Life of the Party

      It feels more like a "show" each day as you try to engage your students. You have to compete against reels, social media, and the constant need to check said media outlets. Sometimes it really is tiring with all this technology and our kids are losing valuable written skills.      2026---- Blooket, GIMKIT, Wayground, and any gamification of materials has a solid place in my monthly plans. I use one of these at least twice a month for vocabulary repetition in hopes that they can at least remember what our Tier III terms are. Let's  build up that vocabulary!!! EOGs are on the way.           I miss books. Man, that makes me sound so "old school," but it's true. I miss using paper based materials in the classroom. Students need to put pencil to paper with out the use of AI/ ChatGBT to do their work. Students need to using their own writing voice each day. Of course, that's a personal opinion. Those fine motor skills are ...

      Well, folks I do believe my mom has the first stages of dementia. She's forgetful, agitated all the time, and is extremely egressive in the late afternoon hours. She retails me things  she's already stated and is easily emotional. She's always wanting some sort of confrontation and makes it seem like I'm the problem. I was raised by two narcissistic parents that I could never do enough for. Nothing I did was ever right. I graduated from high school with honors, and college twice with a 4.0, but it has never seemed to be their versions of perfect.  So here we are again... I cannot do anything right. Even my cooking cannot please her.      I'm over her mean inconsiderate comments and undermining actions. She angers me to no end. I need a break! When she doesn't get her way she pitches these toddler tantrums, much like the ones my own child has now. I feel like I have two toddlers to deal with all the time. I have to walk on eggshells day and n...

      I've been avoiding this post for several days for several reasons. I have not made progress on losing weight, but I have made progress on picking up my step count each day. At the moment with my tennis elbow, I cannot lift weights, but I have made the effort to walk on the treadmill at least twice a week. If anything, I have gained a little weight and I'm not too proud of that. I am not gonna lose hope and faith that I can succeed. Where do I see myself in a few months?     I see myself living a healthier lifestyle. I have made a point of being more active. Any advice?

      Ladies, this is our new must read! Love, action, and vampires is the perfect mix for the perfect romance. I keep trying to find the original author, but I don't seem to be able to locate them. I was very impressed with the second book, but it is definitely in the low point of a series.      I'm still hooked in the story and cannot wait to see if Darcy makes it out. I also would absolutely hate it if the author ended up killing Darcy as a main character. Honestly finishing the book would be out of the picture if she was written out. I love short, simple books like this because it's an easy read and it doesn't take long to finish one. I was able to find the written version of this along with listening to the audible version of it too. I think switching between the two sources really helped me get into the story.     So I finally called the date that the book was written in. Apparently the story is supposed to take place in 2044. I do wonder if...

      Wow, just WOW! This dystopian book really hits the spot, providing its listeners with action, pack scenes and heartfelt romance. Will this family survive the change of a beloved sister? Who doesn't love a good book about vampires? I literally could not put this book down.     I think my favorite character is Whisper, and I cannot wait to fully see how she develops into a powerful protagonist. Overall would write this book a solid five stars and I would happily recommend anyone in everyone to listen/read this book. Sometimes authors, just know how to really captivate their audiences. 

       Fire Exit as a title just didn't seem to fit the overall story.  This is about a white man who fathered a child, but was not allowed to be a part of their life in order for that said child to claim their native heritage. This white man lives across a river from his estranged daughter, only to watch her grow up, but not have anything to do with her.     I just wasn't expecting it to be this boring and slow. I was so disappointed in the lack of character development along with the slow pace of the book. As a rule, I do not read others post about any book beforehand. I want to build my own opinion of each text that I read. In many ways, it was a collection of ramblings of a man whose life is completely shattered by his mother's dementia and his lack of involvement in his child's life. Not being able to connect with any of the characters also disassociated me with the story. Once I start a book, I finish it whether or not I like it. I did, however r...

       This topic has such a detrimental existence in my life. I hate diabetes and have had to deal with it and its effects almost my entire life. It's been a constant struggle to maintain a decent A1C level and I have truly tried to maintain numbers that my endocrinologist would be proud of.      In my youth, I had people treat me as if I was fragile and couldn't compete with my peers. I made the youth basketball team only to be dropped from the roster once they found out I had diabetes. It's different today. I remember receiving labels that caused scrutiny from my trusted teachers. They would pick apart everything I consumed at lunch. The nasty comments and frowns was enough to make me avoid eating anything while at school. I can distinctly recall a time that I had sugar free water flavoring in a bottled water and the teacher took it because she said... "you don't need all that sugar hitting you at once." I guess she felt like an idiot when my mother...

      This morning was unreal. I awoke to a massive storm that seemed to almost rock the house with each monstrous thunder clap. The pelting rain made my morning commute almost impassable. The downed trees was also something to mention as I was desperately trying to make it to work on time.  I ended up pulling over on the side of the road to let the rain pass. I hate hydroplaning and it really scares me to no end. My favorite radio station announced that it should be snowing by late afternoon.      So let's get this straight... we went from beautiful 70 degree weather to massive thunder storms only to result in snow by mid day. Yeah.... NC weather is lovely. You have to be prepared for everything. I packed a rain jacket, boots, and a warm hoodie to get through the day. We can go from 0 to 100 in a matter of hours, so having the right gear is appropriate. We are still in our kidding  season, so I can just about determine that more goats w...

      Not overly confident that I haven't heard these stories before. I was not overly impressed with the storyline of these six books, but I did enjoy listening to them on my very long commute to and from work. I will warn you though that the book should have a rating system. I would write this book possibly an "R." I was super embarrassed in chapters were scenes got completely out of hand. I ended up hitting the skip button to skip over those said scenes. I really enjoy romance books, but not books that are just overly graphic like this.     I fell in love with the original shifters so when I entered book 3, and it was a different set of characters I was somewhat disappointed. I did come to love the set of three Wolf shifters in the last three books though.      I would write this book at 3.5 out of five stars. I think this genre has just been overplayed throughout many book series and possibly cannot be stretched any further. Honestly, the last...

      OH Girl, here we go again! Did you see this coming? No, me either...     I love looking back at old journal entries and seeing what used to be "stressful" and silently giggle to myself. This time six years ago I was worried about observations and paperwork. Lord, times have changed. I was also worried about getting my foster children to all of their various appointments. I think at one time there were 5 standing weekly therapy/ family appointments between my three girls.      Reflection is the best way for me to see how truly things have changed. I only have one child to care for now and I don't think I would change that for the world. Living on a farm has also changed so many things for me personally. I yet one more being who is dependent on me to get and keep my act together. I cannot just let something slide.      This year I  have the following to check off my list... 1. Potty Training for my toddler 2. Worm the goats...

      Lonely is the person who is in a marriage but never gets to see their spouse. Lonely is being surrounded by people every day but still have that deep seek feeling of being alone. No one knows what is truly going on inside their head and no one really cares.      I think I'm at the point in my life where I'm just lonely....   I spend a majority of my time either at work or with my child. It's really weird to put it into words, and I don't want to sound like I'm complaining. We work opposite shifts and at this point my friends at work know me on a deeper level than my spouse. He sees me a total of ten to twelve hours per week, so our bond has also dwindled. We used to spend evenings together after Taylor had fallen asleep. Now, I spend that last hours buried in a book to avoid my own thoughts. Could this be depression again, but with a slightly different mask?      Don't worry....      If it gets to that point... I'll ...

      It's been a while since I've read one of Spark's books, so give me some grace if you're a fan. Usually, I adore his various love spell binding books, but not so much with this one. The ground work was there, but it was certainly missing something.      Well, let's start off with the ended so there is no confusion. I absolutely hated the ending of this book. Why on earth would the two main characters part ways. I know we don't always have to have a "happy" ending, but dang... come on let Wren find her happiness. I also didn't like the jumping around constantly. Wren needed more substance to her over all character. Ghost or not, why didn't we have more chapters in her perspective?      I felt like he was going for one of his classic love stories, but fell short with following through. I miss sitting and actually reading because it provides me with a different level of enjoyment and contentment. Remain, although it was a total let dow...

     Unfortunately, my child is still struggling in the debts of despair with RSV. It has taken every ounce of energy that she has or could muster to make it out of this. With every passing day, she just seems to grow sicker. We have to even as far as taking her to the ER multiple times. With each visit, they tell us that her body just has to get through it. My toddler has been battling this sickness for days. She is weak, tired, and cranky from the incessant coughing.     Does anyone have any tips or tricks on how to alleviate her symptoms?  She's currently on three medications and they are not working. I guess we will be going back to the pediatrician again for the same exact issues. At this point I think they need to update her diagnosis and say that it's something else.

      As I'm slowly driving myself crazy with all of these extra tasks that keep getting thrown my way, I have found that my Comfort zone is definitely with having a list in my hand. So here goes nothing... School List: 1. Secure all items for student raffle  2. Purchase a receipt book. 3. Purchase raffle tickets. 4. Purchase items for drink sale. 5. Secure locations for my kids to finish their community projects within the school. 6. Turn in Grades 7. Turn in Lesson Plans Farm List:  1. Purchase hay for the remainder few months until the field start to regrow. 2. Be on the lookout for a new Billy for or breeding program 3. Check daily to see if the geese have hatched. 4. Administer warmer to all those who are currently milking. 5. Check all eye lids for anemia/ administer proper medications 6. Document said the medication's in booklets. Home List:  1. Schedule all pediatric appointments for Taylor in the upcoming months. 2. Women's health check as well. 3....

      My poor toddler has struggled with RSV for days and that's why I haven't really posted regularly. She needs me to hold and cuddle with her. She's been pitiful and in a lot of pain. Along with RSV she has double ear infections that seem to be driving her crazy.      The meds that she has been on for days don't seem to be changing anything. I will be promptly calling the pediatrician in the morning for further assistance with this matter. Taylor cannot simply go on like this. She is cranky due to pain and suffering. I have tried a variety of over the counter medications to see if they will help, but nothing touches it. So, no sleep and lack of patience as been my ultimate downfall. We even took her to the ER today with them basically stating: we've done all we can do. She has to work through it.      Here is to another night of fitful sleep. Send my baby some positive vibes if you can. She needs all of them she can get. RSV sucks! Her wet...

      This month has thus far been overly abundant. Butters gave birth to an overly beautiful doe that is a keeper! I was beyond impressed with her first kidding season and she has made an exceptional momma. With the good also comes the bad... Miracle, didn't really have the same happy ending. Her one and only kid didn't make it. She kidded late in the night and we were not there to assist her in her first kidding session. Her baby did not live and she's heart broken.      The only positive that came out of Miracle's loss was her allowing our other baby goats to openly feed from her when she returned to the herd.      My husband and I have also banned together to drop the weight. I think having a support system will go a long way. So here goes nothing... Stats:  227 (I gained weight, and I'm beyond angry at myself) Average step count per day: 6788 Goal.... (200lbs)  BTW: I don't want to talk about what my country has recently d...

           On the coldest night of this winter season came about two of the most beautiful babies we have had thus far be born on our farm. Late last night I just had a feeling that Honey would go into labor. She had acted beyond strange and was extra affectionate.     With flashlight in tow, my husband and I made the trek down to check on the goats. Lo and behold, we had to be beautiful babies be born. Hello world, meet, Huck and Harmony. Honey did an amazing job and I couldn't be more proud of our two newest members of our farm family. They were both up and moving this morning. My husband sent me this lovely picture of our proud mama and babies.      I was hoping that she would hold out until this cold weather left us, but like with every doe, her body has a mind of its own.  PS. My husband hated the names so Harmony is now....... Helga!

      I find the title ironic in itself, because this book is a lie as a whole. The author left us mid story at the end of the book, which completely infuriates me to no end. The idea is there, but the author just couldn't execute the foundation that she so desperately built.      I trudged through the book hoping it would pick and get better, but that was futile. I would not recommend this book to anyone. I would love to have had a story that explored more of the world of edem. Scholte just missed the mark.      Did the editors not read the book in its entirety? I can see why the Good Reads website rates this book so low. I normally do not succumb to looking up ratings, but I just had to see if anyone had the same opinion.      I would rate this book a 2 out of 5 stars. It should really be a one, but hopefully someone will pick up this book's ground work and expand on it. This is not how I wanted my weekend to start. 414 pages...

      My step count for the month has rose a little bit. As you can see, there are days I do not wear my Apple Watch at all. But my step count is steadily climbing. I see this as progress. Honestly, after my appointment on Monday, it's really hard to focus on any positives. When you try your best, but still get beat down at each appointment it really gets demoralizing.     I guess I will just keep chipping away at progress and hopefully reap the results in the near future. There's not much to say on this point. I am still motivated, but I kinda need someone in my corner as well. If I'm telling the doctors things that I am doing to change, there should be a little bit of a positive vibe radiating from them. My goal for this week is to try to make sure each day I am above 7000 steps. I really need to work on closing all three rings each day.     I wish Apple had a way of having competitions with people worldwide instead of just who you are friends with. ...

      After three very long books, I was absolutely devastated with the ending to this. I wanted and even needed Morgan's character to finally eradicate the kingdom from Queen Guinevere. Some part of me just absolutely needed to see her annihilate. The woman who caused her so many hardships in book one in book 2. Morgan's character overall just needed to end on a happy note. Please tell me Sophie Keetch is going to write a fourth book.     My inner mama heart was also shattered to learn that one of her sons died. As an audience, we didn't even get to hear what happened to the youngest child that was basically stolen from her. So many unanswered questions. This book was just written and released back in 2025 so there may be a slot chance that the author will continue the story and give Morgan her ultimate victory. The ending seems so rushed as well. Maybe her funding ran out? I cannot believe that brother and sister gave each other for all the hateful and spitefu...

      Where do I find myself in this blanket of darkness? I have been up for hours with my toddler who seems to be stricken with night terrors along with a slight fever. She and I both haven't slept and grow sleepy with contempt.      She awakes with cries that only I can quieten, so here we are... my sitting on our sofa holding my toddler as she slips in and out of slumber. This time will soon pass and I might just miss these nights where she needs me the most. The solicitude that comes along with motherhood is something we don't really discuss at  length. Yes, you have other people in your life, but no on is really there on the late nights or early mornings.      I have found a new peace with motherhood. One that has brought me so much joy and sorrow at the same time. You are raising a child to live without you, but at the same time you are their support. I know one day she will not run to me, especially in her teen  years, b...

      I am absolutely disgusted with Duke Energy. The past year they have had several hikes that has led us to basically rethinking whether or not we can afford basic electricity. At receiving this month's bill, I was completely broken. Our bill, even with the use of propane had the difference of $220. Our neighbors of the road, had a bill that was well over $600. How could people afford to survive and make rent with having electricity prices so high.     Before you make the assumption that we can just simply switch utilities, you need to understand one thing about small communities. Duke energy is our only provider for electricity in our area. You have no other choices. And if you have children, it is a requirement that you have electricity in your home. It's not like you can simply skip out on this. We leave our temperature set, wear extra warm clothes, and have additional heat sources. We are simply surviving, not thriving at the moment. Duke energy really ne...

      So twice a year, I make the long 2.5 hour drive to see my endocrinologist. Yes, it is essential that you go and see your diabetes specialist a few times a year. Although it is a costly appointment for me, I still make the effort to go. I was really hoping for some good positive vibes, but unfortunately, that did not happen this go around.     I always share my updates with everything on my blog. I was more than thrilled to have an A1C of 6.3, but the PA suggested otherwise. According to their weight scale, I weigh 227 pounds I had previously gotten down to 225 but have failed to maintain that weight your body does fluctuate daily so I understand that as well. Due to the fact that I have not lost significant weight or had a lower A1c, my doctor was not very pleased with me. According to their chart in the main office, though I was right within the blue goal range.      She did mention that since I'm on a steroid for my tennis elbow that my su...

      The sheer essence of this book has been amazingly favorable for me. I have fallen in love with the story, and yes I long for more. I cannot wait to start the next installment! Morgan's character alone has made this series so enticing.      My "mama" heart sank when the wizard tricked her out of her newborn child. She has lost two children and I felt every stray thought she had. Being able to identify with the main character is always a blessing.      Blood ties do not mean everything. Keetch has out done herself with this rendition of Merlin. It's the story we have never heard, but so desperately needed. Can she regain favor with her brother or will she always be an outcast without her children. King Author is casted as a man of great uncertainty. I loathe his character in this book and wish that Keetch makes him pay ounce of flesh for what he has done to his sister. Power corrupts all! What is the importance of a crown? Can she ge...

     Oh the dreaded Dexcom.  You do not want to hear my reviews of the Dexcom, because at this very moment, I am beyond infuriated. My newest prescription of the meter itself have all failed to pair with the main device. So if you don't know, your insurance only pays for four a month. Each one should last roughly 5 to 7 days, but when they fail to pair with the main meter, that piece is absolutely useless. They will not reimburse you or give you one as a replacement either. You have to go without having continuous blood sugar measurements.     So now I will have two weeks without wearing my Dexcom, which completely terrifies me as a diabetic. I no longer have the one where I can sit and prick my finger and drop my blood on a little stick. I have become so reliant upon the system that I don't know how I'm going to get through the next couple of weeks without having it. I like being able to know minute by minute what my sugar is. Completely disappointed in th...

      It's happened to me... my elbow is absolutely  ridiculous and I cannot seem to get regular chores done. Here I am feeling all sorry for myself, but I know some people have it worse than me. Maybe the symptoms will slowly go away with time. The gave me steroids to help, so here goes nothing!     Oh the pain sucks! Wish me luck!

    Well, this is a diamond in the rough! This is just want I needed in this dreary weather; a love story that  intertwines Native American culture cover to cover. The main character, Lucas has been an absolute dream. Avery, our very overachieving female lead was a complete delight. This book was one of our Keeper's of the Flame book club choices for this month, and I'm glad it got the highest vote.     Avery falls in love with her roots and cannot seem to balance her singing career and her farming background. I think I could listen/read this book multiple times.      Where have I spent my late nights... Girls, it was with this book and warm herbal tea. My child doesn't sleep, so this has kept me company on those long nights of toddler tantrums.          I especially enjoyed the Hallmark version of a western tale. The epilogue added a upmost finesse to the overall book. Getting to hear directly from the author of the ...

      Where do you see yourself on a random winter weekend? Ahhhh, I see you don't really  have an answer, so let me tell you about my weekend. My weekend was filled with endless chores, yearly, chores, and toddler tantrums.     It's that time of year again, folks! Your taxes have to be done. As always, I dread this time of year. We were lucky enough not to have to pay in this year, which is a massive positive. So many of our friends and family are getting eight to $10,000 back, but we are just happy that we broke even. I have dreaded this weekend for the past four weeks. Every year, there's a new surprise that seems to just randomly pop up during tax season. My toddler pitched such a fit in the office we almost got kicked out.     This weekend was also filled with hoof trimming. It is always my job to hold the goat as my husband is leveling off their hoofs. As it turns out, my biggest goat, Fancy, now out weighs me significantly. She tossed and t...

      Where has all my time gone? I feel as if I'm constantly scheduling out every aspect of my life. I have a planner in calendar for school along with a personal calendar. I budgeted out in significant events along with major appointments every week. What I have noticed of late, is that all my time is really taking up with commuting. That long hour and 15 minute can you really does eat up my time each day.     I'm still in the journey to a healthier way, but I also need to realize that Tom constrains really do play a major detrimental role in my effectiveness. I'm still putting for the great effort. There are no excuses, but there is reality. The reality is that two hours and 30 minutes out of my day is spent in a sedentary motion under the wheel. Even when I get home, my time is so consumed by my toddler that I don't get to carve out time for myself. I am going to try to adjust and make sure I dedicate 15 to 30 minutes 3 to 4 days a week to myself. Talking ab...

      Well, now let's talk about surprises. Ladies, this book was written for us. It does not have the smutty sex scenes that seem to plague, most romance novels, but it does follow a plot that truly encompasses a childhood puppy love. I was really sad that the author did not bring back her first love in this first book.     Morgan, our main character empowers every fiber of my being. She is prideful and cunning while maintaining a lady's level head. The male characters of this book, however, does seem to infuriate me with each new chapter. Will our heroine end up finding her lost love from her childhood?     Kirby even entraps us with the usage of magic while slowly showing us glimpses of what is to come. I love her foreshadowing endeavors! I would gladly rate this book a 4.5 out of a 5 due to how this book ended. I do not like being left in the middle of a story. The author should always leave you wanting to know more, but not mid story line. I ...

      Yeah I'm still up. For those of you who do not know... I have a toddler who doesn't sleep and can go days without adequate sleep. The pediatrician states that some children go through these phases. It has in fact not been a phase. From the very night we brought her home, we have had to deal with this.  Ah, yes, and I still work a full time job on little to no sleep. We are currently on night 3 and sleep has still evaded us.      How will my Friday go? Ummmm, Only tomorrow knows those  answers. Sometimes I take off time and find a random parking lot and sleep. If I'm at home, no one helps me with Taylor and I cannot rest. Being the default parent sucks sometimes. I use my sick leave and sleep. Don't come at me with "it's dangerous," because I frankly do not care. Going nights without sleep is also detrimental to my health. I refuse to get caught at work napping, I would rather use my person sick leave for that along with my car and secret pil...

      Even with a dreaded two hour delay, I made the icy drive to work. I was hesitant first to even attempt the drive, but I do not have to leave to take the day off. I really should move closer to my place of employment. It was a disastrous drive. I slid out of the road multiple times while also having to dodge neighboring vehicles slowly skidding into my lane. Would I do it again... absolutely not.     Everything was fine until I reached the mountain. Crossing the gap on the lower side of the south end was absolutely ridiculous. I understand that the roads were wet and a lot of people thought that means that they were clear. Honestly, that witness on the road with that elevation means that that was ice. Not just any ice, black ice. Yes yes yes I understand that they are much the same, but I was absolutely terrified this morning. Normally my commute consist of listening to an audiobook, but I was on edge so my soul focus was on just trying to make it to work. ...

      Well, now the weather man finally made a good call, and we got snow. I mean SNOW. This is the first time in long time that our totals have hit this high. A whole foot of snow with more on the way tomorrow night. So, yeah... it's been cold and frustrating.      Cabin fever is a real thing. I've been home for days, which does in fact seem to cause issues for me. It wouldn't be so bad if I could be outside and not freeze my tail off. Completing farm chores has been absolutely frigid with temperatures in the single digits. My only pair of muck boots decided to bust a hole in it, allowing melted snow/ice get to my warm feet. The goats have faired well, and I was super surprised that Honey Bun has not kidded. Hopefully she can wait until it warms up.     My chickens, however have been total champions. Laying eggs and doing chicken business! My ladies are phenomenal and a little cold weather hasn't bothered them one bit. They are in fact enjoying t...

      Well now, this is a different speed! Written like an old western movie, I was actually impressed with the rated G romance novel.  Horses, manners, and chivalry is not dead! I was refreshing to read something that wasn't filled with detrimental lust!     Nathaniel's character alone was swoon worthy! May we all find our own version of him. With wit and the goal of locating a lost love, our two main characters fall madly in love with out knowing how the other feels. Classic romance scenario, but with an endearing twist of  wonder.      I was glad this was included in the Audible Plus Catalog. I would highly recommend reading/ listening to this book in the near future. I would rate this book a 4.6 out of 5 stars. I need just a little more dialogue between the characters, but other than that I was actually interested the entire time.  

      Right now, this is my biggest dilemma in life. Periodically will see something while online shopping or in person and I just have to have it. Honestly, it is such an impulse to purchase it that I have to completely talk myself down from paying for it. And then I have to make a list of why I actually need it. I tried to weigh at least 24 hours before I actually purchasing it to make sure that it is a, "need" and not necessarily a "want."      In today's society, we have become such consumers that a lot of the things we buy ends up, going to the landfills. I tried to make the conscious decision to only purchase things that I absolutely need, but my kryptonite seems to be clothing. Growing up, I didn't have a lot and I was all done picked on or the subject to bullying because I had the same four outfits that I rotated. Yes, my clothing was clean! As an adult, now I have my own money, my own budget, and my own wants. It is a daily monthly struggle fo...

      What a pleasant surprise to have when coming home. Meet Cleo and Clover my newest additions to my herd. What a time to be born in the middle of a snowstorm. So they must've been born sometime today which means the temperature was around 20°. I am so glad that they survived because they were not born inside the goat hut.      Mama and babies are both doing great. I thought she had a few more weeks until she would give birth, but nature waits for nothing. So this has me questioning whether or not I had marked things on the calendar correctly. Which means, will Honey have her baby in the next few weeks or will it be now? She too is heavy with milk, so I guess I need to make sure she's trapped in the barn for the majority of her time so her babies will not be exposed to the elements.     All of my toes were exposed to Junior at the same time, but they are not birthing within the same few weeks. Faith, my most honorary goat has not even showed si...

      Well, now, this morning has been one for the books. Upon my early waking, I realized just how bitter cold it was in the house. With no electricity, and our propane heater set to a two the house had cooled down significantly. I quickly hurried and took a rather cold half bath to get ready for work.      I went outside and discovered that my car would definitely need at least a 30 minute thaw out. It always seems to amaze me just how cold it can get on mornings like this. As I made my way down our frozen mud puddle driveway, I noticed that the gate was open. So imagine this, wet, hair, dress professionally for work and now I have to gather all my goats. Luckily they are all food motivated, but still if it could've went wrong this morning it did. Armed with only the flashlight on my cell phone, I made my way to the goat, shed to ensure myself that they had hay. Yes, I will walk through the field in the muck to make sure everything is OK.     My...

      Well, the snowstorm started out as any other, the meteorologist clearly got it wrong. What was supposed to been a massive ice storm followed by snow turned out to be rain in my area. A day later the news station did not catch the fact that we were going to have a small snowstorm, following the larger one. With the sudden drop of temperature is everything iced over. Including our water.      I was not a happy camper and it has been a battle for a few days. Carrying water to flush the toilets is by no means a respectable task. I fell in the small stream this morning in 7 degree weather and barely made it back inside. I couldn't feel my legs or hands. As I was regaining feeling all I could sense was a stinging  sensation which lasted for hours. Yay, today has been so productive!      The goats and new babies made it through the storm okay, but I'm still worried about the dropping temperatures at night. Just before dark, I we...

      After being a diehard fan of the original Hunger Games trilogy, this book was no exception.  This particular series was one of my go to as a young teen. I was lost in the world that author Collins had created us. It is undoubtably a story of the underdog.     I do wish this book would have been written first as a pre-date the trilogy that was released when I was in middle school. We learned more about Snow and his childhood. This helped me gather while he was such a cruel person in the other three books. I usually hate when authors decide to write the beginning books after they've done written a whole series. Like why not do this first? So ladies and gents, I would highly recommend reading this book prior to touching the original trilogy. Although this book could completely be a standalone novel as well. The only way I was able to finish. This book was due to an ice storm that hit our area.     I have been reading/listening to books via Audi...

    Dannika Dark is a fabulous author who has once again hit it out of the park! Like with all of her work, I'm completely wrapped up in the breed world that she was so creatively made.        Each character brings us new heart break and wonder. I like the Keystone group of misfits who fight crime and protect one another. Niko was especially endearing in this novel and to dive even further in their past as really created a wholesome novel set. When I have some extra money, I will be purchasing the next installment of this series. It's such a shame that Audible no longer carries them in their Pluc Catalog.     Gem finally saves Niko and their "friendship" takes on a new level of relationship. Although, not a sexual one, but one that will last a lifetime. My inner teen needed this book, so I will be rating this book a 5 out of 5 stars. In so many ways, Gem is the butterfly that Niko has never seen! You'll have to read the book to understand that sta...

      White suburban housewives meets mystery murder  is how I would describe this book. I did completely finish this book, so it's not like I'm going to leave anything out in my review. Would I re-read this book? I don't think I would even darken its door.     Overall, the story just fell flat for me personally. With very predictable outlining plot, I was bored with the lack of creativity. I did, however, like the very ending of the book when you finally discovered that it was in fact the stepson who had killed some of the girls. I had suspected him all along, though, so it was no surprise.     I feel like authors, put their hearts on the line when writing books because it is their personal work of love that finishes a whole novel. I do not want to say that Fisher is a terrible author so please don't take it that way. Maybe this book just needs a revamp or refresh. The writing I would give this book would probably be around three stars out of fiv...

      My current step count average for the month of January has really declined. I will make the excuse that I do have to take my watch off every afternoon to charge it for around an hour because I use it as an alarm clock the following day. The silent vibration wakes me up instead of having something loud that will wake up Taylor at the same time.     I have been trying to make a conscious decision to walk extra each day. I don't always succeed in that though. Honestly, I think I need extra motivation on days when I am not feeling well. I compared this to my step count from the previous year in the month of January and I have improved around 100 steps per day on average which isn't really worth mentioning. I'm trying to have a positive mindset though.     I am currently 225 pounds. So what is my goal? Realistically, my physician thinks that my goal weight should be 165 pounds. Goodness, that's some hopes and dreams beyond my reach at the moment. Let'...

      A lot of people like to personify the word life, but for today's purposes, let's talk about how life alters every aspect of your daily routine. Some tragedies that you suffer through are just a part of life. Due to the fact that I am a mother who has a small child, I am still expected to live my life as if I was a single unwed childless person. I'm still expected to stay late and leave early.     Live alters friendships. They said friendships either become more closely resembling a family setting to completely dissolving itself. Am currently in a place in my life where if you don't reach out to me, I definitely will not reach out to you. I had a small emergency happen this morning on my way to work, and the first thing I thought about was who was I going to call? If you had asked me five years ago, there would've been a list of about 10 people I would've called. Today, there was only two and both of those people are very close family to me. One being my hu...

      As this new weather front is shaping up, we see the panic in people's eyes. The weather channel increases said panic and causes people to go crazy in my area. What is all the hype about? Every time they do this.... we prep and then get nothing. I cannot even find milk in the one grocery store that my very small town has. Panic buying always takes the things I need.      I have a theory. Maybe, just maybe they do this to get more "views." The more they are in the public eye the more they get paid? Funding could be why they over react. The bottom line is always money. My propane order may not even be delivered in time because people buy up everything. I have been on the waiting list for two weeks and we are currently at 35%.      Don't watch the weather channel! They are in it for the fame, views, and hype only!

      Sometimes you have to worry about if the electricity is out. In our very secluded area seems to be something that we have to worry about constantly. I'd say at least twice a month we lose power. I really love to live off the grid, but I have no way to even start that process. So many of our appliances our electric that I'm not so sure I could come up with the money to have it transferred to propane.     We use propane in the house as back up heat along with using it for additional heat to help support the electric as well. Now don't come at me for having two sources of heat going on at the same time. Our heating and air unit can only keep the house at 74 wind temperatures are below 20. In the coming days, there is a winter storm moving our way, and with that comes the worry of losing power. I'm glad to know that we have propane heat as a back up. It is an expensive Plan B but it's one that we can rely on.     Now let's talk about getting it deliv...

          I would describe this book is being completely different. This book provided me with a completely bast world of wonder. I didn't realize this was even a big series until I listened to the first book. The only reason I even gave you a chance was because it was free on audible. Sadly, the remainder of the series are not.     I didn't necessarily like Ender's character because of all his flaws. The narrator who did enter his voice was an adult man, so it was hard to picture him as a child throughout the book. I definitely think this book is out of the box when it comes to creativity. I will be looking into whether or not this has some sort of movie that goes with it.     Who would've thought children fighting Battle between the worlds? Where do you add up when the world is about to end? I like books that leave me pondering over what it would be like if it were true. Obviously, this book is not true and it is complete fiction, but ...

      Saturday night was one for the books! One more thing marked off my bucket list of shows I want to see. For Christmas, I bought tickets for my mom to see Larry the Cable Guy. Harris Cherokee Casino Event Center hosted his show this past Saturday. I was beyond blessed to get tickets to see him. I know if my dad was still alive today. This would've been something I would've done with him too.     My mom has never got to really go out and do anything. There are so many first for her that I have checked off her list in the past 10 years. I was really afraid she would not be able to physically go into the center to watch the show. I didn't have the extra money to do valet parking so we parked in the parking deck. The walking distance from the parking deck to the event center is absolutely ridiculous for those who are physically impaired.      I would write the show a 10 out of a 10. Although the comedian is 62 he really knows how to get an audienc...

      I think overtime my opinion of what a marriage should be and what it is changes. I don't necessarily maintain the same definition year after year. Just luck with any relationship, marriage morphs into something more as it transforms.      So here's my current definition: marriage is a long-term relationship that if nurtured can grow and bloom, but if it is neglected in any shape or form it fails miserably.     By no means do I have a perfect marriage. I love my spouse and try wholeheartedly to be the most supportive partner that I can possibly be. I fail and continue to learn from my faults. We take seven steps forward and three steps back all the time, but together we tackle new obstacles that come our way. I'm not sure if we will always be the accommodating, but I will do my best for as long as I can.  Personal steps that I try to follow: 1. I gave him as much space as he needs or wants. We can always do everything together and I unde...

      Oh girl, this book was a massive letdown. This storyline has been overly used and somewhat familiar to me. You have the autistic in teenager who commits a crime but hides it to protect those around her. It was also so predictable that I pretty much knew the ending midway through the book.     From the reviews, I read, Wendy Walker is a fantastic author. I look forward to reading more books written by her, but if they're of the same caliber, probably won't even open it.     Being the author makes you so vulnerable because you were placing your workout in public. Said work is also your heart and soul. This just wasn't my cup of tea. Overall, I would give this book a 2.2 stars out of 5. This rating does not come lightly, but due to almost boredom while listening to this book I feel that it is a fair rating. Does anyone have any more suggestions about books I should be reading? 

      My long commute each morning and evening is absolute solitude. I spend that time winding down from a busy day or to position myself for a very good morning. It's all about mindset. Today started and ended like every other monotonous day, but that glorious commute home was worth so much today.     I need that downtime by myself to really gather my thoughts and process what has happened. I spent a majority of my commute, listening to an audiobook along with putting together a checklist for next week. I'm trying to make small subtle changes each day in order to make my goals. I think stepping away from technology will also help me. I don't wanna be glued to my phone or any other sort of device for a majority of my day. So I think that should be one of my goals too. 2026 will bring about a time where I am stepping away from anything electronic. I will still get on my phone and check my social media from time to town, but when I have downtime, I will be reading...