AI artifacts, no blur, no over-smoothing skin.”

You're welcome.  Obviously, you change the age, gender, and clothing according to what you're wanting.  The no extra fingers or warped hands made me laugh!  (It only says realtor because that's what started this random trend - I saw two posts like this on FB, then made one to text Chet to be funny.)   In Debbie's photo, I told it to keep the dog, and it did a good job!  It makes me very happy seeing her and Mia! lol  She was texting Chettles not to jump on this trend right before I sent the pic of him, then he had me make one for her too and she said they should both be on FB! lolol

We need a higher quality pic of Rach for it to start from - it kept changing up her face (and giving her less modest clothing).  Her commentary was entertaining, as per usual, and we laughed about that whilst halfway watching the CHA Christmas program!  It was reminiscent of me trying to use ChatGPT to make a flyer for Chet a few months back when it kept his exact clothes but made his face about 10 verrry different people. lol

It's got the face-matching down for the most part now!!  Look at this Christmasy cuteness - fun! =)  I believe the quality level of the original photo makes a big difference in the result.

Anyway, back to reality, Kristin and I took a lovely winter-wonderland walk at the Station on Wednesday!  A nice warm-up before our delicious Hideaway pizza! =)  It was great to catch up with her!

The Mini-Miss K had her final CHA Christmas program Thursday night (it's elementary only and she's in 6th grade)!

Haydenn, Kyndal, (not sure), Story, Colin, and Talon!

Proud grandparents! ❤

My lovely prayer plant or peacock plant from Trader Joe's - both names make me happy.  I've always loved that it moves every day, but I didn't know what it was called until this week.

The last-minute group pic after Kyle's bday lunch with the guys at Napa Flats!  I so appreciate them humoring my love of pictures even as I'm 100 miles away. lol  Looking forward to seeing Jeffrey Edward and Chettles and their families in MWC tomorrow morning!!

This was my final Friday working at the Cleveland County Courthouse, and it was a half day thanks to the OU Alabama game (they shut the courthouse down early due to the extra traffic in Norman). lol  Google tells me Alabama is up 34-24 right now.  As per usual, I don't really care who wins, but I have friends and family who are passionately cheering for one team or the other!  I was just happy to have the afternoon off, and very thrilled that Mom and I went to get new phones today - yay for quality photos for Christmas!! ❤  This is a pic taken before my arrival at work this morning of lots of Cleveland County employees (Judge Brockman included) in their best OU gear. lol

On a related note, I think about this scene a lot! lol

Mmkay, that's all I've got for you today.  Happy Friday!!

❤ ❤ ❤

Blaze of Glory

Happy Wednesday, friends and fam!

I'm on a Glen Powell kick that started with Chad Powers then watching Twisters again...

Glen Thomas Powell, Jr.  He is almost comically attractive - he was perfectly cast in Top Gun: Maverick, and his mentor/friendship with Tom Cruise makes me happy!!  He's great at playing the arrogant frat boy type, but he's pretty versatile, and his real personality seems super down to earth, a little cheesy, kindhearted, and driven/committed to success.  Anyway, I am a fan and wish him a lovely life and alllll the success he desires in Hollywood!

I was also happy to learn he's only four years younger than me - see how cute we'd be! lol

Mmkay, moving on.  Apple Music gave me my 2025 recap - I really laughed about Jon Bon Jovi being my top artist for the month of March!  I was on a Blaze of Glory kick and apparently listened to that one song enough to outrank any other artist that month. lol  So random.  I would have assumed I listened to Opalite more than Cancelled, but apparently not.  T-Swift's reign was not a surprise... get excited for her Disney+ "The End of an Era" documentary coming out on Friday!! ❤

I took this pic on my drive because I think of JMM every time I notice this Wellston sign.  January 2007, he was at my new Tulsa apartment helping Mom and I clean and move - he and I were sitting on the floor putting something together, and Rach was on speakerphone with Mom heading our way.  She was unfamiliar with the Tulsa drive and said, "I'm getting pretty close - I just passed Wellston."  And Josh whispered to me, "She is not close." lol  He was not wrong, and now it's a mile marker I tend to notice.  Not sure why that memory stuck with me, but here we are.

Going back to catch up on photos, Tate Haywood and Chet Lee ran Fleet Feet's Turkey Trot fun run on Black Friday this year... fun!!

One of my fav yesteryear pics of Rach and Jace! =)

My podcast besties... well, them and Mel Robbins and Melanie and Sophie!

The Wilsons (finally) made the official FB announcement that Karli is pregnant with another baby girl! #getexcited #cuteness

"Paige... something Wilson!" lol

Or maybe not even Paige, but I do think Paige Noelle would be cute! ❤

'Tis the season for Christmas treats, and a bail bonds office brought us bundtinis.  Judge grabbed a carrot cake thinking it was pumpkin, then threw most of it away...

Judge:  Has anybody tried the chocolate?  What's that one?

Me:  Oh, it's just chocolate cake with chocolate chips!

Judge:  "Okay good.  I'm gun-shy now - if only they wouldn't make cakes out of vegetables... what a ridiculous notion!" lol  He was adamant, and it cracked me up!

(For the record, I had the other carrot cake and quite enjoyed it!)

Yay, Christmas leggings!  And yay, Norman Christmas tree!

I took a free sample 15-minute class yesterday for my first super-official Peloton ride -- yay, Robin Arzon, and yay for the full bike experience --  loved it!  As soon as my work TV is re-mounted in that room, I'll make this a regular workout! ❤

Okay, that's all for today.  Time to buckle down and focus, getting caught up with transcripts and finishing strong with school work!! 

❤ ❤ ❤

Movie Friday!

Day 21:  If your life were made into a movie, what is the title and genre, and who would play you?

My life story is still very much unfolding, so my movie title is a work in progress, to be determined. =)  I'm going with inspirational drama with lighthearted strength and grit as the genre, and either Kate Winslet or Rachel McAdams as lead actress.

P.S.  I'm still proud of my "casting choices" from 11 years ago for our Vegas 7 movie! =)

❤

Karli Marie = Amy Adams:  Warm, versatile, and intelligent, Adams brings a grounded sincerity to her roles.  She radiates quiet strength and an ability to convey vulnerability without ever feeling fragile.

Chet Lee = Ashton Kutcher:  Charismatic and easygoing, Kutcher often brings a playful charm to the screen.  Beneath the humor, he carries an earnest loyalty and boyish sincerity that makes his characters feel approachable and heartfelt.

Kelly Marie = Claire Danes:  Emotionally intelligent, kindhearted, and fiercely committed, Danes excels at portraying complex inner lives.  She brings a raw vulnerability paired with a sharp and perceptive strength.

Jeffrey Edward = Josh Radnor:  Thoughtful and introspective, Radnor often embodies the hopeful idealist.  He brings a gentle honesty, comic storytelling, and a soft-spoken warmth that makes his characters feel relatable and deeply human.

Lindsey Claire = Kate Winslet:  Graceful, vibrant, and fiercely authentic, Winslet brings emotional depth to everything she touches.  Balancing strength and softness, she often portrays women who feel fully alive, layered, and resilient.

Kyle Brandon = Ryan Gosling:  Subtle yet magnetic, Gosling often uses restraint to convey profound emotion beneath the surface.  He blends quiet intensity with soulful vulnerability, creating characters who feel both mysterious and deeply empathetic.

Laura Allison = Drew Barrymore:  Bright, quirky, and effervescent, Barrymore radiates warmth and playful charm.  She brings a natural, heartfelt sincerity mixed with a light, nostalgic sweetness that makes her instantly lovable.

Actor/actress descriptions courtesy of ChatGPT... but pretty spot on casting and photo choices, if I do say so myself.  (And with that cast set in Vegas, I would totally see this movie. lol)  Yay!

In other new, today is my 12-year Friendiversary with Tiffany Joanne!  (Kind of.)  We had met before that at Kelly's LifeGroup, but had never hung out one-on-one until I mentioned having an extra ticket (courtesy of Malori defriending me) for the JT concert, and Tiffany was very quick to volunteer to join me!! lol  We had a great talk at Hideaway before the concert, and so many great memories since then!

Okay, that's all for today.  Happy Friday, blog fam!  I love you and believe in you, and I believe God is with you and for you today!! 

❤ ❤ ❤

Random Extras

Throwing in a few extra thoughts and photos, because I'm really not doing enough blogging this month. lol  Look at this cuteness... Jace Michael in his happy Christmas hat, 9 years ago today! ❤

Another memory that popped up and made me smile... Diana Ross concert-ready Kara, Rach, me, and Megan Elizabeth, 25 years ago!!

I'm grateful for friends who see me and support me well.  I feel like I've had a breakthrough this week.  Keep talking through things and untangling what feels messy, however far back you need to go.  What you work through and detangle may just become a source of color and light that brings joy and comfort to others. =)

Six mile walk/jog at the Station this afternoon (after sleeping in and enjoying my day off).  The weather was great, but six miles feels a lot further than it did a few months ago! lol

Mom's house is coming right along! ❤

Me with my 3 degrees and working on a 4th... or Rach with two trades under her belt and contemplating learning a 3rd...

Meanwhile, here's Dad with his high school diploma and very successful self-made business! lol  (Which we're all very thankful for!!!)

Just saying, Kanye may have had a point in the Lil Jimmy skit. lol

A 2017 pic from Kelly's Diving Deeper Women's Lifegroup!

Our Christmas mission project... I miss this group!

The complimentary menu at my dentist's office. lol  Thus far, I've taken them up on the laughing gas, warm blanket, and noise cancelling headphones. =)

I would argue that not all things can be mended, but I still love this quote.

Intentionality matters, and that last sentence resonates with me!

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"Vorld Ravelers" at Disney World, one year ago! ❤

I was cold enough to use my fireplace last night, and the cozy vibes made me happy!!

I'll close this post with a poignant quote:

"Perfectionism doesn't believe in practice shots.  It doesn't believe in improvement.  Perfectionism has never heard that anything worth doing is worth doing badly - and that if we allow ourselves to do something badly, we might, in time, become quite good at it.  Perfectionism measures our beginner's work against the finished work of masters.  Perfectionism thrives on comparison and competition... Perfectionism is a refusal to let yourself move ahead.  We correct our originality into a uniformity that lacks passion and spontaneity.”
~Julia Cameron

Be an original,
let yourself try new things,
and keep a growth mindset!

❤ ❤ ❤