Kristie's Craziness

Going to the Dogs

April 14, 2026

Hello Lovelies!

I’m 💯 enjoying the productivity phase of my lupus remission. I’ve had a little bit extra energy to read, clean and even decorate. Our half bathroom is the only room in the house with wallpaper and I don’t hate it.

I considered getting a black lab puppy to match the room, but instead decided to just let the room go to the dogs.

I bought this adorable Sign to hang on the wall. It’s funny, because it’s true. My dogs think the world is ending if they can’t follow you everywhere in the house.

My favorite part of the bathroom is the towel rack. I found the Golden Retriever and Beagle towels on Amazon. They aren’t as thick as I prefer my hand towels but they are super cute.

So far, I’ve only been able to find Christmas Rugs and toilet covers. If you find a set with a husky, let know. Until then, this black and white dog works.

I had to add a beagle to the decor since I have 2 of them. The gold pump that came on this Hand Soap Dispenser didn’t work all the time, so I switched it with my Christmas dispenser. I think I like the contrasting color better anyways.

My finishing touch is this Wax Warmer. It makes a great night light while adding a touch of whimsy.

And here’s a picture of a few of the dogs that inspired my decor. They are enjoying the sunshine outback while I write.

Let me know what you think.

Kristie
90s Playlist: Alanis Morissette – You Oughta Know

April 13, 2026

Picture this: It’s 1995. I’m a high school sophomore and develop feelings for a boy in my choir class. The timing wasn’t right then, but 6 months later we started dating. I thought we were exclusive until I learned his other girlfriend had a pregnancy scare. My heart broke. My impulses were to either play the victim and weep or give into my anger.

I remember listening to You Oughta Know by Alanis Morissette on repeat. I felt the line:

Does she know how you told
Me you’d hold me until you died?
‘Til you died, but you’re still alive.

My hurt and anger bubbled over. I didn’t want to hurt him, but I wanted him to know he hurt me. I wanted his other girlfriend to know she wasn’t the only one. Alanis Morissette gave me permission to feel all these things with You Oughta Know.

The end of this story will surprise you. I didn’t talk to that boy for years. We both went on to marry other people and lead different lives. Then in December 2013, we ran into each other again. We were both broken and in the middle of messy divorces. Fate let us laugh together and lean on one another. Today we have been married for almost 9 years, have a beautiful daughter and continue to build a life together built on love.

I still love You Oughta Know, even though I’ve let go of that anger. I hope through streaming it continues to empower women and encourage them to feel all the messy anger that can come with a break up. It’s way better than being a victim.
Bush vs Gore

April 12, 2026

Hello lovelies.

I know I have disappeared again, but I am having a really difficult time trying to write posts that don’t add more negativity into this really scary world we seem to be living in.

I swear the divide between Gen X and millennials has gotten smaller, and what brings us together are the words, “I miss the 90s.” I miss there being less technology and more human interaction. I miss people being willing to talk to each other and try to find a middle ground instead of just attacking each other for our differences. I’m not in any way trying to say the world was perfect back then, but it did feel more hopeful and a whole lot easier.

If I had to pinpoint when things really changed politically in America, I would have to point to the election of 2000. The closeness of the election in Florida, the confusion of butterfly ballots and hanging chads, the lack of uniform standards for the recount and the questionable Supreme Court decision have all combined to make people distrusting of elections.

I just finished reading Bush v Gore by Charles Zeldon in the hopes of understanding what went wrong. The beginning of the book presents a nonpartisan view of what happened, how the case got to the Supreme Court and the processes that are in place that should have been used instead. The last chapters are a bit more skewed. They list sketchy republican tactics of gerrymandering and voter suppression as direct correlation to the 2000 election.

Gerrymandering happens on both sides and is more about control than protecting the people. Voter suppression by moving voting precincts is deplorable and the people doing this should be held accountable. Requiring picture I.D. feels like less of an issue though. I need a license to drive. Most jobs want a copy of your I.D. You need I.D. to exercise your right to bear arms or to travel on a plane. Instead of playing the blame game, why not work together to help Americans get their I.D.s and make them feel like the government is actually working for the good of the people?

I will vote in my local elections in August and again in November. I haven’t given up on the American dream. I can only hope that the people we elect follow through on their promises.
Spring Journaling Rituals

March 31, 2026
Good morning.

Hopefully you have been able to sleep a bit later than I have, or even better, you are on spring break like my kids. Unfortunately, I am still rushing around trying to get stuff done before work, but I wanted to take a minute to share my new spring journaling ritual.

Find a cozy space. I love to snuggle with these 2 puppers during my 10 minutes of quiet.

I need my cup of coffee to get my brain working.

I open the window and take some deep breaths, things about the renewal of the day, the season and the phases of life.

Finally, I set a timer for 10 minutes, open my journal and write what I feel. This morning it’s accomplished. I’ve gotten a lot done lately and I’m not stressed about going to work today. I’m energized and ready for the challenges of the day.
May you find peace in your day and hope in your heart.

Kristie
Spring Intentions

March 23, 2026
I had intended to spend my weekend doing the taxes and spring cleaning in the house, but instead we drove to Indiana to play pet rescue.

My husband’s cousin adopted a puppy without her husband being on board, without a plan and after 3 hours decided to rehome him. I foresee a few rough days in our future while the animals adjust to one another, but Bandit will settle in just fine. It just means I will have to add keep things put away so the puppy doesn’t chew them and take extra walks to wear him out.

But I have other, more vague intentions for having a lovely spring.

💐Spring Intentions💐
- Embrace fresh routines: for me this means more outside time
- Connect with nature to restore balance: There is a beautiful trail not far from the house that I want to walk weekly. My husband can either join us or go fishing at the trail head.
- Prepare lighter, more colorful meals: I want to get back to my salad lunches and Saturday meal planning at the farmers market.
- Begin each day with mindful moments: I like to sit down with a cup of coffee in the morning and my journal. I can analyze my dreams, plan my day and sort my thoughts to become focused and prepared for the day.
- Stay hydrated: I struggle with this. My Fitbit tells me to get up and move, but I swear it needs a drink water reminder.
- Spring, clean and declutter the house: We still haven’t finished unpacking so this might be a bit unrealistic. I will be happy if we are able to get one room unpacked and organized so there’s no boxes in it.
- Celebrate small moments of growth: This can be as simple as acknowledging when you had more patience in a trying situation or when you complete a task that you’ve been putting off for a while. Give yourself a small pat on the back to acknowledge that things are getting done.
I would love for you to share your spring intentions in the comments. Let’s celebrate the season together.

Have a wonderful day.

Kristie