Kristine Joy, Writer

• I needed for the Casey’s Breakfast Pizza to cost us less than $471.77 because the hungry could not wait for the garage door to fully open before being on their way to deliciousness:

• I needed to wind up with a job at the golf course this Summer because I had a supplemental income goal and it was a source of supplemental income I feel as if I gained another “home” in my life and co-workers that I will consider family for a lifetime.
  • And maybe also because we need supplemental income to pay for a new back windshield.

From our group text following a best ball outing amongst staff and volunteers:

“It was fun to work with so many different personalities that get along.”

“I can’t remember having so much fun playing golf.”

“It was pretty crazy to see all of us take over the driving range before play.”

“I hope each of you understands how much I appreciate you and the energy you bring to our operation. Ellis is different, and you guys are the reason why!”

“I appreciate everyone accepting the newbies into the mix! I’m hooked! What a breath of fresh air it’s been!”

• I needed to make my 46 year old self Kraft Macaroni because it nourished my soul.
  • Certified Nutritionist (me) Approved!
    • But please don’t eat it everyday.
  • And, any adult that loved Kraft as a kid that now looks down upon the cheesy pleasey goodness is a downright fraud.

“I have wisened. And I would never feed joy to my children.”

• I needed the laugh upon realization that two of the acronyms that I call my husband would likely be misinterpreted by an outside observer:

M.F. = MY FAVORITE (MALE IN MY LIFE)

S.B. = SEXY BEAST

• I needed for my S.B. / M.F. husband to have come up with the thoughtful idea to get me a hoodie with custom artwork (similar to that which I would want in a tattoo).
  • I insisted that we get him one also.
  • My soul is aligned with that of a bison and his a lone wolf; and the butterfly represents Em because I can still picture her chasing butterflies as a kid + her representation (in my life) of beauty, transformation and eventual flight.

• I needed a night of unrestful non sleep to feel more like the calm after the storm than the storm itself. #babysteps #bigstep #stepintherightdirection

• I needed not have been beckoned to a movie theater because my daughter and two friends bought tickets to an R rated movie and one of them needed an adult to be admitted entrance.

Em: Thank you Mom. I know you don’t like horror movies.

Me: No big deal. I can’t sleep anyway. 🫩 😆 (see above)

And to be honest, I had a lovely time with the teenagers. Em gave me the blanket that she brought for herself and warned me when I needed to close my eyes (she had already seen it).

• For someone that some claim “doesn’t have a job”, I need fewer workdays that run from 6:30 AM to 8:15 PM. But, I also needed one of those days last week because it spurred me to re-program the code….as in…not doing it anymore.

• I needed to ask ChatGPT, “What lessons was I supposed to have learned from reading The Alchemist?” because….
  • I wasn’t intellectual enough to know whether I had garnered the message(s) or not?!?

ChatGPT:

A deeper emotional takeaway…

Many of us grow up bold and imaginative…then the world trains us to be practical, safe, small.

The Alchemist is one big reminder:

You are still allowed to want what you want.

Even now. Even after disappointment. Even if people don’t understand.

• When I lift, I choose “STRENGTH” on my Garmin watch in order to record the workout. I need to know if I can use this button on a more general basis?!?
  • When I wake up, can I choose “STRENGTH” before getting out of bed and let it run all day?
    • You know, like a Power-Up in Mario….

I appreciate your readership. I need the validation as writer; if there is a like or heart icon for you to depress, I’d most appreciate the support!

Sincerely,

K.J. Sculling