TX – AR – TN – KY

Sights and sounds of a road trip through Arkansas, then Tennessee, and the southern part of Kentucky.

I will say this was one of the most fun trips I’ve taken. However, the road trips which stand above them all were the ones to the Texas border cities. Yes, some might balk at the selfishness of my thoughts but I still can’t explain my gratefulness to strangers for sharing their lives and their reality with me, also a stranger, an outsider with a desire to write what they gave me.

We turned a 20+ year retirement event into a 5-day road trip, complete with food, coffee (tons of coffee), and shopping. Participating in a Naval retirement flag detail is a big deal. Quite the honor actually. So, when mini’s dad asked me to be the final part of the detail – delivering the U.S. flag to mini – I had some initial reservations because hello, wild card. But I quickly realized it was a big deal to him and, one day, it will be to her. Upon acceptance, I didn’t fully understand the logistics of said trip and all the little parts which make it a huge event. Not thinking, agreement. When the time came to pack, and travel, and take off from work – I was a little overwhelmed but also really excited to try new coffee shops. I mean, participate.

Without further ado (and in no particular order), some photos and related commentary.

Tacos 4 Life, Benton, Arkansas

I adore Tacos 4 Life. Bold, fun flavors, great ingredients, and a mission to donate a portion of every sale to others in need. A must try!

My hometown…tiny, no stop light, Avery, Texas

I took this photo intending to send it to a high school classmate, but then I forgot until I started writing here. Sorry, Jen. This convenience store has the best chimichangas in all the lands. Indeed.

Koffeewithakause (via IG), Bryant, AR

Incredible coffee from a local vendor. I drank me way through the states.

The Parthenon, Central Park area, Nashville, TN

Admittedly I’m not very interested in Roman, Greek, or any type of history, minus select, niche things. Trains. But an opportunity to view and explore the museum inside a gigantic Parthenon replica was a must do on my list. It did not disappoint.

Retirement cookies

And, finally, the retirement ceremony was everything mini’s dad had hoped it would be. It was a short yet emotional homage to his Naval career and I hope mini sees his time away as one which made her stronger and more resilient. The trip was a whirlwind but a necessary respite.

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I ask you –

Of the four I mentioned, have you visited some/all/none?

What were your favorite things to do there?

Tell me how many retirement ceremonies you’ve attended. Countless.

(The post TX – AR – TN – KY first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Summer Treats

I know it’s not summer yet but I’ve been loving ice cream lately. When is ice cream not good? Fun fact: most places sell more ice cream and frozen treats when it’s cold outside.

Why does Blue Bell do this to me? Most assuredly, it is not keto. Oh, but it’s so goooooood!

Pretty sure I previously posted this same photo, but Rebel ice cream is really tasty!

Place a few of the Lindt truffles in the fridge and you will be amazed. Cold. Delicious. I should stop.

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I ask you –

What is your favorite summer treat?

Have you tried Blue Bell’s bride’s cake or groom’s cake?

Name a truffle flavor I must sample.

(The post Summer Treats first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Random Post, x3

Adorable birds nest cookies my MIL made. Nevermind the missing bites – taste test.

We won a game which means we technically tied for last place but that final game was a showstopper!

I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to coach and play with this amazing group of Wingmen.

Sorry, friends, I don’t have a lot to share today. Definitely more to come next week!

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I ask you –

Did you know what a candy birds’ nest was?

What was the chance of winning the final game? Less than 10%

Participation trophies: Yay or Nay? For others, no. For myself, sure!

(The post Random Post, x3 first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Let’s Talk About It

Bonus points for the Good Mythical Morning reference.

On this blog, I’ve talked about pregnancy, postpartum issues, perimenopause things, and a whole lot of other stuff.

We haven’t talked about menstrual cycle-related cravings. We’re about to!

I don’t know about other women, as I’m only one, small blessings, but 7-10 days prior to my cycle, I crave chocolate like it will never be there for me ever again. And, somehow, my 39 yr old body has now discovered the joy that is peanut butter and chocolate. Together. Big shocker. From no bake cookies to no bake fudge to Lindt truffles to huge chunks of dark chocolate, there are no boundaries. And the longer I deny the craving, the worse it gets. I once woke up in the middle of the night to raid the cupboard for chocolate.

Of course, chocolate has all the feel good properties of illicit drugs, at least that’s how it’s perceived by our human brains. But the origin of a craving is bizarre. Most research points to fluctuating hormone levels as the cause behind what we know as a craving, commonly for sweet or salty snacks.

Cravings are selective and intense, meaning the desire for a specific substance is overwhelming. Even the most trusted self help literature falls short of tried-and-true ways to overcome a craving. Nonetheless, I’ve lived with them for this long, what’s 50 years more.

Finally, I like to play a fun game affectionately titled why do my boobs hurt today? Running in an ill-fitting sports bra? Possibly. PMS symptom? Most likely. It’s always a blast around here, lemme tell ya’.

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I ask you –

Do you like chocolate and peanut butter together?

What fun game do you like to play?

Name your oddest craving!

(The post Let’s Talk About It first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

It…What?

This is the story of many unrelated topics with little to no context. Admittedly, I love context. It makes me happy to consider all angles of a single sentence. I like to know things, I like to wonder. But I really like to know the back, front, and sides of the thought process. This time – I’ll let these statements sit without much explanation.

Found this article while perusing other blog posts. I love the Texas border. And I love border communities.

I walked down the street with an empty cup, a glass bowl of salad, and no fork. Frantic about menopause. This is my life. Headed to a book club about a discussion over a book I hadn’t read. Hadn’t even purchased.

How to Job 101. Someone remind me I want to build a training curriculum around this title.

Recognizing our biases has unspoken importance, more powerful than anyone could believe. Which is why I admittedly share mine. Because I’d rather say why or how I’m biased than have someone use it against me. I may be biased but I am fair. And this is undoubtedly the single best compliment I’ve ever received, courtesy of my muse. Because, of course.

Lately, work is like taking a daily sucker punch with no consideration for recovery. I just get there, start swinging, and hope a few connect.

What was the slang these young people once said? I remember. It be like that sometimes.

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I ask you –

How often do you forget the proper utensils for a meal?

Solution to above: just take chopsticks, Kel!

Tell me your favorite, or most loathed, slang. Anything with “bruh”

(The post It…What? first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Waxing Poetic

Throughout my nearly 40 years, (ahem, 39) I’ve had opportunity to explore Texas. From the piney woods of East Texas to the coastal regions of South Texas through the flat lands, prairies, and rolling hills of West Texas (because, yes, somehow all of those exist here), I’m in awe.

Some would say Texas is a huge state that takes 427 days to cross. Some would say Texas is flat, brown, and dead. Some would say Texas is nothing compared to places overseas or even other U.S. states. To this I say – you’re mistaken.

There’s beauty in those rolling hills, where cell service and satellite radio all but disappear. There’s inspiration in the far-flung homes and ranches that provide services and goods to the residents of our nation, and beyond. What you see as brown and dead, I see hard work, generations of people doing what I have no desire to do in working their land and tending livestock, people with families and livelihoods. There’s nothing ugly there.

Have you seen the Rio Grande, water rushing along crevices formed millions of years ago? Have you seen cliffs, running parallel to major highways? Have you looked out over the edge of those roadways and marveled at what was below? Have you experienced a spring of bluebonnets and jonquils? Have you met the people in those small, forgotten towns, the ones who welcome you as family? Have you explored a proper downtown?

What about the incredible food? From pie shops to tacos, Texas’ food scene is unrivaled.

In honor of today’s dissertation defense (which you can find out if I was successful at by following me on Instagram or Facebook), this post is homage to the incredible people and places it took me to and through. Some communities I will most likely never visit again because I have no reason to do so; however, some will forever be in my heart due to the breathtaking stories shared by their inhabitants.

We are not numbers. We are not just constituents. We are human beings. And we all deserve to have our story told with respect, honesty, and genuine love. For the people I met, the people I couldn’t get to, and the immigrants who my work affects, thank you. I wouldn’t be here otherwise.

(The post Waxing Poetic first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

It’s really happening –

It’s been a whirlwind since I posted last Wednesday.

First, my dissertation defense is scheduled for 19 March. The date is about 45 days sooner than expected. I need to get busy finding a top hat. It’s actually happening.

Next, I couldn’t find this candy anywhere. Originally, I purchased it at TJ Maxx or equivalent store…Ross, etc. The label was dark so I don’t really know. I looked everywhere. Then, I found it at Target. Online. If you want to order said candy, you must purchase at least $35 of merchandise. So instead of spending $35 on candy + other items, I spent nearly $60 on all candy made by this brand. Good purchase? I don’t know but now I have a lot of candy!

Then, this happened. Gummies. I’m uncertain how many years it’s been since I deleted the game (nearly 3?). I know it’s a waste of time but I gave myself stipulations for playing. For example, if I want to play during the day, then I must be walking. So now I take a few extra walks. For exercise purposes, of course.

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I ask you –

Have you ever restarted a game?

What’s your favorite candy?

Wish me luck this week!

(The post It’s really happening – first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Traveling

I’ve been on the road more than home the past several weeks. Is that a song? Needless to say, but I’m saying it anyway, I drank a lot of coffee. Soon, I’ll share where each of these locations are, but, for now, here’s a collage:

More to come!

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I ask you –

Share your thoughts about anything!

(The post Traveling first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Comfort Food and other stuff

Recently, the radio host was accepting opinions of what listeners considered comfort food. One said it was food you eat when ill. Another disagreed because it should be more clear why they need comfort. For example, you’ve gone through a traumatic breakup…you wouldn’t give someone soup (such as when ill). Maybe you’d give them alcohol instead. I made that part up myself. No radio listener said this. And when there’s been a death in the family, people bring comfort food, like macaroni and cheese, and fried chicken. Though I don’t understand providing a grieving family the types of food that…undoubtedly…(may have) contributed to their demise.

My mom would make us children comfort food aptly titled “hot jello”. Basically, it’s the same steps to making jello prior to refrigerating it. It’s warm, sweet, and comforting. That’s my comfort food when sick.

Obviously we can’t have a discussion about comfort food without mentioning ice cream, specifically Blue Bell. This article ranks the top ten flavors with an original play on the how many forks idea (the better an item, the more forks).

(Spoiler) Unsurprisingly, Cookie Two Step was the winner. I can say unsurprisingly because I have practically inhaled an entire half gallon of this flavor. Despite it making me very ill, I believe it was entirely worth it. Take all my sporks! Although I do love buttered pecans and pistachio, I was a little surprised at the prevalence of peppermint flavors which made the list. Perhaps they have a following I’m unaware of.

And, finally, a quick recap of the most recent game night where my favorite game – Spoons – was the winner-takes-all finale. Yours truly was the winner amongst approx 40 competitive women. The photo below is an indicator of Part’s competitiveness, although she would tell you she is not.

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I ask you –

What is your favorite comfort food?

What about your favorite game?

Share your thoughts on the top ice cream winners.

(The post Comfort Food and other stuff first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Get(ting) Over It.

That’s what my knee feels like inside. A fireplace! Just when I think it’s gotten better or I haven’t noticed any pain, here it comes, out of the blue. Ready to wreck my day. 13 weeks of fireworks inside there. This is so much fun.

On the drive to the island, we stopped at the Czech Stop in West, Texas, home of the most amazing cinnamon roll I’ve ever had. The lovely employees warmed it up, handed it to me wrapped in wax paper, and gave us a stack of napkins. I inhaled it in about 0.79 seconds. I’m still thinking about that cinnamon roll.

You know those people who, just the very sound of their voice, makes you angry? I know one of them. In fact, my words are I’d rather cut the grass with my teeth than have a conversation with them. But you know what? So glad you asked. Here they come, trying to have conversations with me, ahem…need something. I’ve been known to walk the other direction, taking the looooong way home, to avoid conflict, I mean conversation. Grudge much.

Grief is an interesting thing. It finally happened, the voice I had been waiting on, my very own Jiminy Cricket, if you will, spoke these words: Get Over It. Suddenly, I realized I had been living in anger the past few months, unwilling to accept it might still be grief. Sure, I said it on RoF, I was dealing with grief, but I hadn’t fully addressed it. It was shrouded in anger, anger never expressed, anger I believed would mask the grief. No, child. Not only did I experience the entirety of anger, but I still had to navigate grief, too. Seems unfair. If only I had recognized it for what it was, an additional emotion vice a substitute. 30 years is a long time to grieve. And an even longer time to hold on to anger.

Get over it, Kel. I did/am/will/continue to.

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I ask you –

Do you prefer real wood or the pre-made logs in your fireplace?

Which is the best: the middle or the outside of a cinnamon roll? Middle. Always.

Share something you’re working to get over.

(The post Get(ting) Over It. first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)