T is for True Comfessions

 Here’s my list of true confessions for today:

1. I fixed the bathroom sink drain that wouldn’t open today. It was very satisfying but deep inside I also hate that I have to fix everything that goes wrong in the house now.

2. I drink too much zero soda. And eat too much pizza pretzels from Sam’s Club. Be careful they are so good and so habit forming. 

3.My planner for this school year has quotes only by Christina Koch because she’s my emotional support astronaut and the whole idea makes me happy. 

4. Weddings are a mix of emotion for a recently divorced person.  I’m happy for people but also feel very broken because I have no desire to be married and really hope they can make it but only because I project all the crazy of my marriage onto them  

5. I really like dogs. I see dogs and I have to talk about them as I admire them. I actually prefer dogs to some humans. They don’t talk back and most of them are pretty dang positive. The dogs, not the people. 

Humor me. Share confessions in the comments. 

W is for Wanderlust…

 Wanderlust: the desire to travel the world. 

Our trip to Disneyland was magical. It was the last family trip before the divorce and I am so glad we went. I am also glad R wanted to invite my Disney-loving sister!

We only spent one day in the park and although we could have filled more days, we packed a whole lot into that one day. I’m not much of a ride person but I even enjoyed Rise of the Resistance. My favorites rides were It’s a Small World and Haunted Mansion. Somebody was very sad it wasn’t the OG version…that person was definitely not me. 

I’d have to say The Nightmare Before Christmas is 

my favorite Disney theme. Halloween is my favorite holiday and I am so glad they had just changed to this theme just days before we were there in July 2024. 

I feel I may have more Disney adventures in my future. I would love to go see all of the park in Halloween decor. It would also be really cool to one day be in Halloween and the next Christmas.  Maybe in retirement with my sister!

T is for Timeless…

 (T is also for tired. My first day back at work...) 

Schwinn is a bicycle company that started out in Chicago in 1895. That alone is enough to say this brand is timeless.  You can still buy Schwinn bikes today but they are not even close to the quality and craftsmanship from the company’s origin!

I have owned three classic Schwinns now. Two I restored about six years ago and the one you see in the picture above. I sold the twin Schwinns a couple of years back just because they were not the most comfortable rides. 

This burgundy one though is a sweet ride. This was also a sweet deal because jt was gifted to me by a neighbor and I only had to do a little chrome rubbing to restore shine making it good as new. I love the shocks on the original seat that makes it so smooth to ride. 

These old bikes truly are timeless. I secretly hope to have one from the 1930s or 1940s that is similar to this one my grandma rode as a teen:

This photo: also timeless. Man, I miss my sweet grandma but I also am glad I was able to have her in my life for so long. A true blessing!

M is for Mania

  "Mania: excessive or unreasonable enthusiasm; the object of such enthusiasm."

                                                Merriam-Webster

I think my kids bring me lots and lots of enthusiasm.  They truly are objects of excessive enthusiasm and they keep me on my toes and striving to be continually improving. 

Yesterday, one of them turned 13.  I am now the mother of a teen.  I actually like teens.  I work with them in my career and of all ages of kids, teens are more my jam than any other age.  

I cannot believe how grown this boy has become.  Oh sweet E, how I love thee. It was so cool to see him bake is own birthday cake and plan is own party.  He also had a friend gathering and paid for them all to eat pizza!

He is now taller than me.  He likes to run and is on a cross country club.  He loves playing Minecraft and Fortnite.  He is a goofy middle schooler and when he is around his three besties, he is a hoot.  He loves being a big kid and loves Native body products.  I have no need to worry about a smelly teen, because this kid is obsessed with being clean! He still loves to go on bike rides with me.  He is a great artist and violinist.  He loves his family, even if he picks fights with his younger sister daily.  He does well in school and is overall a great kid.  I have been so blessed with amazing children

E definitely is a mania maker!

S is for Spiritual

 I’m tired and just writing this at 11:45. We had to celebrate E today…he is the big 13!

I will just share with you my favorite quote from my lesson in Relief Society today, this is from Elder Causse’s talk from April 2026 General Conference:

“ Years ago, while spending peaceful time in the beautiful ?countryside, I stepped outside after sunset to rest on a lounge chair. The night was so dark that I could hardly see anything. Instinctively, I looked up and noticed a tiny flickering point of light, then another. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, the sky filled with stars.

I thought, “This is like our relationship with God.” Some think He is distant, and life feels heavy as a result. But if they pause to reflect on His presence in their lives, they will find that He is near—quietly present, far closer than they imagine.”

Try to have a bit of a pause today to remember God is present in your life.