Part 2: My Trip to Lincoln, NE

Our only night in Lincoln was so blustery and cold! The Rabbit Hole Bakery was a great stop for a warm beverage.

We stopped and got hot tea and I got a macaron. They had an extensive bakery case with so many yummy looking options. The macaron was tiny, expensive, but good.

It had a cute Alice in Wonderland theme with clocks.

They also had live music. Definitely a fun stop in the Haymarket District.

Part 1: My Trip to Lincoln, NE

On a seriously cold weekend, my best friend and I headed to Lincoln to work a track meet. They put us up in the Haymarket District. I'd never been there before, but it was a really cool area with lots of restaurants, bars, shops, and bakeries/coffee shops. I'd definitely like to go back in warmer weather and explore the area more.

Rooms were provided at the Hyatt Place Lincoln Haymarket. The rooms were very comfy and had a little living room area with a couch. They provided a nice, warm breakfast, as well. I was impressed that an upscale hotel like that would provide a complimentary breakfast.

We had a nice dinner at Leadbelly, which was nearby. One of their specials was a warm pear cider; so nice! I ordered their tacos and enjoyed them! I feel like lately, tacos are my go-to order.

Floral Painting

Since I'm still fairly new to painting, I still need a lot of inspiration. For that inspiration, I always go to Pinterest. I have a whole painting board where I save everything I'd like to try to paint. There, I found this cute somewhat abstract floral.

Source: thecheerfulspace.com
I followed this step-by-step

Not perfect, but here's how my attempt went:

Georgetown Santas

Last year, before Christmas, I went to check out the Georgetown Santas in Salina, Kansas. My best friend lives in Salina and said I had to see it. As a side note, Salina has really impressive Christmas lights!

So, what are the Georgetown Santas? They are a street in Salina, Kansas where several male residents dress up as Santa. Complete with elves, they hand out candy, and popcorn out of a cute, little Christmas cottage.

They even have a Facebook page, click here. Definitely, something cool to see at Christmastime.

Recipe #38: Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boat

I've really come to enjoy spaghetti squash. I also like finding new recipes for them, as well. I happened upon this recipe for a Mexican version of spaghetti squash. It's so good and perfect for fall! Got so many great meals from this recipe!

Recipe from Delish.com
YIELDS:
4 SERVINGS
PREP TIME:
0 HOURS 15 MINS
TOTAL TIME:
1 HOUR 10 MINS
INGREDIENTS
FOR SPAGHETTI SQUASH
2 medium spaghetti squash, halved, seeds removed
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
FOR FILLING
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. ground beef
1 tbsp. taco seasoning mix
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 (15-oz.) can black beans
1 1/2 c. chopped cherry tomatoes
1 c. corn, canned and drained or frozen
1 c. shredded Monterey jack
1/2 c. shredded cheddar
2 tbsp. freshly chopped cilantro (optional)
GET INGREDIENTS Powered by Chicory

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 400°. Drizzle cut sides of spaghetti squash with oil and season with salt, chili powder, and cumin. Place cut side down on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Roast until tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool slightly. Using a fork, break up squash strands.
Meanwhile, make filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Add ground beef, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until beef is no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Drain fat.
Stir in taco seasoning, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in black beans, cherry tomatoes, and corn.
Fill each spaghetti squash with beef mixture and top with cheeses. Return to oven to melt cheese, 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

Finding Peace with Singleness

I have spent my entire life fighting with singleness. How to become un-single (lol) has occupied much of my thoughts; that and my ticking biological timeclock. Surprise, surprise all that worry amounted to NOTHING, but an endless cycle of stress. With each passing birthday, I felt I was missing out on something that may never happen. That thought was devastating. All I dreamt about was a husband and family of my own, but it felt so out of reach. I felt sorry for myself all the time. I felt lame for each night I was at home alone. Overall, I was just super unhappy; that was the last 20 years of my 35 years of life, in all honesty.

While at a Christian women's conference, last month, God changed my mindset about things. I was in a session about my favorite verse, Jeremiah 29:11. The session leader shared her journey of faith. The handout from her session had some key points that started the change in my mindset. The session topic was: God Meets Us Wherever We Are. The description was: "Come and listen as I share how God met me right where I was and how that brought freedom to my life and for the people around me, and can do the same for you." Some of the key points were, 1) "God will meet you and use you right where you are, 2) That will bring you freedom, 3) That will bring freedom to those around you, 4) How is God meeting you where you are?, 5) How is He using you or can use you right where you are?, 6) How can this verse bring you freedom, 7) How can this verse bring freedom to those around you?"

In that session, I realized that in Christ, I am complete and whole. I had been living my life as if I wasn't enough. As if I wasn't a complete, whole person because I'm single. I didn't enjoy my own company, because I wasn't comfortable in my own skin. This new mindset has brought me peace in Christ and in my life. While I still dream of a family, I'm trusting in God's plan and timing for my life. If His plan for me doesn't include a family, God is still good and gracious. I hope that what I shared helps you in your walk with Christ and helps bring His peace to your life and soul.

Part 2: My Trip to Wichita, KS

With time in the morning before the track meet, we ventured out to the Nifty Nut House. A referral from my cousin and my research using TripAdvisor told me that'd it'd be an interesting stop. It was essentially a large cinder block nut and candy shop. What was so interesting about the building was the extensive murals.

Inside, I found an extremely large variety of nuts. In addition, they had all types of candy. It was a little overwhelming, so I decided to focus on my favorites: nuts (since they're known for them), licorace, gummy bears, and toffee. Even with that fairly concise mission, I was taken a bit aback by the vast selction. Everything I bought I really enjoyed and I can't wait to make it back there.

While there, we were told about the Spice Merchant which was said to also have many varieties of tea. It was a lot to take in. There I found a cool, new tea mug from their vast selection, as well as lots more tea! Such a cool spot!

We were surprised to see some cool murals while heading back to the car. Such a cool art form.

Part 1: My Trip to Wichita, KS

I work part time as a track and field official. I met my best friend through being an official, last spring. Since, we've worked a lot of meets together and have traveled to a few meets together also.

My friend talked me into working a meet at Wichita State for the Shocker Club. That matched up with a John Crist comedy tour. So, we made a overnight trip of it.

Last year, was when I started following him on social media and he's fantasically funny, as well as a Christian. If you haven't heard of him, you're missing out! Enjoy!







His show was an experience unlike anything I've ever seen. It was essentially like a hip hop concert with loud music via a DJ and colored lights. The opening comics were so funny. It was definitely a high-energy experience.

Mike Goodwin was one of the opening comics. Here are some of his funniest clips.


We stayed at the Best Western Plus Eastgate Inn & Suites. It was super affordable, but not the nicest place I've ever stayed. We did feel safe there and used their gym which was small, but adequate.

We researched restaurants a lot before this trip, since my best friend has a gluten allergy. After looking at restaurants that listed being able to work with those with a gluten allergy, we picked Bite Me BBQ.

We found the restaurant pretty easily downtown. We went in and inquired about their gluten free offerings and the waitress was clueless. We talked to a manager who was a little more helpful, but what they had shouldn't have warranted them marking that they have gluten-free items on the TripAdvisor website.

Now to the food. After reading reviews, we had really high hopes, but unfortunately the food had no flavor. To be honest, the food didn't set well with either of us that evening. We were disappointed and would not go to Bite Me BBQ again.

After the comedy show, we decided to find a local place to get ice cream at. We settled on the cool-named, Churn & Burn. Churn & Burn was a cute, little shop with gelato and lots of fun flavors. I settled on their peanut butter truffle flavor. It was SO good. Unfortunately, I think the ice cream was too rich for my system, because I got sick after eating it. My friend was fine though.

Well, this encompasses our very full first day in Wichita.

Part 2: My Trip to Nebraska

Right across the street from the beautiful Sunken Gardens was the Folsom Children's Zoo & Botanical Garden. There they had a stunning rose garden.

Here are photos of my time there.

Movie #14: Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw

I have been a fan of the Fast & Furious series from the start. That series was always all about fast cars, the closeness of family, and friends who become family. Probably like most fans, I had a crush on Paul Walker. His death hit the series and fans hard. Still the series maintained their focus on family and fast cars. I was saddened to see the series come to an end.

I did feel some excitement with the spin-off of Hobbs & Shaw. I had fairly high hopes for this new partnerships being carried on by the Rock, Dewayne Johnson and Jason Statham. I just got done watching it, today.

It did have so much action, mainly physical fighting and explosions, as well as beautiful locations.

For me, it was missing the kind of bond of family that you were left feeling when watching the Fast & Furious movies. There was family in this one, but it wasn't the same kind of feel of closeness and warmth one was left feeling. Also, this one didn't feature the epic car/race scenes one had some to expect with the series.

So, I did leave the theater feeling a little let down. I don't expect this series to be as strong and long-lasting as the series it spun from. Although it was a decent start to Hobbs & Shaw.

Love it or hate it?

Part 1: My Trip to Nebraska: Sunken Gardens

I happened to be in Lincoln, Nebraska for an event with friends. During our downtime, I talked everyone into exploring Lincoln. I looked up things to do and up popped the Sunken Gardens. I'm so glad it did, experiencing the Sunken Gardens in Lincoln was like encountering a literal secret garden. I was awe-struck! It was breath-taking! The colors, the tiers, the types of flowers and bushes made rounding every bend an adventure. A must-see for sure! They sure did use a lot of red in honor of Nebraska University.

Here are my photos from that day:

Music: The Git Up: Blanco Brown + Lainey Wilson

I love catchy, fun, dance songs. I feel that this song by Blanco Brown and Lainey Wilson is definitely a fun, summer anthem. I need to learn the dance!

The Git Up

Music: Tauren Wells: God's Not Done with You

I have really enjoyed learning of the music of Christian music newcomer, Tauren Wells. I especially, I love his new song, "God's Not Done with You." It speaks to the hope we have in God and the plans that God has for us. It really uplifts my heart, that despite all the challenges and all my inadequacies God still wants to use my life. His grace is good.

Such powerful lyrics!

God's Not Done with You
Tauren Wells

Standing in your ruins, feels a lot like the end
So used to losing, you're afraid to try again
Right now all you see are ashes
Where there was a flame
The truth is that you're not forgotten

'Cause Grace knows your name
God's not done with you
Even with your broken heart and your wounds and your scars
God's not done with you
Even when you're lost and it's hard and you're falling apart
God's not done with you
It's not over, it's only begun
So don't hide, don't run
'Cause God's not done with
You-ou-ou-ou-ou
You-ou-ou-ou-ou

There's a light you don't notice
Until you're standing in the dark
And there's a strength that's growing
Inside your shattered heart
Woah-o-o-o-o-oah

God's not done with you
Even with your broken heart and your wounds and your scars
God's not…
He's got a plan, this is part of it
He's gonna finish what He started
He's got a plan, this is part of it
He's gonna finish what He started
He's not done
God's not done writing your story
No, He's not done
God's not done with you!
God's not done with you
God's not done with you
Even when you're lost and it's hard and you're falling apart
God's not done with you
It's not over, it's only begun
So don't hide, don't run
'Cause God's not done with
You, You (You-ou-ou-ou-ou)
You, You (You-ou-ou-ou-ou)
You, You
No, He's not done
God's not done with you

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Bernie Herms / Tauren Wells / Emily Weisband

Part 8: My Trip to Virginia

On our own, my friend and I tried out her favorite winery, Prince Michel Winery in Leon, Virginia. We got there a bit late, so we couldn't do a wine tasting. We did get to try their wine slushies and it was the best beverage at any winery form the whole week. I could go for a wine slushie now and on a hot day, it'd be so refreshing.

I was really impressed with their gift shop. They had so many great items and a vast selection of things; literally something for everyone. I narrowed it down to a pair of stemless silver wine glasses.

If ever in this part of Virginia again, I'll be sure to stop by this great spot!

A beautiful rainbow

Goodbye to My Riley Hanover Kimble

This has been an extremely hard week and not like worked sucked or I didn't get enough sleep; my family's last golden retriever, Riley passed away.

At the end, you think of the beginning; my first memories of my sweet boy were of Riley walking out from under a porch with his siblings in the summer of 2004. We were on a farm in the middle of nowhere looking at puppies for the first time after our first, beloved golden, Franky passed away suddenly and took with him our hearts. I picked up Riley and he cuddled into my arms, melting my heart instantly. He had such soulful eyes. His little tail just drooped downwards, so sadly. Meanwhile, my parents had met Max and were won over with his sweetness. I told them to hold Riley and tell me we weren't bringing him home and that's how we ended up with two puppies.

Once the puppies were old enough, we brought them home. Potty training those two took forever. I thought Riley would never be house-trained. He was so stubborn. He'd hide under my parent's bed, then growl and nip if you tried to bring him out.

Our Riley was a giant from the start. He had the biggest paws that he did eventually grow into. He was a giant of a dog and had the heart to match.He did have so many health issues in recent years; an enlarged heart, many food allergies, cancer, paralysis, a tie-back issue, etc. In the end, he wasn't getting enough oxygen and we couldn't let me struggle for breathe.

Here's what I shared on Facebook about my baby:
Our sweet Riley Hanover Kimble passed away about 1:07pm at home, Monday. He was so gentle, sweet, had the most beautiful eyes, had the biggest bark, and had the biggest paws ever. Our hearts ache, but we know you’re running with Max. We send all our love to heaven with you.

Here are some of our beautiful boy's photos:

Max & Riley together

Riley the Christmas after Max passed

Christmas break after Max passed

Christmas time; missing Max

After Max passed, Riley got to go on errands with mom. Ran into them one day.

2016-Riley's vet visit where we learned of his enlarged heart

Family outing

Riley always loved a good nap

Riley visiting Grandma

Riley at the tree lighting. Everyone wanted to pet him.

Riley Hanover Kimble
May 28, 2004-June 17, 2019
Forever in our hearts