Month: April 2021

Finally Thursday which means tomorrow is Friday. Yay! Makes my coffee tastes even better.
I woke up this morning to my second alarm, well I woke to the first but decided on another half hour of sleep. Now I am thinking a second cup of coffee too.
You know it’s going to be a ponytail day!
I am starting to feel a little loungy today. If that’s even a word. I could lounge in my jammies and slippers with coffee and my laptop, finishing up my editors to do list.
A mimosa or screwdriver might creep in there later, or even a nap. Hmmmmm. Sounds inviting.
Wake up Lorene.
You have adulting to do!
Its all good and going to he a beautiful day! Should reach 80! I love sun dress weather! Woo hoo! They are like going to work in a night gown. And I can eat a big lunch and not feel like a busted biscuit can.
Go throw on some summer attire and enjoy the day! Soak up some sun. Even if its a short walk outside at lunch. Vitamin D is always a good thing!
A little love and self care.
Give yourself some attention.
You deserve it.
I love you
Love big!
Lorene

I always feel happy.
You know why?
Because I don’t expect anything from anyone.
Expectations always hurt.
Life is too short…
so love your life…
be happy…
and keep smiling…
That’s life…
Feel it,
Live it,
Love it and
Enjoy it!!!!

I am needing an extra cup of coffee this morning. Maybe an extra pot.
My get up and go is dragging butt.
I was in bed early.
Had some crazy dreams.
Up at 5.
Ugh
I guess we all have those days once in a while.
I Just want to BE.
I don’t want to be productive
I don’t want to be the boss
I don’t want to get dressed
I just don’t wanna
It would be easy to call and say Hey, I’m not coming in.
Not really.
I’d feel guilty.
I felt guilty being gone after surgery.
My staff is also my work family.
We depend on each other.
I’m sure they could run the place without me, but then they would miss me! My charming personality!
With home schooling happening now, I do hope that parents add to the curriculum,
Life Skills.
Including work ethic.
Team building.
Leadership
Adulting 101
Yes we have to take care of ourselves. But it isnt just about us.
We coexist
We depend on each other to pull our own weight, but we also need to be there when it’s a little too heavy for someone else.
We are in this together.
That being said…
I will get myself ready for another day.
Physically and mentally.
Set that example.
Smile
Cheer
Jump in
Coexist
Be there.
Another day in paradise!
Now where’s my coffee cup….
Lorene

The view from the deck last night was amazing.
Having a drink with Big Daddy, both of us had spent the better part of the day catching up around the house.
He put in a small garden, I did laundry and paperwork. Maddie took naps in various places one of us might be.
Both of us are still working, so we aren’t looking for things to do. We have plenty.
We did make the time to snuggle and watch a movie or two. Our time together is special. We make it happen. We don’t have to go anywhere past the couch or the porch.
We still hold hands while watching TV.
Kiss at random.
You know, just because.
If we were to get quarantined, I’m not worried we would drive each other nuts. We don’t have enough US time as it is.
We would gain weight I’m sure, playing in the kitchen together, baking things we shouldn’t be eating. And we would eat them. There is no doubt there.
We love each other, but more importantly…
We like each others company.
You can love someone and not be able to live with them.
I’m fortunate and blessed.
I still need my quiet alone time, like now, with my coffee and imagination working overtime.
I never thought I would journal for the public to see.
And yet, here I am.
Writing random thoughts. Sharing with friends. Showing you more of who I am and just how my mind works.
It’s probably a good thing I’m not home 24/7, it would be too easy to write all day.
Walking around in my head could be traumatic for some
Quiet time has come to a close and work is waiting for me.
Be safe
Wash your hands.
Love Big.
Lorene

I thought about a video first thing this morning but as you can see, coffee and quiet time is dark and naked. Lol
As you can see. My just rolled out of bed look isn’t all that video worthy. 😳🤣
I may brave it one morning for all my early bird friends. Or night owls just settling in. It won’t be pretty and possibly a little boring. There will be no make up tutorial or how to blow dry your hair.
I dont even know how to put my hair up in a sexy messy bun. Mine always makes me look like I’ve chased a toddler all day.
I like my quiet.
I message a few friends good morning.
Send out a couple of motivational texts. Yes. At 6 am. They ask for it. Lol
I sip my coffee and run thru the days activities that are to come.
Today is hospital orientation. A regular cater. Nothing fancy. Oh and truck day.
Poo. So its going to be a bit physical.
And busy for a while. Finishing up invoices and the end of month paperwork should round out the day.
I’m sure I will sleep good tonight.
I got this.
Time to sip more and write less. My coffee is cooling and the warmth of it is my favorite part of consumption.
Have a wonderful day.
Love big.
Lorene

Good morning!
I hope your Easter weekend was amazing.
I catered a family meal for a great Chickasha family.
Work is what I do. One way or another.
Easter is about new beginnings.
A fresh start.
I am excited about a new beginning happening with me!
I am still at the hospital but I am bringing my chef side front and center.
With the help of 4o day publishing. I am building a website, Facebook page. Instagram, with videos, writings, recipes, how to’s, pictures, and more. To include my spice mixes. Fry flour and hush puppy mix bagged and ready for your kitchen.
Of course the first cook book, they are editing now to see if I babbled enough in it.
I am working on a brand, and cover ideas for the book.
The Twisted Chef is back. Ready or not.
Now to see if those chef coats fit. My first project may be to lose a few pounds!
Tell me what you want to see!
I will keep you updated!
And expect friends requests from The Twisted Chef. ❤
Have a wonderful week!
Start something new.
And love big!!
Lorene

I need to start an exercise program.
I have a small workout room in my house that houses the finest in dust collectors and portable clothes hangers that has been practicing social distancing for years now.
Although I have been working and doing everything I normally do besides runs into town, (not literal runs. I dont do that, ever), my body must be in survival mode. It is hanging on to fat like a security blanket.
This has to stop.
My thighs have never thought of the possibility of social distancing. They have each other and I will never dissolve that relationship.
I’ve learned to accept that.
I still have that after baby body.
Yes, my last baby is now in her 30s….
Mind ya business.
I fluctuate 10lbs constantly.
Keeping within my clothes.
When things start getting a little tight,
I don’t get excited about having to buy new clothes! At least not bigger ones.
And guess what?
Those stores are not essential at this moment in history.
And I am just not ready to share all this with all of you, that’s an episode of Naked and Afraid you wont want to DVR.
My aim?
Healthy
There are super models shaped like me.
My wrapping paper is just that.
Sometimes shiny with ribbons and bows, and sometimes a brown paper bag.
It does not define me.
Under the wrapping is Lorene.
Open the cover of this book and see what’s inside. Some of you may be surprised.
I know some of the most beautiful people that are wrapped in butcher paper, quiet, out of the limelight. You can see their inner glow through the seams of the cover. Big huge hearts beating so loud you can feel their vibrations
I’ve also met those people studded with diamonds, glitter, fancy ribbon. Leather and lace. You know the ones that catch your eye.
But that is all they are.
Fancy on the outside.
Dark on the inside.
Cold and self absorbed.
Never judge a book by its cover.
How true, how true.
A really good book can be worn and tattered, or shiny and cherished.
The only way to find out is to open it and start reading.
Now is the time to see past covers.
Get to know each other.
Ask questions, share experiences.
You may never get as close as my thighs, but you can develop new friendships.
You will be surprised at how much you have in common.
Make the best out of physical distancing.
Excuse me while I go visit my elliptical, I think the pants i want to wear today are hanging on the handle.
And I need more coffee.
Love you
Love Big
Lorene

Oh yes,
Wrapped up in my blanket, coffee in hand on the couch.
At home.
I love being home.
It’s where I make the rules.
Breakfast for dinner.
Clothing optional.
Netflix all day.
Silence all day.
Cat nap all day.
Company for a visit.
Alone with a book.
Thermostat at 68.
Ok. So when Troy is home we compromise.
Most of the time.
He is spoiled and maintains control of every remote in the house.
Seems like the only time I don’t care to be at home is when I’m told I have to stay in.
Sound familiar?
Like a wet paint sign, or being told don’t touch it’s hot.
Don’t tell me what to do.
You don’t know what’s good for me.
Instead of:
thanks for the warning.
How hard is that really?
I spent the week of my surgery at home. No driving, no lifting. Pushing. Pulling. My purse even exceeded my weight restriction.
I lived in my pajamas.
I was thinking of ways to escape!
Doctors orders were for my own good.
Imagine that.
And now, I’ve healed nicely, no hernia from over doing it, I got the rest my body needed to heal and i caught up on all my cooking shows.
Being told to do something we don’t want to do, Even if it’s for our own good can bring out the defiance of a toddler in us.
But being adults, we know down deep inside what is best for us, like it or not.
Our actions can affect others and sometimes more harm than help.
So why not set that example.
That great act of defiance could end up being your last.
Reestablish being King or Queen of your castle.
Guard it.
Protect it.
Enjoy it.
It is your kingdom
Snuggle up on the couch and enjoy your coffee.
We will all meet for lunch soon.
Love big.
Lorene ❤

It has been a very difficult and heartbreaking the past few weeks. Being positive has proven to be a chore for me. I can not control everything, I can only control how I respond. I am positive things will improve and my sanity will remain in tact.
Stress has been managed with late night tears, deep breathing, meditation, the ears of good friends and Troy’s strong arms.
If I’m a little absent, it’s not you. I’m trying to refocus and process. I always come back with a vengeance. Better than ever. ❤💎

Hold my beer and watch this.
We have all heard that phrase and what follows is the response to a dare. Sometimes funny, but always a “one upped ya”
Life this year has been daring to say the least. Yelling at us… Some brutal, “take that!”, “you cant survive that”, “isolation people! Go crazy alone”, “no cure”, “no job, no income”, “no ppe for you”, “no medical equipment”, “every man for himself”.
At least that is what it seems the world is saying right now.
Up in our faces like a bully.
Threatening
Taunting
Daring us to strike back.
Hold my beer and watch this…..
Underestimate us, it will be fun.
Once again, Americans have stood up and said “Not today Satan! 6 feet! Back up!”
When our Nation was threatened during the war, manufacturing changed over to provide tanks and other needed items to survive. The same is happening today.
Car manufacturers are producing medical equipment, distilleries…sanitizer, neighbors are sewing masks and the lists go on.
Our healthcare workers, front line people, working long shifts, coming home with bruised faces from wearing masks all day. Stripping in the garage to keep from exposing their families to what may have held onto their clothes.
Dont forget the second in line, supporting the front line. Sanitizing, feeding, backing everyone up.
Those staying at home and doing what they can to stop the spread. Teaching their children, sewing, cooking, do what they know how to help.
We are all essential.
We are the greatest Nation in the world. Because, WE THE PEOPLE.
WE will make it happen.
WE will conquer any threat to us.
WE will prevail.
Now give me back my beer.
We got this.
Lorene ❤