Author: Lorene

Quiet, dark and coffee.
Sometimes I wish I had longer, but the clock keeps moving and the light grows outside.
Crazy how much faster time moves when you get older. Some days seem to last forever but the years, wow, they fly by.
I remember celebrating America’s bicentennial.
1976
I was a 6th grader at Roosevelt elementary in Lawton Oklahoma.
44 years ago
44!
February 1983. Lawton Oklahoma
I’m in a ward room scheduled to have my daughter. Watching TV, trying to pick a name. Scared.
Alone.
I didnt make anyone proud that year except me. I was proud.
January 1989. Neu Ulm Germany
Another hospital room surrounded by German nurses who barely spoke English, and my husband that translated so I wasnt so confused. Another proud moment. Not alone, but Just as scared.
February 2003
Married my life partner. It’s been an adventure, but flying by oh so fast.
May 2003
My first grandchild. The moment she was in my arms, she became my Ladybug.
That was 16 years ago.
Yesterday, I swear.
If only life had a pause button.
And a rewind, I’d play it over and over. That would be worth binging.
55 seasons of the life of Lorene. 🤣
What a reality show that would be.
The Kardashians have nothing on me!
You, yeah you, don’t worry, I’ll change the names to protect the innocent. ❤
Well, get out there and start living!
Go be your own reality show star.
I need more coffee….
Lorene

Well, it’s back to the norm.
First full week of the new year. No more holidays tucked away in the middle of the week. Unless someone declares Wednesday a National holiday. All the work you left on your desk is there waiting for some attention. Grinning at you like a Cheshire cat.
Back to the grind.
Back to the norm.
Or is it?
Things change every day.
There is always something new. Never the norm.
Like this ear ache I woke up to at 2:30 this morning, ugh. It has altered my day already.
The door separating my bathroom and closet is stuck, I’m having to alter my normal morning routine going around and thru my bedroom, trying hard not to wake Troy.
I am in my quiet place this morning with my coffee, enjoying the house sounds, but missing some early messaging.
The coffee is warm and smooth to the taste, but each swallow reminds me of the pain in my ear.
Someone will be starting today without a loved one. Without the physical presence they have had almost a lifetime. Learning to live without them.
Someone is starting a new career, bigger and better than the last, a job with promise, benefits and more money.
Someone will be attending a new school, knowing no one, scared and nervous.
Someone will have their boots on foreign soil, fulfilling a promise to protect, serve and guard our freedoms. God bless and protect them.
A life will start today, somewhere with people around to snap pictures and brag.
A life will end, alone, unnoticed.
Everyday can be the norm.
Get up, get moving. Get out….
The same routine.
But living life is far from routine.
Take what life throws and build with it!
Lemons, rocks, daisies….
Use them to build your castle so you can drink lemonade or whiskey sours while watching the flowers grow.
Never be normal.
Lorene

Oh my goodness 5 am arrived earlier than normal. I can hear Troy snoring and I am jealous. I would love a few more hours of sleep. I tossed and turned last night. My brain would not shut down. All I could do was think about everything I need to get done.
So, coffee it is.
My morning hero.
My motivation activator.
My warmer upper. Its cold this morning.
We all need a boost at times.
I love to scroll Facebook and find those “you can do it ” memes and posts.
And as you know,
I will be posting my own.
No gloom and doom.
No woe is me.
Just a Chin up! You got this!
Because you do.
Why would you want to drag everyone down to a pity pool and get everyone wet?
Scroll past what doesn’t motivate you in a good way.
Stop mid sentence.
It’s ok.
Oops! Nope, no happiness here….keep moving, nothing to see.
Wow, that easy.
Control what and who you allow to influence your day.
You set the tone.
Bring about what you speak about.
Speak happiness, joy and friendship.
Attract happy people to your circle.
Don’t waste time with any others.
If all your Facebook friends are sad Sally’s, start using the unfollow button.
It is not your job to make them happy.
It is not their job to make you happy.
Anyway, this is supposed to help motivate you this morning. My writing always reads better with a beverage of choice. Preferably a screwdriver but it is a workday, so you may want to opt for coffee or tea.
Have a fantabulous day!
Rock it like the Star 🌟 you are!
Never settle for less!
And if you run across a Sad Sally,
Smile and ask them what good happened to them today. Apparently they woke up on the right side of the dirt, remind them.
Love big,
Lorene

It’s so quiet this morning.
Of course I am sitting in the dark with my liquid motivator in hand.
My first day back was a good one. Very busy and by noon I was ready for a nap.
My staff made sure I did not wander too far from my desk and did my running for me.
It is nice when you hear “we missed you” from your team. I even got a welcome back cupcake.
I have had bosses I liked better on vacation. I am fortunate this group likes me around.
I was in bed before 9pm however. Totally exhausted. I haven’t used so many muscles or my brain in the past 2 weeks.
I did walk into a clean desk. That was comforting. No anxiety of seeing piles of paperwork. I made sure before I left I would come back to some organization. Kind of like cleaning house before you go on vacation so you come back to a relaxing atmosphere.
The thought of everything I needed to do or catch up with flooded my mind.
Payroll Monday
Grocery order
Menu
End of month paperwork
Invoices to pay
Invoices to get paid
End of year paperwork
End of year inventory
Schedule
Whew! I have a lot to do!
Before I could feel overwhelmed, I pulled out a piece of paper and made a “to do” list. I listed everything by priority and or time consumption. After completing the absolutely do it before 4pm on Monday items, I knocked off several quick and easy tasks.
Talk about a confidence boost!
Marking things off your To Do List is such a motivator and feels like a giant pat on the back!
Although I left work ready to go to bed, I felt like I actually put a big chunk in my mountain of paperwork.
Sure I am behind.
But this morning when I go in and look at my list and see all those beautiful lines running through my successes and I begin to add more,
it won’t be overwhelming.
It won’t look impossible.
I may be too tired to climb my mountain this week, but I can put my head down and burrow a hole straight through it!
I guess I should start my expedition with some clothes, but first, I deserve another cup of fuel to get my motor running.
☕☕here is to your journey today!
May your mountains be small,
Your love be big!
Ready?
Let’s get this party started!
Lorene

First Monday of the year.
Today is my first official day back to work.
Desk duty.
I probably could have used another week home, my energy is not where it needs to be and I can’t stand for too long.
But, I have end of month, end of year paperwork waiting for me. So the doc agreed to let me try.
Paperwork
Ugh!
Besides, I’ve gained weight sitting at home and that is not acceptable. Maybe getting back to my routine will help.
The last time I opened the fridge, it asked “what the hell do you want now?”
So, back to work.
First work day in 2021
Let’s see how many times I write 2020.
And how many times I need to squeeze my stress Bee!
Just coffee and Aleve, maybe ibuprofen for pain. No more afternoon screwdrivers.
I did not miss work.
Actually, if it weren’t for my staff, I may not have come back this soon.
They have been taking care of business while I’ve been gone and I’m sure I’ll hear all about it today. But they let me heal at home with no worries.
Besides, payroll and ordering from home, one little visit about an incident, I’ve let my brain and body rest.
So I am rambling while I drink my coffee this morning. I am trying to convince myself I am ready for the day. My patience is thin when I am in pain. I may have to shut my door the first few days. Lol
I’m sure there will be tattle telling going on. That happens in every job.
He said, she said. They said. who did.
But today is Monday,
And Mondays are busy.
Payroll, ordering, menus. And my stuff that’s waiting on me.
Welcome back!
I guess I should get dressed. HR will not appreciate my couch wardrobe.
I’ll need more coffee when I get there.
Have a wonderful Monday!
Smile
Knock it out of the park
And love big!
Lorene

I haven’t written much this New Year.
Healing has been a process, I am not as resilient as I thought, then my post op visit told me why.
The scope was a little more evasive than first planned, but he should never have to go in again.
Now my knee is younger than me.
Knee 👍
Neck 👍
Brain 👍
Heart 👍
Upper GI 👍
Lower 👍
One step closer to immortality!
I had lunch with high school friends last week. The conversations were so different!
2 were comparing their heart attacks and stints and how they were card carrying now. I didn’t realize you had to carry a card after that.
Comparing prescriptions.
Exercise regimens
Retirement due to disabilities
What a change from times gone by!
I listened more than anything. I had nothing to add. I am fortunate I am healthy and don’t worry about high blood pressure or other issues.
One friend asked me if I had a deal with the devil that keeps me so “young” and looking like I did in high school.
I had to laugh, thank goodness eyesight is the first to go!
I so miss getting together like this. No matter what has changed in our lives, WE remain the same.
Friends that would drop anything to be by your side.
Friends that want nothing but your happiness.
The original Ride or Die friends.
It can be months of no contact then a text seems like it was just yesterday.
Friends that are there in body and soul.
I love you all.
Our next meeting will be sooner than later. And the conversation lighter.
We don’t know how much longer we will have each other.
I am looking forward to see these guys as old men playing with their great grand children with their wives by their side.
Having lunch to exchange pictures of family instead of medical info.
A brand new year to start fresh.
Enjoy loved ones.
Be healthy
And have an attitude of immortality.
Do it!
And love big!
Lorene

These holidays falling on a Wednesday sure can mess up your internal clock.
It’s like having a week full of Mondays and a Saturday plopped down in the center.
You might take some time off, but you’re busy with the holiday craze. So its go, go, go.
We are having our family Christmas Saturday.
Children, grand children, brother, niece, moms and dads, in laws, out laws and even bonus children.
Bonus children, because my daughter has a heart big enough to love a couple of extra girls that need a family right now. They are in for a surprise, this family puts the fun in dysFUNctional!
The more the merrier.
We are all family in some way, shape or form.
There is always room at the table, you may just have to bring your own lawn chair.
Each year our family grows, sometimes in numbers and or successes.
I am grateful I can sit back and watch the show, sometimes a comedy sometimes a drama. I get to play a supporting role in some, others I’m an honorable mention. However it plays out, I know I’ve touched each of these lives somehow, someway, hopefully for the better. I enjoy watching them build their seasons one episode at a time.
All of them Stars in my book.
Well, my coffee time is over and my own sitcom needs to be written today, so I’m off!
See you soon!
Same bat time
Same bat channel
Lorene

Day 2 of an incredible ride into the roaring 20s.
I started the New Year like I want the rest of the year to go…..
Taking time off, spending time with friends, preparing for the family, relaxing, quality time with Troy, snuggling the furbaby and sipping coffee in my quiet space.
My maximum effort
To make the next decade a memorable one.
I ate some absolutely wonderful, scrumptious, spicy black eyed peas. I’m not bragging on myself, Troy started them while i cooked brunch and by dinner they were amazing! All I did was pour off the bacon grease into the pot. Yummo!!
I also had pizza.
Let’s be real, its Lorene here.
Anyone who knows me, knows I can be bought with a double pepperoni pie.
Today will be a back to business day.
End of month paperwork, inventory totals, wrapping up 2019 with a few rubber bands and paper clips.
Saturday will be Christmas in the Wood household. Just when you think you have your children settled down from the holidays, boom! Lulu and Pappy happen.
So yes the tree is still up. And probably will be for a little while.
Nothing wrong with a little holiday reminder.
My cup is empty, and my bladder is full, so I need to run.
Have a great day 2!
Do something out of the norm today, smile at everyone, compliment a stranger or even that coworker that never smiles. Make a smile from them your goal for the week.
😁😁
Lorene

The beginning of a new decade will start as I’m writing these words.
What an opportune time to look back at all your accomplishments.
One may have just been getting through the day.
Paying your bills on time.
Getting your bills paid.
Becoming parents.
To twins.
Balancing your checkbook.
avoiding an overdraft this month.
Volunteering at the soup kitchen.
putting food on the table for your family.
Working a 40 hour week.
Holding down 2 jobs.
Being a single parent.
Raising amazing kids.
Graduating college.
Getting your GED.
Each and every accomplishment is amazing.
Never give up.
One day at a time.
One goal at a time.
2020 is a new beginning and a continuing adventure.
Happy New Year my friends.
I’m excited to share the next decade with you.
Lorene

2019
A look back.
I know it was just yesterday. But humor me.
Actually let’s look back as far as 2000.
Personally
We all know most of the worldly accounts, good, bad and ugly. It’s a shame there will always be the ugly things. We can only strive to make our part of the world a better, prettier place.
My decade has been a wild ride.
I found my father, lost my mother, gained 9 beautiful grandbabies, fell into the arms of my life partner, watched my children blossom into a beautiful bouquet of successes and individualities.
I was able to reconnect with long time, I wont call you old, friends, family members, even ones I didnt know I had.
I learned a little about my heritage.
Cuban, 2nd generation American.
I even died. For just a minutes or so, I was too busy to stay there but it was an amazing visit.
My career path was a winding road of Goodyear, convenient store owner, Dollar General Manager, insurance agent, Restaurant manager, then owner and Chef, now a Director of Food and nutrition at the hospital.
Busy 10 years! But one led me into the other.
I was never afraid to jump in with both feet when an opportunity arose.
I dove into my passion for cooking and was able to live my dream of feeding people happiness at Bistro Lorene. Not many people can say they lived their dream.
I can. Because I wasn’t afraid to try.
Ok, I’m lying to you.
I was scared crazy!
Truth be told I cried the entire time I cooked my first Ribeye steak for a customer worried they would hate it and send it back.
The curtain that separated the kitchen from the dining room was like that of the Wizard of Oz. I was always afraid someone would find me out. Take a peek behind it and find just a home cook disguised in a chef coat her husband bought her, that loved sharing her dishes. Not some TV chef, although we did make it on Jamie’s Favorite Things once.
It was MY dream, but the people who drove from all around for my food made it a reality. Being recognized in public and told the Bistro is missed is more humbling than you can know.
For that, I am truly grateful.
I’m grateful for the entire decade.
I’ve learned, loved and lost.
Sometimes all on the same day.
This was the decade I discovered,
I BELONG
2020-2029 wont be any different with the exception that I have learned lessons to use as needed, more people around me I love and loved by.
I’ll keep my Aura and spirit bright and loving.
And my feet are ready to jump right in when I see that opportunity.
Look out 2020, this momma is ready for another ride.
Hang on friends and pack a lunch.
You belong too!
Let’s get this party started!
Lorene