As an update to my last post about being fine this upcoming week is Mardi Gras in New Orleans. If you are a fan of crowds, being surrounded by drunks, and catching trinkets and garbage from strangers passing in trucks, then you would be in the right place.

As for me, I had plans to visit my cousin Emily in Washington state and jump in a giant mound of snow. Remember when I bought a snowsuit at the thrift store last year or the year before for no reason except to be ready for life?? I was looking forward to my trip when I found out covid hit her house. I checked in to see how things were going when the airline emailed Tuesday that the connecting flight in Dallas would be interrupted due to winter weather. Sadly, my trip is postponed, and I have a year to use my airline credit, but the blessing is that it will be without penalty due to the winter storm. I have learned to listen to “signs” and warnings when I feel something is not right and should not continue (no matter how badly I want it).

Desires of the heart: When God sends you on a cross-country road trip with your favorite person— and two kids.

For two days leading up to the trip and decision, I had anxiety, which led to sprinting around my block when I had not run in a couple of years. Well, anxiety mixed with caffeine and sugar. I am telling you, I was charging like a cheetah until my calf muscles were finally screaming, “Hey! You do not do this anymore. ABORT! ABORT!”

With the grand scheme of things and current world events, is having to delay a trip where I would finally get to see my family and snow a massive crisis? No (but also yes). Is it disappointing? Yes.

With that said, on my way home from school, I stopped at Ross /TJ Maxx and bought a bread-making kit for 50 cents. The sticker stated it was initially $17.99. I did not trust this until I got to the counter and asked, “is this really 50 cents???” Laughing cashier: “yes”

Did I need a bread-making kit? For 50 cents …yes.

To top this off, someone gave me an espresso maker years and years ago that has been sitting in my closet, much like the ukulele I have been playing with my friend Ryan. I’ve never done anything with it or sold it, but I have recently been thinking of learning how to use it and knowing it would be perfect for my coffee bar!
So, while I will not get to build a snowman or make snow angels with my cousin and her children, I have plans to become a professional barista and learn how to make espresso this weekend. I’ve looked up recipes and found a poster of thirty-eight ways to make coffee. I will stay up for DAYS perfecting the espresso and having caffeine-driven anxiety attacks that have my calves already crying.

Who needs snow?? (Still me)

I will also have time to work on some DIY projects I have been hoarding in the garage, read some books, and stare at my new investments which is an awful idea. I am also ecstatic to report that my friend Ryan made last-minute plans to try and come to town this week. It’s not all bad news, and I am pretty happy about that.

“…and we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are the called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28

Someone bought me soup

Sometimes God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers

Trash to Treasure: one dresser’s renovation story of hope