Stay On Track in 2022: 3 Tips

Holy cow, friends!

Can you believe it’s already 2022? After all of the ups and downs that last year held, I am grateful that there were many lessons that I learned during it all. One of the things I learned is how important it is to stay on top of my schedule and keeping a happy flow with organization. As a full time student who works and has a decent amount on her plate, I learned last year that staying on top of my schedule and having everything I needed laid out is better for my mental health! When I have my month planned out and can see what I have to do during my day, I feel on top of it. I figured that now is a great time to put together a list of things that have helped me stay on track!

Step One: Utilize Google Calendar!

I think the majority of us have a Google account and a Gmail account! If you do, one of the fun tools that Google provides is the Google calendar. I use my calendar every day to see what I have going on and what’s coming up during my week. Another thing that I like about using Google calendar is that I can share my schedule with any organizations I am in that need it for planning, or I can share it with a family member.

I also love to color coordinate my events and tasks with the pastel color pallet and I’m obsessed! Look how cute it is!

The best part is that I have access to my calendar on my phone with the app and on my computer. I pretty much live off of my calendar!

Step Two: Try to Stick to Your Schedule!

One of the hardest parts of getting my schedule on track was actually sticking to it! I’m the champ of waking up to alarm and staring at it blurry-eyed, inching to hit snooze. But the thing I realized is that when I actually get out of bed and start my routine, I feel put together. If I wake up with enough time to put on a quick face of makeup, get my outfit together, and pack my lunch, I’m doing myself a service! I am a happier person when I am organized and it has helped me so much. Set your alarm, plan ahead, and try not to hit snooze! (But if you do, there’s zero judgement from me because I have some mornings where I do too because let’s face it, an extra 10 minutes of sleep and some dry shampoo are worth it!)

Step Three: The Final Piece

Step Three is the most important step by far! Take care of yourself!! Taking time for yourself to make a yummy meal, do a face mask, or drink a glass of wine while you watch Netflix is so good for your mental and spiritual health and no matter how much you schedule into your day, it’s important to make time for yourself! This year we are taking care of ourselves and making us a priority!

I hope these little tips help you get organized this year and find some peace! Stay groovy, friends!

5 FREE Wallpapers In Time for Spooky Season

Hi, friends!

I hope you are well and getting ready to put out your fall decorations! I’m so excited for the fall season this year because I really need that boost of serotonin! The weather is still hot and muggy in Oklahoma but here’s to hoping it changes soon, ha!

I made five new wallpapers this year to fit the spooky theme and hopefully get you in the mood for Jack-o-lanterns and candy corn!

Hey, Boo!

These two spooky friends are ready to say “hey!” when you check your phone!

I Need Coffee…like right now

Because coffee waits for no one, especially in college! PSL with Chai, anyone?

It’s Just a Little Hocus Pocus

When you awake from your 300 year dirt nap, this cute wallpaper will be there to greet you!

I Put a Spell on You

For the withes out there, this is for you, you magical thing.

Hedgie + Pumpkings

This lil guy has my heart.

These wallpapers are formatted in 828 x 1792 px to fit most iPhones, specifically the iPhone 11. They can be sized down to fit most screens!

Happy fall, y’all! Go get a cup of coffee and get your spooky season on!

See you soon,

Featured image by freestocks on Unsplash

The Best Movies I Streamed This Month

Hi, friends!

There’s nothing better than coming home from work and cozying up to good movies! This month I had a lot of down time before I changed jobs and I definitely did my fair share of streaming on different platforms! This is my list of what I streamed this month and my recommendations for you!

Practical Magic

Hello, this is one of my favorite comfort movies! I found it on HBO Max and it put me in the mood for fall weather and fluffy blankets! Sandy B and Nicole Kidman star in this 1998 classic that spreads the love on the bond of sisterhood with a healthy pinch of witchy magic. It also brings an important awareness to being careful at what spells you cast and what type of witchcraft you are practicing. I love this movie anytime during the year!

Beetlejuice

Say his name three times and he shall appear! Hulu currently has this Tim Burton film ready for your enjoyment! Once again, another spooky film has made my favorites list. Any Burton film is a good one but I have always loved Beetlejuice the most. The humor, the prosthetics, the music, chef’s kiss!

Harry Potter collection

When I’m in the mood for a movie I’ve seen before that I can put in the background, I always watch Harry Potter! You can find the collection on HBO Max and Peacock while it lasts! I subscribe to both streaming services but I mostly watch it on Peacock! If you haven’t seen any of the HP movies, you need to at least see them once!

Leap Year

Leap Year has been on my list of go-to romantic comedies ever since I saw it years ago! Amy Adams and Matthew Goode star in this heartfelt film that makes my heart pitter patter. Peacock has this streaming now! Go pop a bag of popcorn and grab your best blanket!

Jaws

Dun-dun-dun-dun-dundundudndun…iconic, right? The full Jaws film collection is streaming now on Peacock for subscribers! The first film is my personal favorite by far! I remember the first time I saw our VHS tape, I was terrified! The boat scene where the head pops out made my soul leave my body! I think that was my first “scary” film experience growing up! If you’re a fan of the classics, it’s a perfect time to plan a movie night with the fam!

Pretty Woman

Believe it or not, Peacock isn’t sponsoring this post (but they totally can! My email is linked *wink), they just have a lot of great movies and shows (here’s to The Office fans!). Pretty Woman is kind of intense and pulls on my heart too much..but the piano scene! Woof! It definitely rose my expectations! Funny story- kind of- when I was around 11 or 12, my mom and I went to a flea market and I saw a VHS of Pretty Woman and I asked my mom if we could get it. She said no, of course, and the woman running the booth told my mom it would teach me what NOT to do. Little did that woman know I would be an accountant (briefly), ehehe. Anyway, Pretty Woman is fantastic and you should go see it!

Twilight saga

Yes, I am one of those people who started streaming it as soon as it dropped on Netflix! I was heartbroken with Amazon dropped it and it could only be rented but Netflix came in to save the day! It’s no surprise that as soon as it released, the movies shot to the top 10 movies on the platform in the US. We all missed the cringey and, honestly, problematic love triangle of Edward, Bella, and Jacob.

That’s it, y’all! That’s what I streamed this month! If you’re looking for a good film, or series, to spend your weekend watching, check these out!

Catch you next time,

5 of My Fave OKC Eats!

Hey, y’all!

One of my favorite things about Oklahoma City is the constant variety of restaurants and quick bites! If I’m in the mood for any type of food or dessert, I know I’m going to be able to find a delicious place in the matter of a few minutes! I put together a short list of my favorite places to eat in OKC if you are a local or visitor wanting a yummy bite!

  1. The Hall’s Pizza Kitchen

Lord have mercy! The pizza is to die for and the drinks are always refreshing! My top two favorite slices are the Samwise (a heavenly blend of thinly sliced roasted potatoes, cream cheese, balsamic reduction, and caramelized onions!) and the Sweetness (a classic pineapple and ham pizza that is the best blend of sweet and savory! The rooftop is my favorite spot to eat when the weather is nice because Hall’s has the best view of the city! The service is also a 10/10!

2. Fassler’s Hall

My heart (and stomach) belongs to Fassler’s- an American-German eatery with a huge selection of wines and spirits in the heart of OKC! The deck here also has an incredible view of downtown OKC and never disappoints! For the kiddos, there is a spot outside for games and corn hole, and for the adults and big kids, there is a bowling alley downstairs. My favorite order is the Haus Salad (feta, veggies, and mustard vinaigrette) and an order of Duck Fries (fried in duck fat and golden to perfection!) with two sides of the garlic aioli and BBQ sauce. Fassler Hall has been my go-to spot with my sister and we always have a good time!

3. Cafe Disco

This one is for my Office fans! Cafe Disco is located in downtown OKC and serves the tastiest macarons and craft coffee in the city! This summer, they created a macaron ice cream sandwich that I had the pleasure of trying before it launched and wow, let me tell you! I have been craving one for days! I tried the caramel ice cream sandwich and it sweet and nummy! They are big so you can absolutely share with someone or eat it yourself, like I did! Plus the Office memorabilia floating around the store is fun to find! The lemon and pistachio macarons are my personal favorites.

4. Aurora

Calling all breakfast and brunch lovers! Aurora in OKC’s Plaza District is home to the most delicious French toast I have ever eaten! The environment is chill, relaxed, and cozy, and the staff is always welcoming and friendly, even on the busiest days. I love going here with my girlfriends before a shopping trip! The hardest part is trying to figure out what to order! The breakfast sammies on biscuits are huge and so satisfying! Aurora is the perfect place for Sundays with the girls!

5. The Collective: Kitchens and Cocktails

What’s better than a collection of restaurants that offer a taste of everything? Exactly! The Collective in Midtown OKC offers a host of dining options for every mood and craving! My pick is Phill Me Up cheesesteak and all of the mouthwatering goodness they dish up! In addition to Phill Me Up, there is Okie Pokie (poke bowls that are delicious!), Press Waffle Co. (it’s all in the name!), The Fried Taco (tacos!), Shaka(Hawaiin cuisine), Conley Coffee Co., Big Buns Bakery, and Edie’s Grill! The Collective is definitely the spot to be on a Friday night for dinner with friends!

If you’re in the mood for delicious food, OKC always has a place to go! Stay tuned for more OKC hot spots and digs!

Stay up to date on the latest at my Instagram –>

Day In the Life: College Student

Hi, friends!

I hope are staying safe and warm! If you are in a part of the country that is getting snow right now, I feel you! We started using our wood stove this past week because the heater went out, so that was fun!
I know this trend has been around for a while but I wanted to do my take on a Day In the Life! My days are kind of jumbled right now because our university is doing online classes right now due to the weather being so icky, but we’re going with it anyway!

Wake Up

I tend to get up anywhere from 7:30-8:30 depending on the morning. Like most people, I grab my phone to turn off my alarm and then I stay on my phone for roughly half an hour before getting out of bed to get ready for the morning. A really cool tip I found out (I’m late to the party!) is setting my phone to the “Bed Time” mode on my clock. It sets me up to go to bed and turns my phone on Do Not Disturb and sets my regular alarm (7:30) automatically. If you have an iPhone, you’ve got to try this!

Get Those Teeth Brushed

I don’t know about you but the first things I do in the morning are brush my teeth and use the bathroom! My favorite toothbrush ever is the slim GLEEM power bush. I really feel like this helps clean my teeth better than with a manual toothbrush and it’s super easy to replace the brush heads and batteries when they run out and need to be changed! After my breath is all fresh and clean, I wash my face and moisturize! My current skincare routine I’m using is from Curology (*not sponsored) because I am desperately trying to get my skin to clear up! I’m using the trial sizes right now and my fingers are crossed that it works! If you have used Curology, let me know in the comments! Lastly, I quickly throw on some brows and eyeliner, and I’m good to go!

Brekkie

I’m a huge breakfast person and one of my favorite things about waking up is making a yummy breakfast! My simple and fast breakfast is scrambled eggs, toast, and a yogurt or fruit. It takes less than 15 minutes and it fills me up until lunch! Iced coffee comes next and all I do is pop a K-cup in my Keurig and add ice, Torani vanilla syrup, and a little bit of half and half for creamer. I eat my breakfast in bed (we don’t have a kitchen table lolz) and scroll through Insta stories while I’m nomming. Nothing too interesting!

Time To Work

By this point in my day, it’s around 8:45 AM and I set up with my laptop and notebooks. I’m trying to use my desk more but I’ve gotten into the bad habit of always working in bed and I tend to stay here all day. If you have tips on how to stay productive and get out of bed, please let me know! I have been having migraines and headaches more frequently so it’s easier to stay in bed and then take a quick break when I need to. Once I’m set up in bed, the first thing I do is check my emails. With the weather like it is, I’ve been on top of my emails way more than I have been in the past so I’m always looking to see if there are new updates with our campus.

I start my classes at 9 and then take care of homework in between classes. My afternoon isn’t as busy because my class ends at 2 so I tend to take a quick nap and then work on more projects and check my deadlines to make sure that I’m all set.

Evening

I like having my evenings free so I can watch Netflix or just relax. A few hours before bed, I like to set the mood in my room to be able to get some sleep. I light candles or incense and turn off bright lights. During the evenings I also like to study and get ready for any tests or quizzes I know are coming up. Making a list of things I will need to get done the next day is something I have started to do that helps keep me organized.
After all that, I do my nighttime skin care routine and take a shower. Then I do it all the next day!

What does your daily routine look like? Let me know in the comments!

Goals for 2021

Hi, babes!

A new year always brings hopes for new beginnings and making resolutions. I don’t see making resolutions as a tacky thing because I feel like people are always wanting to grow and try to better themselves, and a new year is great motivation for healthy goals! Mine are centered around self care and learning how to love myself more than I ever have. A few of my posts this year have already been about self care and some fun little tips on how to improve, so I will have those linked in this post too!

Drinking More Water

I know right? How original! I don’t drink enough water daily and it definitely shows in my skin and overall how I feel. I get the majority of my water intake through coffee and even though I would like for it to count, I don’t think it does, haha. I have a few cute reusable water bottles to wash and then I’m carrying water with me everywhere I go!

Getting More Sleep

I do not get enough sleep! The majority of Americans don’t either, especially with the state of our country. I know I am worried about current events and it works its way into my sleeping schedule. Burning candles, diffusing oils, and wearing a sleep mask are things that help me sleep better at night! Make sure to blow out candles before you go to bed! For more tips on how to get a better night sleep, check out my latest post here!

Protecting My Peace

What does this mean? To me it means that I am protecting myself from things that are going to take away from my energy. This could be putting a barrier in a relationship for things that drain my energy or turning off the news when I begin to feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to step back from the news when it takes over your emotions! If my family starts to stress me out or I begin to feel irritated, that’s a sign for me to distance myself and regroup my emotions so I don’t do/say something I don’t mean and that I will regret. Part of protecting my peace is also letting things go when I can. I like to consider the 48 Hour Rule when it comes to being angry. I take 48 hours to try to let things go and if I am still upset after that time has passed, I calmly approach the situation and have a conversation about my emotions.

Nourishing My Body

I don’t eat as well as I should. There, I said it. My goal is to eat better to fuel my body so that I feel my very best. I tend to not eat as much as I should depending on my mood. If I feel fat, I won’t eat as often as I need to. It’s not a healthy habit and I am trying to break it. My body is beautiful at any size and it deserves to be nourished.

What are some of your goals for 2021? Comment down below!

Until next time,

How To Prep for a Good Night Sleep This Year

Hi babes!

Holy moly, 2021 is just a week in and things are already absolutely insane. I did not expect things to kick off like they have and I’m sure that everyone in the United States (and the world) is feeling the stress and hurt we are currently facing. Hopefully starting in the end of January things will get better and we can all begin to treat each other with respect and have people who help lead up toward unison.

When I get stressed, my sleep gets all out of whack and I don’t feel like myself. A good sleep every night is necessary for me to feel my best and feel rested and I have had to work on protecting my sleep schedule. After going through many nights without sleep due to anxiety and stress, here is my list of things to do to get a good night sleep this year!

Stop Drinking Caffeine Around 6 Hours Before Bed!

Caffeine stays in your system for a long time so starting to ween off of it six hours before you go to sleep will help your body wind down and prepare for sleep. I tend to drink a coffee (or two) in the afternoon and it contributes to my health when I do that. My tip: drink more water! I know you hear it everywhere but water is good for you!

Try a Caffeine Free Tea

Sleepy Time tea is amazing and I love having it in my cabinet! My current evening tea is a berry and açaí blend that is caffeine free and tastes great hot or iced. I prefer sweeter teas because I tend to add sweeteners to tea but if it’s naturally sweet then I have it on its own.

When Stressed Out, Put on a Facemask

I literally just did a peel off mask because my skin is going through it and I had a long day. If that’s not a reason to use a face mask, I don’t know what is! I like to stock up when there are sales so keep your eyes peeled when Ulta is having sales! Their masks tend to be pretty affordable anyway, but sales are a great way to save a little coin! Brightening and hydrating masks are go-tos for when I need a pick me up for my face!

Light a Candle or Turn on an Oil Diffuser

Your bedroom should be a space for relaxation and sleep, plus a little fun! If your space is stressing you out, clean it up, get some new decor, and find a candle/oil that you love! When I moved into our new house, I had to create a new space that fit my emotional needs and my style profile. I bought new essential oils, candles, some wall accessories, all the things! We spend a lot of time in our bedrooms and it’s one of the most important spaces in our homes, so it deserves some love and attention! I like to shop at TJ Maxx and Hobby Lobby for decor options and they always have really good deals! For candles, Target has good 3 wick ones for under $5 and so does Walmart! My favorites are from Bath and Body Works but I’m cheap and don’t want to pay $25 per candle, so do what works for you!

Invest In a Sleep Eye Mask!

Let me tell you about wearing an eye mask! If you have thin eyelids, this is going to help you out! I have problems keeping my eyes closed when I try to go to sleep and even though I really love having twinkle lights in my room, they don’t always help when it comes to getting sleep. I purchased an eye mask at Tj Maxx for around $3 and I love it. It’s soft, helps keep out the light, and having a small amount of pressure honestly helps me sleep better. I don’t know if there’s science behind it or not but it works for me! There are a bunch of cute styles to pick from at shops, so there’s one for you! These are a few of my favorites online: A personalized mask on Etsy for under $10, a cute stripe mask from Ulta for under $3, and finally a simple satin mask from Etsy for under $5.

Try Some Calming Sounds

One of the new things I have been doing to calm down before going to bed is finding sleep sounds that help add a peaceful energy in my bedroom. I really like fireplace and storm/rain sounds, as they are soothing and remind me of comfort. I know a lot of people don’t like thunderstorm sounds so try the fireplace sounds! Nature sounds such as the ocean and waves are also super popular!

Find What Calms YOU

The most important thing to remember on your journey to finding better sleep is that what works for someone you know may not work for you and that’s OK! A lot of people would probably disagree with the fact that the Simpsons often help me fall asleep and then I turn off my TV in the middle of the night, and that’s okay! If you like sleeping with an extra light on, do that! As long as you are getting plenty of rest, do what is best for you! It takes some time to experiment and find what helps you.

I hope some of these lil tips help you find rest this year! Feel free to leave your own tips in the comments! I love reading through everything y’all say!

Until next time, babes!

Featured Image by Taylor Simpson on Unsplash

What’s New

Life is a crazy and beautiful trip. Some destinations are hectic and a wild mess, but the next stop is beautiful and breathtaking. I started a new chapter of my life in August when I left for college and I thought I had everything figured out. I was going into art School, I had a stable university job, and my life was playing out how I thought it would. I was going to be successful and my life was great. It’s funny how when I think it is all rainbows and sunshine things change and I am in the middle of a hurricane. I had almost everything I thought I had wanted. But as life goes, things changed. I fell back into my depression, I did not want to be at college, and all I wanted was to be at my escaping place back at home. I hated my life. What I thought my major was going to be changed and I began to do the confused jump of “well maybe I will like this degree” and back and forth on what I wanted to do.

Cut to the end of October and I’m talking to my parents in a mess of tears and uncertainty. The decision I made that day will effect me for a while and it took some time to realize that it would be okay. My decision: I was going to completely withdraw from my university. I let my university know and despite their prompting for me to stay and seek counseling on my situation, I packed up up my room and belongings and moved back home. In a week of being home, I had the job that I had wanted since June lined up and I was making my way.

It took a lot of tears and tough choices, but I am finally in a spot where I am happy, I am at peace, and I love how my life is going. Out of all of this, people have kept telling me to go back to school and not to give up on that, but the truth is, I am living my life and not theirs. I do want to go back to school eventually but right now I am living for today and saving up for my future. College isn’t for everyone and that is okay. You don’t have to be in college and taking exams to know your future will be “good”. I learned that by realizing I hate college right now.

So make decisions for yourself. Make choices that will make you happy. It is your life and it’s okay to ask others on their opinions but you can’t live your life based on them. If I did that, I would still be in college, I would be in a dorm, and I would be on my way to a career where I would not be happy. It is insane for me to tell people that I left college to be a barista back in my hometown but the fact of it is that I am so much happier now than I was. This is the life I have wanted for a long time. I have peace now.

So even in the hard times, just keep in mind that it will be okay and things will play out. There were nights where I silently cried myself to sleep and all I wanted was to be at home with my best friend and our family. I’m sitting here on a Tuesday afternoon in a coffee shop while people drive by and come in for a cup of coffee and I am

“Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.”

-Carol Burnett

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Current Acne Routine & Products

Hi, babes!

With more time on my hands now, I’m hoping to start up Glitz and Glitter in full force and get back into the swing of things! In the past month, my face has been so confused and I have been getting breakouts like crazy! It is frustrating because I am embarrassed of my acne and I can’t cover them with makeup because it makes my skin break out even more so I have been looking for different solutions to help maintain my skin or at least limit my skin breaking out.

After a lot of looking, I think I have finally found the answer!

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I have three products that I use to help with my acne: Acne Free oil free acne cleanser, Proactiv refining mask, and Neutrogena blackhead eliminating cleanser/mask. These three products have saved my face and they are worth the investment!

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I found the Acne Free cleanser at Walmart a few weeks ago and I am already able to tell the difference in my skin. Right now there are only two pimples on my face and they are there because I wore makeup all day for two consecutive days. My skin hates makeup so there was no stopping the breakout! The cleanser is fragrance free, it treats acne, and helps prevent new acne breakouts. This product contains micronized benzoyl peroxide to treat in fighting acne. My skin feels so refreshed after using the cleanser and it doesn’t leave a residue like other washes I have used. I paid $2 at Walmart for the Acne Free cleanser in the clearance section but it typically retails for under $10, so it is really affordable!

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Once I cleanse my face, I go in with Neutrogena’s blackhead eliminating cleanser on my chin and nose. I also use it as a mask a few times a week and that alone helps get rid of my blackheads rapidly. With the Microclear technology in the cleanser, my blackheads have stayed away and don’t come back for a few days. My skin looks best when I use the cleanser every day, but sometimes I skip this step and just use the Acne Free cleanser. I found the Neutrogena cleanser/mask at Ross for $5.

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The Proactiv refining mask is a bit pricey but well worth it! It’s a sulfur treatment that I pop right onto my zits for 10 minutes and then wash off. My pimples always look better and less “angry” after I use the mask and it has become a routine part of my week when I have breakouts. I used to use the mask overnight on really bad breakouts and that worked fine for me, too. The mask retails for $38 dollars on the Proactiv website.

Makeup, dirt, oils, and hormones all factor into my acne and my skin breaking out but these three products are my life savers! Links for these products are below!

I hope you have a safe and spooky Halloween!

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Shopping:

Proactiv Mask

AcneFree Cleanser

Neutrogena Cleanser/Mask

 

Absences & Mind Sets

Hi, friends!

I hope you are all having a great week and a fabulous summer. Here in Oklahoma we are experiencing another season of uncomfortable heat and it is less than fun to be sure. I’ve been pretty absent here and on my social medias lately. Taking breaks from blogging is never fun and I am the worst at taking them. I always think I stay away for too long and when I do end up coming back to blog, it won’t be worth it. Welcome to the highs and lows of Mimi. So in every aspect, I let myself down when I set goals for the month because I get sidetracked or things happen and my focus goes away.

With college starting up really soon, I know I am not going to be here as much as I used to be or as much as I would like to be. And you know what? That’s okay. It isn’t going to be the end of the world and the universe won’t explode if I don’t have a consistent blogging schedule. I would rather get a degree and work in my passion.

As for mind sets (Because we all could use a super positive mindset where we only build ourselves up!), I am working on mine. I don’t like being confused and right now, I feel majorly confused about everything that is going on in my life. The balance has been knocked out of alignment and that really freaks me out. With major life changes happening, I know that it is normal to feel this way and to want things to be centered again. Going with the flow is not one of my strong suits and I need to work on trusting that everything is going to work out.

One of my favorite songs is “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley and the Wailers.

Don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright
Singing’ don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright

It is relaxing and is my go-to song for when I am about to have an anxiety or panic attack. All I have to do is plug in the music and let it flow into my soul.

So in all of the changes going on in my life and through all the confusion, I’m trying to remember that it is going to be okay. Going with the flow is good. My wish for you is that you can go with the flow, too. Let’s all relax and “Rise up this mornin’
Smiled with the risin’ sun.”

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