10-16-2025 Pickleball Victories and Pulled Pork Gratitude

Finding My Center (Again)

Do you ever have those weeks where you realize you’ve been running on caffeine and chaos instead of peace and purpose? That was me this week. Between work, the kids, and adjusting to Tag’s night shift schedule that leaves little room for family time, I’ve completely fallen out of my meditation routine, and I can feel it. It’s funny how quickly you notice when your habits are off. I caught myself getting way too upset over something that normally wouldn’t have even bothered me. That’s when I knew it was time to pause and regroup.

The truth is, it’s been a full stretch of work, family, and late-night juggling. Tag’s been on night shifts, I’ve been managing closings, and it’s mostly been me and the kids, with Adam joining us sometimes. Over the weekend, we played pickleball, and I’m proud to say I won. My kids are great at many things, but let’s just say racket sports might not be their strong suit. We also watched the Maze Runner movies together, which turned into an ongoing debate about which character would survive longest in real life.

I’ve realized that self-awareness isn’t about being perfect. It’s about noticing when you’ve veered off course and giving yourself grace to get back on. That’s where I’m at right now: a little off balance, but aware, and taking small steps back toward my center.

Real Estate, BBQ, and Big Hearts

Professionally, it’s been a busy but rewarding week. I wrapped up three closings, each one unique, and all with buyers’ agents who were cooperative and kind. One of my sellers moved out of state and bought their new home sight unseen. They didn’t even set foot in it until the day before closing. The wife called it their “charming dirty castle that we will make a home,” and honestly, that might be my favorite description of a house ever.

Adam and I also went to a housewarming for a couple we helped earlier this year. They’ve filled their home with art, plants, and personality, and it radiates happiness. We stood in their kitchen surrounded by laughter and the smell of pulled pork, and they even sent us home with a huge bag of it. Moments like that remind me why I love this career. It’s not just about selling houses, it’s about helping people find the space where their lives unfold.

On a more personal and community-focused note, I’ve started working on something close to my heart called Blessing Baskets. The idea is simple: fill a laundry basket with everything a family needs to make a Thanksgiving meal. We’ll collect them just before the holiday, and local schools will help distribute them. We’re asking for gift cards for the turkey and non-perishables for everything else.

This project was inspired partly by other agents who’ve done similar things, and partly by my own childhood. There was a time when my family relied on food stamps, and one Christmas, our gifts came from a church. I know what it’s like to go without, and I never want a child in our community to feel that kind of uncertainty. Sometimes just knowing there will be food on the table can make all the difference.

I’m also gearing up for my annual Pie Day soon, and I’m looking forward to this weekend’s events, including Mountain Day with my NMH alumni group and a meet-up with the Ladies of Elk Creek.

So yes, it’s been a full week, but in all the best ways: work that matters, time with people I love, and projects that remind me what community really means. Maybe balance doesn’t come from slowing down, but from making sure the things filling your days are the ones that fill your heart, too.