The Power of Consistency: Stop chasing a life and start building one.

For many of us, life can feel like a never-ending race to achieve happiness and success. We're constantly chasing after something new, thinking it will finally make us feel fulfilled. The truth is, however, that real happiness and success come from consistency. When we make a habit of doing the right things day in and day out, we create the life we want. In this post, we'll explore the power of consistency and how it can help you stop chasing a life and start building one.

The first benefit of consistency is that it builds momentum. When you do something consistently, it becomes easier and easier to keep doing it. For example, if you make exercise a habit, going to the gym will become second nature. Once you've built up that momentum, it's easier to stay on track and maintain your progress. 

The second benefit of consistency is that it helps you develop discipline. When you commit to doing something every day, you develop mental toughness and self-control. These mental muscles will help you push through tough times and maintain your focus when things get tough. This is crucial if you want to achieve long-term success, as there will inevitably be obstacles in your way. 

Another benefit of consistency is that it helps you build trust. When you consistently deliver results, people start to rely on you and trust you. This applies not just to work, but to personal relationships as well. Being consistent in your actions and words is a surefire way to build trust with those around you. 

Perhaps the most important benefit of consistency, though, is that it helps you build a life you can be proud of. When you consistently make good choices, you create a positive feedback loop. This leads to more success, which in turn leads to more positive choices. Eventually, this feedback loop becomes a self-sustaining cycle that drives you towards your goals. 

If you want to stop chasing a life and start building one, you need to embrace the power of consistency. Consistency builds momentum, develops discipline, builds trust, and helps you build a life you can be proud of. So instead of focusing on short-term gains, make a habit of doing the right things day in and day out. Your future self will thank you.

Disgruntled Couch Potato

 You know you're in trouble when you've scrolled through every genre on Netflix and still can't find something that piques your interest. It's like a game of Where's Waldo, except Waldo is a good TV show and he's nowhere to be found. And don't even get me started on the endless stream of mind-numbing reality shows that make me want to throw my remote at the screen. It's times like these that I wish TV networks would take a page out of The Bridgertons' book and adapt some of the amazing stories that are just collecting dust on bookshelves. After all, who wouldn't want to see the epic tale of romance novels brought to life on the small screen? Here's to hoping that one day soon, we'll be able to Netflix and chill with a good book-turned-TV-show.

I can’t fake sewing

I spent 4 hours today making Evelyn a lovey blanket. I don’t really know anything about sewing but every so often I get a wild hair and try to be crafty.  Being crafty gives me high anxiety!  It took me 7 days to talk myself into tackling the job and then I walked away from it several times today… even watching 4 episodes of suit’s in between getting it done. The things you do for a grandchild!

Sparking an Interest

I bought Danny a National Geographic magazine about dinosaurs today. It was filled with captivating pictures, historical facts, maps, and information about different species. Despite knowing that he can't read, I still gave it to him in hopes of catching his attention. At first, he declined the offer, but as soon as I opened it up and showed him what was inside, he eagerly took the book. He started flipping through the pages, asking me questions and pointing out things he recognized. However, when his mom said it was time to leave he looked at me and asked if he could take the book home because he wasn't finished with it yet.  When he walked out, he had the magazine tucked safely under the same arm he was carrying his stuffed dinosaur in. 

The moral of this story is that in today's society, where video games and TV shows dominate, many kids lack a love for reading. However, by introducing books on subjects that truly interest them, we can spark a love for reading in them.

Don’t let me go out looking like a wuss!!

I hope when I inevitably choke to death on one of these gummy bears people just say I was killed by bears and leave it at that.

This is an actual picture of Sammi cheating at cards! Wakely is calling her out.  Soon there will be shots fired and a saloon girl ready to take your order!   🤣

Cards

I bought my granddaughter Sammi 8 card games for her birthday and I bought extra for here…. I’m having to read all the rules cause she tries to cheat! 😂

Temperature Blanket Coming Soon

I've been on a creative journey for the past 7 months, tackling a badass project called the temperature blanket. Originally, my daughter was going to join in the madness and do one too, but with 7 little rascals running around, she fell behind. So now, it's just me trudging along, crocheting away at this monstrous blanket.

Now, let me give you some context here. I haven't always been the best at finishing what I start, and even my husband had his doubts about this one. But guess what? We're entering the 8th month and I haven't fallen behind, not even ONCE... but that leaves me with 5 months left to screw it up so lets not jinx it!

My husband and I have even turned this project into a topic of conversation every evening.  We talk about the temperature and he tries to predict what color I'll use for that day or the week, before I do the math.  

But let me tell you... it's not your average cozy throw.  This blanket is ginormous. I was an overachiever back in january when I started this thing!  I mean, once it's finished, it's going to be big enough to cover my king size bed. 

It's time to make communication great again!

My daughter, bless her heart, never answers her phone. She gives excuse after excuse about it too.  She's too busy or it didn't ring or she's playing hide and seek with it and can't locate it.  But here's the thing.... What if I was dying!?   I mean... I'm not a spring chicken anymore... what if my life depends on her answering the phone or I'm literally bleeding out?  I could be having an allergic reaction to something or a brain freeze while eating ice-cream.. I don't know... but damn... if the phones making that noise... how can you just ignore it?  Regardless, what's the point of having a cell phone if you don't at least KNOW where your phone is when it's ringing?? 

Remembering the good ol' days when having a house phone meant you could get an answer.  Even if it was a kid or someone out of breath.  Hell, we use to fight to the death to be the one that answered the phone... and THEN were disappointed if it wasn't for us!  Now people hit ignore!  And back in the day... if you called and it rang with no answer, that meant noone was home to answer it. AND because we didn't want to miss a call we got a cell phone, but NOW people aren't answering anywhere!  It's a vicious cycle and downright maddening!! I say we bring back the good ol' reliable house phone! 

I'm getting my Ass Kicked

When menopause crashed my party called life, my eyebrows were all like, "Hell No!!"  and abandoned me, leaving me alone to figure out this wacky rollercoaster ride my entire body is on! Everyone knows about the hot flashes but that's not all.  It gets better!  Besides the milk cartons with a picture of my missing eyebrows on them...my hair has ditched its ability to hold a curl and its color is having a serious identity crisis. Some parts decide to grow in gray, others in brown, and some simply refuses to grow at all. And don't even get me started on my skin - not only does it feel as dry as the desert, but it's sporting a whole new texture too. As if that isn't enough, my bladder has declared an all-out war on me, robbing me of a peaceful night's sleep. Oh, and let's not forget about those rebellious hormones, staging a full-scale revolt. But hey, guess who's here to stay, partying it up? Yep, those stubborn fat cells!!  They are hanging around forever and pissing me off!

The Mysteries of Life After Death: Reunion or Oblivion?

Have you ever wondered what happens after we pass away? The age-old question of the afterlife has plagued countless minds, including my own. Some believe in a heavenly realm where we are reunited with our loved ones. But here's the thing - if that's the case, why can't we remember anything before our birth?

Think about it: when we undergo surgery and are put to sleep, we don't wake up recalling the actual moment of slumber, just the moments before and after. Could death be similar? Do we simply slip into an eternal slumber where consciousness fades away? Or is there a chance that we awaken in a magnificent kingdom, with golden streets and the sweet melody of music filling the air, to find our loved ones waiting for us?

I don't claim to know the answer, and I doubt anyone truly does. Perhaps it's human nature to hold on to hope, to believe that the end is not the end. Losing someone dear to us is painful, and hoping for a reunion in the afterlife seems to soften that blow. But when a wife passes away after her husband, are they truly reunited or do they both disappear into the unknown?

These questions may continue to linger, as the mysteries of the afterlife remain elusive. Ultimately, what lies beyond this mortal realm is a mystery that may never fully be unveiled.

The Impact of Excessive Phone Use on Parenting: Balancing Technology and Family

 In today's digital age, it's no secret that our phones play a significant role in our lives, even as parents. We often find ourselves engrossed in our screens, with little ones running around. But let's pause for a moment and reflect: are we truly aware of the consequences?

Gone are the days of simple phone calls; now, our smartphones offer us a world of entertainment, connectivity, and information. We can play games, stream movies, capture precious moments, immerse ourselves in different cultures, and stay connected with friends and loved ones - the possibilities are endless. But have we stopped to consider the price we pay for these privileges?

Join me as we dive into the impact of excessive phone use on parenting. Discover the challenges modern parents face, explore the potential risks, and uncover ways to strike a healthy balance between technology and family. It's time to regain control and ensure that our phone usage doesn't compromise our role as caregivers.

Don't miss out on this eye-opening discussion that will resonate with every parent navigating the digital landscape. Let's reclaim our presence, our attention, and ultimately, our connection with our children.

"Vacations: Where Time is a Thing of the Past and Routine is Nonexistent!

You know what's great about vacations? I get to ditch my watch and live on my own schedule. No more strict bedtimes or being constrained by time! I can do whatever I want, whenever I want.  If I wanna swim... I'll swim!  If I want to watch a season of Shameless in one night... I can!  No more plans dictating my life. It's pure freedom, my friend. As for routines, forget about 'em. It's 3:25 a.m. and I am up writing!  I would've never survived in the army. Let's just say, I like to march to the beat of my own drum.

The right answer was worth $1,000,000!

Matthew called me awhile ago for probably the 14th time today so answering the phone I wondered what could he possibly have left to tell say to me that he hasn’t already said.

On one of our earlier conversation he had called to ask me what grandma‘s phone number was. 

~Now keep in mind that this is not the first time he’s asked me what her phone number is and yet every time he wants to call her, he calls me and asks for her phone number. You would think a boy with an iPhone would the able to figure out how to save a contact.~

Anyway, I sent him her number for the 1,345,565 time.   He tried to call her on his lunch break around noon, but she didn’t answer the phone. So he goes on about his day.  At 10:00 tonight she called him back and said hey, I noticed you called me today. 😳  Matthew said “Grandma!!  How busy are you? That was 10 hours ago!!  lol. 

After they chatted for a minute she ask him what he was doing tomorrow.  He told her he had to work and she said “oh?  Well I was gonna give you $1 million dollars if you come and see me!  Matthew said “Well grandma I can come there right now!” 

My Hatchets are on fire!

So, I have decided I must have been a Jester in a past life. 

Goofy shoes, goofy hat.... Seriously, it's the only thing that explains my crazy ass!  This would also explain my clumsy feet, weird nature and the constant need  to make a fool of myself.  None of this, however, explains why I trip in the exact same spot every day in the hall way to my office.

I thought a jester knew how to juggle shit without missing a beat.  I mean, if you chose the profession of jester, you would think you have some talent for it.  Otherwise be a goat herder or sheep farmer, or sell home made braclets at the fair!  And jesters can also catch things they juggle…. balls, plates, hatchets that are on fire …. or whatever it is they choose to juggle… then they catch them with a smile on their face!    

I, on the other hand, do not KNOW how to juggle.  YET, I seem to try, but instead of balls...  I’m throwing up things like …. Expanded ideas, daily work problems, clients, relationships goals, unfinished projects, staff issues,  work issues , health issues, political bullshit... the list is endless and I wonder …. Where the hell do they go?  My facial express is a look of terror!  Are they just staying up there mocking me while I am waiting for them all to crash to the ground around me?

I'm so tired of juggling.  No matter how well I get at juggling, someone ads one more fire laced hatchet!  

I am stressed to the max with a smile on my face.  It's my own fault.  I am an over achiever and a dreamer, and unapologetic about both.  Add a pinch of vanity and you have a jester juggling life I suppose.     

The real fear is, one of the things I am juggling is going to knock into another one mid air, and before you know it, it will be raining mayhem for days. Yes, that is how many hatchets I have up in the air.  

But  you can’t stop living life... so I guess I better get better at juggling.

No Bull Shit!

You know you live in Oklahoma when a cow licks your truck while you’re at work.  He didn’t want Dennis to get out of the truck, and Dennis told him not to worry… he wouldn’t! 

Flowers are meant to be wild

Today I’m looking at flowers that we planted outside and how pretty they are.  I think it’s cruel to cut them just to bring color to a table or a seat inside. We literally kill the flower for our own desires.  That’s horrible. 

Whoa! How did we survive our own kids?

Last night, we hosted our first boys night campout with four of our grandboys. (Finnian is still too little) Let me tell you, it was no walk in the park having those little rascals in our formerly empty nest. Dennis was needed to hit the pipe!  One on one they are great, sweet and well behaved kids... but they feed off each other and form a gang that we aren't in control of! lol  

We set up a tent, roasted marshmallows, and went swimming in the pool. We even had a blast playing in the yard after dark and watching a movie, complete with a massive stash of snacks. The boys seemed to have a blast, but let me tell you, this once-a-year shindig is a serious reminder of why we limit our hosting duties. Dennis swears that girls are a piece of cake compared to boys. Maybe he's onto something there.

Our New Crew

 

These two are 2 weeks apart.  They are only 5 & 7 weeks old here and already I can see their personalities coming through!

Busy Signal ALL DAY LONG

Dealing with rule-breakers who believe they're above policies? Pfft, can't handle it! And when they try to intimidate me, I just laugh. News flash, I actually know labor laws - I don't make 'em up! Bullying won't get you any points with me, honey. Try a different approach if you want to be heard.

Poor Work Ethic and Going Nowhere Fast!

 Attention, parents! If you want your kids to escape the basement and actually make something of themselves, here's a tip: hands off their job! Stop calling their boss, stop coddling them, and definitely stop quitting on their behalf. Otherwise, they'll end up stuck in a dead-end job, forever doomed to live under your roof. Let's face it, they'll burn bridges and lack the resources they need to succeed. It's time for parents to step up and teach their children the value of hard work. Trust us, they'll thank you later!

You better get real before you’re a broke ass bitch

Calling all young job-hoppers in search of their happy place! Brace yourself for a truth bomb: it doesn't exist. Yep, you heard me right. No matter how hard you search, you'll never find that 100% perfect job or career.

Take it from me, a seasoned business owner for three decades, even I don't find every moment of my job blissful. The key is to find a job that pays well, allowing you to live a fulfilling life outside of work. After all, work isn't where you truly live anyways—it's just a means to an end.

But fear not, my ambitious amigos! You can still find a gig that sets you up for a smooth retirement, complete with enviable benefits. Plus, forge those unforgettable friendships with your co-workers who are the life raft on those rough workdays.

So let's shift our focus and embrace the fact that work is only a slice of life. Get out there and live your life to the fullest, because America didn't thrive on job-hoppers—it was built by hard-working individuals who knew how to hold down a job.

Quick! Change My Number!

Vacation time! Yay, right? Well, sort of. While I'm soaking up the sun, I'm also juggling some important tasks that only I can handle. It's tough being the one-stop shop. But hey, being away from work leaves a bit of a void in my life. Retirement without some exciting hobbies? No way! On the downside, being on vacation doesn't stop clients from bothering me with texts that start with, "I know you're on vacation, but..." Even when I redirect them to Katie, they still manage to find me. Can't a person catch a break?