Randomness

I'll start with the big news, then move on to more random stuff.  We learned this morning that Rachael tested positive for Covid.  She has been sick for the past couple days (a deep cough, very sore throat, and bad headaches).  So Jessica Deppen ran the test this morning, and she came back positive.  Her symptoms are not fun and not quite as mild as one would hope post-vaccine, but it's certainly nothing scary or life-threatening at this point either.  So please pray for her smooth recovery, and that my parents and my niece and nephews will stay well!!

Moving right into lighter things, I've been craving a waffle from Cheesecake Factory - (they only serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, but I recommend it just for this).  Tiffany wasn't able to join me today, but hopefully sometime soon!  But I was not to be deterred... I went and got this Giant Belgian Waffle to go today... topped with powdered sugar, syrup, strawberries, pecans, and whipped cream.  Umm, yes, please! lol

I also grabbed their amazing mac n' cheese for my dinner later! lol  And I skipped the actual cheesecake this time - it's good, but it's actually what I care about least of the three.  Also, I didn't notice the broccoli or I would've removed it before taking the pic - and now I'm laughing thinking about how that little spec of green would ruin it for Jace, if the bread crumbs hadn't already done that.  And how 2015 Lindsey would totally use this to report that I had "broccoli and pasta with a bit of cheese" for my Fitness Together food journal! lolol #hotmess

Okay, so that's my very random food-related update for you today.  I went to the Saturday afternoon service at South Tulsa this weekend, and it was good!  I was genuinely glad to be there again.  I took communion and enjoyed the worship and got more out of the sermon than I would have just listening to a podcast.  I'm looking forward to this series through the next 6 weeks, then perhaps I'll venture out to a church experience that will involve more interaction with other humans.  This is a lovely way for an introvert to ease back in, though.  I'm happy to quietly blend in rather than filling out forms and being greeted by loads of friendly people asking lots of questions at the moment.

I watched The Replacements earlier this week.  I so enjoy that movie, but I'm not completely sure why.  For me, sports movies > actual sports.  It's classic Keanu, and I love the way the team comes together.  And who wouldn't love them doing the electric slide to I Will Survive!? =)

My #10yearchallenge pictures for Facebook.  2011 and 2021.

Apparently, Cody had a rant about this in one of the rides I haven't taken yet, but this meme already made me laugh a lot!  Banana is by far my favorite Laffy Taffy flavor, but I'll admit it tastes nothing like an actual banana (which I also like).

This = a pretty table Rach painted and then Mom put together for Babah - the chevron stripes are contact paper that Mom put on - and I always love the bright flowers (by Rach) on top!!

This time of year is always a little strange/melancholy emotionally... the post-Christmas emptiness in the atmosphere, the winter cold and darkness minus happy Christmas lights, all the pressure and expectation surrounding the new year, letting go of old things that you miss and trying to start some new things that you're not yet super excited about, and now we've added the stress of the rapidly surging Covid cases.  I've been feeling all of the above.  But I've been writing for 20 minutes every day, setting a timer with some classical music or fireside or running water background noise, then writing without filters about whatever is on my heart in that moment.  James Clear (author of Atomic Habits) says that if you want to write a book, the best thing you can do is focus on becoming the kind of person who writes every day.  I agree with that advice, and I'm loving the unforced nature of it right now.  It's cathartic and fun, and it's a place where I can dive a little deeper and write with uninhibited authenticity, which is something I really need to practice.  If I begin to sense a clear theme or feel God's anointing on a particular topic, then I will focus there and work to create a book.  If not, I won't force something that isn't flowing well or that doesn't have a clear and important message.  I'll be just fine with it if this year's focus is just developing the habit of a daily writing practice, strengthening my voice and building those creative muscles, getting better at being more honest and writing with heart and feisty spirit and substance, caring less about the endlessly-varied-and-ever-changing opinions of others.

And I guess that's all I've got for now.  I wish you health and joy and strength... in body, soul, and spirit! ❤