The Holidays Are Over… But Life Didn’t get the Memo

Which means I can finally take down the half completed Christmas lights that only half worked anyway.

I kept telling myself I’d fix them.
I did not.
They are coming down, today!

Meanwhile, real life has been very busy reminding me that nothing actually slows down — it just changes pace.

My oldest turned 21, which still feels impossible to say out loud.
Normally, I’m that mom — baking a cake, cooking an extravagant dinner, decorating everything, picking out thoughtful gifts, and going all out like it’s a Pinterest board come to life.

This year?
Publix made the cake (thank God they make a great cake), and I opted for an easy pasta dinner that took 3o minutes start to finish.
Thank you, Pinterest.
Minimal effort. Maximum success.

Travel volleyball season has officially started, which means weekends are no longer weekends — they’re tournaments, snacks, early mornings, and hotel bookings.

And yes… I am still that Mom who books hotels as I go, then complains that I can’t find anything close to the convention centers.
Every. Single. Time.
I don’t learn.
I am a mess.

My husband is still away, which means I’m holding down the fort, the calendar, the house, and apparently everyone’s schedule.

And yes — I’m still doing this.

Still showing up.
Still working.
Still squeezing in 6–7 showings for buyers at a time… twice a day — because buyers don’t stop buying just because life is full.

Somewhere in the middle of all that, my groomer for my goldendoodle ghosted me.

Just… disappeared.

No call back.
No text.
No explanation.

So now Beau cannot see — his hair has officially grown over his eyes.
If you see us out, just know he’s navigating life by vibes alone at this point.

This season feels like one of those moments where everything is happening at once.

Family milestones.
Busy schedules.
Solo parenting stretches.
Work that doesn’t pause.
And a never-ending to-do list.

Speaking of lists — a huge thank you to my sister Sondra for buying me the best thing ever for my birthday: a Skylight calendar.

Game. Changer.

Everything is color-coded.
Everything is organized.
Everything makes sense…

Except the section labeled “MOM.”That list is never-ending.
No amount of technology can keep up with that one.

But here’s the thing — this is real life.

It’s not perfectly timed.
It’s not neatly scheduled.
It’s not waiting until things calm down… because they don’t, and usually for me, they get crazier.

And honestly? I wouldn’t trade it.

I love watching my kids grow into who they’re becoming.
I love showing up for my buyers, even on the busiest days.
I love helping people find homes in the middle of their own chaotic seasons.

Because most people aren’t buying houses during “quiet” times — they’re buying during life.

And if you’re a Crestview, Florida local business owner reading this and thinking, “Same,” feel free to chime in — because I know I’m not the only one juggling packed calendars, family schedules, and work that doesn’t pause around here.
Between school activities, sports seasons, and everyday life in Crestview, we’re all figuring it out as we go.

So, if you’re reading this thinking:

• “I’m busy.”
• “This isn’t the perfect time.”
• “I don’t know how we’ll fit it all in.”

You’re not alone.

Life doesn’t pause for milestones, sports schedules, or broken Christmas lights — and neither does real estate. You just figure it out as you go.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have:

• Christmas lights to finally take down
• A dog who desperately needs to see again
• A calendar that tries to help
• And buyers to get into houses — probably between volleyball games 😄

And yes… I’ll still show up.